We’re a South African family, planning to travel the world with our Special needs daughter, Anika and son Reuben. We are self employed and run an educational training business in South Africa as well as an import and distribution company. We can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
We’ve travelled extensively and now want to show the kids the world and also show other special needs families that you don’t have to be geographically bound because your child has special needs. Anika is a wheelchair user but she also is very mobile without the wheelchair indoors.
Why we want to house sit
We’d love to maintain a homely environment for our kids whilst we’re travelling which makes housesitting the perfect solution for us. We also want to give the kids an authentic experience of the countries we visit and a housesit will do this much better than some holiday rental or chaingroup hotel room.
Our experience
We’ve completed 18 house sits in France, Belgium, Mauritius, Luxembourg,Ireland and all over the USA where we looked after dogs, cats, chickens, fish, pools and gardens. We have positive reviews for all completed house sits (Nomador & Trusted Housesitters).
Both Mattheus and Annél grew up in the countryside and are used to looking after a variety of animals. We are also keen gardeners and can look after your plants, lawn, swimming pool, etc.
I had the pleasure of having Matt, Anel and their children Anika and Reuben take care of our family home and dog.
They are truly wonderful people, caring and respectful. I can recommend them to anyone considering a house sitter.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556483915420{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
21 days – 1 dog – fish pond – garden – 2 cars
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1564251343693{border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1711″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Le Bugue, Dordogne, France – Saralynn” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Matt and Annèl were brilliant house-sitters. This was the first time we have had a family to sit and it seems to have worked really well for both sides. The house was very clean and tidy when we returned, and Ziggs had made friends with both Anika and Reuben…. a mark of high distinction!
The Strydoms are a lovely family and we give them 5 stars all round!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556483940328{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
16 days – 1 cat – large garden – vegetable garden – pool
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1714″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Pezou, Loire Valley, France – Benjamin” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Home Sitter au top, donne régulièrement des nouvelles, se sont bien occupés de nos animaux. Famille agréable et gentille, que dire de plus à part qu’ils sont PARFAITS. Je recommande fortement.
Home Sitter at the top, gives regular news, took good care of our animals. Family nice and kind, what more to say except they are PERFECT. I highly recommend.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484009146{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
16 days – 1 cat – 2 chickens – garden
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Nomador website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1715″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Chaingy, Loire Valley, France – Martine” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Matt et Annel sont des personnes très ouvertes avec qui il est très facile d’échanger. J’ai apprécié le fait qu’ils nous cuisinent des gâteaux typiques de leur famille. C’était vraiment une attention très gentille. C’est une famille agréable, de bon contact.
Matt and Annel are very open people with whom it is very easy to exchange. I appreciated the fact that they cook us typical cakes of their family. It was really a very kind attention. It’s a nice family, good contact.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484025793{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
12 days – 1 cat – vegetable garden – garden
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Nomador website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1717″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Thimory, Loire Valley, France – Marine” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Une famille au top !
Bonne communication, une grande confiance. Largo a été chouchouté, promené et caliné. Une maison retrouvé nickel. C’est avec grand plaisir que j’accueillerai à nouveau cette famille. Merci beaucoup pour tout et bonne continuation dans ce voyage !
A family at the top! Good communication, great confidence. Largo was pampered, walked and cuddled. A house found nickel.
It is with great pleasure that I will welcome this family again. Thank you very much for everything and good luck on this trip!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484041586{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
21 days – 1 dog – vegetable garden – garden
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Nomador website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1713″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Tamarin, Mauritius – Nyree” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Matt has done a great job with the garden!
Thank you for weatherproofing the house for the cyclone.
You have an open invite to come back anytime!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556483974189{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
35 days – 2 cats – 2 dogs – 1 snail – large garden – pool – 1 car – 2 golf carts
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Whatsapp
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1564251429411{border-radius: 2px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1720″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Belveze Du Razes, Aude, France – Robert” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]I am afraid that my poor English does not allow me to express how much we appreciated Matt and his little family … On the technical side, they have been totally perfect, whether for the care of animals or the care of our house. However, they had to face difficulties : our old cat Toto of 17 years old died and they accampagnied with a lot of love. But the most important is the human aspect. It is an open family, cheerful and courageous. And this is for us a great source of frustration because unfortunately we do not had enough time to fully appreciate this meeting; it’s a bit like friends that we did not have time to know! Our brave dog Didi, usually shy and a little wild, immediately adopted the family. It meens a lot. In any case, they were very popular in our village. I do not know what else to say.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484074453{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]65 days – 1 dog – 1 cat – garden – pool – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1749″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Bridel, Luxembourg – Julie” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Thank you for looking after our house and pets. We feel like we made friends for life!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484087661{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Review received via Whatsapp
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1748″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dunlavin, County Wicklow, Ireland – Prema” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Would highly recommend Matt and family for any house and pet sit…these guys are a breath of fresh air. Self-sufficient, lovely, great communication, kept us updated the whole month and we came back to extremely happy dogs and cat (who all sulked after they left), a very tidy house with all bed linen washed, a cleaned and washed car (thank you!), and a lawn that looked bettter than it had done in quite a while! Really happy with the sit and would have them back in a heart beat. Thanks guys, couldn’t be happier.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]31 days – 2 dog – 1 cat – garden – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1834″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Nashua, New Hampshire, United States – Hede” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Thank you Annel, Matt, Annika and Reuben for taking wonderful care of Ender and the house, the garden, the plants and the car! Everything was orderly and super clean when we came back, Matt even raked leaves for us! Towels and linens were washed and the beds were freshly made, we could move right back in! Communication with the Strydom family was a pleasure. Questions, answers and photos flowed easily and kept us up to date. We are looking forward to grilling the South African sausage you made while here and will raise a glass of Red ( thanks for leaving us the welcome home bottle!) to you when we eat it. How sweet of you! Safe travels and many more adventures to you 4! Hede and Jens
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]36 days – 1 cat – garden – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1837″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Exeter, Rhode Island, United States – Pat” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We had the pleasure of having Matt, Annel, Annika and Reuben stay at our home with our dog, Lucy and cat, Sadie. I can honestly say they are one of the loveliest families I’ve ever met. We were glad to host them an additional day, so got to know them a bit more than we might have otherwise. In addition to the great care they provided to our home and pets, I found them to be kind, thoughtful, truly interesting and inspiring people…exploring the world with their sweet children, and teaching them by example to be curious and capable. We would have them stay at our home again in a heartbeat. Our pets went into a bit of mourning when they drove away, and I get it! I truly wish them all the best, and am happy to recommend them highly for any house sit or other venture they commit to. Five stars!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]4 days – 1 dog – 1 cat
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1839″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States – Karen” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Matt, Annel and the children were stellar house sitters! My shy cat warmed up to all of them right away, and they were wonderful managing the many accidents that my cat with irritable bowel disease had from both ends. The house was immaculate when I got home, and they left a casserole, fruit, and salad fixings in the refrigerator for me. Additionally, my motorized recliner stopped working, and Matt figured out the part that was needed, ordered it ,reinstalled it and would not accept reimbursement for it! (FYI Lazy Boy uses plastic parts for some of its mechanisms!) Their nearly 5 year old son, Reuben enjoyed using my lightweight reel mower and apparently mowed my small yard a few times while I was away. Both Reuben and Anika (9) are well behaved , articulate and outgoing. They have their own air mattress to make it easier for them to adapt and to sleep wherever there’s room. They are warm ,friendly and gentle people, and would easily fit in anywhere. I highly recommend them to care for you home and critters. They are welcome back anytime, even if I’m not going away!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]4 days – 1 dog – 1 cat
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1937″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Royal Oak, Michigan, United States – Jenny” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We secured Matt, Annel & Co. (Anika & Reuben) for our 4 ½ week house sit several months prior to our trip and were so happy that we had done so.From the onset, communication with Matt & Annel was prompt & pleasant and warm & comfortable.Due to last minute details, I was frazzled and ill prepared upon their arrival. Thankfully, they were unfazed; their easy going manner put me completely at ease and allowed for a successful transition.While away, Annel was wonderful with texts, photos and updates and quick to ask questions if she were unsure about any details regarding the house or our dog, Alice, allowing us to travel worry & anxiety free!We arrived home to a happy and well cared-for dog and an INCREDIBLY clean home and car!When it was time for them to depart, we felt as if we were saying goodbye to dear friends.As I write this review, a day after our return, my husband and I are still feeling so very grateful for this experience……the Strydoms are a loving family who took loving care of our home and Alice!!!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]32 days – 1 dog – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1939″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Milton, Georgia, United States – Alasdair and Christine” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Matt, Annel and the kids were an amazing family and took great care of our house and our animals. First we can back to a spotless house, everything was tidy and clean, all the sheets/linens washed and put away. Secondly, they did an incredible job with the 2 Horses, 2 Donkeys, 2 Dogs and 5 Cats. The barn was neat and tidy and all the animals were fed correctly and well cared for. They had great communication with us, were very resourceful and attentive. We would highly recommend them to any family with any type of pets. They seem to really learn fast and we welcome them back anytime they want!
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]7 days – 2 dog – 5 cats – 2 horses – 2 donkeys – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1941″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Austin, Texas, United States – Eileen” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]The nicest, cutest family ever. Took great care of our cat, a dog needing meds, as well as 20 chickens and 12 guinea fowl. They did a fabulous job! House was a sparkling clean. Just great people.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]9 days – 1 dog – 1 cat – 20 chickens – 12 guinea fowl – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1943″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dallas, Texas, United States – Andi” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We had the pleasure to host Matt, Annel, and kids for two weeks. They took great care of our house and pets while we were away, sending us just the right amount of updates to let us know all was going smoothly. They were excellent with communication and competent – giving us total peace of mind on our vacation. They left our house cleaner than they found it. We recommend Matt and family for all types of housesits and would love to welcome them back in the future.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]16 days – 4 dogs – 1 large aquarium
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1945″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Fort Worth, Texas, United States – Marilee & Lindy” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We are so happy to have had Matt, Annel, Anika and Reuben stay with our pets while we were out of the country. They took really great care of the animals and the house. I think the dogs and cat are still looking from room to room to find the kids and miss their presence terribly. The house was spotless and ready for us to rest when we returned. We were able to receive texts with photos each day letting us know how things were going and what our pets were up to. These communications are what allow us to really enjoy being away from home. We absolutely loved getting to know the whole family, the children are really special. This was our first time having more than a single or couple sit for us and we are so glad we chose this wonderfully uncommon family. We hope our paths cross again someday. We highly recommend Matt and family.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]9 days – 2 dogs – 1 cat – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1946″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Austin, Texas, United States – Eileen” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233daab8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]This is the second sit this lovely family has done for us. They took great care of our dog, cat and a large poultry flock. House is cleaner than when we left. Responsible, dependable and considerate; also great communicators.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1556484101254{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]9 days – 1 dog – 1 cat – 20 chickens – 12 guinea fowl – 1 car
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Review received via Trusted Housesitters website
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_progress_bar values=”%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22House%20Sitting%20Days%20Completed%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22238%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%5D” units=”days”][/vc_column][/vc_row]