At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and maintain stunning estate grounds, gardens, and equestrian facilities.
- Company: A beautiful private family estate in Kent with a passion for gardens and animals.
- Benefits: Opportunity to create exceptional environments and work in a family-oriented setting.
- Other info: Ideal for someone warm, trustworthy, and detail-focused, with a love for nature.
- Why this job: Join us to craft a luxurious estate and make a lasting impact on its beauty.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end grounds management and a passion for horticulture.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Estate Grounds & Gardens Manager to join us in the long-term creation and management of a beautiful private family estate and elite equestrian facility in Kent. This is not a standard gardening role. The estate spans approximately 18 acres and includes mature grounds, a 5-acre woodland, multiple ponds, formal gardens, paddocks and the future development of a high-end equestrian facility for Horses Smith — a luxury showjumping and breeding brand. Our vision combines timeless English estate elegance with Mediterranean-inspired landscaping and exceptional attention to detail.
Planned projects include:
- Mediterranean courtyard gardens
- Formal planting schemes
- Water features and pond fountains
- Luxury swimming pool and entertaining areas
- Greenhouse/orangery spaces
- Woodland and pond management
- Premium equestrian facilities including arena, stabling and landscaped yard areas
We are looking for someone who takes genuine pride in creating and maintaining beautiful spaces to an exceptionally high standard.
The Role
This is a hands-on position suited to someone experienced in managing high-end grounds while also contributing physically day-to-day. Responsibilities will include:
- Managing and maintaining all estate grounds to an exceptional standard
- Lawn, hedge and formal garden care
- Woodland and pond management
- Planting, irrigation and seasonal horticultural planning
- Care and management of mature and specimen planting
- Working alongside specialist contractors and landscapers
- Helping deliver major future landscaping projects
- Supporting the development and presentation of the equestrian facilities
- Managing paddock presentation, fencing and external yard standards
- Operating estate machinery and equipment
- Assisting with general estate presentation and upkeep
- Feeding and assisting with the care of family animals where needed
The estate is family-oriented and home to young children, dogs, rabbits and horses, so we are looking for someone warm, trustworthy and personable as well as highly skilled.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about horticulture and estate presentation
- Experienced within private estates, luxury properties, gardens or country houses
- Knowledgeable across a wide variety of planting styles and species
- Confident managing contractors and larger projects
- Practical, hands-on and detail-focused
- Organised and self-motivated
- Comfortable around children, dogs and animals
- Experienced operating grounds machinery and estate equipment
- Proud of achieving immaculate standards
Experience with Mediterranean planting, formal gardens, water features, woodland management or equestrian estates would be highly advantageous.
About Us
This is a privately owned family estate led by owners with a genuine passion for gardens, animals and beautiful spaces. The role offers the opportunity to become part of a long-term vision and help create something truly special over the coming years. We are looking for someone who values craftsmanship, detail, pride in their work and enjoys building exceptional environments that are both beautiful and lived in.
Estate Grounds & Gardens Manager in Ashford employer: Harriet Smith
Join our privately owned family estate in Kent, where your passion for horticulture and estate management will flourish. We offer a supportive work culture that values craftsmanship and attention to detail, alongside opportunities for personal growth as you contribute to the development of our luxurious equestrian facilities and stunning gardens. With a family-oriented environment and a commitment to creating beautiful spaces, this role promises meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Grounds & Gardens Manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate before your interview! Take a stroll around the grounds if you can, and familiarise yourself with the layout and features. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your conversation to show how you can enhance their beautiful spaces.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for horticulture! Bring along photos of your previous work or projects that highlight your skills in creating stunning gardens and landscapes. This is your chance to demonstrate your eye for detail and commitment to excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your hands-on experience. They want someone who can get stuck in, so share stories about your past roles where you managed grounds or worked on similar projects. Highlight your practical skills and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your love for family-oriented environments! Since this estate is home to kids and animals, let them know how comfortable you are in such settings. It’s all about fitting into their warm, welcoming atmosphere while showcasing your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Grounds & Gardens Manager in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture and estate presentation shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating beautiful spaces, so share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Estate Grounds & Gardens Manager. Highlight relevant experience with private estates, luxury properties, and any specific skills related to Mediterranean planting or woodland management. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision!
Be Personable:Since this is a family-oriented estate, it’s important to convey your warm and trustworthy nature in your application. Use a friendly tone and don’t hesitate to mention your comfort around children and animals, as this is key for us.
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 exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harriet Smith
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of various planting styles and species, especially Mediterranean plants. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in the estate's gardens and how they align with the vision of timeless elegance.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've managed high-end grounds or worked on luxury properties. Highlight any projects that involved formal gardens, water features, or equestrian facilities to demonstrate your relevant experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Skills
Since this role is hands-on, be prepared to talk about your experience operating grounds machinery and equipment. You might even want to mention any specific techniques you use for lawn care, hedge trimming, or pond management.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
This estate is family-oriented, so it's crucial to convey your warm and personable nature. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with contractors or worked in environments with children and animals to show you're a good fit for the family atmosphere.
