Caretaker Gazette
I’ve used the Caretaker Gazette to live rent-free for the past three years. A friend told me about this publication, which has been around since 1983, and I’ve used it to find positions living as a caretaker in California and Idaho. In exchange for my accommodations, my duties have included keeping trespassers off the property, taking messages, mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool and generally watching over the home when the owners are away.
My subscription includes PDF listings online, weekday e-mail updates and a print version (same as the online PDF) mailed out once every two months.
Available from CareTaker.org
ALASKA
CARETAKER NEEDED late September to May on a self-sufficient comfortable Aleutian homestead. Free housing and stipend. Orcas, eiders, sea otters, caribou, hydroelectric power, Internet, loom, hot tub. Writers and naturalists have prospered here. Please call (907) XXX-XXXX.
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HAWAII
CARETAKER(S) NEEDED. Responsible, competent single man or couple, with one child OK, with strong body and alternative minded. Must be enthusiastic about rustic jungle life, experience with off-grid living and solar equipment. No tobacco or alcohol users please. Maintenance of 2-acre homestead in a beautiful coastal jungle area in an eclectic, but rootsy, neighborhood on the Big Island. Care for orchards, garden, and cats. Small but comfortable cabin provided. Please send a letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity, to: XXX XXXXXX, XX-XXXX Napoopoo Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704.
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BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA
HOUSESITTER WANTED during owner's absence. You can explore the jungle, fish, snorkel in the coral reef, or take some canoe trips. I need a housesitter for the month of June. Have your own bedroom, living room and bath on 3rd floor overlooking the Caribbean. Pay for telephone, electricity, and your own food. Please write to X. XXXXX, XXXX SW 138th Avenue, Miami, FL 33186 or call (305) XXX-XXXX.
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CALIFORNIA
HOUSE GUEST(S) wanted to occupy a mountain cottage(s). Full time. Located in the foothills, one hour from Sacramento. Bottom of canyon. Four miles from freeway. You can fish off the porch. Keep all gold found in the river. Must love outdoors, remoteness. Pets permitted. References required. No job. No addictions. Please leave a message, including your name and phone number at (916) XXX-XXXX.
Favorite (15)
CJ
Hmmm - I somehow doubt that the Chateau de Chillon advertises for caretakers.
Rose
The Caretaker Gazette has been great for my husband and me in this economy. We were both laid off earlier this year but accepted a caretaking positing that was advertised in the Gazette. It's opened up a whole new career for us and really saved us.
Rod & Marilyn
Thanks for this interesting post/. We're looking for a new way of seeing the world and the idea of rent-free living through housesitting while traveling sounds grand. Rod & Marilyn
Ric
Are there openings overseas, like in the People's Republic of China?
Naomi
Nice to see the Gazette featured on Cool Tools. I've been a subscriber and caretaker for years. Great variety of listings and always the nicest personal service from Gary and his staff. Naomi
ideansinca
I subscribed to this for many years in the '80's and early '90s, back when it was a paper newsletter that came in the mail. I was never in a position to take advantage of it in real life -- with land of my own to care for, plus kids and livestock and years of soil-building behind me, I'm tied down pretty firmly to my current location. But the Gazette has fed many a fantasy of mine over the years -- fantasies of what I might have done had I taken another path in life, and what I might do once my work here winds down and is passed to the next generation. As another commenter said, it's nice to see it get some attention.
And yes, there are international listing, though I'm not sure they've ever included anything in the PRC.
jt
One note for those considering subscribing: Please read the Terms of Use on the site, as partial refunds for cancelled subscriptions are NOT provided. I subscribed to the site, and then asked to unsubscribe when I found out that it didn't match what I was looking for. This "no partial refunds" policy is buried in the Terms of Use, instead of being stated upfront when you purchase the subscription. Just want to spread awareness of this pricing policy so that others can at least have accurate information on hand to make a reasoned opinion before considering the service.