Live-out Housekeeper/Cook Job in Kensington, London

A returning client of Greycoat Lumleys is seeking an experienced Housekeeper to join her informal yet high-standard household in Kensington. The principal is a lady living in a 3-bedroom apartment, with a nearby art studio that requires occasional ad hoc care. She has two indoor cats, so a cat-friendly candidate is essential. Her partner visits approximately every six weeks for short stays of 4–5 days. This position is to replace the current housekeeper, who is relocating abroad at the end of March. The client is looking for a long-term, committed candidate who is proactive, discreet, and takes pride in maintaining a home to an excellent standard. The household is relaxed and informal in style, but expectations regarding cleanliness, organisation, and efficiency are high. The principal travels 4–5 times per year (up to 4-5 months in total), and she is usually away for just a few days to up to a couple of months at a time. During these periods, the working schedule is reduced to part-time hours. Holiday must be taken while the principal is away.

Duties to include:

Maintain all areas of the apartment to a consistently high standard of cleanliness and organisation
Ad hoc care and upkeep of the nearby art studio
Handling delicate objects
Laundry care and ironing
Making and changing beds
Packing and unpacking for travel
Preparing simple, healthy meals (e.g., salads, grilled fish) daily when the client is in residence - breakfast and lunch
General household organisation to ensure smooth day-to-day running
Reporting issues to the PA, letting contractors in, and showing them around
Feeding the cats, cleaning their cat litter trays, and taking them to the vets as needed

The ideal candidate will be experienced, organised, with strong attention to detail. They should be confident in preparing simple, healthy meals, as the principal follows a strict diet; however, she also often eats out. When her partner is in residence, cooking will be required for two. When the principal entertains (very occasionally), additional external help will be arranged.

House: a 3-bedroom apartment and an art studio

Working days and hours:

When the principal is in London:
Monday to Friday, 8-5 (9 hours per day) + Saturday, 4 hours in the morning
When the principal is travelling:
Monday to Friday, 20 hours per week

Start date: Mid-March 2026

Salary: £40,000 GPA (non-negotiable)

Job reference: 206234

Consultant to contact: Melinda Nagy