The Yah-Yahs (John & Simone)

More information about this house sitter

Simone & John (The Yah-Yahs) are an active, non-smoking fun- & travel-loving couple, who are keen to see more of Australia.

We are very house-proud and are minimalists who can't really abide over-clutter or mess.

John (70) former NSW JP, was a Commander in the Navy who retired from the RAN in 2011. Simone (54) has been an office manager and supervisor of a commercial cleaning team (she is very fastidious). Simone has also been employed in both child- and aged-care. Together we have managed a large Retirement Village on the Central Coast, NSW.

Since leaving the Navy, John has hosted pub trivia; been an electoral officer at the Federal, QLD & NSW and local government elections; an ABS Census field officer; and a contract cleaner. Simone has been busying herself being a Grandmother: supporting and organising John; engaging in her favourite pastime, cooking for family & friends; and, being her typically self...a impeccable home-keeper (aka John’s Domestic Goddess). While neither of us has green thumbs, we do both like the peace & tranquility of pottering in the backyard. For owners with pools, John is a pretty competent “pool guy” having maintained Council public pools as a lifeguard & has looked after the pools of family, friends & other Mindahome owners.

As we are retired and free spirits, we have no ties, blackout periods or location biases that would impact our availability (unless we've committed to family events or other house- /pet-sitting 'gigs').

While we have no pets to tie us down currently, between us we have reared a wide range of pets during our lifetimes. We have house- and pet-sat for both family and friends for short and extended durations in the past….both cats & dogs of a variety of breeds, sizes & ages….as well as an unusual menagerie of other feathered, furred & finned creatures great & small.

And now as well-seasoned Mindahome home- & pet-sitters we have a few regular or repeat home-owners on our books. Our longest gig was looking after an Australian Bulldog in Caloundra for 3 months during COVID. Among our most recent sits includes six separate engagements for the same family, with two fluffy terriers & their two cat mates. Another regular on five occasions sitting with Yuki the cat.

We are adventurous soulmates who are keen to experience the full spectrum of house-sitting scenarios from city penthouses in Australia's capitals and suburban homes to isolated hamlets and farm stays in "whoop-whoop" and beyond.

Hoping our profile strikes a chord with some house & pet owners who can sense that we are decent, honest, genuine, responsible and reliable folk, who intend looking after and caring for those things / companions in your lives that you hold closest and treasure.

On on & Cheers, Simone & John

Testimonials include….

Simone & John have looked after our fur baby and our home on numerous occasions, ranging
from long weekends to extended three week stays. Each time, we leave knowing everything is in the best possible hands.
We always return to a very relaxed and happy kitty, a spotless and well-cared-for home, thriving plants, a clean pool, and thoughtful little touches like treats that make coming home even nicer. It’s clear they take genuine pride in the care they provide.

Simone & John are excellent communicators, regularly sending updates and photos that give us total peace of mind while we’re away. They truly look after our home as if it were their own.

They are a wonderful couple and an absolute pleasure to get to know. Finding sitters you can genuinely trust is hard, and Simone & John are exactly that. They are always our first choice When we travel, and we happily recommend them.
Danielle, Jason, kids & Yuki the cat - Fig Tree Pocket.
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We have used John and Simone as our house sitters since 2015. We trust them with our most precious belongings being our animals and our home. They are honest, reliable and have exceptional communication skills. We receive regular updates via message or photos.

Not only do they care for our cats and dogs they ensure the house is pristine for our return. This is due to Simone being a mini cyclone putting her heart and soul into making everything perfect. Not to mention a home cooked meal for the family to enjoy on our return, a special handwritten card and gifts for the children.

We are beyond grateful to have these very special people in our lives. We couldn't recommend them enough.
Tash, Ben, kids & fur-kids, Bear, Chino, Flo & Alfie - Brookwater. Read more...