Our client is seeking an exceptional Live-in House Manager to oversee the smooth running of a beautifully restored 16th-century manor house in Oxfordshire. This is a rare opportunity for a highly organised, hospitality- led professional to join a private household at an exciting stage of development, as the property transitions into a fully operational weekend residence and guest retreat venue.
The principals plan to begin using the property as a weekend residence from September/October.
The estate will operate with a strong hospitality focus, welcoming family, guests, and retreat visitors throughout the year. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the house runs to an exceptional standard, comparable to a luxury boutique hotel, while maintaining the warmth and discretion expected within a private household.
The grounds include a swimming pond, steam room, extensive gardens, and a productive vegetable garden. A well-established gardening team is already in place.
Responsibilities of the Live-in House Manager in Oxfordshire, include:
- Oversee the day-to-day management and presentation of the manor house and estate buildings
- Deliver a seamless, luxury hospitality experience for the principals, family members, guests, and retreat visitors
- Manage and coordinate housekeeping operations, including recruitment, staffing levels, rotas, training, and performance
- standards
- Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and external service providers as required
- Ensure the property is fully prepared ahead of family arrivals and guest stays
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and household efficiency
- Manage household inventories, consumables, and procurement with attention to quality and sustainability
- Work closely with the household and gardening teams to maximise use of the estate’s vegetable garden and wider certified organic soils in support of the family’s sustainability ethos.
- Assist with event, retreat, and guest logistics, including room preparation, catering coordination, and guest care
- Provide discreet, proactive support to the principals, anticipating needs and resolving issues efficiently
- Be comfortable around animals, including dogs currently in residence, with other livestock planned to add to the property in the future
- A minimum of 3+ years’ experience as a House Manager within a high-end private household or luxury boutique hotel
- A strong hospitality mindset with exceptional guest service standards
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- A creative background (bonus)
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage a dynamic household
- Extensive demonstrable experience with end-to-end recruitment, including creating and successfully managing a team
- Discreet, polished, and professional in all interactions
- Sustainability-minded, with an appreciation for estate-grown produce and environmentally conscious household management
- Animal-friendly and comfortable working within a family environment that includes pets and livestock
- Working knowledge of estate infrastructure, including renewable energy systems (solar PV/thermal), automated lighting and AV control (Lutron), biomass heating (wood chip/pellet boilers), BMS or smart home integration (essential)
- Right to work in the UK
- A valid driving licence
A self-contained one- or two-bedroom flat is provided on the estate grounds. All bills are included. Partners, children and pets are welcome.
Full-time, Thursday – Monday. Days off on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flexibility is essential when the property has people in residence.
Oxfordshire, UK.
£60,000 – £70,000, depending on experience.
Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays.
Benefits: Medical insurance, life insurance, and a strong pension package.
CP1042: Live-in House Manager for Private Estate in Oxfordshire, UK.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the operational standards and future household team structure as the estate becomes fully operational.
