HOUSESITTING - we are looking for someone to come and housesit for us for 3 weeks over Christmas and New Year. You must be happy to live with dogs, take care of other animals and be happy around horses. Please contact me for more details
You must be animal friendly and happy to spend time outside even when the light fades!
I live close to Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands with my husband Mungo, three children and fox red Labrador Sachin . We love being outside and doing fun things locally with the family.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
House & pet sitting
Interests
Pets
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Animals
Adventure sports
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live 5 minutes from Inverness and 5 minutes from Loch Ness, very close to the Caledonian Canal. There is lots of wonderful walks on our doorstep as well as a bus stop at the end of our road.
Au Pair Help
This host has let us know they’ll be complying with UK regulations for au pair stays.
Please ensure you have the correct visas or right to work permissions before applying.
We absolutely loved hosting John. I have never hosted someone who was so keen to be given more projects to complete during his time here! He helped us so much with practical things around the house and the garden, he looked after the animals brilliantly and was caring and fun with the children. We really hope to host him again in the future. x
After a month here, if I had to leave feedback in only 3 words, they would be: apply, apply, apply! Then cross your fingers and hope you’re selected. Flora and Mungo were extraordinary hosts and truly made me feel right at home from the moment I arrived. Their children warmly welcomed my presence, and I instantly bonded with all of their lovely… read more animals. The kids are all so unique and fun spirited in their own ways. It was a pleasure nannying them while Flora and Mungo traveled, collecting them from school in a vehicle or on foot, taking them for horse riding lessons, putting on drama theater plays in the house, playing outside, or baking together. Other items on the to-do list included gardening, dog walking, cutting/splitting wood, doing laundry and the occasional farm chore. There is an endless list of things needing to be done though so being flexible and taking initiative both make a big difference here. Experience with both kids and animals also goes a long way here. Overall, I truly can’t recommend this workstay enough and am already in contact with them about dates to do it again next year. Thank you Laing family for all the laughs, smiles, dinner parties, productive work opportunities, and legendary hospitality. It’s never goodbye, only see you later.
I had the most wonderful time with Flora and Mungo! They truly welcomed me into their family and I got the chance to experience a lifestyle that I never had before. Flora communicated the tasks to me each day and I was able to listen to my podcasts or music whilst working in the garden. I had a wonderful time with the kids, reading them plenty of… read more different stories and putting my chef hat on to help them make different things. The two doggies were also wonderful company and liked to accompany me on my tasks around the garden; feeding the chooks, compost and weeding. This being my first workaway experience, I was nervous however I was immediately put at ease by the family's easy going nature and kindness. I felt very included in day to day activities and thoroughly enjoyed my time with everyone.Thank you all so much, I had the most amazing time that I won't ever forget.
(Excellent
)
28 Feb 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Zora)
Zora came to house-sit for us, we had a lovely experience hosting her. She looked after our animals beautifully and we came home to a warm and tidy house. We're in discussion with her to come back again.
We absolutely loved hosting John. I have never hosted someone who was so keen to be given more projects to complete during his time here! He helped us so much with practical things around the house and the garden, he looked after the animals brilliantly and was caring and fun with the children. We really hope to host him again in the future. x
After a month here, if I had to leave feedback in only 3 words, they would be: apply, apply, apply! Then cross your fingers and hope you’re selected. Flora and Mungo were extraordinary hosts and truly made me feel right at home from the moment I arrived. Their children warmly welcomed my presence, and I instantly bonded with all of their lovely… read more animals. The kids are all so unique and fun spirited in their own ways. It was a pleasure nannying them while Flora and Mungo traveled, collecting them from school in a vehicle or on foot, taking them for horse riding lessons, putting on drama theater plays in the house, playing outside, or baking together. Other items on the to-do list included gardening, dog walking, cutting/splitting wood, doing laundry and the occasional farm chore. There is an endless list of things needing to be done though so being flexible and taking initiative both make a big difference here. Experience with both kids and animals also goes a long way here. Overall, I truly can’t recommend this workstay enough and am already in contact with them about dates to do it again next year. Thank you Laing family for all the laughs, smiles, dinner parties, productive work opportunities, and legendary hospitality. It’s never goodbye, only see you later.
I had the most wonderful time with Flora and Mungo! They truly welcomed me into their family and I got the chance to experience a lifestyle that I never had before. Flora communicated the tasks to me each day and I was able to listen to my podcasts or music whilst working in the garden. I had a wonderful time with the kids, reading them plenty of… read more different stories and putting my chef hat on to help them make different things. The two doggies were also wonderful company and liked to accompany me on my tasks around the garden; feeding the chooks, compost and weeding. This being my first workaway experience, I was nervous however I was immediately put at ease by the family's easy going nature and kindness. I felt very included in day to day activities and thoroughly enjoyed my time with everyone.Thank you all so much, I had the most amazing time that I won't ever forget.
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Zora)
Zora came to house-sit for us, we had a lovely experience hosting her. She looked after our animals beautifully and we came home to a warm and tidy house. We're in discussion with her to come back again.
(Excellent)
5 Sep 2025
Left by Workawayer (Paige) for host
My time spent with Flora and Mungo was so fulfilling. Their beautiful family, doggies and chickens kept me busy. My days in the highlands consisted with helping with the kids, tending to the garden and time for myself exploring the local nature, swimming in the nearby Lochs and eating lots of yummy food. Thanks for having me, I hope to return soon
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
26 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mathilde) for host
If you want to find a very warm and welcoming family for your au pair stay, this is the one! I had such a lovely time with Flora, Mungo and their three fantastic children during my one month stay. It was my first workaway experience and they welcomed me with open arms. They brought me along with them to different activities during weekends and… read more were always so nice to me, it really felt like a second family ! The chores around the garden were very light (picking berries, weeding, feeding the chickens and watering the plants, etc.) and the work with the children really didn’t feel like work at all to me ! They also have two really amazing dogs that really make this whole (already beautiful) experience even better for an animal lover. To add to all of this, Flora’s cooking is delicious (I’ll never forget the fish pie, the brownies and the banana bread :) )
Thank you again for such a wonderful time <3
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
6 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Eléna) for host
I don’t know why it took me so long to write a review, but better late than never !
I spent a month in Inverness with Flora and Mungo’s family in the autumn of 2024 and I can say that it has been my favorite volunteering position so far. The whole family is amazing, they made me feel welcomed and at home from the moment I arrived.
Flora and… read more Mungo were the perfect hosts, they did their best to help me feel comfortable at all times. They made me discover the Scottish culture and traditions as well as the Highlands, we had nice conversations and even lunches or dinners with their family and friends. I really felt like I was part of the family ! The children (were adorable, full of energy and curiosity. My stay was punctuated by laughter and fun games thanks to them. Between baking sessions, walks with the dogs, bed stories at night or movie afternoons when the weather was moody, I never got bored.
I also had quite a good deal of freedom, being able to discover the beautiful surroundings. The Highlands were beautiful during fall and I went on a few day trips, whether visiting old castles, swimming in Loch Ness or discovering the Isle of Skye.
I couldn’t have wished or dreamed of a better opportunity and I’ll definitely be back at some point ! I miss them dearly, but I keep in mind the wonderful memories I’ve made and all the pictures I took ;) Thank you all so much !
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
16 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Julcsi179) for host
I spent a month with Flora, Mungo and their three lovely children in the autumn of 2024. They are the most welcoming and kind people, who made me feel like I was a part of their family from the very first evening I spent with them. The three kids are such a joy to spend time with, their curiosity about the world and joy that they are radiating day… read more by day, along with their overall kindness make them such treasures, I loved being with them. The tasks around the house were also enjoyable, and Flora's cooking is just incredible! Getting to know this family and being in their company was amazing, while travelling around the Highlands was nothing less than perfect. I'm thankful for having the chance of being with them for a month, and miss them all dearly. Can't wait to meet them again. I definitely recommend them as hosts!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
We hosted Sebastian and Daniel over Christmas and we had a brilliant experience with them. Both are interesting to talk to, fun and lighthearted and super helpful. They were both caring to our pets, and our children loved spending time with them - we would certainly host them again and would recommend them to other hosts.
We stayed at Flora and Mungo's place this past holiday season and looked after their home while they were traveling. We had an amazing time and found the work both active and rewarding. We cared for their two incredible dogs, whom we absolutely adored and will miss dearly, as well as their ponies and chickens. The house is nestled in the beautiful… read more Highlands, and we got to explore much of the stunning scenery during our daily walks with the dogs. Flora and Mungo were incredibly accommodating and made us feel so welcome in their home. A perfect 10/10 stay— we’d happily do it again!
(Excellent)
9 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Zuzana) for host
I spent the summer of 2024 with Flora, Mungo, and their lovely three kids. I had a great time with them. They are all very friendly, welcoming, and easy-going. They always made sure I was well-fed :-D and comfortable.
The kids are really friendly as well and quickly got used to having me around. (I miss their cuddles.)
Some days were more hectic… read more than others, but that's just how life is, and I also had plenty of free time.
I couldn't wish for a better family! Thank you for everything you did for me!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bruna) for host
I couldn't have wished for a better welcome than being with such a welcoming family! A month in Inverness was really short time but full of adventures in the Highlands, lots of laughter and socialising! Enough to warm my heart with good memories and make me want to come back soon!
The children are very curious and adorable, it was a pleasure to… read more be able to help look after them and have fun together! Flora and Mungo made me feel at home, extremely comfortable and willing to offer me the conditions to explore this beautiful part of Scotland! Such a good exchange!
The culture is amazing and the rest of the family ( Specially Alasdair) and friends are funny, friendly and kind!
The work in the house was not difficult, Flora is super organized and it was great to be able to appreciate the small details of each task, gardening, spending time with the dogs and chilling around the house. The schedule was flexible and I was able to take time for myself and enjoy the stunning surroundings!
I already miss our talks at the dinner time, Flora's divine salads and fish pie! Having a chef host cooking for you is quite an experience! I could spend hours just thanking you for this incredible experience and for all the love I received!
Thank you all so much and I'm really looking forward to coming back soon!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
28 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nicky) for host
I was contacted by the host to help at their hotel on Skye. Loved the opportunity to change my plans and go north to the unknown highlands. I worked in the small restaurant (8/10 covers) and bar and even cooked one evening, for the guests. Housekeeping was daily inc. sorting the laundry. Bar stock take and making fires was part of the tasks too.… read more Overall the work experience was very easy but I was happy to get out, to have my 2 free days a week to explore the beautiful island, even if the weather was often against me and my camera. I had the lovely company of another workaway, and we spent the majority of our free days together. The Hotel was off the bus route, and its very isolated, especially as it was October, so a car is needed to explore, which luckily I had, though walking up the small road in front, took me to several interesting locations. Guests were lovely and they gave me a good insight to Scottish life, their kindness and hospitality. The small hotel, which should be easy to manage, needs serious management put in place and good working ethics in the absence of the owners (2 employees were exceptionally kind and easy to work with). Local castle and its grounds are a must to see. Depending the time of the year you go to work, will give you a different experience, so be aware of this. Travelled : October 2021. Thank you for this opportunity.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Good)
28 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah & Gabe)
Sarah and Gabe were brilliant!
They came to help us out at our hotel - they were fantastic with the guests, made them feel at home. And no job was too much for them.
They also helped us out at our house with some building work.
They were always fun to be around.
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Emma & Colin) for host
Our experience with Mungo and Flora was one we absolutely won't forget!
As soon as we arrived we felt welcomed into the family. Mungo and Flora were warm and approachable and there wasn't anything we felt we couldn't talk to them about.
This place is nestled in a stunning area of Skye and we found the escape refreshing. There is always… read more something to see and discover on Skye so during our down time we were never bored.
The work was challenging, we found that there was always something to do but it wasn't a challenge that was unpleasant. We both found the work extremely satisfying- there was always a point where the pace slowed and we were able to get plenty of rest periods so we weren't overwhelmed.
This is an excellent experience for people who want to muck in and have lots of enthusiasm and initiative.
The best part of this experience has to be Mungo and Flora themselves. They are two extremely generous and genuine people and if we had been working with different people I don't think we would have enjoyed the experience as much. Their kids, Margo and Tyga, are also adorable and it was always a pleasure to sit with Margo to play and chat with her- for as much as she can chat, which is surprisingly a lot for a two year old!
In conclusion, I don't think we have a bad word to say about the Hotel or Mungo and Flora. Amazing place and amazing people. :)
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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Please note due to the UK leaving the EU, freedom of movement from the EU to the UK ended on 1st Jan 2021. If you are not a UK citizen, Irish citizen, settled status holder, Commonwealth citizen with the right to abode in the UK, BNO passport holder with valid visa or have a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (working holiday) visa and you are entering the UK to work or study you may be refused entry to the UK after Jan 1st 2021 unless you have the correct visas or right to work permissions in place. To find out more information about visas and work permits for your nationality you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
Animal Care
House & pet sitting
Pets
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Animals
Adventure sports
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
