It was a serendipitous discovery that led one woman to housesit for almost a month on a luxurious estate nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, all without spending a single penny. Nicole Miller, a 56-year-old from Newbury, Berkshire, found herself immersed in the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills and serene lochs during February this year, enjoying what she describes as a completely free holiday.
A Lavish Opportunity in the Highlands
Nicole, who originally hails from Scotland, exclusively revealed her experience, stating, "I was speechless. I just felt like I was the luckiest person on the planet. It was like somebody had just given me a £3,000 holiday." She stayed in a cosy cottage on the sprawling grounds of the estate, which also included a grand manor house and another cottage, all set against the backdrop of the rugged Scottish landscape.
Minimal Duties, Maximum Enjoyment
With the wealthy owners away, Nicole's primary responsibility was to ensure the safety of the property. She explained, "I didn't have to do anything. I didn't even have to go up there to check it out. They just wanted somebody's presence there, a car at the front, lights on, so if anyone wandered off the beaten track, they'd know someone was there." This allowed her to fully embrace the tranquillity and natural beauty of the location.
Daily Life in Seclusion
Nicole spent her days working from the grand dining room, which she converted into an office with views over the majestic Glen. Evenings were reserved for cosying up with a good book in the secluded Kinlochmoidart setting. She shared, "I didn't set my alarm; I was taking everything in my stride. I'd get up in the morning, see wild animals like squirrels and birds, and even spotted a massive herd of deer one day."
To make herself at home, she unpacked appliances like a juice maker, blender, toastie maker, and slow cooker, though trips to the supermarket required an hour's drive, with a small shop just 20 minutes away. On weekends, she explored the local area, visiting historic castles and Sanna Beach, known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Embracing the Remote Lifestyle
Despite the estate's remote location, featuring a 2.5-mile drive with no signs of life, Nicole felt completely at ease. She said, "I loved it, I didn't want to go home. I felt like I was the only person on the planet. The house didn't even creak; there's just no sound, just absolutely nothing. It's really quite strange, but I loved it."
How It All Began
Housesitting wasn't initially on Nicole's radar. She stumbled upon an advertisement on LinkedIn that read 'house sit Scottish estate' and immediately felt drawn to it. As the owner of Fast Response PFA Ltd, she noted, "I'm a great believer in visualising and the laws of the universe. I'm always driving around with my job, and I love it when I'm out in the country, visualising these cottages. So when that came up, it was just perfect, I had to take it."
Arranged through HouseSit Match, Nicole admitted she never realised housesitting could involve simply protecting a house without pets. She reflected, "I thought it was for people with pets, I never realised that people might just want you to sit in their house, just to protect their house."
A Worthwhile Experience
Nicole emphasised the value of slowing down in today's fast-paced world. She shared, "We live in such a fast world. I think it's nice to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the planet. This house sit was in a part of the world that most people just don't get to see. I was literally in the middle of nowhere, and the scenery is tremendous." She now dreams of returning to Scotland to have a cottage in a similarly remote location.
