An ad recently posted on the website ChildCare.co.uk seems more like a horror movie pitch than a post from a family seeking a nanny. It starts off quite normally, with details on the family, what would be required of anyone who might become their nanny, what the nanny's living situation would be like, and of course the subject of compensation is also covered. But then, just when the ad is about to wrap-up, things take a turn into supernatural horror territory.
Read it for yourself:
We are friendly family of four with 2 children ages 5 and 7 living in a small village in the Scottish Borders.
We have a lovely, spacious, historic property in a remote spot with spectacular views.
We are looking for an exceptional live-in nanny to join our friendly family of four in the Scottish Borders.
We have 2 children ages 5 and 7, and live in a lovely, spacious, historic property with spectacular views.
Duties would include preparing breakfast, getting the children ready for school, dropping off and picking up from school and assisting after school, including helping with homework and getting them ready for bed.
My husband and I are both very busy professionals who are often required to work away and there are occasions, up to 4 nights per week, (weekdays only) when we will both be away and you will be at the property alone in sole charge.
You will be provided with your own comfortable room with en-suite bathroom and private kitchen.
We are offering a salary of £50,000 gross per annum and 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays) for the right person.
We have lived in our home for nearly 10 years. We were told it was 'haunted' when we bought it, but kept our minds open and decided to buy the house regardless. 5 nannies have left the role in the last year, each citing supernatural incidents as the reason, including strange noises, broken glass and furniture moving. This has obviously been a period of great upheaval for our children. We haven't personally experienced any supernatural happenings, as they have been reported only while we've been out of the house, but we're happy to pay above the asking rate, and feel it's important to be as up-front as possible to find the right person.
We are keen to find the perfect long-term nanny, so if you'd like to be considered for this rewarding and exciting position, please do get in touch with us.
There's no way we're not going to be seeing a movie based on this ad, possibly multiple movies from different filmmakers. The news story about "The Watcher" in New Jersey had some major genre players seeking the rights a couple years ago, resulting in a TV series deal and a movie starring Denise Crosby. Kevin Smith turned an ad seeking a lodger who would be willing to dress up like a walrus into his horror movie TUSK. We definitely have some nanny movies coming our way.
Obviously there are a lot of people who are willing to become the family's new nanny and witness the paranormal activity in this Scottish Borders home, as the ad was recently updated to say that the family has been overwhelmed by the response. Over 2000 people have sent messages applying for the job.