Darren

Thank you for viewing my profile (which I've just updated as of March 2024). I'm Darren, 45, single, no children or dependants and currently living in Greater London. I am a non-smoker.

I work from home as a Land Consultant (for both UK and Caribbean Property) and also sporadic trading in US equities. As such, I am very flexible on placements and merely need a good internet connection to work from.

Socially, I like to keep fit and quite often enjoy a run / cycle along the seafront and local footpaths / woodlands.


My love of animals / travel experiences:

I have a love of animals and nature and have travelled around many of the islands in the Caribbean. During such times, I was fortunate enough to do several dives and many snorkelling / freestyle activities. A few years ago I did actually live in Antigua for nine months, so am perfectly used to lengthy stays away from home.

My favourite holiday was to The Kruger National Park in South Africa, where myself and friends camped and saw the Big Five (along with some slightly less friendly looking creepy crawlies!). We also did a shark dive in Hans Bay which was amazing!

My father used to have a cottage in Ballater, so I am fortunate enough to have spent some time in Scotland in the Aberdeenshire areas, Stirling and Edinburgh. I love Scotland, even in the harsh winter! I also very much like rural retreats. Recently I did a great mountain bike break with Wilderness Scotland around The Highlands, which was hard physical work, but brilliant fun!

My sister always had one or two cats which I have looked after when she went on holidays and growing up my family always had two cats in our house. It's safe to say cats are in my heart and my favourite pet. Tommy was a Persian cat who lived to fourteen and was like a true friend to me! As you'll note all of my previous house sits were for owners with cats. Please see reviews for details.

During my teen years my family also kept a lovely tropical fish collection. We kept an amazing collection of Discuss fish (claret and blue colourings) and also some very bright guppies! Thus, I am familiar with the hygiene aspect of keeping tropical fish and the need to keep water temperatures exactly right. I always found the fish very soothing and relaxing to watch!

My dad had a Staffordshire bull terrier for fifteen years who was very placid and great fun to be around, so I am certainly not adverse to dogs either and know that regular exercise is vital for a healthy dog.


Finding a good match between Owner and House Sitter:

Naturally, owners need to ensure they are leaving their property and pets in safe hands. To aid this, I have a recent Enhanced CRB / DBS (Criminal Records Bureau / Disclosure and Barring Service) report which I shall be happy to provide a copy of.

Having worked in Property for many years now, I am very aware of looking after a home properly. Living alone in rented accommodation, my Landlords often visit the property and are always very pleased with the condition I keep their home in. This will of course be reciprocated in any home I sit for.

I live alone and work alone, so am very used to spending time by myself. This is why house sitting is a perfect match and I get the added benefit of spending time with a pet or two! As I like exercise, during the morning / daytime will be ideal times to take a dog for a walk of course as well.

During a house sit, I shall duly be contactable anytime and am happy to chat with the property owners. Prior to any house sit, I would of course take full details on feeding schedules, pet medications, preferred walking times, emergency contact numbers and any other relevant details.

I travel fairly lightly and am happy to bring my own linen and of course toiletries. I have my own vehicle and am willing to access most unmade roads / paths where applicable for rural locations.

I'm happy to drive to properties which are perhaps not within public transport reach / off the beaten track.


Why I Want to Housesit:

I really enjoy the company of a pet and would like to see some different areas of the United Kingdom, whilst fitting in around my work duties. I feel that Housesitting is an ideal opportunity to do this, whilst at the same time helping out an owner financially (kennels can be very expensive) but also allowing the pet to remain in its own home without all the upheaval of temporary accommodation.

Additionally, if I could make some new friends along the way that would be lovely too!

Many thanks for reading my profile (hope you're still awake!) and I look forward to hearing from you and arranging a suitable house sit.

Please see my endorsements from House owners I have sat for through House Sitter UK.

All the best,

Darren