We're a Dutch couple (53 and 62 years) that enjoy taking good care of other people's houses and animals when they're away from home. For us it's a perfect way to explore new area's and ways of living. We're working online, so most of the time we'll be at home.
We love gardening, children and animals and we are non- smokers. We like to travel by ourselves and like to meet new people, explore and love to know their way of living. We are fully independent, self supporting, very reliable, and have many good and recent references (we did and still do a lot of different house sittings) We both are in good condition and aren't party types, we take serious care of people's belongings and respect their property.
From 2010-2014 we've lived in Australia on a business visa for 4 years, lived in Perth for 3 years and the 4th year we've travelled all around Australia in a camper, driven the "Big Loop" of almost 30.000km. We really enjoyed our tour, it was a business promotion tour with pleasure combined.
From June 2014, we have done several housesits in The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland as well because we really enjoy to continue this way of live.
In 2016 we've done 2 housesits in Australia again (Brisbane and Sydney). In 2018/2019 we've been back in Australia for almost 1 year, stayed 4 months in Perth and did the "Big Loop" again. On our route we've done several housesits as well. We've been back in Perth again in 2022-2023. and at the moment we’re in Europe. We’ll be back in Australia (Perth) at the end of October 2025.
We've already done over 70 housesits worldwide and have a lot of experience (and many good references ;-) took good care of all kind of animals, houses and areas. If you'd like to "meet" us please contact by email. Hope you want to welcome us in your environment ;-)
John and Sylvia
Some of our References: (we'll provide contact details if needed)
(Cairns) This is to certify that John and Sylvia Zonnenbloem "babysat" our house and dogs for three weeks in December 2013 into January 2014. We had never met them before and they proved to be a delightful couple and came to us highly recommended from previous references. We are very happy to have a chance to add to their store of praise! They came and stayed with us for a few days, before we went on holidays, in order to learn the house and dogs and so we also got a chance to know them. They are a very nice and easy couple, nothing is a trouble and their relaxed attitude communicated to the dogs straight away. When we came back from our holidays our house was beautiful and clean, our dogs happy and not fat!! The garden was maintained and we just stepped back into our lives without having to do much at all. So much so, the lovely people made us a welcome home dinner! Certainly something we didn't expect but was much appreciated. In summary, we have no hesitation in recommending them for any house sit. We consider ourselves very lucky to have had them and hope to now stay friends for a long time to come. Kali and Adam Lister.
(Sydney) Sylvia and John house sat for us for 3 weeks during June/July 2013 at our home in Sydney. As soon as we met them we knew that they were good, sensible, down-to-earth people, reliable and trust-worthy. They know all the ins-and-outs of house sitting, often answering questions you may have forgotten yourself! They are wonderful with animals - all types - we have fish, chickens, guinea pig, cat and dog and they coped marvellously with all of them. Our dog is big and needs lots of exercise which he duly got (I could tell because if he didn't he would have gained a few kilos!) The house was well looked after too and in perfect condition when we got back they had washed all the bed linen etc. They had even left us a few supplies which was thoughtful. When we were away they communicated a couple of times by email to say that all was ok, which was comforting too. I would thoroughly recommend them as house sitters and would be happy to speak to anyone who would like a verbal recommendation. Judy & Rob Burroughs
(Hervey Bay) John and Sylvia agreed to a house sitting at our daughter's place while we were all away on a two week holiday to Thailand. Our daughter has two dogs, a German Shephard and a Siberian Husky. John and Sylvia took extremely good care of the dogs walking them twice a day and being company for them. They formed a good bond with both dogs and they were very contented on our return. They stayed at our daughter's place but also cared for our place by collecting the mail, putting out the rubbish, watering the gardens and making sure everything was secure. John and Sylvia were very professional and we would highly recommend them for house sitting especially if you have pets. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information. Yours faithfully WARREN AND DEBORAH NELLEMS
(Lake Cathie) We had John and Sylvia look after our house and much spoilt dog for two weeks in September. They were lovely people who made an effort to be friendly with the neighbours and kept the house and property in a tidy condition for the duration of their stay. Our dog also took a shine to them and genuinely enjoyed their company, and she can often be snobby and uncomfortable around strangers. They walked her daily, took her to the beach and for drives in the car, and also brushed and bathed her regularly. They really made an effort to keep her happy and in her usual routine. We would recommend John and Sylvia to anyone else needing a house and/or dog sitter, and would definitely have them come and stay again. David & Lynn
(Rockingham) To the Homeowner, Ian & I have used John & Sylvia to housesit for us on a couple of occasions. We found them to be a welcoming couple who care for your home and you will find it in the same state as you left it on your return. We have a dog Waggles who can be a bit neurotic at times and a cat Jacobia. John & Sylvia took great care of both our pets and they became good mates. We have no hesitation in recommending John & Sylvia to housesit for you. If you wish a verbal confirmation do not hesitate to call us. Regards Denise & Ian Fisher
(Guildford) REFERENCE FOR SYLVIA AND JOHN HOUSESITTERS 6th April- 11th May, 2014 Sylvia and John looked after our property in Guildford , near Perth, Western Australia for 5 weeks n April- May 2014. We have an aged cat and they cared for her beautifully. When we returned they collected us from the airport and the house was immaculate. In Perth at that time of year it is still very hot and dry and my garden requires considerable hand watering. They did this as requested and everything was still alive when I returned . They are a very easy going couple , very honest and experienced at housesitting. We are very sorry they are returning to Europe- we had hoped to be able to use them again. We only met Sylvia and John the night before we left, but we felt confident on leaving the house that all would be fine. They kept in contact via email and there were absolutely no problems. We can certainly thoroughly recommend them. Pam Riordan and Steve Coleman
Reviews (13)
This was the first time we had used Aussie House Sitters and we were quite nervous about having complete strangers looking after our small dog & home, especially as we were going to be away for 6 weeks. I actually ended up ringing one of their previous house sits and was comforted when they said how great they were.
Sylvia & John, although located in the Netherlands, were very easy to communicate with & arrived with plenty of time to give them a rundown of things before we left. Most ... MOREThis was the first time we had used Aussie House Sitters and we were quite nervous about having complete strangers looking after our small dog & home, especially as we were going to be away for 6 weeks. I actually ended up ringing one of their previous house sits and was comforted when they said how great they were.
Sylvia & John, although located in the Netherlands, were very easy to communicate with & arrived with plenty of time to give them a rundown of things before we left. Most importantly, our doggie warmed to them immediately and didn't make us feel so guilty for leaving him.
Sylvia sent us regular emails whilst we were away with the odd picture or our baby (err doggie).
John & Syliva picked us up from the airport in our car when we arrived home which was much appreciated, even though it was somewhat inconvenient for them.
The house was clean and in good shape when we arrived home. The towels were washed, the sheets washed in the washing machine just needing to be hung on the line, and the doggie had even had a bath (which he does not like).
I would have no hesitation in recommending Syliva and John as house sitters and indeed will approach them first when we next travel.
ROSALIE (Hillarys WA, Sep 2018 - 1 month 2 weeks)
Sylvia and John are lovely people who looked after Aria so well.
They were happy to send me pictures of Aria and took her for plenty of walks and zoomies.
The house was well cared for and communications were great!
I would throughly recommend them.
Looking forward to seeing them both when they're next back in Australia :-)
SUE (Maylands WA, Jan 2023 - 3 weeks)
Delightful. John and Sylvia were the best house sitters we could have hoped for. Nothing was too much trouble and our home was cleaner than we left it. Both pets were happy healthy and well cared for. We wish them all the very best in future and would have no hesitation in recommending them!!
MATTHEW (Winthrop WA, Jul 2019 - 3 weeks)
You couldn't ask for better !
I would highly recommend Sylvia and John .
RUTH (Wembley Downs WA, Jun 2019 - 3 1/2 weeks)
John and Sylvia were fabulous!!! The communication was excellent. Everything went like clockwork - they were very easy to plan and work with.
I received regular text and photo updates. Our home was tidy and clean on our return and most importantly, our dog was very settled, calm and content. Highly recommended!
SARA (Swanbourne WA, Jun 2019 - 2 nights, 3 days)
John & Sylvia were the PERFECT housesitters!! I wish I could call them every time we go away! Lovely people, great communication, respectful, our pets loved them, the house was clean and tidy.. happy all around!
JASMINA (Trinity Beach QLD, May 2019 - 2 days)
Absolutely fantastic sitters
John & Sylvia were fantastic, it was lovely to go away and not have to worry about a thing.
Would definitely use them again & we can't recommend them highly enough.
WILLIAM (Deagon QLD, Apr 2019 - 1 week)
Sylvia and John looked after our house and little Siamese cat Asha immaculately. Within one day Sylvia sent me a photo of Asha sitting on her favorite chair outside, another one a few days later of Asha sitting on her lap, putting my mind at rest that all was well. Every couple of days we would get a positive message and that made us feel very relaxed....we knew Asha was in good hands.
Sylvia and John are really friendly, genuine, a lot of fun and very caring. I could not have asked for ... MORESylvia and John looked after our house and little Siamese cat Asha immaculately. Within one day Sylvia sent me a photo of Asha sitting on her favorite chair outside, another one a few days later of Asha sitting on her lap, putting my mind at rest that all was well. Every couple of days we would get a positive message and that made us feel very relaxed....we knew Asha was in good hands.
Sylvia and John are really friendly, genuine, a lot of fun and very caring. I could not have asked for more!! When we returned from our holiday they even cooked a meal for us!! We had a great evening together, just like we had known each other for a very long time. I would not hesitate to recommend Sylvia and John as house sitters to anyone! We are going to stay in contact...I feel we have discovered some new friends!
CLAIRE (The Gap QLD, Mar 2019 - 1 week 1 day)
27 March, 2019
To whom it may concern,
This letter serves to introduce Sylvia and John. We were lucky enough to have them to housesit for us, in Bardwell Park for a week and a half early March 2019.
We not only needed them to look after our house, but also our Dalmatian and three chickens.
Sylvia and John were fabulous. They looked after everything so well, caring for our home, our dog and the chooks. They did everything we asked for, such as collecting the mail and watering the ... MORE27 March, 2019
To whom it may concern,
This letter serves to introduce Sylvia and John. We were lucky enough to have them to housesit for us, in Bardwell Park for a week and a half early March 2019.
We not only needed them to look after our house, but also our Dalmatian and three chickens.
Sylvia and John were fabulous. They looked after everything so well, caring for our home, our dog and the chooks. They did everything we asked for, such as collecting the mail and watering the garden. They also kept us informed with updates on our dog and his care. Our dog, needed medication at that time and they administered this without any issues. John went the extra mile by tackling our path and slashing the overgrowth back, which wouldn't have been a small job. We are really appreciative of his kindness in doing this.
We would highly recommend them as they are lovely people, honest and caring. Five out of Five!
Yours sincerely,
Lisa Treen
0412 469 996
LISA (BARDWELL PARK NSW, Mar 2019 - 1 week 1 day)
Thoroughly recommend this couple... friendly and my dog loved them.
ANNE (Dalmeny NSW, Feb 2019 - 1 week)
John and Sylvia came to housesit for us and looked after our dog and 2 cats for 6 weeks while we were overseas. We returned home to very happy pets who had been well cared for. We received emails and photos of them throughout our trip, which was very reassuring as it was our first time using housesitters. We highly recommend John and Sylvia for anyone looking for experienced housesitters.
KELLIE AND THOMAS (Atwell WA, Dec 2018)
John and Sylvia housesat for me in November 2018, caring for my dog, cat and rabbit. The dog is very shy around new people but in a couple of days was happily playing and going for walks. They also managed a pretty complex routine for the rabbit.
Sylvia sent messages and photos periodically and did not hesitate to ask if they had questions.
They left my home in great condition- very clean and tidy. I felt confident that my home and belongings were in safe hands.
I would not hesitate to ... MOREJohn and Sylvia housesat for me in November 2018, caring for my dog, cat and rabbit. The dog is very shy around new people but in a couple of days was happily playing and going for walks. They also managed a pretty complex routine for the rabbit.
Sylvia sent messages and photos periodically and did not hesitate to ask if they had questions.
They left my home in great condition- very clean and tidy. I felt confident that my home and belongings were in safe hands.
I would not hesitate to recommend them as house sitters.
KERRY (Huntingdale WA, Nov 2018 - 1 week 4 days)
It was an absolute pleasure having Sylvia and John at our house. They're an absolutely lovely couple and we were so glad to leave our pets and home in their responsible charge and holiday without any worry. Our home looked just as, if not better, than when we left. We would love to have Sylvia and John back any time and can highly recommend them. Thank you!!
Couple
This was the first time we had used Aussie House Sitters and we were quite nervous about having complete strangers looking after our small dog & home, especially as we were going to be away for 6 weeks. I actually ended up ringing one of their previous house sits and was comforted when they said how great they were.
Sylvia & John, although located in the Netherlands, were very easy to communicate with & arrived with plenty of time to give them a rundown of things before we left. Most ... MORE
It was an absolute pleasure having Sylvia and John at our house. They're an absolutely lovely couple and we were so glad to leave our pets and home in their responsible charge and holiday without any worry. Our home looked just as, if not better, than when we left. We would love to have Sylvia and John back any time and can highly recommend them. Thank you!!
