A guide to house sitting for historic properties

Ever wondered what house sitting for historic properties is like? We’re dishing the dirt on what it takes to be a house sitter in one of these old homes, where history lingers in every nook and cranny and every bit of furniture has a backstory…  

What is house sitting?

House sitting means taking care of someone’s home while they’re away. Responsibilities typically include cleaning and general maintenance of the home as well as bringing in the mail, watering the plants, and making the property appear occupied to put off potential intruders. 

That being said, a house sitter’s biggest responsibility is usually pet care. More often than not, home owners who use TrustedHousesitters are looking for someone reliable to take care of their precious pets while they’re away. The type of care necessary will vary depending on the pet (and how many there are!), but typical tasks include walking dogs, feeding cats, and keeping pet enclosures clean. 

In short, house sitting is usually a mixture of property care and looking after pets. The home owner may ask you to take on other more specific tasks, but these should be agreed upon before the sit starts.  

House sitting for historic properties 

Looking after a historical building won’t be your average house sitting gig, and these old antique houses often need special care and attention. Owners should give you a detailed list of instructions so you’re ready to tackle everything from historic property maintenance to cleaning the antiques, but here’s an idea of what you might be asked to do: 

• Take note of damage: Keep an eye out for signs of damage to the historic property in areas such as woodwork, plaster, and historical fixtures. Also, take note of any weather warnings that could spell trouble for the building. 
• Use special cleaning products: You may be asked to use special cleaning products for certain areas of the home or furniture and antiques. You’ll probably need to take extra special care when cleaning.  
• Steer clear of certain areas: Some areas may be too delicate to clean or spend time near, so follow the home owner’s instructions carefully.
• Secure the property: Keep windows and doors locked when not in use, and make sure alarms are set before going out (if necessary). 
• Make the property look lived in: Of course, you are living in the property, but you may be asked to move the curtains around, leave the radio on, or park your car in the driveway to make it appear as though nothing has changed.
• Tend to the grounds: There will likely be a large amount of land surrounding the property (and possibly even a swimming pool!), however, many home owners have special staff who take care of the grounds. 

Tips for house sitting for historic properties

If you like the sound of historic estate sitting, it’s important to think about the practicalities before taking the plunge. 

First of all, following the home owner’s guidelines is extremely important for all house sitting jobs, but it’s absolutely essential when caring for a historical property. These grand old places have their own quirks and special requirements, but luckily, expert owners should make sure house sitters are well-prepared to take on the responsibility.

Next, remember that you may have company when house sitting for a historic property. Often, gardeners, pool cleaners, and other members of staff will pop in and out during your stay – home owners should make you aware of this before the sit. 

Finally, bear in mind that historical properties aren’t always located in the center of a city. In fact, you may find yourself in a pretty rural setting, so make sure you’ve got access to everything you need while you’re there. Home owners may suggest renting a car or even offer use of their own – just be sure to sort it out before the sit starts if this is the case. It’s also a good idea to check the strength of their wifi if you’re planning to work remotely or binge-watch your favorite series during your time there.

Finding a house sitter for a historic property

Finding the perfect house sitter for your historic property is easy with a reputable website like TrustedHousesitters! 

Start by creating a detailed house sit listing for your property. Include all the information sitters should know such as peculiarities in its maintenance and your expectations for their stay. Add clear photographs to give potential sitters a clear sense of the place they could be caring for. 

Once your listing is live, you can reach out to sitters whose profiles catch your eye, or relax and let the applications come to you. While you might be on the hunt for someone with experience caring for historic homes, don’t immediately discount those who don’t – they may bring other valuable skills to the (antique) table. 

Next, set up some video calls with sitters who seem like they’d be a good match. During these calls, ask them some questions to get to know them a little better and see if they’d be able to take on the responsibilities necessary to care for your historic home. 

After selecting your sitter, make sure you provide them with a clear set of instructions – no detail is too small! Cover everything from daily routines to the specifics of maintaining the home’s history. Clear, detailed guidance will help ensure they fully understand how to care for your property, making the experience smooth and successful for both of you.