At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the guardian of a beautiful estate, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
- Company: Dunfield House, a charity focused on community and hospitality.
- Benefits: Onsite accommodation in a cottage, competitive salary, and a unique lifestyle.
- Other info: Enjoy living in a stunning rural setting while managing a vibrant estate.
- Why this job: Join us in an exciting new chapter and make a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Practical problem-solving skills and a welcoming attitude towards guests.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 26437 € per year.
Location: Dunfield House, Kington
Terms: 40 Hours Per Week | £26,437 per annum
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Reporting to: Operations Director
Start date: Immediate start preferred
Application Deadline: 29th May 2026
Benefit: Onsite Accommodation (The Cottage) forming part of the overall remuneration package
The Heart of the Role: Are you a "handy" person who loves the outdoors and takes pride in keeping things ship-shape? Dunfield House is looking for a Resident Caretaker to live on-site and become the guardian of our beautiful 15-acre estate. As part of our "2026 Strategy," we are moving from simply "maintaining" to "thriving." You will be the person who ensures the lights are on, the pool is sparkling, and the grounds are safe for the hundreds of children and community groups who call Dunfield their "home from home" each year.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Guardian of the Estate: Living on-site in the provided cottage, you’ll be our "eyes and ears," ensuring the site is secure and providing emergency support when groups are staying.
- Keeping the Gears Turning: Handling day-to-day repairs, from fixing a leaky tap to painting a bedroom or clearing a gutter.
- The Great Outdoors: Mowing the lawns, managing the woodland paths, and keeping the 15 acres looking like the sanctuary our guests expect.
- Pool & Plant: Taking charge of our private indoor pool (full training provided) to ensure it is always clean and safe for our guests.
- Duty Management: Joining our rotating "Manager on Duty" team, greeting guests and ensuring they have everything they need for a perfect stay.
- Emergency On-Call: When resident on-site and not on a scheduled shift, act as the designated emergency point of contact for guests.
- Boundary Management: Work with the Operations Director to implement and display clear "Emergency Guidelines" for guests, ensuring "on-call" status is reserved strictly for life-safety or significant building-integrity issues (e.g., fire, flood, total power failure).
- Response Protocol: Provide immediate assessment of the emergency and, where necessary, coordinate with external emergency services or the Operations Director.
Who We Are Looking For:
- A Practical Problem-Solver: You’re someone who sees a loose hinge or a flickering light and fixes it before anyone even notices.
- A Welcoming Presence: You understand the "Dunfield Edge"—that we are a place of hospitality and kindness. You’ll be a friendly face to our guests.
- A Self-Starter: Much of your work will be independent. We need someone who can manage their own "to-do" list and prioritize what needs doing.
- Community Minded: You understand that Dunfield is a charity with a mission, and you take pride in playing your part to keep it open.
Why Dunfield?
New Project: You will be joining us at the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Dunfield Houses' long history, moving the Grade II listed building from a volunteer led operation to a professionally managed team of stewards.
Living at Dunfield: This role comes with the benefit of living in The Cottage on-site. It’s a unique opportunity to live in a stunning rural setting. This isn't just a job! It’s a lifestyle choice for someone who loves the peace and responsibility of estate living.
Dunfield: Resident Site Caretaker employer: Dunfield House
Dunfield House offers a unique opportunity for those who cherish the outdoors and take pride in maintaining a beautiful estate. As a Resident Site Caretaker, you will enjoy the benefits of on-site accommodation while playing a vital role in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our guests. With a focus on community and hospitality, Dunfield fosters a supportive work culture that values independence and practical problem-solving, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dunfield: Resident Site Caretaker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Dunfield House and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your handy skills! Bring examples of past repairs or projects you've worked on. Whether it's a photo album or a portfolio, demonstrating your practical problem-solving abilities can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a chat about hospitality! Since you'll be interacting with guests, think of ways you can create a welcoming atmosphere. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond to make someone feel at home.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about the role. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful setting!
We think you need these skills to ace Dunfield: Resident Site Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Handy Skills:Make sure to highlight any practical skills you have in your application. Whether it's fixing things around the house or managing outdoor spaces, we want to see how you can keep Dunfield looking ship-shape!
Be Personable:Since you'll be a welcoming presence for our guests, let your personality shine through in your written application. Share a bit about yourself and why you love hospitality—this is your chance to connect with us!
Demonstrate Independence:We’re looking for self-starters who can manage their own tasks. In your application, give examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles or projects. Show us you can handle the responsibility!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunfield House
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Resident Site Caretaker at Dunfield involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like handling repairs, managing the grounds, and ensuring guest safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Handy Skills
Since this role requires practical problem-solving, be ready to share examples of your handy work. Whether it’s fixing something around your home or a project you’ve completed, having specific stories will demonstrate your skills and experience. Don’t forget to mention any relevant training or certifications!
✨Emphasise Your Community Spirit
Dunfield is all about hospitality and community. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment for guests. Share any past experiences where you’ve engaged with a community or provided excellent service, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the 2026 Strategy, or how they envision the caretaker role evolving. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their mission and future plans.
