Has anyone tried house-sitting?

Take a look at Housesitters UK.

www.housesittersuk.co.uk/sitters/register

Someone I have since lost touch with used to get her jobs via them. Some she liked and were repeat booking, some she said never again.

Most owners want a sitter either for security or to look after garden and or pets. Some owners were very strict about what the sitter could and couldn't do, for example, only being able to leave the house for short periods of time and at certain times of day, That might not appeal if you want to see a bit of the area.

The friend had encountered burglars on two occasions.

DD2 house sits for us, she brings her dog, mows the lawn and eats everything in the fridge and most of the meals in the freezer.
That’s the type of house sitting I’d like to do……..

I did housesitting regularly before the pandemic. We have been to France , UK and the USA many times and loved it. Some websites charge an admin fee and some companies will pay you. It's a great experience but you have to be very flexible and not expect your home comforts although in saying that we have been very lucky and have had lovely houses.