LIVE-IN DOMESTIC COUPLE

LIVE-IN DOMESTIC COUPLE

Posted - 4 March 2024

Location - EAST DEVON, UK

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Domestic Couple to work at stunning estate in East Devon.

The property features a main house and two cottages.  The employer is looking for an enthusiastic, cheerful, and experienced Couple. The employer is in residence about a third of the year at weekends and school holidays.

The house has both smart technology and antique fixtures and fittings, so the Couple must be able to adapt to the different requirements.

The Housekeeper will be responsible for ensuring that the employer's home is kept to a high standard and runs smoothly.

Duties include:

• Cleaning and tidying
• Preparing the house for family visits and guests
• Monitoring household supplies and shopping as necessary
• Checking for pests and taking appropriate action
• Assistance with cooking and food preparation
• Monitoring larder and freezer food supplies and shopping as necessary
• Assisting with harvesting garden produce and preparing it (freezing, cooking, or preserving)
• Responsible for occasional menu planning in liaison with the Chef
• Laundry and clothes care: laundry and ironing, mending, organisation of dry cleaning, shoe cleaning, keeping cupboards clean and tidy
• Packing and unpacking for travel
• Assisting the grandparents: assisting with the weekly clean of the 2 cottages, shopping and running errands as and when needed, keeping an eye out and checking on both occupants
• Driving: running errands, airport/train transfers and occasional other driving
• Occasional supervision (possibly overnight) of 2 children (aged 14 and 16)
• Duty phone: responsibility for the estate duty phone 24/7
• Pet care: two dogs and chickens
• Management of the part-time cleaner
• Supervision of contractors: window cleaners, decorators, plumber etc
• Responsibility for updating the staff calendar with their own days off, annual leave, and any other relevant information
• Updating databases and inventories when needed
• Any other appropriate duties commensurate with this role

Groundsman duties, not limited to:

• Working with the Head Gardener to maintain and develop the main gardens: lawns, borders, rose garden, vegetable gardens, green house, fruit cage, polytunnel and woodland gardens
• Assisting with the cleaning and care of garden tools and machinery
• Assistance with cleaning (regular sweeping and seasonal jet washing) and maintenance of steps, paths around house, patios, and terraces; regular cleaning of outdoor sports areas
• Maintenance and upkeep of leisure facilities and equipment
• Assisting the Housekeeper to keep changing areas clean and tidy
• Resident Caretaker duties, daily unlocking and locking up of the grounds and estate buildings
• Duty phone: responsibility for the estate duty phone 24/7
• Animal care: responsibility for the chickens; dog walking and sole charge of family pets when family are away
• Assistance in the house: clearing and laying fires, bringing in wood; occasional help with general housekeeping if the Housekeeper is away or when house is very busy
• The successful Couple will require excellent knowledge of running a house and must demonstrate enthusiasm and drive with a keen eye for detail to produce the very best results possible, whilst working harmoniously as part of an established team. They will present themselves as helpful and patient individuals, who will take direction and be flexible where necessary.

Profile requirement:

• Previous experience working as a Housekeeper for an UHNW private family
• A keen eye for detail and knowledge of housekeeping
• Full driver’s licence
• Hard-working, reliable, flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to spot what needs doing
• Organisation and time management skills
• Product, fabric, and surface knowledge
• Working hours: 5 days per week Thursday to Monday (Tuesday and Wednesday off) - 45 hours per week

Accommodation:  A delightful separate 2-bedroom cottage with both rent and bills paid for by the estate (excluding groceries). The outdoor space offers outstanding and picturesque views of the Devonshire valley 

Salary: £80,000 DOE

Ref: EHS#6786

To apply for this role please email your CV to info@exclusivehouseholdstaff.com