Live-In Housekeeper Cook Henley on Thames Oxfordshire

A private, elderly (in their 80s) couple in Henley-on-Thames is looking for an experienced live‑in Housekeeper/Cook to maintain their home to a high standard and prepare healthy, nutritious meals.

• Role
• Location: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, with winter travel to the Caribbean
• Type: Permanent, full‑time, live‑in
• Working days: Six days per week
• Hours: Approximately 40 to 48 hours per week across 6 days, exact details to be agreed beforehand with the principals
• Accommodation: Own independent three‑bedroom cottage, adjacent to the main residence
• Salary: £40‑50,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
• Start date: ASAP
• The Household

The couple are mobile and independent and value privacy, discretion and a well‑maintained home.

The main residence has three bedrooms and is relatively informal, with no expectation of regular entertaining.

The principals take frequent short trips and enjoy visiting family and friends, so there will be quieter periods and time off when they are away.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently and adapting their routine around the couple’s lifestyle.

Candidates who wish to live in the cottage with their immediate family or dependants will also be considered, subject to agreement on occupancy and living arrangements.

Duties

• Housekeeping: Maintain the main home to a high standard, including cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and general household organisation.
• Laundry and linen: Manage laundry, ironing and linen care, ensuring clothing and household items are well maintained and handled with great care.
• Cooking: Plan and prepare healthy, nutritious, home‑style meals suited to the couple’s preferences and dietary requirements.
• Shopping: Manage grocery and household shopping, both online and in person, ensuring essential supplies are available.
• Kitchen management: Keep the kitchen clean and organised, including clearing away after meals.
• Household organisation: Take a proactive approach to maintaining a comfortable, tidy and well‑run home, anticipating needs without requiring close supervision.
• General support: Provide practical assistance around the household while respecting the couple’s privacy and independence. No personal care is required.
• Cars: Wash and keep the cars clean inside and out.
• Dogs: The principals have a labrador and a white terrier that live in the main house. Help with the dogs will be required (the principals also like to look after their pets).
• Travel

The couple spend approximately three months each winter at their home in the Caribbean.

The successful candidate is required to accompany them during this period.

Travel and accommodation costs are covered.

Must be able to obtain the necessary travel documents and permits.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a housekeeper/cook in a private household.
• Confident home cook, able to prepare healthy, nutritious meals.
• IT literate and comfortable with online grocery shopping and household orders.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Discreet, reliable and respectful of the couple’s privacy.
• Soft, gentle, patient and kind disposition.
• Meticulous with every task taken on.
• Can adapt to any environment and be pre‑emptive.
• Good communicator (with principals, other family members and external contractors).
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently.
• Fully flexible and comfortable adapting to the principals’ routine and travel arrangements.
• Checkable references from previous private employers.
• For all roles with children and the vulnerable you must have an up‑to‑date enhanced DBS certificate which is registered on the update service, a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate and a minimum of 2 professional referees who are happy for you to share their contact details to our recruiters.

One of your references must be your current or last employer and both references must be immediately contactable.

We also recommend that you have appropriate professional insurance (nanny insurance).

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a capable and considerate housekeeper/cook seeking a long‑term position within a private household, with separate accommodation, a countryside setting and the possibility to travel with the principals each winter.

The successful candidate will take pride in their work and provide thoughtful, practical support while maintaining a calm and comfortable home environment.

Minimum Experience Level for this job: 2+ years in a similar role

Training and Qualifications needed for this job: qualifications not essential .

Days: 6 days a week

Hours: Approximately 40 to 48 hours per week across 6 days, exact details to be agreed beforehand with the principals

• Job Start: ASAP
• Driver: Yes

We support the principle of Equality and Diversity in employment wholeheartedly and oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.