At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a beautiful country estate, handling grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties.
- Company: Private family home in scenic rural Essex, perfect for nature lovers.
- Benefits: Live-in position with competitive salary, 22 days annual leave, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Ideal for couples looking for a unique living experience and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic household and make a real difference in a stunning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in private household roles and a proactive, professional attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced live-in Groundsperson & Housekeeper Couple to manage the day-to-day operations of a private family home in rural Essex near Chipping Ongar. This position is based within a country estate setting, shared with extended family residing in a separate property. The ideal couple will be professional, flexible, and proactive, with a strong background in private household or estate roles.
The Groundsperson will oversee general property and grounds maintenance across a 27‑acre estate covering gardening and handyperson duties. Working alongside two existing gardeners, responsibilities include lawn care, general garden maintenance, and upkeep of outdoor areas such as patios and courtyards, including pressure washing. The role also includes basic household maintenance, overseeing contractors, preparing fires, polishing brass and silver, and assisting during events. Additional duties involve occasional driving for the family, vehicle cleaning and supporting with pet and house sitting when required.
The Housekeeper will be responsible for maintaining the home to a high standard, including the care of fine furnishings, artwork, and delicate fabrics. Duties include full housekeeping, laundry and ironing, wardrobe management, household organisation, and provisioning. The role also involves supporting the principals with entertaining, including assisting with event planning and providing simple, family‑style cooking when required. Additional responsibilities include food preparation, shopping, running errands, pet care for two dogs, house and pet sitting during absences, and occasional babysitting of the family’s grandchildren.
This is a full‑time, live‑in position working 5.5 days per week: Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30 and Saturdays from 08:30 to 13:00, with flexibility required to meet the needs of the household. The role includes a one‑hour unpaid daily break. The package offers 22 days’ annual leave plus.
Groundsperson & Housekeeper Couple (Live in) – Rural Essex employer: ECG Limited
Join a welcoming and supportive environment in a picturesque rural Essex estate, where your skills as a Groundsperson and Housekeeper will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance with generous annual leave, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to a family-oriented household. This unique live-in role offers a blend of responsibilities that ensure no two days are the same, all while being part of a close-knit community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson & Housekeeper Couple (Live in) – Rural Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even acquaintances who might know someone in the private household sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience in gardening, housekeeping, or event planning, make sure to highlight these during interviews. We want to see how you can bring value to the estate!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to households or estates you’re interested in. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson & Housekeeper Couple (Live in) – Rural Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:When applying, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in both groundsperson and housekeeping roles. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A friendly tone can help us get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application specifically for this role. Mention how your skills can contribute to managing a private family home and maintaining a beautiful estate.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know the Estate Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the estate and its surroundings. Familiarise yourself with the types of maintenance and housekeeping tasks that might be required. This shows you’re genuinely interested and prepared to take on the responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
As a couple, it’s essential to demonstrate how well you work together. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated on tasks, whether in gardening, housekeeping, or event planning. Highlighting your synergy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills, such as how you would handle specific maintenance tasks or manage household chores. Think through scenarios beforehand and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving in a domestic setting.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Proactivity
The role requires a flexible attitude and a proactive approach. Be prepared to share instances where you’ve gone above and beyond in previous roles, whether it’s taking initiative during events or adapting to changing household needs. This will show you’re the right fit for their dynamic environment.
