Well-travelled, Dutch/Aussie/English couple (non-smoking, experienced sitters, love animals but have no pets of our own, -insert random suitable quality you are looking for here- , good sense of humour...).
After a trip abroad, we are back to full time house sitting. We are keen on long-term sits (including 2 months or more), including caretaking of properties for sale or empty holiday accommodation.
Our preferred locations are Yamba and Maclean and the surrounding areas because we have work commitments here.
More about us:
When we left Brisbane in mid 2016, after 5 years of working hard and saving hard, we bought a bush block near Ashby Heights in the Clarence Valley. We went travelling for a couple of years and then worked and house sat in the Clarence Valley. We have been on another extended trip to Europe and Africa recently and are now back in the Clarence Valley.
We have looked after all sorts of pets and farm animals and have also had longer housesits without pets but with precious plants to look after instead.
What we can offer you: As tidy, skilled and responsible people with years of experience behind us, we are very capable of looking after your house, your garden/land and any furry or feathery family members in your absence.
Don't just take our word for it, though, see our references. We can also email you more excellent references from our former hosts, as well as getting you in touch with former hosts for character references.
We are happy to speak with you over the phone or pop round to meet you if you'd like to get to know us first.
Reviews (20)
We're so lucky we found Barbara and Colin to look after our dog and home over Christmas.
Experience was amazing. Great communication, trustworthy, thoughtful updates about Enzo our dog, our house was spotless when we got back and they fixed a broken door that I've been meaning to do all year! Pretty sure the dog is better behaved too :)
They were super kind and left us some groceries on our return, which was much appreciated.
Lovely, happy, trustworthy people. Would highly recommend ... MOREWe're so lucky we found Barbara and Colin to look after our dog and home over Christmas.
Experience was amazing. Great communication, trustworthy, thoughtful updates about Enzo our dog, our house was spotless when we got back and they fixed a broken door that I've been meaning to do all year! Pretty sure the dog is better behaved too :)
They were super kind and left us some groceries on our return, which was much appreciated.
Lovely, happy, trustworthy people. Would highly recommend them for any housesit. Thanks so much Barbara and Colin!
Cubby
CUBBY (Balmain East NSW, Dec 2023 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
Colin and Barbara are a top couple. They are caring and honest and we highly recommend them
PRUE (Maclean NSW, Dec 2019 - 8 weeks)
Excellent sitters, took care of our dogs with lots of walks and swims and we have the best photos to prove it. Barbara communicated regularly even while dealing with raging bush fires that destroyed their personal possessions. Would recommend for anyone with pets.
KEALA (Yamba NSW, Nov 2019 - 2.5 weeks)
Barbara and Colin are the perfect house sitters. They are a lovely, bright, interesting and energetic couple who really looked after our home and dogs. Dogs had lots of walks and beach trips, which they absolutely adored. We came home quite late, to an immaculate house, freshly baked quiche, salad, milk, fresh bread and other goodies In the fridge.
The lawns were mowed, gardens and outdoor areas were beautifully kept. There was nothing for us to do but unpack.
Would recommend them to any ... MOREBarbara and Colin are the perfect house sitters. They are a lovely, bright, interesting and energetic couple who really looked after our home and dogs. Dogs had lots of walks and beach trips, which they absolutely adored. We came home quite late, to an immaculate house, freshly baked quiche, salad, milk, fresh bread and other goodies In the fridge.
The lawns were mowed, gardens and outdoor areas were beautifully kept. There was nothing for us to do but unpack.
Would recommend them to any potential person who requires a house sitter, and would certainly ask Barbara and Colin to housesit again when planning another holiday.
GREG AND JO (Yamba NSW, Oct 2019 - 18 days)
Barbara and Colin house sat for us for three and a half months between May and September.They were the most considerate house guests imaginable. Our home was kept immaculately clean and there was food to welcome us back after a long flight home. They even left a thank you card! But it was us who should thank them for the care they took, and the weekly communications that kept us in the loop at all times - especially when a bush fire was threatening. Their attention to detail is excellent, as is ... MOREBarbara and Colin house sat for us for three and a half months between May and September.They were the most considerate house guests imaginable. Our home was kept immaculately clean and there was food to welcome us back after a long flight home. They even left a thank you card! But it was us who should thank them for the care they took, and the weekly communications that kept us in the loop at all times - especially when a bush fire was threatening. Their attention to detail is excellent, as is their sense of responsibility. They are stellar housesitters.
GWEN (Yamba NSW, May 2019 - 4 months)
Barbara and Colin were excellent housesiters. Our house was immaculate when we returned home and our 3 cars were happened and completely chilled out when we returned as they were so comfortable and happy with Barbara and Colin. Barbara and Colin always emailed us with updates on our cats so we never had to worry about a thing. Upon our return home they had stocked our fridge with some lovely food for breakfast. Barbara and Colin. are 5 star housesitters and we wouldn't ... MOREBarbara and Colin were excellent housesiters. Our house was immaculate when we returned home and our 3 cars were happened and completely chilled out when we returned as they were so comfortable and happy with Barbara and Colin. Barbara and Colin always emailed us with updates on our cats so we never had to worry about a thing. Upon our return home they had stocked our fridge with some lovely food for breakfast. Barbara and Colin. are 5 star housesitters and we wouldn't hesitate in giving them the highest recommendation possible. Infact next time we go away we are hoping they are available to housesit for us again. Our holiday was stressfree and relaxing because Barbara and Colin took such great care of our home and pets. Its was a total pleasure to have them in our home.
NANCY (Goodwood Island NSW, May 2019 - 3 weeks)
We could not have been happier with Barbara and Colin. They were very easy to communicate with before during and since the house sit. They took care of our much loved home as if it was their own. Our very active dog was obviously much loved in our absence and our garden (during an historic dry spell) was as we left it. Barbara and Colin left us a lovely dinner and a chilled bottle of wine. This was much appreciated given that we had been travelling for 22 hours. We couldn't recommend Barbara ... MOREWe could not have been happier with Barbara and Colin. They were very easy to communicate with before during and since the house sit. They took care of our much loved home as if it was their own. Our very active dog was obviously much loved in our absence and our garden (during an historic dry spell) was as we left it. Barbara and Colin left us a lovely dinner and a chilled bottle of wine. This was much appreciated given that we had been travelling for 22 hours. We couldn't recommend Barbara and Colin highly enough and hope that they are available the next time we are away....thank you both so much
CHRIS AND BARB (ASHBY HEIGHTS NSW, Jan 2019 - 2 weeks)
Colin and Barbara took such great care of our house and dogs while we were away. I actually think Honey and Lollie were sad to see us come back as they enjoyed their walks and playtime so much. They also went above and beyond with the yard and garden. It was in better condition than when we left! We loved our regular emails with pictures of the dogs to keep us up to date with everything at home. We would happily have Colin and Barbara stay for us again.
SUSAN (Thornton NSW, Dec 2018 - 1 month 1 week)
Barbara and Colin were fantastic sitters. They were an instant hit with my two cats, sent me frequent updates on how things were going, and I came back to a house and garden both looking better than when I left. They did an amazing amount of work in the garden, including transforming my weedy gravelled area into a perfect zen zone. I would certainly recommend them to anyone.
DIANA (Limekilns NSW, Nov 2018 - 3 weeks)
Barbara & Colin came to house sit for us and look after our pets Marley & Billie!
They were VERY easy & down to earth! Responded to emails very quickly and are certainly very experienced when it comes to ensuring the house sitting experience is seamless, effortless and stress free!
Really easy going couple who had genuine compassion for our fur babies (even gave our ragdoll cat a little haircut (clump of matted fur) that we didn't get the chance to before we left-) and gave our dog Marley a ... MOREBarbara & Colin came to house sit for us and look after our pets Marley & Billie!
They were VERY easy & down to earth! Responded to emails very quickly and are certainly very experienced when it comes to ensuring the house sitting experience is seamless, effortless and stress free!
Really easy going couple who had genuine compassion for our fur babies (even gave our ragdoll cat a little haircut (clump of matted fur) that we didn't get the chance to before we left-) and gave our dog Marley a wash!
Barbara & Colin even picked up our palm fronds ( on our 5 acres) and left the house immaculate & clean for when we came home! We even got a few photos of the animals whilst we were away!
If you want a stress free house sit then please do not look anywhere else and get Barbara & Colin to tend to all your house sitting needs!
We'll definitely have them back anytime and you certainly won't be disappointed with your choice of these 2!! :)
Thanks guys! :)
MATT & DANICA (Humpty Doo NT, Oct 2018 - 1 week 6 days)
We couldn't have asked for better house sitters. Barbara & Colin did a fantastic job in caring for Gloria's plants & birds and went the extra yards in looking after the house and garden. We can take our next trip with the confidence that everything will be looked after while we are away.
JOHN (Woombah NSW, Feb 2018 - 2 weeks)
I guess the best endorsement that we can give to Barbara and Colin is that we did not want them to leave. From the first impression of this wonderful couple that we spoke to on Skype, we were correct in our judgement that they were the right ones for us. They fitted in so well that it felt like we had known them forever.
We arrived back in Australia at 1am in the morning and only requested that they leave the keys to the car in the letter box and we would organize to come pick the car up, ... MOREI guess the best endorsement that we can give to Barbara and Colin is that we did not want them to leave. From the first impression of this wonderful couple that we spoke to on Skype, we were correct in our judgement that they were the right ones for us. They fitted in so well that it felt like we had known them forever.
We arrived back in Australia at 1am in the morning and only requested that they leave the keys to the car in the letter box and we would organize to come pick the car up, but Colin picked us up instead. The next morning after we slept most of our jet lag off, Colin and Barbara were waiting for us with a prepared breakfast. There was bread, milk and other items of food left for us to make our return more comfortable.
The house was spotless, gardens well maintained and cared for even after many 40 degree days. Our pets were very spoilt and obviously loved by both of them. While away we had regular contact and know that the dogs were walked each day.
Colin and Barbara even went to the effort of taking the dogs for several visits to our Aunty Rita who normally lives with us, but was staying in a care facility in our absence.
Barbara prepared a journal of the dogs activities, pretending that it was one of the dogs writing the journal to Aunty Rita weekly. It was very entertaining and they presented Aunty Rita with a hard copy to keep on their weekly visit with the girls.
We have no hesitation in highly recommending Colin and Barbara to anyone wanting honest, reliable, personable and energetic housesitters.
LISA AND TERRY (Grafton NSW, Dec 2017 - 1 month 3 weeks)
What can I say - Colin and Barbara were just fantastic. Our cats didn't even notice when I walked in the door and dinner was just what I needed!! A lovely couple who I would highly recommend to anyone. I wish you well on your travels and hope that our paths cross again sometime, thank you both again
LILIAN (Rotorua , Mar 2017)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Barbara and Colin were fabulous house and cat sitters. They were willing to come the night before and quickly got the hang of everything and were very enjoyable company. They did a wonderful job looking after the house and cats and communicated with us about how things were going. They left us with delicious chutney (yum!) and a spotless house. We will definitely ask them to come again if they are available!
AMANDA AND JILL (Mt Eden , Mar 2017)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Barbara and Colin are great house sitters, and company as well - looked after Nicole very well, and the farm - and we totally recommend them to any hosts. Our senses of humour are very similar as well ! Hope they enjoy the rest of their stay in New Zealand before returning to Australia
CHRISTINE (Pakaraka North Island, Feb 2017 - 1 week 5 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Fantastic! We can't say enough about how wonderful house sitters,Barbara and Colin,are. As the booking was all very last minute on our part, we hadn't met Colin and Barbara, but they managed to stay on for an extra night when we got back from our holiday. We arrived home to a wonderful cooked meal, a house much tidier than we had left and very happy pets. It was fun to catch up with them over a glass of wine and talk about each other's lives. Don't hesitate to take this couple as your house ... MOREFantastic! We can't say enough about how wonderful house sitters,Barbara and Colin,are. As the booking was all very last minute on our part, we hadn't met Colin and Barbara, but they managed to stay on for an extra night when we got back from our holiday. We arrived home to a wonderful cooked meal, a house much tidier than we had left and very happy pets. It was fun to catch up with them over a glass of wine and talk about each other's lives. Don't hesitate to take this couple as your house sitters!
Colin and Barbara, hopefully we'll catch up again...we want to come and help or Wwoof on your land, when you are back there.
Regards Rhys and Dinky.
RHYS AND DINKY (New Plymouth Central North Island, Feb 2017 - 1 week 4 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Colin & Barbara stayed in our home for 4 weeks. We had a skype call before they came to get to know them, and then they had dinner with us and stayed the night with us before we headed off on our holiday. From that moment we felt a nice connection and felt very relaxed about leaving our home in their hands. We weren't disappointed at all. We got updates while we were away: how the veges were growing, and what was happening in Hawkes Bay. We arrived home to an immaculate house, garden lawn, and ... MOREColin & Barbara stayed in our home for 4 weeks. We had a skype call before they came to get to know them, and then they had dinner with us and stayed the night with us before we headed off on our holiday. From that moment we felt a nice connection and felt very relaxed about leaving our home in their hands. We weren't disappointed at all. We got updates while we were away: how the veges were growing, and what was happening in Hawkes Bay. We arrived home to an immaculate house, garden lawn, and a beautiful lunch. I cannot recommend Barbara and Colin enough. They are absolutely everything anyone would want as a house sitter.
JULIE AND COLIN. (Maraenui North Island, Dec 2016 - 10 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Thes guys are awesome,dogs extremely happy, I'm happy,more than expected
SUE (Lilydale VIC, Nov 2016 - 3 days)
It is not often that you find house sitters who take the time to explore and discover this secret places that make my property special to me. Besides being genuinely lovely people Barbara and Colin had a genuine empathy with my motley collection of animals and even took the time to work with my steer who has issues with men (he thinks they are all vets with evil intentions). I returned to mown lawns, happy animals and a house far cleaner then I left it. I hope Colin and Barbara will be able to ... MOREIt is not often that you find house sitters who take the time to explore and discover this secret places that make my property special to me. Besides being genuinely lovely people Barbara and Colin had a genuine empathy with my motley collection of animals and even took the time to work with my steer who has issues with men (he thinks they are all vets with evil intentions). I returned to mown lawns, happy animals and a house far cleaner then I left it. I hope Colin and Barbara will be able to visit and sit for me again we still have many travel tales to cover. Thanks guys.
JULIE (Jiggi NSW, Aug 2016 - 4 weeks)
Barbara & Colin are a lovely, easy going couple who recently looked after my house and dog, Lucy. I returned to a very clean, happy pooch, and a tidy my home- thank you! I'll certainly be asking them to return as the need arises.
NAT (Corindi Beach NSW, Aug 2016 - 1 week)
Safe house!
There is nothing more secure than having people at home while you're away. Get a house sitter.
Couple
We're so lucky we found Barbara and Colin to look after our dog and home over Christmas.
Experience was amazing. Great communication, trustworthy, thoughtful updates about Enzo our dog, our house was spotless when we got back and they fixed a broken door that I've been meaning to do all year! Pretty sure the dog is better behaved too :)
They were super kind and left us some groceries on our return, which was much appreciated.
Lovely, happy, trustworthy people. Would highly recommend ... MORE
We couldn't have asked for better house sitters. Barbara & Colin did a fantastic job in caring for Gloria's plants & birds and went the extra yards in looking after the house and garden. We can take our next trip with the confidence that everything will be looked after while we are away.
