Nicole Miller, 56, from Berkshire, England, undertook a house-sitting assignment for an estate comprising three properties in Scotland in february. After a month, she found herself doing little more than enjoying the majestic natural scenery, rolling hills, and clear blue lochs. "I am probably the luckiest person on the planet; it feels like someone just gave me a free USD 4,000 vacation," she said.

This unique opportunity allowed Nicole to immerse herself in a tranquil lifestyle. The expansive grounds of the estate featured a villa, described by Nicole as "splendid and massive," along with two smaller houses nearby. Nicole experienced living in a luxurious apartment for the first time, featuring spacious rooms and a "magnificent" grand hall.

Nicole at the estate in Scotland. *Photo: Mirror*

While the wealthy owners were away, Nicole's primary task was to ensure "their home was safe." She explained that she did not even have to enter the main villa, only needing to park her car out front so that any accidental passersby would know someone was home.

Nicole spent her days working remotely from the large dining room overlooking the majestic Glen valley. In the evenings, she relaxed with a good book and slept soundly until morning, without an alarm. This routine offered a stark contrast to her usual fast-paced life, allowing her to truly slow down.

Upon waking, she would go for walks, observing wildlife: birds, squirrels, and even large herds of deer. Nicole quickly adapted to this relaxed pace of life. She even brought her juicer, blender, bread maker, and slow cooker to enhance her stay. The only challenge was that the nearest supermarket was about an hour's drive from the estate, but if she did not need many items, Nicole would visit a small general store about 20 minutes away.

On weekends, she explored the surrounding area, enjoying the landscapes and hilly terrain of the Scottish Highlands. She also visited nearby historic castles and went to Sanna beach, known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. "I did not even want to go home; it felt like I was the only person on Earth," she said. Occasionally, some estate caretakers would arrive but would leave immediately after finishing their tasks, leaving Nicole in absolute tranquility – not even a creak could be heard.

The scenery surrounding the estate Nicole house-sat. *Photo: Mirror*

At the end of her "vacation," Nicole realized her life had long been lived at a frantic pace. This recent period allowed her to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. She hopes to return to Scotland in the future and buy a small house in a secluded location, inspired by her experience.

House-sitting has long existed and has flourished through platforms such as TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, and HouseSit Match. According to reports from Forbes and Business Insider, it is a trust-based exchange: homeowners ask guests to look after their property or pets while they are away, and guests receive free accommodation, ranging from urban apartments to luxurious villas.

This profession boomed after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by the rise of remote work, which allows people to change their living spaces continuously without incurring rental costs. In England and the US, it is also considered an informal property insurance method, as occupied homes are less likely to be burgled or experience technical issues compared to vacant ones.

Hoai Anh (According to Mirror, Insider)