Mel

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I have lived most of my life in Africa, nearly all as a tenant renting someone else’s home. As a result, each house, flat or cottage that I have lived in has become my home, to be treated with love and care as if it were my own.
I have never been one to run to the owners and ask them to fix things. I prefer to make a plan and fix them myself, or get someone in to do the job. I believe that is part of being a responsible tenant (unless of course something major goes wrong!).
To me, renting a home is pretty similar to house-sitting. Both involve taking care of someone else’s property, keeping it safe and making sure things work. I was an official house-sitter briefly in Johannesburg back in the 90s, and found I enjoyed looking after other peoples’ properties and pets.
I have always loved animals and my current home, a cottage in a large wild garden, comes with a placid staffy called King, who spends most of his time with me as his mommy is away for much of the year.
I am sadly about to leave Zimbabwe and relocate to the UK and house-sitting seems to be an ideal way for me to see a bit of the country until I find a spot that works for me.
I am in no rush to settle down in any one place yet and, being self-employed means that I can work from home no matter where I am. I intend to buy a small car when I arrive so I will have my own transport.
I yearn for wide open spaces, preferably in the middle of nowhere! But equally I love the vibe of the city, as long as it’s not forever. I’d prefer to be in one place for at least a week at a time, probably even longer, so that I can get to know the area. I am a runner and love to explore on foot. Walking dogs is no problem!
I look forward to looking after your home and your pets as if they were my own.
Mel.