Live‑in Housekeeping Couple – Rural Private Residence (Ireland)
Greycoat Lumley's client are seeking a Housekeeping Couple who will jointly manage the day‑to‑day care, cleaning and organisation of a large country house, and will assume full responsibility for the property and two dogs when the Principals are travelling.
The couple will keep the house to a high standard, ensure the dogs are well cared for and secure, and act as trusted key‑holders and first point of contact in the principals’ absence in conjunction with the Estate Manager
Key responsibilities – Housekeeping and rota
• Carry out all daily and weekly housekeeping, following an agreed rota covering bedrooms, bathrooms, reception rooms, kitchen, utility and entrance areas.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness on a routine basis, with rolling deep‑cleaning projects when the principals are away (cupboards, windows, seasonal tasks).
• Manage all household laundry and ironing, including bed linen, towels and table linen; prepare wardrobes and guest rooms in advance of visits.
Key responsibilities – Dogs and rural property
• Provide full daily care for two large, well‑behaved dogs, including feeding, fresh water, walks, basic grooming, administering routine medication as instructed and arranging vet appointments by agreement.
• Maintain dog‑related areas clean and odour‑free, and manage dog equipment, food and supplies.
• Carry out light outdoor tasks linked to the house (terraces, steps, outdoor furniture, bins, basic checks after bad weather) and coordinate with external gardeners or trades as required.
Principals travelling / security
• When the Principals are away, act as on‑site guardians: regular internal and external walk‑rounds, meter and plant checks, post management and opening/airing the house. Deep clean routines.
• Operate alarm systems, lock‑up routines and key control, and be available to meet contractors, deliveries and service providers as agreed.
• Prepare the house for arrivals and departures: beds made up, heating and hot water set, kitchen stocked with agreed basics, dogs bathed if needed and public rooms guest‑ready.
Cooking, errands and flexibility
• Prepare simple, fresh meals when the principals are in residence, and assist with occasional informal entertaining, table laying and service.
• Undertake local errands (post, pharmacy, dry cleaning, collecting parcels) and occasional driving (station/airport collections) if a driver is available.
* Keep inside and outside of cars clean and maintain boats.
• Work a five‑day week with staggered days off to ensure cover for the property and dogs, with flexibility for some evenings and weekends, with time off in lieu.
Candidate profile
• Proven experience as a housekeeping couple in a private household, ideally rural or with principals who travel frequently.
• Genuine love of dogs and confidence with large breeds; at least one candidate must be fit enough for regular countryside walks in all seasons.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and self‑motivated, able to manage the property and dogs responsibly when the principals are abroad.
• Good standard of spoken English; at least one confident driver with a clean licence is essential.
Start: ASAP
Job: 198294
lesley@greycoatlumleys.co.uk