An experienced, kind and family orientated Live-in Housekeeper/Cook is sought to manage and maintain a beautiful private house near Chipping Norton, whilst providing practical support and companionship to a mature lady.
The role combines high standards of housekeeping with preparing delicious meals on a daily basis as well as offering a warm, supportive presence in the house. This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced housekeeper who enjoys being part of a family environment as the Principal has a daughter and two grandchildren who live locally in the village and visit regularly. The successful candidate will become a valued and trusted part of the household.
The role would particularly suit a mature, kind-hearted individual with a good sense of humour and a flexible, positive approach. A love of dogs and countryside living is essential, as the role also involves helping with the care of two much-loved dogs on a rota basis alongside the Personal Assistant and Gardener.
Key Responsibilities:
- Full housekeeping duties, including cleaning, tidying, organising, laundry and bed making
- Maintaining exceptionally high standards of clothes care, laundry and ironing
- Cooking of breakfast and lunch and a pre-prepared dinner (and the occasional dinner party for 6 - 8 people)
- Grocery shopping and ensuring household supplies are well stocked
- Providing companionship and a warm, supportive presence to the principal
- Assisting with the care of two dogs (alongside the PA and Gardener)
- Driving to personal appointments and outings (alongside the PA)
- Running errands and assisting with day-to-day practical tasks (alongside the PA)
The Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience working within a private household or similar environment
- Kind, calm, caring and sympathetic by nature
- Discreet, trustworthy and respectful
- Organised, proactive and able to work independently
- Confident preparing fresh, simple and nutritious meals, as well occasional dinner parties
- Flexible with their time and willing to adopt a positive, can-do approach
- A genuine love of dogs and countryside living
- Full UK driving licence and own car
- DBS checked with excellent references
- Proven longevity in previous roles
Accommodation
A private two-bedroom cottage is provided with the role. Council Tax and water rates are included. The successful candidate will be responsible for their own electricity and oil costs.
The role
The role is based on a 40-hour working week, with two consecutive days off, either Tuesday and Wednesday or Wednesday and Thursday. You will have approximately one full weekend off in every six.
This is a genuinely lovely opportunity to become a valued and trusted member of both the family and the wider team. As with any private household, a degree of flexibility is required from time to time; however, this operates very much on a mutual give-and-take basis. The Principal is thoughtful and fair, recognising the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful working relationship that works well for everyone and her current employees have been with her for 15+ years.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
