The Ultimate House Sit Experience in Italy
This post showcases our all-time favorite house sit, and we hope it inspires you to consider house sitting yourself! Over the last two years, our best experience has been the house we cared for in Italy. We first visited in January, and the owners were so generous that they invited us back for a month in the summer. During this time, we enjoyed their hospitality as guests, alongside our house-sitting duties. So, what makes this our ultimate house sit?
1. The Pets
Although we refer to it as house sitting, these assignments typically involve pets, essentially making it pet sitting. Out of the 20 sits we’ve undertaken, only one was without pets! Traveling while enjoying the companionship of furry friends is one of the best aspects of house sitting. At this lovely home, we cared for three wonderful animals: a Hound mix, a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix, and a ginger American Shorthair cat.
All three pets were adorable, and they behaved exceptionally well. One of our favorite activities was waking up early to walk these dogs around the picturesque vineyards and charming town.
While maintaining the house is important, the pets take priority in every house-sitting assignment.
2. The House and View
The house was cozy, beautifully decorated, and everything had its logical place, which I appreciated. Outside, there’s a forno for pizza-making, and the garden is breathtaking with vibrant flowers and fresh snacks like strawberries and tomatoes:
Another favorite aspect of the house was the stunning view:
The location was also the perfect backdrop for practicing yoga.
3. The Vineyard
Part of the reason we adored the view so much was due to the vineyard, which grows both red and white grapes. Learning about the winemaking process was truly fascinating.
We also helped out with the vineyard and spent our mornings training the vines to grow correctly. This was rewarding work and offered a great workout.
4. The Wine
We also assisted in bottling last year’s wine, which was a delightful experience. A total of 234 bottles were filled! However, we didn’t indulge in any, as the wine needs to age for a year. Instead, we enjoyed margaritas. The Italian wine culture is delightful; in restaurants, it’s common for servers to suggest the ideal wine pairing for your meal rather than allowing you to choose.
5. The Location
Another remarkable aspect of this house sit is its location. Just a short walk from the house is Ripatransone, which is an incredibly charming Italian village complete with an ancient wall:
The house is in close proximity to the beautiful sea, which is a delight.
The water is warm and there’s enough salt to float effortlessly!
Ascoli Piceno, the nearest city, is also quite delightful:
6. The Food
The food in Italy is truly unforgettable. The tomatoes are incredibly fresh and flavorful. The fruit is equally delightful. The pizza and pasta are the best we’ve ever tasted, and the gelato is creamy and delicious. Moreover, the fresh fish is exceptional.
Our hosts treated us to some memorable meals, including one that stood out:
This was just the first course of our five-course meal! Salmon, anchovies, mussels, prawns, calamari, sole, and plenty of crisp white wine composed the feast. We also enjoyed meals at a convent, which was a fun experience where the nuns prepare everything and even grow some ingredients in their garden.
7. The Owners
However, it’s not just the house, pets, and location that enhance a house-sitting experience; the homeowners play a significant role too. Our hosts in this case are incredibly cool! They are intelligent, kind, and humorous individuals. We are grateful to have formed a friendship with them and appreciate that they chose us for their house sit!
Wrap Up: House Sitting in Italy
In conclusion, after two years of house sitting in eight different countries, we have had remarkable experiences, but none surpasses our incredible house sit in Italy. We hope this insight into our favorite assignment has sparked your interest in trying house sitting yourself. We’d love to hear your thoughts: would you like to house sit in Italy, or perhaps somewhere else worldwide? House sitting has been a dream come true for us, and if you believe it could be for you as well, we are more than happy to assist you in realizing that dream.
