Helen & Rick

More information about this house sitter

We are Helen (66) and Rick (64), a retired couple from Lancefield, VIC with 23 years of rural living, lifelong pet care, and a passion for gardens, animals, and respectful home stewardship.

We’ve lived for the past 23 years on our much-loved 22-acre property, Barrawarn. It’s perched on a hill with sweeping views of rolling hills, mountain and valleys, a peaceful place we’ve shared with our family and many animals.

We’re now ready for the next chapter: a one to two-year house and pet sitting adventure around Australia. It’s something we’ve dreamed of doing for a while, a chance to live more simply, enjoy new experiences, and discover where we might want to settle next.

Living on a rural property means we have a working knowledge of all that goes with it, including pumps, rain tanks, sewerage systems, ride-on mowers, and whipper snippers. Sometimes Rick and I have a victory where we fix a broken belt on the mower or figure out why the pump isn’t pumping. Other times we ask for help. Either way, we get the job done.

We moved to the country so our son Isaac could experience the rural lifestyle Helen had growing up in country NSW. We wanted Isaac to catch the bus to school, keep the same group of friends from kinder through high school, and most importantly, enjoy the freedom that only a country lifestyle can provide. This was achieved, and Isaac has grown into a fine young man who has now moved into his own place. We’re very proud and happy parents.

We enjoy everything about rural life and are at our most content when investing time in our large garden full of trees and grass.

We love being outdoors, listening to the birds, and having our dogs Shay Shay (Newfoundland) and Sasha (St Bernewfie) trail around with us wherever we go, all while soaking in the views that we never tire of.

Over our 23 years we have always had pets, including Milo the chocolate lab, Jack the Golden Retriever, Nala the Cavalier King Charles, Jack (2) the cattle dog, and Bella, Casper, Olive, and MiniMe, our Ragdoll crew. And of course, Shay Shay and Sasha. We are very comfortable with both cats and dogs.

We’ve also adjisted our paddocks to a friend who brings cows, sheep, and ponies to help keep the grass down, so we’re familiar with the behaviour and care needs of regular farm animals too.

Another important part of our family is our granddaughter Ariya. She lived with us for 16 months, from age one, and it was a delight to add value to her little life. Ariya now stays with us regularly and during school holidays. She, like us, loves the country lifestyle and all the pets and farm animals that come with it.

Until recently, we spent six years breeding Ragdoll kittens and Newfoundland puppies. We were completely invested in the process and enjoyed learning about growth, nutrition, development, and pet photography. The final joy was meeting new families and introducing them to their new family members. Many have stayed in touch and send us photos of their pets, which we love.

On weekends, we usually take a country drive, have lunch, and search for the ultimate steak sandwich. Lancefield is beautifully positioned in north central Victoria, so it doesn’t matter which direction we head; there’s always something new to discover, with interesting towns, unique geography, and history.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about our pets, we can’t take them on this adventure, but our friends and family will lovingly care for them while we’re away.

On the personal side (Helen)
Before moving to Lancefield, I worked at BHP in Melbourne as a Project Manager in IT.
Prior to that, I ran my own business for ten years, specialising in marketing for small business.

I am a qualified Primary School teacher and have recently re-registered. I’m studying to move from Provisional Registration to Full Registration and plan to work as a Casual Relief Teacher as we travel around Australia.

I qualified as a teacher when I first left school, and after only a few bouts of relief teaching over the years, it’s time to return to what was my first love, working with children.

I live my life according to Kaizen principles, which focus on continuous, incremental improvement in all areas of life. My Audible library is chock full of personal development, health, and wellbeing books, reflecting my love of learning and desire to keep growing every day.

On the personal side (Rick)
I was born in the United States and moved to Australia over 40 years ago.
My background includes business development, writing, and project work, but my real passion lies in problem-solving and creating things that make life easier.

Over the years I’ve become the resident “fix-it” person for everything around our property, including pumps, fencing, machinery, water systems, and the occasional mystery fault that keeps life interesting.

I enjoy finding solutions and keeping things running smoothly. I’m a lifelong music lover, an observer of people and places, and these days I’m happiest outdoors with Helen, doing something relaxed, purposeful, and hands-on.

We’re reliable, practical, and genuinely love animals and rural living. We’ll treat your home and pets with care, respect, and affection.

Currently unavailable for house sits until April 1, 2026. Happy to chat about future bookings.

TRUST

Rick has a very recent Police Check and Helen has a Working With Children Certificate.

References

Our references include long-time friends, previous workmates, neighbours, and pet owners who’ve adopted their animals from us. They can speak to our reliability, warmth, and hands-on experience with rural property care and pet stewardship. Here are a few testimonials...

Jill (family friend)
"I've known both Helen and Rick for 23 years. Our kids went to school together. We have shared an interest in pets and breeding. I've also agisted my cows, sheep and ponies on Helen and Rick's property for a number of years, and know they keep a good eye on my livestock. I know Helen and Rick to be honest and good people who take pride in their property and responsibilities. I would highly recommend Helen and Rick to care for your home and pets. I am happy to be contacted if you would like to talk more about Helen and Rick."

Michael (family friend)
"I have known Rick & Helen since 2011. Rick was my manager at Cortell Australia Pty Ltd for a few years, and we have been friends since the first day. His daughter had personal issues, so he & Helen took care of his granddaughter for several years. Rick & Helen are caring, friendly, reliable and trustworthy. I have no hesitation in providing this reference."

Harry (family friend)
"I have known this couple for 25 years and have enjoyed both a business and a social relationship with them. Our business dealings were charity and community based projects that required commitment, passion and reliability and in all cases Helen and Rick excelled. I found them to be honest, enthusiastic and easy to communicate with.

Our social relationship has been and still is, a close friendship and I have personally witnessed how they both ''stepped up'' to care for their grandchild when the family needed support. They took on this responsibility for a number of years with much care and love and as a result have laid the foundation for a positive result going forward.

I have also been witness to Rick and Helen's love and passion for animals and the outdoors . Whether it be breeding or simply looking after their own pets they have always provided a clean environment making sure the animals are safe, healthy and happy.

In 2022 I ventured overseas for a month and needed some support and assistance for my elderly mother who was alone in her unit. Helen graciously offered herself as a first contact for Mum if she needed anything and was so kind and helpful for the whole time I was away. She was reliable, trustworthy and caring which gave me much peace of mind.

I would highly recommend Rick and Helen to anyone looking for a couple to house sit or take care of their pets."

Rachel Mulder (friend & pet customer)
"In my 3+ years of engaging with Helen with my dogs she has always been friendly, kind, caring, trustworthy and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Helen to be trusted with your pets and in your home."

Clare Sleeman (friend & pet customer)
"I was fortunate enough to buy two extraordinary ragdoll cats from Helen and Rick 3 years ago. I mainly dealt with Helen, as she was the breeder, but Rick was also amazing when we required a cat enclosure. He helped assemble it at our property, he went above and beyond to help both my son and I make Rosie and Fluffy feel comfortable, in our home.

In the time that I have spent with Helen, she is a born animal lover. She has a very calm disposition, that I think makes all animals love her. Rick and Helen’s house was very clean and neat and their property reflected this. All her animals, dogs and cats, were very well looked after.

Helen has brilliant communication skills, all my many emails I sent regarding having kittens for the first time, she answered in a professional and timely fashion.

I would have no hesitation in recommending both Rick and Helen to be very reliable, honest and professional house sitters. Believe me, I don't trust anyone with my indoor cats and two Labradors, but if I had Rick and Helen looking after them, I would know that everything I asked of them they would do, and that would make me leave my home and animals in as safe hands as my own, and that piece of mind you cant put a price on it, in all seriousness!"

Warm regards,
Helen & Rick – Lancefield, Victoria Read more...