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Live in Couple Job

  • Sector: Private Households & Estates
  • Function: Couple
  • Contact: Georgia Lester
  • Contact Phone: +442072339950
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Location: Devon
  • Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 GPA
  • Job Ref: 112489
  • Contact Email: georgia@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

Live in Couple Job in Devon

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Housekeeper & Groundsman/ Caretaker Couple to work for an estate in Devon. The property features a large main house and 2 cottages.

This is an 2nd residence where the family stay approximately a third of the time.

The role requires that the couple are the main Caretakers for the property responsible for the house duty phone 24/7. This job would suit a Couple who enjoy working as part of a team.  

Housekeeper duties and responsibilities:

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

The successful applicant 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, while working harmoniously as part of an established team. They will present themselves as a helpful and patient individual, who will take direction and be flexible where necessary.

  • Responsible for ensuring that the employers home is kept to a high standard and runs smoothly including
  • 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, organization 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)
  • Pet care
  • 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/ Caretaker/ Driver duties

  • Working with the 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 cultivation of fruit and vegetables; harvesting produce and preparing it for use in the house
  • Assisting with the cleaning and care of garden tools and machinery
  • Keeping the gardeners yard and stores clean and tidy
  • Care for the parkland, games field, lake and pond, fields and Carpenters Hill
  • Responsibility for cleaning (regular sweeping and seasonal jetwashing) and maintenance of steps, paths around house, patios and terraces; regular cleaning of outdoor sports areas (pool, tennis court, cricket net, pavilion)
  • Cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of leisure facilities and equipment (hot tub, tree house, caravan, boats etc)
  • Cleaning outdoor furniture, putting out cushions and umbrellas, opening pool ready for use and shutting up afterwards
  • Assisting the housekeeper to keep changing areas clean and tidy; clearing leaves from the tennis court
  • Stocking tennis pavilion fridge; helping set up for outdoor meals; setting up barbecue etc.
  • Resident Caretaker duties: daily unlocking and locking up of the grounds and estate buildings; organising rubbish and recycling; collecting and distributing post;  responsibility for the estate emergency duty phone.
  • Driving duties: driving the family in a range of different cars
  • Animal care: responsibility for the chickens; dog walking and occasional sole charge of family pet 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.
  • Full responsibility 24/7 for the house duty phone
  • Opening and locking of the property

Start date: Flexible for the right couple

Working hours: Thursday – Monday (Tuesday and Wednesday days off), 45 hours a week.

Accommodation: 2 bedroom self contained cottage will be provided with both rent and bills paid for by the estate (groceries not included). Pets cannot be considered

Driving: Ideally, both to drive

Start date: Flexible for the right couple

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 gross per annum, negotiable depending on experience 

Responsible consultant: Georgia Lester

Vacancy Number: 112489