Our clients are seeking a professional, discreet and friendly Live-in Domestic Couple to help manage and maintain a large Cotswolds' manor house.
The household is generally quiet and informal, with the owner primarily in residence at weekends and occasionally entertaining small groups of guests. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, with an emphasis on good food, warm hospitality and maintaining the house to a high standard.
Entertaining is typically for two people, occasionally small groups of up to twelve guests.
This role would suit a couple who enjoy country living and working in a beautiful rural setting, and who take pride in running a well-organised home with minimal supervision.
The owners value discretion, common sense, warmth and reliability, and are looking for a couple who will treat the house with pride and care.
Role 1 – Private Chef
Key Responsibilities
1. Prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner, primarily Friday, Saturday and Sunday
2. Cooking for typically two people, occasionally up to 12 guests
3. Plan menus in consultation with the owner
4. Source and purchase high-quality ingredients, ideally using seasonal and locally sourced produce
5. Maintain a clean, well-organised and efficiently run kitchen
6. Manage kitchen supplies and food storage
7. Cater for occasional informal entertaining or small gatherings
Role 2 – Housekeeper
Key Responsibilities
8. Maintain the cleanliness and presentation of the 7-bedroom house
9. General housekeeping, including cleaning, laundry and ironing
10. Changing bed linen and sheets and preparing guest bedrooms
11. Turn-down service for the owners and when guests are staying
12. Serving drinks before lunch and dinner and assisting with table service
13. Ensuring guest and communal areas are always well presented
14. Drawing curtains in the evening and helping manage the household routine
15. Filling log baskets and maintaining fireplaces where required
Seasonal Responsibilities
During January and February, when the owner is largely away:
16. Undertake a thorough deep clean / spring clean of the house
17. Review and organise household storage areas and linen cupboards
18. Ensure the property is fully prepared for the upcoming season
Additional Household Duties
In addition to normal household duties, the couple will assist with a few simple outdoor tasks.
One weekend in every three, duties will include:
19. Watering pots in the garden and greenhouse
20. Feeding the chickens and doves
Accommodation
The couple will be provided with a separate two-bedroom cottage on the estate with its own garden, offering comfortable and private live-in accommodation. Council tax paid for by the principals. Other utilities to be paid by the couple.
A pet and dependants will be considered.
Working days/Hours:
When the principals are in residence:
Tuesday & Wednesdays off, flexi hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
When Principals are not in residence: 9am-5pm
Candidate Profile
The ideal couple will:
21. Have previous experience working together in a private household
22. Be trustworthy, discreet and professional
23. Maintain high standards of housekeeping and hospitality
24. Be organised, proactive and capable of managing a household with minimal supervision
25. Enjoy working in a rural country house environment
26. Be flexible and comfortable assisting with occasional entertaining
This role would suit a couple seeking a stable, long-term position in a beautiful rural setting in the Cotswolds.
Salary: £80,000+ (DOE)