Duchess we've got a rural house on the market too and yep tenants have been missing from time to time hope they fill it soon. My DS was a shocking settler is miss 2 in a cot or bed? I did the gradual leaving strategy with DS. Worked for me not controlled crying which was good. 1st week sit near the cot hand in no talking it took 3 hours with DS then less and less. 2nd week sit near cot /bed no hand in 3rd week in the middle of bed and door4th week at the door 5th week out of the door. We went back to week 3 a coupe of times when DS got sick but he has been going to bed with a story and a cuddle now since around 2.
That being said DS has had night terrors since 18 months nothing settles those.
Hope I'm not being annoying I know we all get sick of advice but a good nights sleep is priceless.