At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain high housekeeping standards and support the Principal in a private household.
- Company: Join a warm and organised household with beautiful residences in the UK and France.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private accommodation, and utilities included.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working hours and occasional travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Experience life in stunning locations while providing exceptional household support.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of live-in experience and excellent housekeeping skills required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.
Live in Housekeeper required in the UK with International Travel.
Location: United Kingdom (Oxfordshire/ Cotswolds) & Southern France (Languedoc Region)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 gross per annum (possibly a bit more, negotiable depending on experience)
Accommodation: Private bedroom and bathroom provided at all locations
Start Date: ASAP
The Role
Our client is seeking an experienced, trustworthy and warm-natured Live-in Housekeeper to support the Principal within a well-organised private household. This is a wonderful opportunity for a candidate who genuinely takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high housekeeping standards and enjoys working in a calm, organised environment.
The successful candidate will accompany the Principal between beautiful private residences in the United Kingdom (around Oxfordshire/ Cotswolds/ approx 1.5h from London max) and Southern France throughout 2026, before the household becomes permanently based in the UK from 2027 onwards.
This role would suit someone who is reliable, discreet, proactive and resourceful, with a positive attitude and the ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards at all times.
The Household
The Principal lives alone, together with a Wire-Haired Dachshund, and divides her time between private residences in the United Kingdom and the Languedoc region of Southern France. The properties are typically 4-5 bedroom rural homes, with occasional travel within the UK and abroad also possible.
Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the household, including:
- Full housekeeping of a 4-5 bedroom, 4-bathroom property to an excellent standard
- Laundry, ironing and care of household linens and clothing
- Maintaining the home in immaculate condition at all times
- General household organisation and ensuring everything remains tidy and well ordered
- Working independently or alongside another Housekeeper when required
Household Support
- Preparing simple, healthy meals for the Principal or assisting with meal preparation
- Grocery shopping and running household errands independently or together with the Principal
- Receiving and sorting post
- Welcoming guests when requested
- Receiving, supervising and liaising with tradespeople
- Maintaining awareness of household security and reporting anything requiring attention to the Principal
Dog Care
- Walking the Principal's Wire-Haired Dachshund when required
- Occasionally accompanying the Principal on countryside walks with the dog
- Feeding and providing general care for the dog when requested
Working Hours
40 hours per week, typically 8-10 hours per day, with a minimum one-hour daily break. Two days off per week (flexible to work weekends when needed and have 2 days off during the week). Some flexibility will occasionally be required depending on the Principal's schedule, including assisting with travel, packing, or working slightly earlier or later when needed. Any additional time worked will be compensated with equivalent time off. Annual leave will be provided in accordance with UK employment law, together with bank holidays, and will be arranged around the Principal's schedule.
Accommodation
Excellent live-in accommodation is provided at all locations, including:
- Private bedroom and bathroom while accompanying the Principal in both the UK and France
- Private living quarters at the permanent UK residence from 2027 onwards
- All utilities included
Please note that the accommodation is intended for the Housekeeper only. No dependants may reside in the accommodation without the Principal's prior written agreement.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:
- A minimum of 2-3 years' live-in experience within a private household
- Excellent housekeeping skills with exceptional attention to detail
- The ability to adapt easily to different homes, routines and environments
- Confidence preparing simple, healthy meals
- A proactive and organised approach to household management
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
- A full, clean driving licence
- A valid passport
- Fluent English; Spanish language would be highly advantageous
- Excellent, directly verifiable references from previous Principals (telephone references will be required)
The successful candidate must also be comfortable with occasional travel within the UK and internationally, beyond the regular UK and France schedule.
Benefits
Salary and package: £40,000-£45,000 gross per annum, depending on experience. Private accommodation provided. Utilities fully included. The overall package, including salary, accommodation and utilities, represents an estimated total value of approximately £52,000-£62,000 per annum.
Live in Housekeeper required in the UK with some travel in Oxford employer: Bespoke Bureau
Join a prestigious household as a Live-in Housekeeper, where you will enjoy a supportive and warm work environment while maintaining high housekeeping standards. With private accommodation provided at stunning locations in the UK and Southern France, this role offers not only competitive salary but also the unique opportunity for personal growth and travel. Experience a fulfilling career that values discretion, reliability, and a proactive approach, all while working closely with a Principal who appreciates your dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Live in Housekeeper required in the UK with some travel in Oxford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bespoke Bureau. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bespoke Bureau
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bespoke Bureau directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Live in Housekeeper required in the UK with some travel in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bespoke Bureau and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bespoke Bureau
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
