Live -in Housekeeperâ Beautiful Private Estate near Henley -on -Thames

Location: Chiltern Hills (approximately 4 miles from Henley-on-Thames and 10 miles from Marlow)

Contract: Full-time, Live-in

Working Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility required to meet the family's needs (days off ideally Mon and Tue but would consider Sunday & Monday, or by agreement)

Salary: Approximately £45-50k gross per annum for a Housekeeper (negotiable depending on experience)

Start Date: ASAP, although the family are happy to wait for the right candidate(s)

We are seeking an experienced, proactive and personable Live-in Housekeeper to join a lovely informal family on their beautiful private estate in the Chiltern Hills. This is a long-term opportunity working for a warm and welcoming retired couple who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, who visit regularly. The family are looking for candidates who will become a valued part of the household and wider estate team.

The successful Housekeeper will take full responsibility for maintaining the principal residence to an exceptional standard while managing the day-to-day running of the household. The family particularly appreciate candidates who are positive, proactive, have excellent initiative and genuinely enjoy working within a busy private household.

• Household
• Two principals
• Seven adult children and ten grandchildren who visit regularly
• Two well-trained family dogs (Bertie, a Black Labrador, and Teddy, a Chocolate Spaniel)
• Five-bedroom main residence (approximately 8,000 sq ft)
• Six tenanted cottages and six short-term holiday lets located on the estate (the Housekeeper won’t clean these properties, just the main residence)
• Existing estate team including: Personal Assistant, Shepherd, Facilities Manager / Handyman, Contract gardeners, Family members actively involved in the estate

Housekeeper Responsibilities:

• Full housekeeping of the principal residence only to an exceptional standard
• Daily cleaning and presentation of all living areas
• Laundry, ironing and wardrobe care
• Household organisation and maintaining immaculate standards throughout
• Grocery shopping and household stock management
• Running household errands as required
• Basic family cooking
• Answering the telephone, gate intercom and taking messages when required
• Assisting with diary awareness and planning ahead
• Caring for the family dogs, including walks and general day-to-day care
• Moving into the main house to care for the dogs while the principals are away (approximately three months of the year in two-week periods)
• Working closely with the principals and wider estate team to ensure the household runs smoothly

Schedule:

• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Flexibility required depending on the principals' schedule
• Days off generally Sunday and Monday, or by mutual agreement
• Long-term, live-in position

Requirements:

• Previous experience working within high-end private households
• Exceptional housekeeping and laundry skills
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Basic family cooking skills
• Full driving licence would be preferred but it’s not a MUST
• Excellent spoken English
• Non-smoker
• Outstanding references
• Positive attitude with plenty of initiative

Personal Attributes:

• Friendly, positive and approachable
• Naturally organised and proactive
• Happy to become part of a close-knit household and estate team
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Calm under pressure
• Highly trustworthy and discreet
• Genuine team player with a positive, can-do attitude

Benefits Package:

• Competitive salary (approximately £45k-£50k gross for the Housekeeper, negotiable depending on experience)
• 22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Modern two-bedroom accommodation located approximately two minutes' walk from the main house
• Long-term opportunity on a beautiful private estate
• Supportive and welcoming family environment