Live in Housekeeper/ Cook Job or Couple Job North Oxfordshire
A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a switched on and proactive housekeeper for their stunning 9-bed weekend home on a large estate in the Oxfordshire countryside. The property is primarily used at the weekends. They are looking for someone to manage the home, run and keep it to the highest of standards. Other staff who are employed also live on the estate such as the head gardener/ estate manager and one other gardener. When the client is in residence they will often be entertaining, so someone who is flexible with a professional approach who is friendly and has a warm personality is a must! They need someone who can manage their own time effectively. They also have three dogs who live on the property permanently.
The principals primarily use the property at weekends/bank holidays with occasional other use in summer weeks. They typically arrive on Friday and leave on Monday. Most of the time they are alone but their 4 adult children will visit occasionally. Though there is no set pattern, on average once, and max twice, a month they may have lunch or dinner parties (6-18 people) and maybe 8 times a year weekend guests (2-12 at a time). The household style is informal but done to a high standard.
They also have a large chalet in Switzerland (8 bedrooms with a separate 1-bed staff studio on the lower floor) which they use 5-6 times in winter for long weekends or week/10-day stays including New Year and 2-4 weeks in summer. They typically have family and other house guests which can mean 4-18 people staying. The Housekeeper would travel out a day or two ahead of these visits to prepare the chalet, look after the party during residence ( cleaning/ laundry/ tidying/ shopping/assistance with meal prep/cooking/serving and washing up in the evenings) and stay a day or two later to clean up and close up. These are probably the busiest and longest days involved in the job. Time off would be given in lieu for days off missed during these trips.
Duties to include
Hands-on cleaning, washing and ironing The property has fine art and antiques- knowledge of care and cleaning would be a bonus.
Day-to-day running of the house, dealing with contractors and tradespeople, household admin
Ensuring the house presentation to the highest standards, Turn downs, fire setting, arranging flowers.
Helping with entertaining, meeting and greeting guests, serving drinks and to table and food preparation
Shopping and running errands for the household
Cooking (recipes provided) to a good dinner party standard is desirable as is baking (cooking is only required when the principals are hosting
Assistance with food prep (when just principals are in residence)
Looking after the resident-friendly dogs and cat ( in conjunction with the other staff)
Occasional driving for train station or airport pickups and drop-offs of guests are also needed.
You would be expected to be on duty when owners in residence including evenings as late as needed for dinner clearing. Bed turn downs, tidying etc. Driving essential, use of estate car provided for work purposes Partners and pets will be considered and they would also consider a couple- the role for the partner being a Gardener / Handyman /Driver all-rounder.
Hours 40 hours 5 days a week, days off during the week with flexibility
Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in the stable block adjacent to the main house. An estate car is shared for work purposes. Bills included. Pets will be considered.
Salary: Negotiable please present expectations, likely to be in the region of £45,000 depending on experience and longevity in roles
Start date: As soon as the right person is found
Consultant to contact for sole housekeeper: Vicky Smith
Consultant to contact for couples: Georgia Lester
If you wish to apply and you are not already registered. Please send your CV to vickys@greycoatlumleys.co.uk