I'm interested. We would like a house over Christmas near St Albans/ Hemel with a living room and dining room big enough to entertain 8 people (including us) on Christmas day.

However it would only be three of us staying at the house. We live in a tiny terrace house in Hemel and its too small to invite guests even for one day.

Our family consists my husband, myself and our six year old son. We would be happy to look after the animals and house sit. How many days you want house sitters for?

Reallytired, thank you for the interest, but DH not happy with 8 people in the house that he has not met or knows. He feel that is too much of a risk, he is cautious with family of that number as we have cream carpets and cream sofas, silk wallpaper, cream silk covered chairs. It is too much responsibility for you, so it might not be too much fun being on edge all the time!

P.S I'd have to clean the oven too!

alibubbles, I'm not being funny, but given your DHs concerns are you sure that you really want families staying at all?

Mumsnet the wrong audience for your question, methinks.

justaboutlikeshomebrew. part of my house is set up for families as I childmind 6 children, - 4 under 2 and 2 five year olds at the same time.

If it were just a couple and a couple of children that would be fine, I think to be fair, 8 is rather a lot, I am sure reallytired is a fabulous person as I have read a lot of her messages and get a good feeling from them.

I wouldn't let 8 of my own family use my house at the same time! I am sure trusted MN's would be a lot better.

Oh, OK, that makes complete sense! I was just worried that your expectations might be a little unrealistic given that most people posting here have small kids!

In that case, we would definitely be interested (two adults, a baby and a three year old).

What dates are you thinking of?

We would probably want in that case to shut off the part of the house that wasn't childfriendly, or at least not let our kids into the posh rooms I think.

P.S. I would be happy to provide references, given that you have never met us.

Justabout - Ooohh if you do go there for christmas you will be very close - you must come and have supper/lunch with us?

Oh Swedes, how exciting. I will actually get to meet those gorgeous teenagers who look after you so well.

(smiles hopefully and tries to look like a respectable housesitter)

I told my DH and he is quite excited too.

<crosses fingers>

Of course you can come for lunch anyway - assuming you do sometimes pass this way.

Perhaps I should have used a more respectable name.

Er, I do also post as revjustabout? (adjusts clerical collar slightly)

Swedes, it's looking like we may have to make our own arrangements for lunch....

Oh dear, do you think your fondness for natural yoghourt counted against you?

I'll email you.

Do. I've lost your email somewhere on the Internet.

I know a lady who does house sitting, she is retired and normally only looks after homes of friends and aquaintances but may be interested if you would like me to pass on details? can email me libbysmum2003 at yahoo dot co dot uk