We are seeking an experienced and highly professional Live-in Housekeeper to join a private household initially on a 6 month fixed-term basis with a clear view to it becoming a permanent role.
This role is suited to someone who loves traveling and countryside living, values discretion, and is comfortable working within a close household environment alongside another housekeeper and directly with the principal.
The successful candidate will be adaptable, resourceful, an open and clear communicator and comfortable with a lifestyle that will involve relocating every 2 – 3 months within the UK and France during the initial 6-month contract, with a permanent UK base expected once the position is confirmed. Flexibility is essential.
Responsibilities of the Live-in Housekeeper include:
Housekeeping & household management
- Maintain the property to an exceptional standard at all times
- Carry out detailed daily housekeeping, cleaning, tidying, and organisation
- Ensure the immaculate care and presentation of all rooms, furnishings, and household items
- Work collaboratively with another housekeeper to ensure smooth household operations
- Report any maintenance concerns or issues requiring attention
Cooking & kitchen duties
- Occasionally prepare healthy, well-balanced meals for the principal as required
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen and pantry areas
- Assist with grocery shopping and household supplies management
Household support
- Receive, sort, and organise post and deliveries
- Welcome guests and oversee tradespeople attending the property
- Run occasional errands and assist with day-to-day household requirements
- Maintain awareness of household security and communicate anything requiring attention to the principal
Pet care
- Must be a natural when relating to dogs
- Assist with the care, feeding, and walking of a small dog as requested
- Occasionally accompany the principal on walks with her dog
Travel
- Travel with the principal within the UK and abroad when required
- Adapt confidently to different residences and household routines
- Assist with maintaining smooth household operations while travelling
Experience
- Previous live-in housekeeping experience within a semi-formal private household is essential
- Experience working in fully staffed or semi-formal homes preferred
- Comfortable adapting to changing locations and travel schedules.
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail and high housekeeping standards
- Confident preparing healthy meals
- Fluent English speaker
- Full driving licence require
- Right to work in UK
- Right to work in EU / EU Passport (desirable)
- Comfortable with flexible working hours when required
- Absolute discretion and confidentiality essential
Personality
- Highly responsible, reliable, and trustworthy
- Open, respectful, and sincere communicator
- Independent, resourceful, and proactive
- Able to integrate naturally into a close household dynamic
- Enjoys countryside living, nature, animals, and travel
This role is offered initially as a 6-month fixed-term contract. During this period the household will relocate approximately every 2–3 months between the UK and France, as outlined below.
Performance and mutual fit will be formally reviewed around month 5 of the contract. Provided both parties wish to proceed, the role will convert to a permanent position from month 6 onwards, at which point the household is expected to have a fixed UK base.
Private bedroom and bathroom provided, with the possibility of separate apartment-style accommodation depending on the accommodation. Accommodation is intended for the housekeeper only; dependents are not preferred.
Full-time, live-in position. Approximately 40 working hours per week.
Two days off per week.
Flexibility required depending on household and travel needs.
Time off in lieu provided for additional hours worked where applicable.
Cotswolds/Cornwall/France.
2026 (approx.)
- Summer: Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds/Cornwall for approximately 2.5 months
- Autumn: Southern France (Languedoc region), approximately 2.5 months
- Late 2026: Southern England, TBC — housekeeper returns ahead of the principal to prepare the household.
Starting salary from £45,000+, negotiable depending on experience and suitability.
CP1025: Live-in Housekeeper (6-month Temp to Perm) in the UK.
