A wonderful opportunity has arisen for two experienced household professionals to work together as a live-in team on a beautiful 20-acre private estate near Chipping Norton.
The positions are complementary, with one person taking primary responsibility for the housekeeping and running of the home, and the other taking primary responsibility for driving, property maintenance and supporting the gardens and wider estate.
Applications are particularly welcomed from two people who have previous experience working together within a private household or estate environment.
The current household team leave with a heavy heart after making the difficult decision to fulfil a long-held personal ambition. They have been exceptionally happy in the position and speak very highly of the principals, making this a particularly special opportunity.
Our clients are a warm and welcoming family who divide their time between London and the Cotswolds, spending approximately half of their time at the property. They have two grown-up children, enjoy entertaining family and friends and are looking for two people who will take genuine pride in managing their home and estate to an exceptional standard.
This is much more than a traditional housekeeping position. It would suit two people who enjoy working collaboratively, creating a welcoming and beautifully organised home and naturally anticipating what needs to be done before being asked.
Housekeeping Responsibilities
- Maintain the house to an exceptionally high standard, ensuring it is beautifully presented and guest-ready at all times.
- Carry out all housekeeping duties, including cleaning, laundry, ironing and wardrobe care, with particular attention to fine fabrics and specialist furnishings.
- Maintain excellent organisation throughout the home, ensuring everything is kept in its proper place.
- Keep household supplies well stocked and organised, whilst discussing significant purchases with the principals.
- Care for several outbuildings to the same exacting standards as the main house.
- Prepare simple, fresh meals as required. Confident home cooking is advantageous, although formal chef experience is not required.
- Assist with the preparation and organisation of family dinners and occasional entertaining.
- Add thoughtful touches throughout the home, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both the family and their guests.
Driver / Property Maintenance / Gardening Responsibilities
- Drive the principals as required, including occasional evening driving.
- Run errands and undertake shopping and collections.
- Carry out general property maintenance and minor repairs.
- Oversee the smooth running and maintenance of the swimming pool and tennis court.
- Liaise with and oversee external contractors, ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
- Assist with the day-to-day security and general management of the estate.
- Work alongside the gardener to ensure the formal gardens and surrounding grounds are maintained to an excellent standard.
- Basic plumbing, electrical or general maintenance skills would be highly advantageous.
The Household Team We Are Looking For
The successful applicants will be warm, discreet, energetic and highly organised. They will genuinely enjoy caring for a private home, be invested in the family and understand the importance of flexibility within a family environment.
You will:
- Ideally have previous experience working together within a private household or estate.
- Be proactive and confident using your own initiative.
- Be excellent communicators with a calm and professional manner.
- Take enormous pride in maintaining a home and estate to impeccable standards.
- Have excellent attention to detail and a natural ability to anticipate the principals' needs.
- Be discreet and trustworthy and understand when to step forward and when to remain in the background.
- Have a positive attitude, a good sense of humour and enjoy becoming valued members of a household.
- Love animals and be happy to assist with the family's dog.
- Hold a full driving licence, with driving forming an important part of one of the positions.
Working Pattern
The positions are based around a 40-hour working week per person, although flexibility is essential. The family's requirements naturally vary depending on whether they are in residence and when they are entertaining.
Two consecutive days off will be provided each week, taken flexibly to reflect the rhythm of the household.
Accommodation & Package
- Attractive one-bedroom cottage provided on the estate.
- Combined salary of £70,000–£90,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- A long-term opportunity to become trusted and valued members of a warm and appreciative household.
Pay: £70,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
