Note: Apartment is closer to NYC than to northern Westchester County.
I'm looking for a responsible house sitter to stay at my apartment for 1 month and a weeks (An arrival date a day or two in advance, and a departure date a day or two after I arrive is fine. I can be flexible on that front based on the sitter's needs).
The biggest responsibility will be pet care--I have two cats, and a very large dog.
My apartment is in an amazing location. On the southern-most end of Yonkers, on the border of the Riverdale area of the Bronx (see pics for view of the neighborhood from living room window). Behind my apartment are acres of woodlands (Van Cortlandt Park) with old-growth trees and miles of paved and unpaved trails (see pics of trails and woods). The apt. is about 1.5 miles from the last stop on the NY subway 1 line (get to the stop by bus, cab/uber/lyft, or a lovely walk through the park & woods). So Manhattan is very accessible at all hours of the day and night.
The apt is bright and spacious (almost 1000 sq ft), with many large windows and high ceilings. It's a 6th floor apt. with an unobstructed view of the tree-lined horizon. The building has an elevator. One large bedroom with lots of natural light (queen size bed, table for drawing and painting); cozy study (workstation with computer monitor ready for laptop hookup, and lots of books!); medium sized kitchen (gas stove, oven, large fridge, microwave, lots of counter space for food prep); open living room + dining area (futon/Indian style daybed, reading chair, dining table can seat 4-6); small bathroom (washbasin, toilet, bathtub with shower--hot water and good water pressure!). The building's common laundry room is in the basement.
The building and the neighborhood is ethnically diverse, with mostly families with kids. This is the city, not the suburbs--so the street is not super quiet, but not crazy noisy, either. Long stretches of quiet with some periods of noise: school bus/delivery truck noise, sirens now and then, impatient car honking on occasion. Takeout and delivery food available (Chinese, Mexican and other Latin American, Japanese, Indian, Jamaican, fried chicken, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean, American diner & pub). A diner and a really nice burger place is a short walk from the apartment.
About my pets:
Koshka: 4 yr old tiny female tux. Shy, but very sweet and gentle.
Poocha: 2.5 yr old frisky male cat. Rambunctious, bold, and a snuggle-maniac.
Jaambu: 5 yr old male Great Pyrenees. Truly a gentle giant. Loves long walks in the woods and snoozing in the apartment.
Other than pets: basic apt maintenance and collecting mail from the lobby mailbox.
I would ideally like someone who can come in on the 5th so I can show them the lay of the land before heading out for my travels that evening/the next day.
Note: I do not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnic identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Sitting for Rachana was a dream. Jaambu is majestic, peaceful and loves a walk. Koshka and Poocha are interactive and playful. I loved the view from her apartment, and was very happy to be surrounded by art, literature and the odd musical instrument. An amazing bonus was the proximity to the forest that happens to be on Rachana's literal doorstep. It was like stepping into Narnia (or something) each morning. Jaambu and I would spend many days on meditative walks through the woodland and onto ... MORE
Rachana was a lovey first day host who gave a thorough tour of her home and run through of duties. Her communication was quick and clear, which was a great help!
