Job Description
PERMANENT LIVE-IN OR LIVE-OUT DOMESTIC COUPLE JOB | PADHAM'S GREEN, ESSEX
SALARY: £60,000–£68,000 PER ANNUM GROSS
PHS JOB 3364
A wonderful opportunity has arisen to join a welcoming and dynamic household on a stunning 35-acre former dairy farm in rural Essex. Despite its peaceful, countryside feel, the property is remarkably well-connected—less than a mile to the local train station with a direct 30-minute service to Liverpool Street, and walkable to all local shops and amenities.
The estate includes a five-bedroom farmhouse, three guest/rental cottages, 20 acres of newly planted woodland, rewilded meadows, and approximately five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with herbaceous borders, seasonal planters, and lawns. The family has four grown children who visit regularly, two dogs (a Border Collie and a Samoyed, one of whom is blind), and two cats. The Principal travels frequently and splits time between the property and Cambridge, so is seeking a self-sufficient, proactive couple who can take ownership of the home and grounds in her absence.
Housekeeper / House Manager:
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, organised, and intelligent housekeeper who can think ahead, plan efficiently, and manage the day-to-day running of the main house and three guest cottages. Occasional cooking for the family is required, along with meal planning and grocery organisation when the family is in residence. The Principal is seeking someone with the mindset of an "experienced wife and mother"—someone who instinctively knows how to run a household smoothly without constant direction.
Gardener / Handyman:
The ideal candidate will be a skilled and experienced gardener, confident with herbaceous perennials, lawns, seasonal planting, and general grounds maintenance. In addition, strong handyman skills are essential—someone who can tackle light painting, minor repairs, pond and hot tub maintenance, tool servicing, and general property upkeep. During winter months, the role shifts towards indoor maintenance, cleaning outbuildings, organising storage areas, and preparing for the busier spring and summer season.
Type: Live-In (preferred) or Live-Out, Full-Time, Permanent
Working Days: 5 days per week (flexibility required, including occasional Saturdays)
Working Hours: Seasonal variation – lighter hours in winter, fuller schedule spring through summer
Location: Rural Essex, 30 minutes from Central London
Language: Fluent English
Salary: £60,000–£68,000 per annum gross (combined, dependent on experience)
Accommodation: Private one-bedroom cottage with two bathrooms, kitchen, living area, and patio (all utilities included)
Start Date: Flexible – transitional handover with outgoing couple
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Housekeeper / House Manager:
* Full housekeeping of the main five-bedroom farmhouse and three guest cottages
* Turnover and cleaning of short-term rental properties (Airbnb)
* Laundry, ironing, and wardrobe organisation
* Meal planning, grocery ordering, and cooking for the family when in residence
* Household organisation—labelling, reorganising cupboards, and maintaining order
* Managing the household calendar and coordinating family arrivals/departures
* Receiving deliveries, meeting contractors, and overseeing works on site
* Pet care for two dogs and two cats—feeding, supervision, and occasional walking
* Locking up the property and general security checks in the evening
Gardener / Handyman:
* Maintenance of five acres of landscaped gardens, lawns, herbaceous borders, and planters
* Seasonal planting and garden preparation
* Liaison with external landscaping contractors when required
* Light painting, repairs, and general property maintenance
* Pond filter changes, hot tub maintenance, and equipment servicing
* Tool and equipment servicing and organisation during winter months
* Organising garages, tool sheds, and outbuildings
* Waste management and recycling
* Assisting with setup for occasional large-scale garden parties and events
* Flexibility to support the housekeeper with heavier tasks when needed
ACCOMMODATION:
A charming private cottage is available on the estate for the right couple, located away from the main house for complete privacy. The accommodation includes one bedroom, two full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living area with a private patio. All utilities are included—gas, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The setting offers the best of both worlds: a tranquil rural lifestyle with excellent transport links to Central London.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* Minimum five years of private domestic experience in a similar role
* A proactive, self-sufficient couple (or two individuals) who take ownership and pride in their work
* Excellent, checkable references
* Fluent English with strong communication skills
* Valid UK work permit
* Full UK driving licence (own vehicle preferred)
Perfect Household Staff has over 15 years of experience placing professional Domestic Couples within distinguished private households across the UK and internationally. We are a boutique domestic staffing agency specialising in long-term, quality placements. If you are seeking a permanent Domestic Couple position within a respectful and well-managed household, we would be delighted to assist daria@perfecthouseholdstaff.co.uk
If you are personally interested in this Domestic Couple position, or know of another professional who may be suitable, please apply via our website or email us directly. We are always excited to register new applicants and are happy to answer any questions about our vacancies.
Requirements
• Minimum five years of private domestic experience in a similar role • A proactive, self-sufficient couple (or two individuals) who take ownership and pride in their work • Excellent, checkable references • Fluent English with strong communication skills • Valid UK work permit • Full UK driving licence (own vehicle preferred)