Domestic Couple – St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly organised management couple to live and work in the castle on St Michael’s Mount.
One partner will lead the domestic management of the castle, overseeing housekeeping and the care of historic interiors, while also supporting family life. The second partner will manage the practical operation of the castle and island, including facilities management, safety and security systems, contractor coordination and general maintenance.
Both roles require a hands-on, proactive approach, strong organisational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the wider estate team, while maintaining discretion within a private family environment.
Living on a tidal island requires adaptability and resilience, but offers a rare opportunity to become part of a close-knit community. Private accommodation is provided within the castle.
Role One: Head Housekeeper
This role is responsible for the day-to-day running of the castle.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the cleaning, presentation and organisation of the family home
- Overseeing laundry and linen management
- Supervising and working alongside the housekeeping team when preparing to open the castle to the public, and with conserving artwork and furniture when the castle is closed
- Caring for antiques, artworks, silver and historic interiors using appropriate cleaning methods
- Managing household supplies and organisation
- Supporting the smooth running of the household during family visits and entertaining
- Assisting with guest preparation, arrivals and departures
- Providing occasional babysitting or childcare support when required
- Preparing simple, healthy family meals and occasional meals for guests
- Participating in the island duty rota
The role requires someone who is good with people, has experience with conserving historic items, and enjoys creating a warm, welcoming and beautifully run household while maintaining the highest standards of housekeeping.
Role Two: Castle Steward
This role is responsible for the practical operation and upkeep of the castle and estate infrastructure.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the safety, security and presentation of the castle and its contents
- Managing fire, security and building management systems
- Managing the facilities team
- Managing waste and recycling processes across the island
- Coordinating contractors and supporting maintenance projects
- Undertaking routine inspections and preventative maintenance tasks
- Cleaning parts of the castle
- Assisting with island events and functions
- Supporting the family with practical tasks such as luggage, deliveries and logistics
- Participating in the island duty rota
- Monitoring castle oil levels and ordering oil when required
- Conducting compliance checks and taking meter readings
- Ensure the castle is always occupied, organising cover during days off or annual leave
This role requires a proactive and hands-on individual who is a team player who enjoys problem-solving and maintaining complex historic buildings and infrastructure.
Candidate Profile
The successful couple will demonstrate:
- Experience managing and supervising people
- Previous experience working within private households, estates or heritage properties
- A hands-on and practical approach to work
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Absolute discretion and professionalism
- A positive, flexible and collaborative attitude
- Physical fitness and comfort working in a historic environment with stairs and uneven terrain
- A genuine appreciation for the lifestyle and community of St Michael’s Mount
A full driving licence is required.
Lifestyle & Accommodation
This position offers a unique opportunity to live and work in one of Britain’s most extraordinary historic settings. The successful couple will live in a two-bedroom private apartment in the castle, with its own entrance. All utility bills paid, it can be furnished or non furnished.
Salary: Flexible depending on experience
Start Date: When the right couple is found
Vacancy number: 166444
Responsible consultant: Shannon Anderson
If you wish to apply, and are not registered with Greycoat Lumleys, please submit your CV to shannon@greycoatlumleys.co.uk
Please note that this is a popular role and we will only consider candidates with direct experience as above with checkable and verifiable references for the last 5 years.
You will need to already have the right to work in the UK.