The French Manor House and the Menagerie (33 animals in total!) Are we mad?

When I first saw the advert for this house/pet sit in Loire Atlantique (France) Tom & I were with some friends. When I told them that I really fancied applying for this assignment, they all looked at me like I gone completely mad. Still, after further discussions with Tom, we decided that we'd apply and see if we were suitable. As destiny would have it, we were chosen by the lady owner, Suzanne and her French husband Jacques.

Suzanne and Jacques - The loveliest, charming, warm and compassionate couple you could ever hope to meet, with a zest for life, love of family, friends, food, wine and a good time. We hit it off with them straightaway.

The assignment initially was to look after 3 dogs, 1 cat , 2 goats and a variety of geese, ducks and chickens. It actually turned out to be a lot easier than it sounds.

Our animal number increased by 4 extra ducks that flew in. We also acquired a beautiful Smokey Russian Blue cat we nicknamed “Baby Blue” who moved in to live with the chickens and chicks. He, amazingly, slept alongside them in the hen coup.

An amazing home, with enormous (25 sqm) rooms that felt wonderfully “cozy” as they are stuff full with treasures and heirlooms collected over the years. Giant limestone fireplaces dating back to 1700’s and are mentioned in the history books. The original manor was on 3 floors complete with tower but was sent fire twice during 2 of the 3 French Revolutions and is now only 2 storeys, however, fortunately most of the character is still intact.

The house came with 2 charming French maids…. much to Tom’s joy (!) and 2 gardeners, one of whom bears an uncanny resemblance to D’Artagnon of the 3 musketeer’s fame…much to my joy(!)………oh la la! Unfortunately no one could speak English, so our French was really tested and when all else failed sign language came into play and was entertaining and a laugh for all.

We were invited to arrive 3 days prior to the owners' departure to get to know the animals and their various routines etc. In reality, it was fairly straight forward and despite the numbers not a huge task. Maintaining the swimming pool and how the household appliances worked again was pretty straightforward. They took us on a tour and for lunch, “to a little local gem” where we enjoyed a 5 course meal with wine for 10 euros each!!!! (Prepared by the same chef as the Michelin Restaurant next door)

We were introduced to many of their friends, as the house was never empty with people “popping in”. Jacques took us out for a run and we went to meet his friend Claude, the local poacher! This involved drinking Rose′ wine out of a tin cup, in an old rusty shed full of cobwebs, but, set up as a pub bar. This was the regular haunt for other poachers and hunters in the area, to shoot the breeze (actually sounds like they shoot anything that moves!)

Claude told stories and showed us photos and trophies (a perch head mounted on a plaque….nice!) He produced an enormous pike he had in his freezer. The conversation was mostly in French, with Jacques providing translation. They roared with laughter about the fact that one of Claude's best friends is the local gamekeeper and has never caught him!!!! He also showed us a very large poisonous turtle that he had living in his pond…..kindly given to him by Jacques after he found it in the garden……….what a funny way to spend the afternoon!

We dropped them at the local airport, at 5 a.m. in the morning then life settled down after they had departed. However, we still had a few people still popping in, to enquire if we were ok and staying for a drop of the above mentioned vino. Maids and gardeners appearing most days, with the gardeners enjoying a bottle of Kroneborg 1664 biere prior to departing (a custom apparently). Us practicing more French and yet more sign language.

We enjoyed exploring the local area but as we were staying in such a beautiful place, we spent most of the time by the pool, pottering in the gardening, repairing bits and bobs and just enjoying the wonderful house and gardens.

Fortunately the holiday to Corsica was everything that Suzanne had been hoping for and they enjoyed a great time and celebrated Jacques birthday in style.

On return they invited us to stay on for a couple of days. It was lovely to spend the weekend with the two of them and to get to know them more. Our last night they wanted to take us for dinner to thank us(!) for everything. We went to another little “local” restaurant, Fleur de Flotts an Oyster and Seafood eatery. Off the tourist route but a fantastic place somewhere only the locals know!

Unfortunately, the weekend went by to quickly and it was time for us to depart for our next “house/pet” sitting adventure.

For us, this was the most amazing experience. Not only have we enjoyed the whole house/pet sitting stint but we have met two very special people who have become our great friends along the way. Yes without a doubt, we will definitely be back…..just try stopping us!!!