Private Households & Estates Salaries

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Flexibility, innovation and tailoring our offering to meet demand has been key to our growth in this domestic staff sector and we expect this to continue. The housekeeper-nanny role continues to be popular with a 10% increase in placements – even during turbulent times, nationally. The integrated Nanny / Housekeeper role which became popular with our clients in recent years continues to be sought-after, as do female Butlers. Overall, there has been a significant increase in demand for live-in roles of all types, which means our best live-in candidates can often choose from a number of varied and rewarding roles. 

Couples to run and manage private households and estates continue to be our most popular candidates in this sector, with a 20% rise in recent years and we expect this to continue. Couples can be a more cost-effective, efficient way to run a house or estate, particularly in rural areas which are often busier throughout the week. Finding the right couples can be challenging for many factors such as accommodation, lifestyle and experience which is why we are particularly proud of the successful placements we are making and why we continue to use our reach to advertise for experienced couples.

FAQ

Our reputation is built on listening to our clients and understanding their needs. We thought it might be useful to include some of the questions we have recently been frequently asked in this sector:

Which locations do you cover? 

We work throughout the UK with London jobs up to the Midlands, Lancashire and Yorkshire where we have regional consultants, while our Edinburgh office covers Cumbria, Northumberland and Scotland. Our International team based in London covers the rest of the world. Our specialist teams cross-over with each other in respect of sharing candidates and working with the same clients the length and breadth of the UK and Internationally.

Can you help me establish what domestic staff I need?

Our consultants can visit you to discuss your requirements and give advice on the roles suitable for the smooth running of the property. 

We really like the candidate you introduced but are you able to give them specialist training?

Yes. Our consultants are all specialists in their sectors, usually with a long, successful career working in private households and estates themselves. They will not only ensure staff are fully briefed and understand your needs but they will deliver specialist training wherever needed.

Are you able to provide short-term staff and how do you guarantee their quality?

We provide domestic staff on both a short-term and permanent basis – and you always have the option of taking on a candidate for the season with a view to then making the role permanent. Our candidates are vetted, known to us and trusted. During every placement we are in contact with clients to ensure the highest standards are being met and we will only ever recommend candidates who have been given the best reviews from our clients. Our reputation depends on it.

PLEASE NOTE: All salaries quoted throughout this survey are a guideline only, from information gleaned over 2 years from the Greycoat Lumleys database of candidates and clients.

Latest roles.

Couple Job

Couple Job - Housekeeper and Groundsman  A Rare and Exceptional Couple role in a stunning Scottish Location Greycoat Lumley's client is seeking a Couple for their historic property situated in a beautiful, remote location on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. Set within large grounds requiring substantial upkeep, the property offers both luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is a unique and elegant space that will be used as a property let for short stays, hosting guests seeking an extraordinary escape. Alongside its impressive interiors, the estate must be maintained carefully to ensure the highest standards. This Couple requires hands-on individuals to ensure that the interior of the property is always guest-ready and that the extensive grounds are kept in pristine condition. Responsible for managing changeovers, maintaining the property and its contents, and ensuring the grounds remain beautiful, clean, and well-kept. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both indoor and outdoor work in a stunning and tranquil environment. Key Responsibilities: Ensure the entire property is thoroughly cleaned and maintained at all times Manage laundry, ironing, and linen changes, ensuring all guest and house linens are impeccably cared for Ensure all guest amenities are fully stocked and the property is ready to welcome guests at all times Inventory Management Estate and Grounds Maintenance Planting and Gardening Maintain tools and equipment used in outdoor tasks, ensuring everything is in good working order. This role will suit a Couple with proven experience in housekeeping and groundskeeping, ideally in a large estate or heritage property.  The Couple must have strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain high standards in both cleaning and outdoor maintenance. The Couple must be self-motivated and have strong communication skills with the Principals as they will be at the property on a part time basis and the property will be rented out for exclusive use.  The Couple will be meeting and greeting guests and therefore must be welcoming and flexible in their approach.  The Couple must be discreet, trustworthy, and professional at all times. Start:  April 2025 Accommodation:  Provided on the estate with 2 bedrooms - rent free Salary:  £65,000 to £70,000 GPA depending on experience + Council Tax and Utility Bills are included in the package Job:  131726

  • Highland
  • Permanent
  • £65,000 to £70,000 GPA

Live In Couple Job

Live In Couples Job - Nr Brecon South Wales - May / June start - 2 bed accommodation - £60,000 to £70,000 GPA Our client is looking for an experienced Couple to look after a period country residence near Brecon South Wales.  This will be a country residence for the family who are based in London but who will us this property on perhaps 2 weekends per month and school holidays. When the family are in residence, you will be expected to work weekends but otherwise this will be a Monday to Friday role based on a 40 hour week. This role is suited to an experienced couple who can manage their own time and be proactive.  Duties will include: Hands on housekeeping Cleaning Laundry Ironing Preparing family and guest bedrooms ready for arrival Cooking for the family Helping with house parties and drafting in additional staff General Maintenance gardening (contractors will be engaged) Household security General property maintenance Household Management Running household accounts Shopping and running errands Working front of house when the family are entertaining Driving Excellent references and Enhanced DBS check required Hours will be full-time based on 40 hours per week and you will be required to work evenings and weekends when the family are in residence - otherwise working Monday to Friday Accommodation is a self-contained 2 bed flat within the main property with its own entrance - utility bills covered by the employer £60,000 to £70,000 GPA depending on experience May / June start

  • Brecon
  • Permanent
  • £60,000 to £70,000 GPA

Live in Butler/Houseman Job

Live in Butler/Houseman Job A distinguished couple in the heart of the Cotswolds is seeking an experienced and dedicated Butler to join their household. Having recently refurbished their traditional home, they are looking for someone with a strong sense of professionalism and gravitas who can ensure the smooth running of their domestic environment while maintaining a high standard of service. Key Responsibilities: Provide exceptional personal service to the couple, including dining assistance, serving meals, and managing household routines. Oversee the maintenance and presentation of the home, ensuring everything is tidy and in order. Manage household inventory, ensuring supplies are stocked and maintained. Hire and coordinate the work of a housekeeper, who will handle daily cooking and cleaning duties. Offer assistance with any additional arrangements for personal events, even if entertaining is not frequent. Maintain inventory of fine wines and assist with selections for meals. Provide discretion and confidentiality in all aspects of household management. Driving to pick up principals from airport   If you are someone with a strong service background, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to providing excellence in a serene rural environment, we invite you to apply for this unique position.    2 bedroom cottage provided - Partners welcome, no pets Salary - £50,000 - £60,000 GPA   *Please only apply if you have a UK driving license*  

  • Gloucestershire
  • Permanent
  • £50,000 - £60,000 GPA

Live in Couple Job

Live in Couple Job in Oxfordshire This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a lovely returning client of Greycoats. Their Couple of 10 years is retiring and they are looking to hire their next long term Domestic Couple to take care of their weekend residence. The principals live in London mid week and are usually in residence from Friday mornings to Monday afternoons. The property is a 6 bed Georgian Manor house set in 2 acres of garden and lawns with paddocks. A local Gardener is employed 2 days a week between April to September, and 1 day a week between October to December. Duties will include: Hands on cleaning, laundry and ironing Preparing the house for the principals’ arrival and use on the weekends Some simple cooking for the couple a couple of times a week and some freezer filling Running errands and shopping Security of the property Garden maintenance – lawn mowing, weeding, pruning etc Kitchen garden maintenance Swimming pool maintenance General Household Maintenance Occasional driving duties & vehicle maintenance The ideal couple will be experienced, reliable, mature and looking for a long-term position. A confident and experienced gardener is essential. Start: April / May Working week: Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm with occasional weekend work Accommodation: Attractive detached cottage 2/1 bed plus use of 2 bedroom guest cottage on occasion. Utility bills paid. A small dog may be considered. Drivers: at least one must be a confident driver Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 gpa, depending on experience Consultant: Georgia Lester Vacancy number: 130962

  • Oxfordshire
  • Permanent
  • £70,000 - £75,000 GPA

Couple Job

Couple – Front and Back of House Job – Sutherland, Scotland Greycoat Lumley’s client are seeking a Couple for their Estate in Sutherland, Scotland.  The Estate is rapidly developing its hospitality business and are looking for a Couple who can help them to grow further and to build their reputation with guests.  There are other members of the team including, Chef and Kitchen staff, an Operations Manager, rangers and 2 local Housekeepers.  If you join the team, you will be joining a team which is as passionate about conservation and the Scottish landscapes, as it is about hospitality. Duties Include: Someone who can help the team take their hospitality to the next level. To adhere to the ethos of ‘being available, but not intrusive’ Responsible for the day to day running of all aspect of the property and guests services Able to welcome and comfortably host a wide range of people; from easy going nature lovers to wealthy and demanding individuals Building good rapport with guests Solving day to day problems Able to accommodate all requests including proactively seeking to enhance the guests stay Property Maintenance Between them, the Couple should be able to operate the hospitality side of the estate on the own when the Operations Manager is away and work closely with the estate, kitchen and  housekeeping teams. Peak time for the estate is May to October each year.  There are quiet times of the year where the Couple can take holiday and complete tasks that aren’t possible when there are guests. Our client is looking for business acumen and awareness, good communication skills, attention to detail, passion for food and all things hospitality, understanding of service levels and styles, flair for nature and ambition to achieve the highest levels of service possible. There are many benefits to this role, living and working in a stunning location with excellent  furnished accommodation.  This reserve is setting very high standards in hospitality and somewhere a professional will feel proud to be part of. The location is 1½ hour North of Inverness, making it very remote and this is somethings that applicants need to consider seriously. Start Date:   March/April 2025  Salary:           £60,000total per annum - All utilities and council tax for the property are included in the package Accommodation:    2 bedroom 1st floor apartment  within the grounds at the back of the main property There is a  vehicle at the property that can be used for work purposes. Start Date:  ASAP Job Number: 129971

  • Sutherlandshire
  • Permanent
  • £60,000 GPA

Live in Couple Job

Live in Couple Job in Wiltshire This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a returning client of Greycoat’s whose Live in Couple are retiring after 10 years. The principals also have homes in London and Italy but use this as their main residence, but they travel often.  The house has 7 bedrooms set in 300 acres of land with about 3-4 acres of gardens. The rest of the land is looked after by local farmers. The gardens are a mix of formal and natural gardens with lots of lawns, hedge cutting, chopping wood using a chain saw. There is a kitchen garden, 2 walled gardens and a small pond. On the estate there are various outbuildings, one of which includes an indoor swimming pool and gym. Duties Keeping the house clean and tidy Laundry and ironing Occasional cooking would be a bonus but not essential Liaising with contractors Running errands, taking deliveries etc Cleaning the gym once a week Garden maintenance such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, log cutting etc Maintaining the kitchen garden Swimming pool and tennis court maintenance Use and maintenance of large garden machinery such as ride on mowers, chainsaws, wood chippers etc Basic household maintenance Handyman duties (basic DIY and minor repairs) Occasional driving duties Security of the house and estate is very important to the principals as they are often not in residence so you should be happy to sleep at the house including on your days off when the family are not in residence This is a great position for a Couple who like to manage their own time and enjoy rural life. Private Household experience is essential and ideally one of you should have plant knowledge. There is a lot of large garden machinery to use, so experience working with and maintaining large machinery is very important. Start: End of March / April Accommodation 1 bedroom separate cottage with a small private garden. All utility bills included. Pets will be considered. Days and hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week, with occasional weekend work required. Drivers: Ideally both to drive Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 gpa, dependent on experience Consultant: Georgia Lester Vacancy number: 129244

  • Wiltshire
  • Permanent
  • £60,000 - £65,000 GPA

Head Butler Job

Head Butler Job in Taipei, Taiwan Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Butler to manage this UHNW couples' private residence, coordinating a small team of 1 driver and 1 cleaner, as well as ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the household. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated and organized individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate with the driver and cleaner to ensure efficient day-to-day operations. Oversee the management of the residence, including maintenance, repairs, and upkeep. Manage household staff, including providing guidance and support as needed. Handle various tasks and projects, as well as travel arrangements. Provide exceptional service to the household members, guests, and visitors. Prepare meals, including cooking and presentation. Drive and transport the household members and guests as required. Ensure the security and well-being of the household members and pets (1 cat and 1 dog). Manage and maintain the household's schedules, appointments, and events. Maintain the confidentiality and discretion expected of a professional estate manager and butler. Requirements: 2+ years of experience working in a similar role, preferably in a 5* hotel or private setting (both required)  Excellent communication and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities. Proficiency in English (native fluency required); Mandarin is an asset. Valid driver's license. Ability to travel frequently to the USA, Europe, Singapore, Japan, and the Maldives. Willingness to relocate for the duration of the contract. Accommodations and Remuneration: Accommodation will be provided nearby. All visa and travel expenses will be covered. Salary is dependant in experience, although circa £5,000 NPM Temporary accommodation provided during probation, assistance given finding something more permanent once a successful probation period (3 months) is completed  Job Type: Full-time Travel Requirements: Frequent travel to the USA, Europe, Singapore, Japan, and the Maldives. Job No: 128980 Consultant: Andy Hodges

  • Taipei
  • Permanent
  • £5,000 NPM

Live out Estate Gardener Job

Live out Estate Gardener Job in Surrey We are looking for up to 2 experienced Estate Gardeners to be part of a highly skilled and motivated team who are dedicated to delivering extremely high standards on a prestigious family owned estate on the Surrey/Berkshire bord. The job entails working largely within a formal garden setting and must have experience with topiary, rose gardens and herbaceous borders. Experience of maintaining newly developed landscapes would be an advantage. Duties and Responsibilities: To undertake all aspects of grounds and garden maintenance Use of ride-on mowers, strimmer’s, blowers and hedge cutters Maintenance of hand tools and machinery To liaise with external contractors and managers as required Effectively use irrigation systems Skills and Competencies: Broad knowledge of estate gardening Formal Horticultural qualification PA1 and PA6 spraying certificate Knowledge of irrigation systems Good communicator and positive attitude Highly organised and demonstrate a practical and methodical approach to work, when working independently or within the team. It is desirable that the candidate has experience in newly developed landscapes A full driving licence is essential. Start date: Flexible for the right candidate Working week: 5 consecutive day working week, which may require a Saturday or a Sunday working, subject to agreed rota and requirement Annual leave is 28 days with no entitlement to public holidays. Salary:  £32,000- £35,000 gross per annum with a discretionary annual bonus after completing a success probationary period. Consultant: Georgia Lester Vacancy number: 128320

  • Surrey
  • Permanent
  • £32,000 - £35,000 GPA

Couple Job

Domestic Couple - Switzerland  Greycoat Lumleys has the pleasure of assisting a family seeking a domestic couple to join a busy and fast-paced household in Thurgau, Switzerland. Only EU Passport holders or Swiss Work pemrit holders without Pets or dependents can be considered. The couple will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the household, ensuring that everything runs smoothly without constant supervision and with excellent levels of intuitive care and initiative taking. The ideal candidates will be discreet, efficient, and capable of managing multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of cleanliness and organization. The property is modern and incorporates many modern smart home systems. Responsibilities Housekeeping: Cleaning the house daily, washing and ironing clothes, and shopping for various groceries Cooking: Preparing healthy meals twice a day, and possibly on weekends as needed Maintenance: Gardening, cleaning outdoor areas, pool maintenance, and overseeing various technology for the house Childcare: both candidates to assist the nanny with the care of three lively children, ages 6, 4, and 9 Qualifications Previous experience working in a similar role, preferably in a high-end household Strong organizational and multitasking skills Child-friendly and capable of working in a well-kept household Candidates should have good German language skills Discreet, clean, and well-groomed appearance Capacity to work independently and plan tasks efficiently Able to maintain a reserved and professional demeanour while interacting with the homeowners and guests Day-to-day The domestic couple will work Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. with the possibility of additional hours on some weekends as necessary. Candidates would be recompensed with time of in lieu for this time. The employment relationship is full time permanent, and the monthly salary, accommodation, and benefits can be discussed. The successful couple should be available to start employment on March 1 preferably. Accommodation and a vehicle will be sourced for the successful applicants and of course candidates would be provided with Swiss work contracts. We encourage applicants to inquire directly to with any questions and express their interest in the position with copies of CVS. Candidates would need to register first with Greycoat Lumleys if they’re deemed to be a suitable match for the position based on their previous experience, professional natures and language skills. First stage interviews would be conducted in the evenings preferably, to accommodate the busy schedule of the employers. SALARY:  CHF 6,500 Gross per person per month ACCOMMODATION: Will be provided at no additional cost in the local area JOB ID;1273 Swiss Office

  • Switzerland
  • Permanent
  • CHF 6,500 GROSS per person p/m

House Manager Job

Live-in House Manager Position, Mougins, France - UHNW Family Looking for a challenging and rewarding job opportunity in the South of France? Look no further! We are hiring for the position of House Manager for a large estate (One main house / one guest house) in Mougins, France. As the House Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of service, cleanliness, and management of infrastructure. You will work closely with the principals to create a comfortable and organized household, and build and train a team of staff to assist in this process. Your responsibilities will include managing daily expenditures, coordinating and planning daily schedules for the principals, maintaining cleanliness and maintenance standards of the house, overseeing the care of the principal's wardrobes, recruiting and managing the household staff, and overseeing the food and beverage service to the principals and guests. You will also be responsible for the overall care of the animals on the property, as well as the exterior maintenance of the property, including alarm systems, pool, and gardens. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, hands-on, and able to multitask in all areas. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a private household or yacht, as well as experience managing a team. They will offer a competitive salary of €4500-5000  net (TAKE HOME) per month (dependent on experience) and a full-time, permanent position. Accommodation is fully separate, no shared areas (one bedroom) and close to the main residence. When the two principals are residence, the normal working week is Monday – Friday, however it can be up to 6/7 days during busy times which is normal for these roles in the region, you will be required to be flexible with your hours. If you are computer literate, confident in apple and inputting appointments in the diary, fluent in English and French, have a full clean driving license, and are ready for a challenging and rewarding job opportunity, then apply now! Consultant: Andy Hodges Job No: 127193

  • Mougins
  • Permanent
  • €4,500 to €5,000 NPM

Live in Couple Job

Live in Couple Job in Wiltshire We have a lovely position for an experienced Couple to take care of a beautiful newly renovated 6 bedroom house and a newly planted garden in Wiltshire. The garden consists of 0.5 acres and includes formal beds, lawns, greenhouse etc. The principal is a single lady. Her son and his family live on the estate as well. Also employed is a part time Housekeeper/Companion who works 4 days a week. Duties to include but not limited to: Formal and informal gardening Upkeep of the grounds and surrounding areas Use and maintenance of garden machinery Maintaining flowers beds and a greenhouse Liaising with contractors Handyman duties would be a bonus (basic DIY and repairs etc) Driving duties and vehicle maintenance Keeping the house clean and tidy Shopping and running errands Preparing simple healthy meals for the principal Polishing silver and care of antiques Security This stunning garden requires a competent and experienced Gardener. The ideal Couple would be kind, gentle, easy going and good communicators. Start date: March Working week: 5 days a week, Tuesday to Saturdays with Sundays & Mondays off. You can have 1 weekend off a month. 40 hours a week. Accommodation: 2-bedroom separate cottage with a small garden. Dogs might be considered for the right couple. Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 gross per annum, dependant on experience Driving: both must be confident drivers Job reference number:   126827 Responsible Consultant: Georgia Lester

  • Wiltshire
  • Permanent
  • £70,000 - £75,000 GPA
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