2024: 14 Dec - 12 Jan 2025 | 2025: 12 Jan - 2 Feb | 27 Feb - 28 Mar | 31 Mar - 15 May | 15 May - 20 Sep
On a house-sit right now
Have peace of mind - contact us.
65, Self-Employed
73, Retired
Hello from Jill and Allan, Yes , we are still housesitting. We had a change of lifestyle with Allan taking early retirement after 35 years as a manager at the Department of Corrections, and the sale of our select Bed and Breakfast business, The Landing Napier. After leaving Napier and living in Wellington for a year in 2015, we have been travelling, and full-time housesitting - mostly in the North Island, but also Mapua, and Noosa Australia. Covid meant many shorter sits, and lots of disruptions. We are glad to see things have opened up again - we are still doing sits that were originally booked for 2020. We have chosen to house-sit full-time as it gives us a chance to spend time in different areas, and to enjoy meeting many house-owners and their animals. We have a small business: BeDazzling Ltd, that we run from home, and work occasionally at fairs and markets over the summer.
We have owned our own homes, been landlords, and tenants, so we have a good appreciation of the need to care for your property. We have had our own dogs and cats, and assorted pets when our children were young. Between us we have 3 daughters with their own families living in New Zealand, a son in Barcelona, and a son and his family now in Auckland back from living in Hong Kong.
We are responsible, mature, caring people (non-smokers) who will care for your home and pets. We can also run your Air B and B, or Bed and Breakfast accommodation business while you are away.
We are well able to deal with any maintenance and pet health issues in an appropriate manner, as you would wish. We are happy to do the garden too -we even enjoy mowing the lawn. We have done sits in town, in the city, and also lifestyle block and rural -including off-the-grid, so are comfortable with different styles of homes and location.
You will be able to enjoy your time away worry-free, and will find things as you left them on your return. We are happy to send you photos or updates so you can be assured your pets are settled, and home secure.
Reviews for The Landing, Napier are still available on TripAdvisor, and these unsolicited reviews mention our attention to cleanliness and our care for our surroundings. Our house-sitting reviews mention our care for homes, and pets that we have enjoyed spending time with. We get many repeat bookings, and private bookings through referrals. Our 2021 and 2022 sits were all for our regulars -with our favourite furry friends -and owners are happy to give up-to-date references on request. We would welcome the opportunity to care for your home and pets, and look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact us, and ask any questions you may have.
Thank you.
Reviews (26)
From the moment we met Jill & Allan, we knew we had a good fit. More to the point, our dog felt the same way. This pair are absolute pros, from first communication to our return, they have made their expectations and approach clear, and have lived up to their word. We came home* to a house exactly as we left it, to a warm welcome, to milk in the fridge and freshly-baked cookies, and to a very happy, healthy dog. (*Thank you, Allan for providing chauffeur service to and from the airport!) ... MOREFrom the moment we met Jill & Allan, we knew we had a good fit. More to the point, our dog felt the same way. This pair are absolute pros, from first communication to our return, they have made their expectations and approach clear, and have lived up to their word. We came home* to a house exactly as we left it, to a warm welcome, to milk in the fridge and freshly-baked cookies, and to a very happy, healthy dog. (*Thank you, Allan for providing chauffeur service to and from the airport!) We have already asked Jill and Allan to return later this year. We are so happy and relieved to have found pleasant, trustworthy people on whom we can rely. They feel more like family than 'merely' house-sitters. Our heartfelt thanks, Jill and Allan.
MARGUERITE (Ahuriri North Island, Mar 2024 - 1 month 1 week)
Jill and Allan were absolutely fabulous. Their care of our dog was impeccable, they took care of our house as if it was their own, and their communication could not be faulted .
We would have them to look after our dog and house again in a heart beat. We recommend them whole heartedly.
Jill and Allan are very caring, trustworthy and conscientious house sitters.
ESME (Tomoana North Island, Dec 2023 - 2 months)
Perfect sitters in every way. The house was spotless when I got home. My old cat Rosa has a couple of health issues and Jill and Allan took the best care of her. Rosa fell ill during their sit and they didn't hesitate in getting her straight to my vet which was exactly the right thing to do. I was very glad they were there and that Rosa was treated so promptly and successfully. I hope to have Jill and Allan sit again next time I go away and highly recommend them.
JENNY (Awapuni North Island, Dec 2022 - 2 weeks 1 day)
We couldn't have wished for better house sitters than Jill and Allan. We arrived home after six weeks to a spotless house, jars of marmalade on the bench, tidy grounds and most importantly a very happy contented cat. This was our first experience with house sitters and it was everything we hoped for. Thank you Jill and Allan and Kiwihousesitters.
ERIN (Bulls North Island, Jun 2021 - 6 weeks)
Jill and Allan were outstanding sitters and it was a pleasure to have them stay. They called on us before sitting and we felt very comfortable - friendly, outgoing and very well organised. So nice to come home to a clean tidy house and well looked after garden. Hollie, our FoxieX was so well looked after and very happy. We have asked Jill and Allan to sit for us again in August. Highly recommended.
Robyn and Brian Phillips
ROBYN (Greytown North Island, May 2021 - 23 days)
We had Jill and Allan look after our place while we toured the South Island for two months .Having used Kiwi House Sitters several times this was the best we have had ,,we come home to a lovely clean house ,lawns cut and some great home made biscuits .We would recommend this couple as when you leave to go on your holiday they give you confidence that your property is in good hands .We will be using them again if possible
LYN (Feilding , Mar 2021 - 2 months)
Jill and Allan were the perfect housesitters. The house and garden were well looked after, and my dog had fallen in love with them both.
Jill was there on my return and did her handover.
More than happy to recommend these friendly and very professional housesitters.
DI (Carterton North Island, Oct 2020 - 19 nights)
Jill and Allan took the utmost care of our home, garden and, most importantly, our pets.
They provided thorough feedback on our return home and we much look forward to them returning in March for a further 2 ½ months, knowing that everything will be looked after as if their own.
Thank you both.
JACQUIE (Hospital Hill North Island, Apr 2020 - 2 weeks)
What a pleasure it was to meet Jill and Allan. It was absolutely wonderful to head overseas knowing that they had everything covered during our 3 month trip. They looked after our 2.4 Ha property, our sheep, chickens and our very old cat. We also have an accommodation business and they kept us informed about our 2 lots of long-term tenants and helped with our Glamorus Camping site, which we kept open. Jill and we came to an arrangement about paying her to do the accommodation washing, oversight ... MOREWhat a pleasure it was to meet Jill and Allan. It was absolutely wonderful to head overseas knowing that they had everything covered during our 3 month trip. They looked after our 2.4 Ha property, our sheep, chickens and our very old cat. We also have an accommodation business and they kept us informed about our 2 lots of long-term tenants and helped with our Glamorus Camping site, which we kept open. Jill and we came to an arrangement about paying her to do the accommodation washing, oversight and some cleaning. I honestly believe that we couldn't have gone if we didn't have Jill and Allan there looking after things for us. They had their share of challenges and dealt with them brilliantly, keeping us well informed. We'd love to have them back and thoroughly recommend them. Thanks.
ROGER AND ADELE (Mapua South Island, Sep 2019 - 3 months)
We met Jill and Allan twice before housitting for us.
They were excellent with the pets and we have two cats and two chihuahuas who are very particular with whom they like.
The animals were very well looked after and so is the house. We even had baking and home made jam when we returned from over seas. Easy and good communication. Got pics of animals during our holiday.
Very recommended. Will have them again if possible.
LIMOR AND KERRY (Marewa North Island, Apr 2019 - 1 month 1 week)
Allan and Jill looked after our home and two fur babies for a month whilst we were abroad. Our Labrador has medical issues and requires special care. They took the dogs for regular walks and Jill kept us well informed which gave us peace of mind. Our dogs were very well looked after and our home was in immaculate condition on return. It is without any hesitation that we recommend Allan and Jill and we would love to have them back to look after our home and dogs in the future. Thank you Allan ... MOREAllan and Jill looked after our home and two fur babies for a month whilst we were abroad. Our Labrador has medical issues and requires special care. They took the dogs for regular walks and Jill kept us well informed which gave us peace of mind. Our dogs were very well looked after and our home was in immaculate condition on return. It is without any hesitation that we recommend Allan and Jill and we would love to have them back to look after our home and dogs in the future. Thank you Allan and Jill!!
WANJE (Napier , Apr 2019)
Excellent professional couple. We are so lucky to have such organised experienced housesitters like these two. They know thier stuff about housesitting/pet sitting and all things to do with such. We 100% reccommend them for any situation, and they are very friendly. I cant say enough good things. We are very grateful for the help they gave us.
DONNA (Napier North Island, Dec 2018 - 4 days)
In this situation, it gives me great pleasure to submit this recommendation for Jill and Allan whom I had looking after my rural property, stock and my dog. All too often its not the positives that get mentioned but little niggles that really dont warrent bringing up.
Jill and Allan stayed on the property for a month and during this time yes there were a couple of hick-ups with stock etc, but this couple addressed the problem professionally and without worry to myself whilst oversea's. On ... MOREIn this situation, it gives me great pleasure to submit this recommendation for Jill and Allan whom I had looking after my rural property, stock and my dog. All too often its not the positives that get mentioned but little niggles that really dont warrent bringing up.
Jill and Allan stayed on the property for a month and during this time yes there were a couple of hick-ups with stock etc, but this couple addressed the problem professionally and without worry to myself whilst oversea's. On return I found my home immaculate, clean and it was very obvious this couple take pride in treating their home stays as if it was there own home. As already mentioned, I have no hesitation in recommending them to anybody who plans time away - Awssome couple, fantastic job, I plan to have them back!.
Grant McFarlane - Tauranga
GRANT (Ohauiti North Island, Sep 2018 - 3 weeks)
We couldn't recommend Jill and Allan more! They looked after our house remarkably well. We arrived home to an immaculate house, very happy pets (all 5 cats, 2 dogs, miniature ponies and sheep) and everything as it should be! We would not hesitate to ask them to sit for us again! Thank you!
TESSA (Napier , May 2018)
Thank you Jill and Allan for the excellent care you gave our cat Honey. Also our home and gardens were immaculate on our return and in a better state than when we left - very much appreciated. We are looking forward to you caring for our place again in March and know you are absolutely the best house sitters ever. We highly recommend Jill and Allan's house sitting skills.and are happy to discuss our experience with their potential sits.
LYN WILSON (Clive Hawkes Bay , Mar 2018)
Hi Jill and Allan
Thank you so much for taking great care of our home and our beloved pets. No matter what we asked you both were more than happy to do ! Thank you. (for instance starting a day earlier than agreed). We would love you both back next summer to look after our pets and home again - we will be in touch once we have booked to ensure we get you both again.
Take care and have a fun time traveling. Regards, The Hogg family
ANN (Napier North Island, Jan 2018 - 1 week)
Jill and Allan were professional and caring throughout the six week house sit they did for us.They cared for our two dogs,one a very energetic Dalmatian,the other a highly strung toy dog,not an easy task,but somehow Jill and Allan made it look easy!House and garden were perfect on our return,Allan even dropped us off and picked us up from the airport.Jill left us some lovely home baking for our return,Wouldn't hesitate to recomend them for a house sit,amazing team
SUSAN (Napier North Island, Nov 2017 - 1 month 2 weeks)
Jill and Allan did a really great job of looking after our home and our animals. This was our first experience with House Sitters and it was a resounding success.
Our Dog Reg was relaxed and happy and both Jill and Allan bonded with him from the first meeting. They did everything they said they would and more. we met them just before the house sit, all communication was timely, friendly and professional.
When we arrived home, the place was immaculate, the lawns mowed, the house clean ... MOREJill and Allan did a really great job of looking after our home and our animals. This was our first experience with House Sitters and it was a resounding success.
Our Dog Reg was relaxed and happy and both Jill and Allan bonded with him from the first meeting. They did everything they said they would and more. we met them just before the house sit, all communication was timely, friendly and professional.
When we arrived home, the place was immaculate, the lawns mowed, the house clean and tidy.
Highly recommend Jill and Allan...thank you for doing a great job.
Would definitely request them again.
LESLEY (Hawkes Bay North Island, Nov 2017 - 2 weeks 1 day)
Jill and Allan are careful, conscientious and kind housesitters. We want them to housesit for us again! They looked after our home, large garden, dogs, cat and chickens for five weeks. We got home to happy animals and a clean and tidy house. (Also some yummy home baking!)
They came to visit before we left so we could show them around too - and we really appreciated that extra time.
We recommend them highly. You can relax on your holiday when Jill and Allan are "holding the fort"!
KATE (Woodside North Island, Sep 2017 - 4 weeks)
Honestly?..Jill and Allan are one of the best housesitters we have had! After being away 2 months we came back to a very clean house,freshly made beds and our cat Batman whom they looked after so well,even took him to the vet after he'd had a rumble with another cat.Batman slept on their bed which was so good of them. And a clean oven! Thanx Jill! And mowing an acre of lawn! Thanx Allan! We can highly recommend Jill and Allan..if you're lucky enough to get them that is! Thanx for giving us such ... MOREHonestly?..Jill and Allan are one of the best housesitters we have had! After being away 2 months we came back to a very clean house,freshly made beds and our cat Batman whom they looked after so well,even took him to the vet after he'd had a rumble with another cat.Batman slept on their bed which was so good of them. And a clean oven! Thanx Jill! And mowing an acre of lawn! Thanx Allan! We can highly recommend Jill and Allan..if you're lucky enough to get them that is! Thanx for giving us such peace of mind while away.
GARY (Karaka North Island, Jun 2017 - 2 months)
It is the first time I have used Kiwi House Sitters and I have nothing but praise for Jill and Allan. They took care of the house and the dog, and it was great to have the security of people being in the house. Thank you Jill and Allan
INGLEBY COXE (Waiotira North Island, Apr 2017 - 5 weeks)
Jill and Allan looked after my cat (and house) for 3 weeks in April 2017 while I was on holiday. They were fantastic, - I arrived home to a very happy cat and lovely clean home. Cat minding included cleaning out a litter tray and they were completely fine with that.
JANET (Karori North Island, Apr 2017 - 2 weeks 4 days)
I couldn't be happier with the care Jill and Allan took of my home and precious dogs for the last nearly 2 weeks. I felt confident as soon as I met them a few weeks prior to my trip. Besides being friendly and relaxed they were also professional and well organised in their approach.
They managed my 'off grid' rural property without any problems. I was particularly grateful for their care of one my 2 dogs who needed extra attention for a back and knee injury we hadn't expected when they ... MOREI couldn't be happier with the care Jill and Allan took of my home and precious dogs for the last nearly 2 weeks. I felt confident as soon as I met them a few weeks prior to my trip. Besides being friendly and relaxed they were also professional and well organised in their approach.
They managed my 'off grid' rural property without any problems. I was particularly grateful for their care of one my 2 dogs who needed extra attention for a back and knee injury we hadn't expected when they booked the sit. It was nice too to find the house spice and span on my return.
The dogs looked quite forlorn as Jill and Allan drove away! (that says it all for me!)
JUDITH STEHR (Norfolk Road North Island, Mar 2017 - 1 week 4 days)
Jill and Allan are very friendly and trustworthy. It was reassuring to know that my house and pets were being well cared for while I was away. Jill and Allan were also able to extend their care of my house and pets as I needed to be away for longer then first intended. It was so reassuring to know that whilst I was on the other side of the world I didn't have to worry about things back home. I would thoroughly recommend Jill and Allan.
DEBBIE (Woodridge, North Island, Mar 2017 - 2 weeks 6 days)
I can thoroughly recommend Jill and Allan as house and pet sitters. My dog and cat were very well looked after (which included various medications for my elderly dog, and extra TLC), and the house was so clean and tidy on my return. It was great knowing everything was in such capable hands. I would be delighted to have Jill and Allan return, and in fact have already booked them in for my next trip! Thanks so much!
PENELOPE (Johnsonville , Feb 2017)
Jill and Alan were fantastic house-sitters. The cat was calm and relaxed when I arrived back, the house was so clean and felt like it had really been taken care of. We also communicated well while I was away. So I highly recommend these two great house-sitters. And a big thanks to them!
MARY-JANE (Newlands North Island, Nov 2016 - 1 week 5 days)
Safe house!
There is nothing more secure than having people at home while you're away. Get a house sitter.
Couple
From the moment we met Jill & Allan, we knew we had a good fit. More to the point, our dog felt the same way. This pair are absolute pros, from first communication to our return, they have made their expectations and approach clear, and have lived up to their word. We came home* to a house exactly as we left it, to a warm welcome, to milk in the fridge and freshly-baked cookies, and to a very happy, healthy dog. (*Thank you, Allan for providing chauffeur service to and from the airport!) ... MORE
Jill and Allan were the perfect housesitters. The house and garden were well looked after, and my dog had fallen in love with them both.
Jill was there on my return and did her handover.
More than happy to recommend these friendly and very professional housesitters.
We couldn't recommend Jill and Allan more! They looked after our house remarkably well. We arrived home to an immaculate house, very happy pets (all 5 cats, 2 dogs, miniature ponies and sheep) and everything as it should be! We would not hesitate to ask them to sit for us again! Thank you!
