Hookswood, Queensland

About this house sitting position in Hookswood

House sit in an off-grid cabin with 2 cats. 2500 acres all to yourself.

Summary: We live in a small cabin, off grid on a 2500 acre bush block. We’re looking for someone to come out and look after our 2 cats for minimum 7 weeks (but can be longer if that's preferred).

Location: The property is located in the Western Downs region of QLD, near the town of Chinchilla. It is 2500 acres of untouched bushland; there is a 100m long lagoon about 1km from the cabin, but few other tracks. Access is from the Wareago Highway, via ~15km of good gravel road and 7km of rougher dirt track. 2WD access is fine unless there has been a lot of rain, then it’s 4WD only. 45min drive to Chinchilla, has all amenities of good regional town, 2hrs to Dalby, large regional town. Totally peaceful out here, absolute privacy.

Whilst it’s idyllic, please be realistic, the location is somewhat isolated and in the bush. This means bushfires are always a threat or if it rains heavily for a few days consecutively the driveway can be a bit tricky (but the rains are in summer). You have to be comfortable with this. That said, it’s the Australian bush there is always a neighbour (who we’ll introduce you to) who will help.

House: The house is a 45sqm cabin, timber frame, with kitchen, dining, bedroom. study all in one large space. The only other room is the bathroom. It’s fully off-grid but the solar system runs fans, lights, fridge, Starlink internet and all your digital devices no problems (just no kettle, microwave or high draw appliances). Rainwater (30K) and composting toilet (Humanure style). No aircon. Wood stove for winter makes it super cozy and as warm as you like. Firewood chopped and ready to go, or unlimited ‘collect your own’ wood. LPG hotwater and cooktop and oven. Full sized fridge, double sink. Internet is fast and unlimited, but phone reception is Telstra only and a bit patchy (but wifi calling is totally fine). Generous verandah on N and W side. Basically like a little studio apartment in the middle of the bush. Wood fired pizza oven outside as well as veggie garden and shed.

Pets: We have two cats (Tulsi and Beanie) and they are very loving and carefree cats. They spend the day coming and going inside and out, but need to be kept inside overnight. You’d be feeding them 2x daily and emptying litter 1x daily and giving them lots of love and pats. Otherwise they’re pretty easy going.

Expectations:
We’re looking for someone to care for our cats primarily, additionally to water the pot plants. Veggie garden will be left to fallow, unless you want to grow something.
We’re also looking for someone who is happy to stay put on the property most of the time. If you like to/need to go out to town every few days, then this isn’t the best gig.
Willing to take any rubbish to the local tip (45min drive, ute provided).

Costs:
Unlimited high speed internet, water and power are all free.

Vehicle to go to town is provided (4WD), but you will need to pay for the fuel you use.
You will need to pay for any LPG gas bottles used (for cooking and hot water), these are 9Kg bottles at $40 each. One bottle lasts 1 person about 2 months; 2 people about 6 weeks.



Ideal fit: Someone who likes cats, being in nature and peace and quite. Happy to be away from the energy of populated places for extended periods. Non-smoking, no guns or killing the wildlife. Must have a manual car license and willing to drive a 4WD if required. Read more...

Amenities

Home has external security cameras