The House Sitting Buddhist

More information about this house sitter

Hello!
My name is Scott. I'm 39, originally from Hampshire in the south of England.
I previously worked as a physicist in the space industry, helping develop satellites. Alongside that career, I grew increasingly drawn to meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong and Eastern philosophy — enough that four years ago I took a career break to explore those interests more deeply and gain experience in sustainable, community-based living.
That journey took me through several placements. I spent six months volunteering at a yoga retreat centre in Somerset, tending the gardens and working as resident handyman on repairs and renovations. From there I lived with a small off-grid community in Ireland for nine months, helping build a hydroelectric power system and install solar panels. Afterwards, I spent eighteen months as land manager at a Buddhist retreat centre in Scotland, caring for around fifty acres of woodland, meadows, flower beds and vegetable gardens, alongside routine maintenance around the centre. Last year I travelled through China for five months, training at Tai Chi and Qigong schools — practices I hope to teach one day.
I'm now back in the UK, completing a series of house sits while I bring these experiences together through writing, study and the gradual development of my own practice. House sitting suits me well: I value peaceful surroundings and a quiet place to write, practise Tai Chi and spend time with animals.
I've completed house sits throughout the UK and overseas, caring for cats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, fish, reptiles and other small animals — in both rural and urban homes. I've maintained gardens and vegetable plots, overseen building work, and cared for older pets with individual routines.
I grew up with cats, guinea pigs and fish, and have cared for many dogs belonging to friends, neighbours and colleagues, particularly Border Collies. I previously kept a bearded dragon, so I'm equally comfortable with reptiles.
As a long-term meditation and Tai Chi practitioner, I'm naturally quiet, calm, compassionate and respectful. I understand that inviting someone into your home requires trust, and I take that seriously — keeping homes clean and tidy, communicating clearly, following instructions carefully, and maintaining each pet's usual routine as closely as possible.
I'm also practical and happy to help with light gardening, watering, harvesting and basic household tasks. I currently have a knee issue, so I avoid heavy gardening, prolonged kneeling and strenuous work — but normal pet care, walking and lighter garden maintenance are no problem.
For longer house sits, I’m usually happy to work on a mutual exchange basis, where I provide careful home and pet care in return for accommodation. For shorter sits, holiday-period sits, or sits involving higher levels of pet care, I’m open to discussing a modest daily fee or contribution by mutual agreement.
I have my own car and am happy to consider house sits anywhere in the UK.
Please take a look at my reviews, pet-sitting experience and availability calendar. I'd love to hear from you. Read more...