I've had so many people ask me how we managed to find what appears to be Utopia - a beautiful olive farm in the Umbrian hills, rent free in exchange for some simple light duties. Well, it's just a case of knowing where to look.
We signed up to a site called MindMyHouse.com, which costs $20 up front, in return for introductions to people with properties who need various kinds of help. Some people need help because they have huge gardens, some people simply want to go on holiday and don't have anyone to look after their goldfish. Some people, like Angelika - our home owner, have olive farms, and are looking for help with looking after the land. It works rather like a dating agency - you upload some photos of yourself, along with some words - what interests you, what you can offer 'the relationship' and so on.
On a daily basis, we receive emails from any properties that meet our criteria. There's a brief overview of the property, what the duties involve, and dates required. If it sounds of interest, you simply email the owner directly to open the dialogue.
Likewise, 'owners' get a similar list emailed to them of people looking to 'sit'. If an ad sounds of interest, they too can contact sitters directly.
This is one we received today...
With daily emails coming to your inbox automatically, dreaming of living in a French Chateaux, or a lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides isn't quite so unattainable as it seems.
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