Live-In Domestic Couple Cotswolds / Cirencester
Location: Private Residence, Cotswold Village (near Cirencester), Gloucestershire
Start Date: September 2024
Accommodation: 3-bedroom cottage, utilities and council tax included
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Interview Dates: Late June / Early July (see process below)
Overview
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and experienced domestic couple to manage a beautiful private weekend and holiday residence in the Cotswolds. Following the departure of a long-serving couple after 8 years, the property owners are seeking a professional and proactive couple to take over the smooth running of this informal yet high-standard household.
The 10,000 sq. ft property is situated within 50 acres and includes a gym, swimming pool, tennis court, and guest houses. The role includes a wide range of responsibilities, including housekeeping, cooking, general maintenance, and occasional pet and guest care. One must be a confident driver.
Animal lovers and candidates with a genuine passion for hospitality, high standards, and teamwork are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Housekeeping & Maintenance
Full housekeeping: cleaning, laundry, ironing, bed making (linen outsourced), flowers, and seasonal decorating.
Household management and security: overseeing contractors, spotting maintenance issues, liaising with the estate manager.
General property care: fire laying, shutter closing, deliveries, wood basket refills, garden furniture, pool house set-up, etc.
Basic DIY and property checks (e.g., gas/oil levels, boiler/chimney service coordination).
Cooking
Confident cooking for family and occasional dinner parties; family-style meals preferred (e.g., Ottolenghi, Jamie Oliver, Nigella).
Menu planning, grocery shopping (mainly online), meal prep for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when family are in residence.
Additional Duties
Occasional driving: errands, train station pickups, local event transport.
Dog care: occasional sitting for two dachshunds.
Event support: hosting drinks, canapé service, dinner party assistance.
Summer Let Oversight: manage a separate rental property during July & August.
Schedule
Typical Week (when family in residence):
Monday: 9am 2pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: Days off
Thursday: 9am 2pm
Friday to Sunday: 8am 7pm (split shifts possible if entertaining)
When not in residence: Monday to Friday schedule
Holidays: 4 weeks per annum
Bank Holidays: Overtime paid if worked
Christmas: Family in residence every other year
Compensation
Salary: Top-end package for high-calibre applicants
Accommodation: Private 3-bedroom cottage, garden, all bills & council tax included
Pets: Well-behaved pets welcome
Notice Period:
o Probation (3 months): 1 week notice
o Thereafter: 6 weeks
Requirements
Skills & Experience:
Fluent English speakers
Legal right to work in the UK
Minimum 23-year commitment
Previous experience in a similar domestic couple role
Confident cook (one of the couple)
Strong housekeeping and home management experience
Experience with children desirable
Driving licence (at least one person)
Competent in basic DIY and using email
Personal Attributes:
Positive, self-starting attitude
Professional, respectful, and enthusiastic
High attention to detail
Team-oriented, flexible, and discreet
Energetic with a love of food and animals
Interview Process
First Round (London): Bring a signature cake and canapé
Second Round (On-site in Gloucestershire)
AMRT1_UKCT