Housesitting is a great way to travel and save | Letter
About Jessica Rawnsley's article ("I'm a homeless man tending to a palace!" House keepers fleeing the cost of living crisis, November 21), I recently met a 75 year old man-old woman who lives in an RV and has done so for 40 years. I retired nearly 10 years ago, and with itchy feet after a lifetime of touring theater, I decided to house-sit.
At first, I signed up with a contact agency, but realized that it brought me money to the owners of the properties. By providing myself with liability insurance - in case I knock over a Ming vase or an animal unfortunately dies on my watch - and a criminal record check, I made it known that I was available.< /p>
I never looked back. The huge benefits - in addition to visiting beautiful homes - are the savings you can make. I have a small utilitarian apartment, but I save a good amount of money on my travels. At first I sat for friends for free, or for small favors: a tab at the local pub, or a fridge full of food and a wine rack.
But then word was spread around their acquaintances and today I charge a modest daily rate and car running costs to and from the site. I tend to take bookings longer than a week. One was for three months in a remote area of Scotland tending to fish.Gordon CooperFlackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire
About Jessica Rawnsley's article ("I'm a homeless man tending to a palace!" House keepers fleeing the cost of living crisis, November 21), I recently met a 75 year old man-old woman who lives in an RV and has done so for 40 years. I retired nearly 10 years ago, and with itchy feet after a lifetime of touring theater, I decided to house-sit.
At first, I signed up with a contact agency, but realized that it brought me money to the owners of the properties. By providing myself with liability insurance - in case I knock over a Ming vase or an animal unfortunately dies on my watch - and a criminal record check, I made it known that I was available.< /p>
I never looked back. The huge benefits - in addition to visiting beautiful homes - are the savings you can make. I have a small utilitarian apartment, but I save a good amount of money on my travels. At first I sat for friends for free, or for small favors: a tab at the local pub, or a fridge full of food and a wine rack.
But then word was spread around their acquaintances and today I charge a modest daily rate and car running costs to and from the site. I tend to take bookings longer than a week. One was for three months in a remote area of Scotland tending to fish.Gordon CooperFlackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire
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