Hautes-Pyrénées - Uzer Occitanie France Oct-1-2023 to Nov-14-2023 from House Carers
We'd like to thank Kate and Jean for their care and attention to our four legged family members, who miss them very much.
A very kind couple, obviously experienced house sitters, with whom we had the opportunity to get to know each other better as they stayed between two of our trips.
They were a very convivial couple and we all enjoyed each others company. They left their apartment very clean and we'd have them again. So, no hesitation in recommending them.
Henry, Anne-Marie, Zoe and Titty.
PS They also gave hay and checked the water for our two horses, Ophenix and Cooniz, who also say "Hi" or Neigh!
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August 2023 Charente Maritime from TrustedHousesitters
Kate and Jean sat for us for just under two weeks whilst we visited family and friends in the UK. They arrived a day or so prior to us leaving and were a couple we immediately warmed to as they were friendly and outgoing.
Our three dogs also took to them straight away and it was reassuring to see just how good they were with the dogs. Whilst away they kept us up to date as to how things were going throughout our absence. We have a summer cabin that they chose to utilise whilst sitting and we returned to find three happy and content dogs and our cabin and garden in immaculate condition.
They stayed on a couple of days after our return with John (Dead eye Jean as he became known) assisting us to erect a carport. All in all we would not hesitate to either have them return to our home and look after our dogs and in a similar vein would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else if they were considering using Kate and Jean.
A huge thank you from us (Ann and Phil) and an especially huge thank you from Hardy, Kizzme and Hoppee.
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Plan a last-minute trip and hope to find charming people who would come to take care of animals, for the first time via the TrustedHousesitters site... this is what allowed us to meet Kate and John during this transition to winter time 2022.
Not only we were able to meet unusual people, but we were quiet for our 8 days trip to “ le plat pays”. Without worries, we entrusted them with the house with our border-setter Gaïa, our two cats, the t'Ché (from Che Guevara 😉) and Souchie, and also some kois and carps in the garden!
They took really care of them with love, for walks and outings with Gaïa, and some extra attention to our very old Ché!
We really liked the little almost daily exchanges via pictures sent by Kate and her John, the quiet and talented man 😊
When they arrived with the water restrictions at our place, the miraculous good rain for two days, didn’t disturb them.
Before and after our trip, we spent pleasant moments with them: dreaming of Africa and listening to them, telling their fascinating lives with humor and good mood. Kate is not only a writer, but also a real storyteller!
A secret to share...? Kate loves ice cream (only from Patrick? 😉)
Do you want an advice: plan your holidays well in advance to have them as guardians...
Thank you to these lovers of life, to whom we still wish beautiful and joyful adventures!!!
Merci à vous Kate et Jean, sommes heureux de vous connaître !!!
P. and F. from Seillans / Var - Oct/Nov 2022
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Kate and John are well known and well liked in this area of France. We were very glad when we contacted them to hear that they were available for the 4 weeks in May this year.
They gave tender loving care to our 4 cats and the house.
We had also set up a WhatsApp group, it worked out perfect, easy to keep in contact.
We certainly will contact them when we will go on our next trip.
Hérault - May 2022
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I was delighted to meet Kate and Jean, they were exactly what I was searching for. My characterful Selkirk Rex cat needs a lot of company and attention and they looked after him so well and indulged his whims and playfulness.
A delightful couple and if you need your feline friend to be cared for they’ll do an excellent job
A delightful couple and if you need your feline friend to be cared for they’ll do an excellent job
T and B - Gard, France 2021
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We were delighted when Kate and Jean stepped in to house sit for us during an 8-day trip to the UK. We have a rambling country property in the Cévennes with dogs, cats and a donkey to look after as well as extensive gardens to water so we definitely need good people on site. Kate and Jean called in the previous week to meet the animals and find out how everything worked and then arrived in plenty of time on the morning of departure.
Their considerable experience and attention to detail immediately instilled us with confidence and during our trip we received regular reassuring updates from Kate enabling us to relax and enjoy an important family wedding. During the week they experienced severe storms and even a mini-tornado but remained completely unfazed, taking everything completely in their stride.
On our return, the house was beautifully clean, the gardens looked lovely and the animals had clearly been well looked after. We very much hope Kate and Jean will be available next time we go away. We can't recommend them enough.
C and A - June 2021 - Gard (France)
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J and L. Var (France) Oct - Nov 2020
The unexpected departure of our regular house sitters due to covid related problems, we were very relieved to find that Jean and Kate were available to come and care for our property and much loved cat for a month.
We were delighted to receive regular updates and photos and to know that everything was in excellent hands (our cat, chickens and property).
We would have no hesitation in asking them to return but their booking calendar fills up very quickly which is not at all surprising.
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Haute Savoie France 23 Sep - 15 Nov 2019
We had the fortunate opportunity to bag Kate and Jean as our house sitters, what luck was that!!
We had the fortunate opportunity to bag Kate and Jean as our house sitters, what luck was that!!
From the moment you meet Kate and Jean you instantly feel a warmth, and know that you will have no worries leaving them to look after home and pets.
When you meet them you feel as if you’ve known them always.
They are a couple with a genuine feeling towards the pets in their care. They had a challenge with my deaf very old dog, and my blind cat. Both were very cosy in their care.
Kate and Jean have lead very interesting lives and consequently are very capable in all situations that could arise in your home......for us it was my old dog having a tummy upset.....and the house being invaded by winter mice.....both problems taken care of swiftly. They have been house sitting for years and slip into the household life and pets as if they’ve always been there.....they have an aura of ease and steadiness.
I can’t praise Kate and Jean highly enough, if it were ten out of ten I’d say it was a hundred......we were away two months in Australia and they kept me in touch by chatty emails and photos.
S. and T. + deaf Toffee and blind Pusscat
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Kate and John were true gifts from heaven. I had only just moved to France, so my house was a labyrinth of boxes which required more than a little imagination to negotiate.
They were not at all fazed by the chaos with which I left them and they could not have been kinder to Masa, who is now devoted to them.
Not only are they the kindest people, they have become good friends to us in the process and I could not be more grateful for their appearance in our lives.
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Rafa fell in love with them both & is still mourning their departure. We loved receiving daily photos & updates & really enjoyed Kate & Jean’s sense of humour & their enthusiasm for everything.
They even took on the task of completing the last 3 week’s of Rafa’s local puppy training classes, including lots of practice at home - he passed with flying colours! Organised, resourceful, experienced, sensitive to our wishes & very caring - you couldn’t ask any more from house sitters & we are all looking forward to their next visit.
(If Rafa could have written a glowing review himself, he would have!).
S. J. and Rafa - West Sussex (UK) November 2018
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Kate and Jean have been highly recommended by friends of us and we soon understood why.
We first invited them home to know each other more and introduce the pets of course.
Kate and Jean are the kind of people that one straight away wishes to have as friends and godfather/mother to the pets! First of all they are a super couple, both friendly and cheerful.
They are also a combination of down to earth approach, very handy, considerate and caring persons. And our 3 cats were soon very comfortable with their presence.
Once we left we were absolutely reassured that both the house and the pets would be very well looked after and so it was.
We stayed in very regular contact and Kate and Jean were sending us news and pictures of the cats.
We were very pleased with this experience and would highly recommend them to anyone who wishes the best care for its furry friends.
Thank you so much Kate and Jean and see you soon!
M. and B. - Gard, France October 2018
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We were absolutely delighted to have Kate and Jean housesit for us. They were looking after our 2 cats and a dog and it was clear that they had all had wonderful time while we were away, and were very happy and relaxed Kate and Jean were incredibly nice and helpful and left everything just as they found it. We would heartily recommend them and are hope that they may be able to help again in future.
Pippa - Aylesbury UK August 2018
(Repeat sit in 2019)
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03 September - 13 September 2017
Kate & Jean were wonderful sitters & absolutely self-sufficient so I was able to leave my house & dogs in the safe knowledge that all would be well on my return. Ryanair messed up my flight back, so we were unable to meet up before they had to leave, but I found everything absolutely impeccable & very much hope that they will be back again.
Anna - Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France
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04 June - 28 June 2017 ( booked for several sits each year since and booked into 2024. Another couple who have become firm friends)Kate and Jean are among the most professional pet and house sitters we have ever had. They are a delightful English/French couple who have lived all over the world from Vietnam to various places in Africa to the United States and Europe, and have been more or less full time house sitters for several years now. This has provided them with a rich experience base enabling them to handle just about anything that could come up with your furry favorites and your house. They are passionate about all creatures great and small and place the care and well being of your pet above everything else. They have seen so much of the world that sightseeing is not a great priority for them, and they will go out and about during the day only when they are fully assured that everything will be fine with your pet and your house while they are gone.
Our indoor-outdoor cat is quite aloof and keeps her own not always predictable schedule, so it requires a lot of attention to make sure she has everything she needs at the right time. In the first few days of their sit Jean befriended her with bit of string on a stick for her to chase which was such a big hit that most unusually she now makes an appearance whenever they come to visit (we met on Trusted Housesitters and as it turns out they live nearby when not house sitting).
All in all we highly recommend them if you are lucky enough to get on their schedule. Kate has also written a series of enchanting books about their life in Africa and the US and will be happy to tell you all about them when you get in touch.
Anne - Uzès, France
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May 2017 - Hérault - France (returned several times already and booked ahead)
Kate and Jean were everything you could hope for in house sitters. They looked after our house and dog with great care. Above all they communicated well before arriving and while they stayed at the house. We had emails to let us know how things were going with our dog which was reassuring that all was well. It was obvious that Vienna really adored them and that they gave her lots of love and attention. We can absolutely recommend Kate and Jean to others.
Andy and Joni
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Christmas 2016 and Spring 2017 - Gard (France)
(Several repeat sits and booked into 2019)
Kate and Jean came to look after our house and cats over Christmas and New Year. Both we and the “girls” were very pleased to have found such an excellent couple to look after the house, and them. Totally trustworthy, very practical and the cats love them; what more could one want. They are returning in the Spring to look after house and girls again; that's our best reference. We were delighted by their regular reports on their developing relationship with the cats.
G. and J. P.
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P. Hérault (France) October 26th 2016
Dear Kate and Jean,
I arrived home at about 6h30 yesterday. A**** was very welcoming. He looks happy. He's given me several "hugs" since I've been back (a hug being his lying on his back and wrapping two paws around my arm). He was obviously well cared-for with you.
The house looked great. The hot water was on. The plants look happy. Thank you so much for the food in the fridge and the bread. That was perfect for dinner. I think I can manage for another day or so before shopping...
Thanks so much for the house and dog-sitting. I will consult your list to find someone for the Christmas holidays.
All the best to you both,
P.
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P. and C. Draguignan (France) - Summer 2016
We had Kate and Jean to look after our animals, house and very dry garden for three months and were happy with their help. The menagerie consists of two rural horses, a headstrong Saluki and a farm cat. Syria the Saluki was kept exercised beautifully.
They are an enthusiastic, easy and receptive couple and they did everything they could to look after the land as we were doing, and it is not an easy property being on terraced levels.
Jean was thorough with the pool, the garden and watering systems. We came back to a tidy organised home and land and Jean helped with a project we were doing growing grass between pavings, seeding, keeping the ants at bay and caring for it and even shopping for provisions.
Kate was exceptional at keeping in touch with us and telling us what as going on which is paramount for us. She also rode from time to time to help and they both welcomed friends that came to ride, who could not speak highly enough of them both too.
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John and Kate have just completed an extended winter house sit for us and we could not be more happy with their thoroughly professional attitude. The one who will miss them the most is our rescue dog, Saffie. They took her for walks - or maybe Saffie took them! And being an exuberant young lab / greyhound mix, they somehow managed to train her not to jump up. Very grateful for that as it was a bad habit which could cause problems.
Another big plus was that, being French, John was able to deal with any problems that arose that needed sorting out.
They are good fun, very conscientious, totally honest, with a great can do attitude. We are so delighted, we have asked them to come back next year. Happily they have agreed! If you manage to 'bag' them for a house sit, you will not be disappointed. I wish I could score them higher marks than 5 out of 5 all round.
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Jacky Laurie (France)
Kate and Jean Fagalde have been house and dog sitting for us for the last week while we were in UK. They are a lovely couple with masses of home and pet sitting experience. We knew they were alright when from the first meeting all three of our dogs just fell in love with them. They loved the house and our area of France and took time to explore while they were here. The dogs, the house and garden were all in very good condition when we returned and Kate had kept in email contact with us all the time we were away. We are using them again in November and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
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Stephen and Jane - Olargues (France) (repeat sit 1/2 a dozen times)We were delighted to have Kate and Jean as our house sitters for the first time this month. They did a splendid job in looking after our "menagerie" of two goats, one dog, four chickens, four guinea fowl, four pigeons and one tortoise - not to mention the house. Kate and Jean are coming back to us in June and we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for extremely capable house sitters.
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Françoise Loryd - Saint-Siffret (France) (several repeat sits)
We have had Kate and Jean staying over in our house many times now, and we have been very pleased with their services, both regarding the keeping of the house itself, the pool and all its technical maintenance as well as the garden over a whole summer and other shorter periods of time. Most important of all, they have taken such good care of our precious old black Labrador and complied with all her little habits and her masters doting requirements - like celebrating her birthday - that she now regards Kate and Jean as family! I would recommend Kate and Jean as home sitters to anyone but at the same time, selfishly, would hope they do not get booked up too much...
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Marion and Luc - Lourmarin, Provence - France (several repeat sits)
We would definitely recommend Kate and Jean. Blessed to be able to leave, knowing that everything is in good hands. Many times.
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Wyn and Rupert (Tasmania) Manners June and July 2015
Kate and Jean Fagalde house sat for us in rural Tasmania for a period of 6 weeks during June and July 2015. Their main responsibility was to look after our 2 dogs, a Jack Russell and a Fox Terrier pup. Possibly quite a demanding task as they are adventurous, energetic breeds. They did this beautifully and we returned to cheerful, healthy pets who had enjoyed walking, playing and hanging out with Kate and Jean. If necessary they were also to mow our extensive lawns, but during their time here the grass was too wet to mow. The house was as we had left it, in very good order and our possessions well looked after. We found them to be an honest and responsible couple.
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MO and R. Auvergne August 2014A huge thank you to Kate and Jean who spent a month in the Auvergne looking after my precious collie dog and two cats. I went away without any concerns and came back to find the extensive lawns all mown, the vegetable garden weeded and harvested and the animals happy and well cared for. The house had been left spotless and they kindly dropped me off and collected me from the distant airport for a fraction of what I would have paid a local taxi. I can definitely recommend them as first rate house sitters.
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As it was the first time we had asked them to house/dog sit, Jean and Kate took the trouble to meet us before the appointed holiday. Prior to meeting them we were very nervous about leaving our aged two miniature and one boisterous standard, schnauzers. After meeting them we had no such fears. Both Kate and Jean exude good humour and are demonstrably very good with animals, and the animals are very comfortable with them. Our dogs (and the two elderly ones have a pretty demanding regime of pills etc...) were looked after just as we would have looked after them – and I mean not just fed and watered, but cuddles and fun as well. We returned not only to happy and healthy dogs, but a wonderfully clean and tidy home. I will definitely be organising our future holidays around their availability, and the dogs certainly put their paws to that.
C and D. Aude France. July 2014 (several repeat sits)
PS.
Thank you so much for looking after us so well, we loved having you to stay and hope we behaved more or less okay. (My sisters are a bit messy I'm afraid, though don't tell them I said so). With love from all of us and cuddles from me,
xx G K and M
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J and J, and the Labrathugs! Gers. France. July 2014
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We have had Kate and Jean staying over in our house many times now, and we have been very pleased with their services, both regarding the keeping of the house itself, the pool and all its technical maintenance as well as the garden over a whole summer and other shorter periods of time. Most important of all, they have taken such good care of our precious old black Labrador and complied with all her little habits and her masters doting requirements - like celebrating her birthday - that she now regards Kate and Jean as family! I would recommend Kate and Jean as home sitters to anyone but at the same time, selfishly, would hope they do not get booked up too much...
FB and L - Gard. France
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Welcome back to France. I know "the gang" are very happy to have you caring for them again while we are away and we can enjoy our break knowing that you take such good care of everything.
J and E. Gard. France
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September - October 2013 (repeat house sits)
Wonderful to be able to spend five weeks away in Europe knowing that the house and the dogs were in such capable hands. So glad you enjoyed discovering the Adelaide Hills and the lovely country around us. Let us know if you are coming back this way.
P and J. Adelaide. Southern Australia.
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August 2013 (repeat house sits)
It was wonderful to be able to leave for five weeks knowing that the house was in good hands and that our furry boy was being loved and cared for. You did a wonderful job back in January. Try and get back to Australia before too long.
B and J - WW. Victoria Australia
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Thank you so much Kate and John for coming to my rescue at such short notice. It was a relief to know that my home, cats and chickens were being well cared for in my absence. VH. Yarra Glen Victoria - 07/2013
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A selection of entries from the visitors' book at a Guest House we managed in Victoria:
01.03.13 - Dear Kate and John,
Thank you for some wonderful days in this beautiful place. What a surprising present to meet you here, talking, eating and drinking some wine. We loved sitting on the bench watching the sunset, the cattle and the kangaroos. Thank you so much for everything and hopefully see you soon. R and Z (Germany) -
24.2.13 - Dear Kate and Jean,
Thank you so much for an amazing time away in the most beautiful and tranquil place. We had the best time, the house and garden are lovely and all your helpful advice ensured we had the best holiday possible. We hope to come back soon. Love N, E C C and E (Melbourne, Vic)
17.2.13 - Thank you ever so much Kate and Jean for everything you have done over this wedding weekend. You have forced us (ever so gently) to unwind and smell the roses. You have been hospitable, generous and an inspiration to us all who were lucky enough to stay at The Guesthouse. Thank you for your stories Kate! G an D (Ballarat, VIC)
17.02.13 - Thanks Kate and Jean for your company. It feels just like being at home - really relaxing and enjoyable company. It was wonderful seeing the two families able to come together and enjoy each others company. Thank you. D. (Dandenong, VIC)
17.02.13 April's Wedding - Thank you Kate and Jean (and Sarah) - A wonderful place to stay and a very relaxing weekend. G and R (Dandenong, VIC)
24.02.13 - Impressed by the wonderful bird life in the beautiful garden. Thanks Kate and Jean for looking after us so well. A wonderful place to spend a weekend ... wish it were longer. E and E (Melbourne, VIC)
16.02.13 - Dear Kate and Jean,
Thank you for a wonderful couple of days. Great company, beautiful oasis to calm the mind and relax. Thank you and see you again. C and M (Sydney, NSW)
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We cannot thank Kate and Jean enough for taking such wonderful care of our home and our very special dog.
We came back from holiday to an immaculate house, a pool which we have never seen so clear and blue and a beautifully kept garden.
We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them as perfect house sitters. You can rest assured that they will take the greatest care of your home and pets and your return home will be the perfect ending to a stress free time away.
Please can you house sit for us again during our next trip away, wouldn’t want anyone else. Thanks again for everything.
C and S, Victoria, Australia
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Kate and Jean Fagalde lived at my house in the Languedoc-Roussillon for eight weeks in September and October 2010 whilst I was away overseas.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, my three week trip was extended, but Jean and Kate altered their plans and stayed on which was a great help. They not only house-sat but they also looked after my two cats and indeed took the initiative of taking one to the vet when he appeared slightly limping after a fight.
I was extremely grateful to them and very happy with their services and would not hesitate to recommend them. I very much appreciated knowing that my house, animals and plants were in safe hands and were being looked after so well.
JJR - Gard - France (several repeat sits)
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Hi Jean and Kate
Many thanks for the conscientious care you took of our home during the 10 weeks we were away. You obviously enjoyed exploring the region surrounding our isolated house and have possibly found some new places for us to explore.
We are finding more and more areas on the property where you have thoughtfully made improvements, stacked logs in abundance, cleaned the storage tank and cleaned all the drainage furrows for the water storage system, and these are just some of the jobs that come to mind and I know there are many more.
Without doubt we will be asking for your welcome presence in our home the next time we go away.
KJ - Gard - France (several repeat sits)
PS Hopefully not too many people will read this; we don't want to find you are unavailable next time we need you!
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Kate and Jean Fagalde have often looked after our home in the Languedoc Roussillon.
In our absence, they have cared for our pool and most importantly our little dog. We have called on them at short notice and they have always done whatever they can to help us. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to someone who wants a couple who are careful, honest and accommodating.
TT - Hérault - France
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I have known Kate and Jean Fagalde for ten years and during that time, they have cared for my home and my two dogs while I have been away on various trips. I have always returned to a gleaming house, two happy healthy dogs and a neat and tidy garden.
Anyone who asks them to look after their property can be assured that they are putting their home and possessions into the hands of people who really care about the service that they provide.
MF - West Sussex - England
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Our grateful thanks to John and Kate who came to our rescue at short notice and looked after our country house in West Sussex. They had no hesitation taking on our five Bedlington terriers and a lively Labrador and we returned three weeks later to find the house and garden in immaculate condition and the dogs healthy and happy.
S and E - West Sussex - UK
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Kate and Jean looked after our home on Guernsey for three weeks, and also cared for our two dogs. We were very happy with all their efforts to keep our garden watered during a very hot summer and the dogs enjoyed outings to various beaches and even a boat ride and a picnic on a neighbouring island.
We came home to find the house sparklingly clean and tidy and probably in far better condition than we left it!
D and S - Guernsey - Channel Islands
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We are so grateful to Kate and Jean Fagalde who have twice stayed at our house, giving us peace of mind to enjoy our holidays.
Having 7 live-in cats plus visitors I could not be comfortable unless I knew they were in reliable hands, and Kate and Jean have looked after them with care and affection.
The fact that we have returned to a tidy, well-kept house is almost incidential, and I would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone.
CCF - Gard France (several repeat sits)
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Thank you both so much for everything you did here; we came back to a beautifully clean house, the garden hasn't looked this good in ages and you took such loving care of our dog. We are just so lucky to have met you both and we look forward to you returning often.
CDT Gard (France)
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The house is fine and has told us
that you were very nice visitors.......NO COMPLAINTS!! There was nothing that we
would have asked you to do in any other way.......The house is happy to
be on the TOP LIST NOW!!
F,B and L Gard, France
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Many more references can be given on request.
Jean and Kate Fagalde
email: cmfagalde@yahoo.co.uk
cell: France - 06 45 90 63 05
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