Housesitting in Tuscany

We arrived at our Tuscan house sit on a damp overcast day, eager to meet our new charges and see our new temporary abode.  We had made good time during our trip from Calais and enjoyed a few delightful days at enchanting Lake Como en-route. We were ready to start our long yearned for adventure in this remote part of Tuscany. Our hostess was delighted that we could come earlier as it gave us the opportunity to thoroughly go over what was needed, and make friends with our furred and feathered companions…….(that took about 2 minutes!).

We have never met such friendly dogs and cats, even the chickens liked to be petted!

Our soon to be absentee hostess  is a wonderful lady, full of helpful advice about the neighbourhood, mountains to visit, the best beaches and where to shop, butchers, bakers and even the wine shop, where a bottle of their best brew is just over a dollar.

We have our own private quarters in what was originally the hay barn. This is perfect for everyone as we have privacy and the pets can  access the parts of the house where they normally eat and sleep.

Within hours of arriving we found out that neither dog liked thunder and lightening and the cats were quite happy to stay inside curled up by the traditional tiled firebox and its ornate flue.

Having the two day change over worked perfectly as there were a few things that required some explanation.  The feeding routine for dogs, cats and chickens plus the rules of the coop. The property also had water pumps for different systems and a panel of solar batteries which would need to be monitored, especially in such stormy weather.

Two days later our hostess was on our way and our addiction to house sitting began. The house originally built in the 15th century was lovingly restored with old stone walls, tiled floors and traditional louvers and shutters on the windows. It also had 300 degree views over the surrounding valleys and hills which rippled away in either direction. Add a garden grown and designed with a artists eye, warm, balmy weather and you are hooked forever.

Tuscany, its architecture, its people and its food are indeed addictive and we will be back.

If you want to learn how to live in places like this yourself check out our ultimate guide The Most Powerful Money-Saving Travel Secret of All Time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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