What made you decide to become a house sitter? James: I first heard about the idea of housesitting whilst working in the travel industry. Part of my job was to liase with travel writers and bloggers and a few that I read had started using this as a way to see the world. Due to work issues, including our need to work as freelancers whilst travelling, Jemma and I had put off any long-term travel plans as we couldn't see a practical of making work 'work' on the road. We also had other needs and wants such as pets of our own and a nice apartment/house to live in which were holding us back from any desire to live it up in a hostel for 12 months. Housesitting seemed to fit our needs perfectly. It provided a practical and sensible setting from which to see the world. More importantly we would still be able to do the normal 'living' -- we would have the company our animals (something we both couldn't live without) and some breathing space to live and work in as well. What sets you apart from other housesitters? Jemma: It's great working as part of a couple, because we both have different personalities and experiences that you just wouldn't get with a solo house sitter. While James is a logical  handyman (he does the pools, mows the lawns, keeps an eye on the pipes when the temperatures drop etc), I'm happier keeping the home and garden clean