Hookswood, Queensland

About this house sitting position in Hookswood

Hi!

We are a fun loving, adventurous couple who like to explore new possibilities. We enjoy a peaceful simple life in nature while working remotely from home. We live in a small cabin on a 2500 acre bush block. We have two lovely cats (yes we're biased but others agree!!) and need someone to look after them and the property while we're overseas.

Dates are somewhat flexible, happy to have a chat about it.

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 accessed via a dirt track, but few other tracks. Access to the property 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 which has all amenities of a good regional town, 2hrs to Dalby which is a larger regional town. It is very peaceful out here with 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 usually in summer). You have to be comfortable with this. That said, it is the Australian bush and 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). We have rainwater (50K) and composting toilets (Humanure style).

A reverse cycle aircon has been installed (but can only be run when sun is shining on solar panels - which is most of the day in the summer). A lovely wood stove in winter makes it super cozy and as warm as you like. There is plenty of firewood chopped and ready to go as well as unlimited ‘collect your own’. A wood fired pizza oven is outside as well should you desire some amazing pizza.

There is LPG hot water, 4 burner stove and oven. We have a full sized fridge and double sink in the kitchen area. There is Starlink internet which is fast and unlimited but the phone reception very patchy (Telstra only); however wifi calling via the internet works at treat (we both rely on this for our work). A generous verandah on the N and W sides provides plenty of outdoor seated options. Our home is basically like a little studio apartment in the middle of the bush. It is a vegetarian kitchen but you can cook meat if you provide your own pots/pans.

Pets: We have two darling 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 and look after the property while we're away.

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 other day, then this isn’t the best gig for you.

Costs:
Your only 2 costs will be:
Fuel to travel into town (up to you how often you go), and
LPG gas cylinders ($40/bottle), each one lasts 2 people about 6 weeks.

Starlink internet (very fast & reliable), water and power are all free. Rainwater needs to be used sparingly and the aircon can only be run during daylight hours.

4WD vehicle can be provided if required, but best to bring your own car.

Ideal fit: Someone who loves cats, being in nature and peace and quite. 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