If you have a farm or lifestyle block, you know it's not easy to get away for a break! Most house-sitters are lovely people, but they're not "farm sitters" and don't know how to move stock or check fences, troughs and irrigation. Ian is a farmer's son, qualified in Agriculture and Horticulture, has extensive experience with all types of farm animals, including working dogs, and is competent with all types of farm and garden machinery. Heather, also from a farming background, has owned horses and ponies and loves caring for and exercising dogs and cuddling cats. We're non smokers, physically fit and enjoy excellent health. We'll look after your pets, livestock and property as if they were our own. As long term property owners, we've had some wonderful house sitters who looked after our pets, garden and house, enabling us to travel overseas regularly. Recently retired, we've now become house sitters too, so we can see a bit more of New Zealand. Of course we can do house sits in town so whether it's rural or city, if you're looking to enjoy your holiday without worrying about the security of your home and animals then please get in touch for a chat.
Reviews (20)
We were incredibly lucky to have Ian and Heather house sit for us. Our cat Gizmo is incredibly shy around new people, but with all of Heather's pampering it didn't take long for him to welcome them. Ian and Heather are such a lovely couple, couldn't recommend them more. They kept in regular contact, and our house was cleaner than it has ever been when we returned. We look forward to having them stay with us again, really enjoyed getting to know them - great people!
AARON & MELITA (Hokitika South Island, Dec 2022 - 1 month 1 week)
A pleasant, capable and reliable couple. Very good communicators. They went the extra distance to provide care for the property and all the animals especially the demanding cat. On our return the place was in impeccable condition and the garden had been so vey well groomed!
We now have a standard to maintain.
Highly recommend these two sitters.
CHRIS AND MARIAN (Tasman South Island, Mar 2022 - 4 weeks)
Ian and Heather where absolutely fantastic. Our home, garden, animals and aged cat where beautifully cared for.
We have no hesitation in recommending them as Sitters.
We look forward to seeing them again and will ask them to return to sit when we go away again.
They are welcome to our home anytime.
DEBBIE (Ongaonga , Nov 2021 - 7 weeks)
Heather and Ian are just AMAZING. During their time looking after our place and animals, communications were fantastic. we got photos, messages and phone calls. A shocking weather event caused havoc, but they managed to rescue a horse, rebuild a chook house, fix a blown out window and sort the water issues. We would have been in a whole lot of trouble without their expertise. They are the best housesitters we could have ever had. Thank you so much!
ANDREW (Cromwell South Island, Apr 2021 - 1 week 4 days)
Ian and Heather were great to communicate with before and during the stay, they kept us well updated with how things were at home. We were happy knowing that our home and animal were being well cared for. I think our dog loved all the attention she was getting! The house was very clean when we got home and they were very thoughtful with a dinner prepared for us. We would definitely recommend Ian and Heather to look after your home and animals.
AMY (Becks South Island, Mar 2021 - 1 week 5 days)
Ian and Heather gave us a lot of confidence from their first communication. Our confidence was reinforced upon meeting them in person and we were not disappointed. Ian kept a very watchful eye over our livestock, moving them to fresh pasture when needed. Ian even completed numerous maintenance jobs around the house and farm. During the 4 weeks that we were away Ian & Heather kept us informed as to what was happening at home and assured us that our home and farm were in good hands. On returning ... MOREIan and Heather gave us a lot of confidence from their first communication. Our confidence was reinforced upon meeting them in person and we were not disappointed. Ian kept a very watchful eye over our livestock, moving them to fresh pasture when needed. Ian even completed numerous maintenance jobs around the house and farm. During the 4 weeks that we were away Ian & Heather kept us informed as to what was happening at home and assured us that our home and farm were in good hands. On returning home we found everything better than we left it. They were very respectful of our home and we have full confidence in recommending them to others. Thank you Ian and Heather, you are awesome house sitters.
BOB (Ashburton , Feb 2021 - 4 weeks)
Heather & Ian have just completed a housesit for us..
We can not recommend this delightful, friendly couple highly enough.
Our very spoilt 2 cats and 3 dogs were cared for as their own. Photos were received daily and for the first time ever we didn't worry at all, just knowing all the animals were in dedicated hands.
We have cattle, chooks, horses and goats. They were also monitored regularly and moved as required.
We came home to an immaculate house, happy, healthy animals and even the ... MOREHeather & Ian have just completed a housesit for us..
We can not recommend this delightful, friendly couple highly enough.
Our very spoilt 2 cats and 3 dogs were cared for as their own. Photos were received daily and for the first time ever we didn't worry at all, just knowing all the animals were in dedicated hands.
We have cattle, chooks, horses and goats. They were also monitored regularly and moved as required.
We came home to an immaculate house, happy, healthy animals and even the gardens dealt to with expertise.
We were even treated to a scrumptious dinner on return.
There is not enough stars to recommend Ian and Heather.
JO & RICHARD (Salisbury South Island, Jan 2021 - 2 weeks 5 days)
Ian and Heather did a wonderful job of caring for our pets while we were away. Definitely took the stress away knowing they were in safe hands. Really good at communicating and a lovely couple. Enjoyed meeting them. Highly recommend Ian and Heather.
JENNIE (Oamaru South Island, Jan 2021 - 1 week 3 days)
5 stars all round! Ian and Heather went above and beyond for us... they are very easy to get along with and accommodated all our needs, plus more. Would highly recommend them for a farm sit, and will definitely have them back again. Many Thanks again, Ian and Heather... our dog loved you too
NADINE (Loburn South Island, Dec 2020 - 2 weeks)
We were fortunate enough to have Ian and Heather do a house sit for us here in the Waikato. (approx 2 weeks)
They looked after our two dogs and moved the 18 head of dry stock to fresh grass as needed.
Ian also did some maintenance on the farm which was his choice which was wonderful.
The dogs were looked after beautifully and treated as if they were their own.
The house was cleaned and extremely tidy when we arrived home with the lawns also mown.
We would recommend Ian and Heather to ... MOREWe were fortunate enough to have Ian and Heather do a house sit for us here in the Waikato. (approx 2 weeks)
They looked after our two dogs and moved the 18 head of dry stock to fresh grass as needed.
Ian also did some maintenance on the farm which was his choice which was wonderful.
The dogs were looked after beautifully and treated as if they were their own.
The house was cleaned and extremely tidy when we arrived home with the lawns also mown.
We would recommend Ian and Heather to anyone wanting honest and reliable house/pet sitters and would love to have them back again.
DEBBIE (Te Pahu North Island, Nov 2020 - 2 week)
Ian and Heather were absolutely fabulous as housesitters. They took on the mammoth task of looking after all our farm animals and pets, as well as our old house with all its quirks, with aplomb. They communicated every step of the way and have left the property and pets sparkling. They were hugely active while they were here - doing cleaning jobs I haven't got round to forever, and lots of odd jobs such as fixing my broken oven door and wobbly farm gate!! Ian did a huge garden clear out as ... MOREIan and Heather were absolutely fabulous as housesitters. They took on the mammoth task of looking after all our farm animals and pets, as well as our old house with all its quirks, with aplomb. They communicated every step of the way and have left the property and pets sparkling. They were hugely active while they were here - doing cleaning jobs I haven't got round to forever, and lots of odd jobs such as fixing my broken oven door and wobbly farm gate!! Ian did a huge garden clear out as well and left it looking fabulous. I'm still discovering wonderful little touches they've left behind. I stuffed up my return date and they were really flexible with this too. Highly recommend and would love them again. Thankyou!!!
CLARE (Eskdale North Island, Sep 2020 - 1 week 6 days)
We would like to thank Heather and Ian for taking such great care of all our animals and our home. Communication was easy and always without delay. They also gave us frequent feed back on how things were going at home which we did appreciate. Winter animal feeding is extensive and can be complicated, lambs being born, strip grazing and a variety of different requirements for different animal needs, but it was not a problem arranging our animals routine with Heather and Ian, both of them having ... MOREWe would like to thank Heather and Ian for taking such great care of all our animals and our home. Communication was easy and always without delay. They also gave us frequent feed back on how things were going at home which we did appreciate. Winter animal feeding is extensive and can be complicated, lambs being born, strip grazing and a variety of different requirements for different animal needs, but it was not a problem arranging our animals routine with Heather and Ian, both of them having rural backgrounds and relaxed communication.
We would not hesitate to recommend them for your house sitting needs and do hope they will return sometime and house sit for us again!
CLAIR (Hastings North Island, Aug 2020 - 6 days)
Wow, everyone needs Ian and Heather at their place! They went above and beyond duty as there was a massive storm while we were away. The dogs and cat were pampered and the house even cleaner than I left it. The vege patch was even weeded and garlic bulbs planted. I cannot recommend Ian and Heather highly enough. Would have them back any day.
TERESA (Glenbervie North Island, Jul 2020 - 2 weeks 1 day)
We had the absolute privilege of having Ian and Heather sit for us while we were away for 5 weeks. It's always a telling story when you get home and the pets are very nonplused about your arrival home our home was left absolutely immaculate. The garden is another story! Ian has laboured away and his hard work shows. I am so appreciative of Ian and Heathers total commitment to all our animals, our gardens and our home. They would be hard to beat when it comes to communication and total ... MOREWe had the absolute privilege of having Ian and Heather sit for us while we were away for 5 weeks. It's always a telling story when you get home and the pets are very nonplused about your arrival home our home was left absolutely immaculate. The garden is another story! Ian has laboured away and his hard work shows. I am so appreciative of Ian and Heathers total commitment to all our animals, our gardens and our home. They would be hard to beat when it comes to communication and total dedication to the job. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Ian and Heather for the Stirling job completed.
DIANA (Waipawa North Island, Jan 2020 - 5 weeks)
This was our first time using house sitters and Ian and Heather were amazing. They took such fantastic care of our zoo of animals. I think the dogs are still pining for them! The house was left immaculate - much better than when we left - thanks! The gardens and lawns were beautifully tidy and we really appreciated all the extra jobs they did here. We loved getting the regular updates and photos of what the dogs and cats were up to. Thank you so very much, Heather and Ian, we would not ... MOREThis was our first time using house sitters and Ian and Heather were amazing. They took such fantastic care of our zoo of animals. I think the dogs are still pining for them! The house was left immaculate - much better than when we left - thanks! The gardens and lawns were beautifully tidy and we really appreciated all the extra jobs they did here. We loved getting the regular updates and photos of what the dogs and cats were up to. Thank you so very much, Heather and Ian, we would not hesitate to have you at our place again!
JO (Te Awamutu North Island, Jan 2020 - 2 weeks 3 days)
very pleased with Heather and Ian as our housesitters.Excellant with the dogs.All care with lawns and gardens and moving the stock.The house was left immaculate.We woulnt hesitate to have them again to housesit for us.
STUART (rai vally marlborough , Sep 2019 - 7 weeks)
Ian and Heather have to rate as your dream house sitter, although for us they were also looking after our 30 acre farm;; cows, sheep, chooks, ducks, tropical and cold water fish and our two Collie dogs.
We met with them a few months prior to the sitting and they were very enthusiastic about wanting to help as much as they could. They then arrived 24 hours before our departure and were very unfazed by all of our instructions.
Ian is clearly a true "hands on man" who can fix anything and an ... MOREIan and Heather have to rate as your dream house sitter, although for us they were also looking after our 30 acre farm;; cows, sheep, chooks, ducks, tropical and cold water fish and our two Collie dogs.
We met with them a few months prior to the sitting and they were very enthusiastic about wanting to help as much as they could. They then arrived 24 hours before our departure and were very unfazed by all of our instructions.
Ian is clearly a true "hands on man" who can fix anything and an experienced farmer, whilst Heather is a gentle dog caring lady, who also gets stuck into gardening and is very conscientious about the house cleaning. I am still finding small extra little jobs that they voluntarily took upon themselves to fix, from minor repairs to water trough plumbing.
Communication by e-mail and whats app when we were away was very efficient and friendly, giving us a totally worry free holiday. We returned home to find the most delicious Shepherds pie for dinner and yummy soup for the next few days and all the basic food requirements for at least three days stocked up.
We (and our livestock and dogs) have no hesitation to recommend this couple to anyone and would welcome them back here as both friends or to farm sit for us again anytime.
Thank you so much Ian and Heather.
CAROLINE AND SIMON (Puriri/Paeroa North Island, Aug 2019 - 2.5 weeks)
Wow where do I start! This was the first time we had used house sitters but after contacting Ian and Heather we felt it was the right thing. They popped into meet us, a couple of months prior on their way to another house sit, so confirming our sit....They went well over and beyond looking after our lifestyle block with its cows and our garden which hosts a lot of weddings and functions. They kept us updated with photo's and emails. The vast Lawns and Gardens were immaculate, hydrangeas ... MOREWow where do I start! This was the first time we had used house sitters but after contacting Ian and Heather we felt it was the right thing. They popped into meet us, a couple of months prior on their way to another house sit, so confirming our sit....They went well over and beyond looking after our lifestyle block with its cows and our garden which hosts a lot of weddings and functions. They kept us updated with photo's and emails. The vast Lawns and Gardens were immaculate, hydrangeas pruned, the house was spotless even washed the windows inside and out. They arrived a couple of nights before we left and took over the meals. They drove us to the bus for the Airport, They collected us on our request in our car from the Airport in Auckland. On arrival home there was a Shepherds Pie in the oven for dinner and a lovely lemon desert, Soup made for the next days lunch I can not say enough about them . Honest and reliable, it was an absolute pleasure to have them house sit and we have no hesitation to recommend them. Will use them again. THANK YOU AGAIN Ian and Heather.
PENNY & KEN (Te Awamutu , Jun 2019 - 6 weeks)
We are honoured to receive such a glowing review. Not sure if Penny & Ken have mistaken us for someone else !!. Heather and I are very aware that house owners need to know that they can relax during their well earned holidays and be comfortable that their properties and animals will be looked ... MOREWe are honoured to receive such a glowing review. Not sure if Penny & Ken have mistaken us for someone else !!. Heather and I are very aware that house owners need to know that they can relax during their well earned holidays and be comfortable that their properties and animals will be looked after as well as the owners would do so. Penny & Ken gave us the freedom and responsibility to make appropriate decisions as required, we appreciate their trust and look forward to helping them out in the future.
Heather and Ian were our house sitters while we were in Australia. Heather spoiled my cat, fed and looked after her so well. Ian mowed the lawns to perfection. The house was immaculate when we returned, even had lunch prepared for us after they collected us off the Bus.Could not been happier, and would enlist them again in a flash.
BILL (LEVIN , May 2019 - 14 days)
Heather and Ian provided everything we could possibly have hoped for, from totally spoiling our 2 cats and 2 dogs to keeping the house immaculate.
Ian even went as far as completing an unfinished deck.
They sent us regular updates and photos of their walks with the dogs. They also made the cats very comfortable and well groomed.
Heather and Ian even went as far as to leave a cooked meal in the fridge for us on our return.
We can't recommend Ian and Heather highly enough.
JULIE AND BILL (WHITIANGA , Apr 2019 - 4 weeks)
Happy you!
With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.