A high-calibre live-in Housekeeper/Cook is sought for a hands-on, full-time role at a prestigious country estate near Banbury, North Oxfordshire.
This is a part-time weekend residence with occasional summer use and a high standard of presentation and service is expected despite the informal household style.
Responsibilities:
Day to day smooth running of the house, including all standard housekeeping duties: cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing, bed-making and turn-downs, fire setting, shopping, floral arrangements, and household admin.
Cooking occasionally to a good dinner party standard (recipes provided), including assistance with food preparation, drinks service, serving meals, and general hospitality-related tasks.
Evening work when the owners are in residence, with flexibility required for dinner service and guest support.
Supervising external contractors or maintenance work when needed.
Dog care, including walking and feeding (must be dog friendly).
Driving is essential due to rural location, with occasional guest pickups/drop-offs at the train station or airport.
Chalet Responsibilities (Switzerland):
Travel to the ownersâ large 8-bedroom chalet in Switzerland 4â 6 times during winter and 2â 4 weeks in the summer (plus a 1-bedroom staff apartment).
Arrive 1â 2 days ahead of family and guests (typically 4â 18 people), and stay on 1â 2 days after departure for close-down.
Duties include cleaning, tidying, laundry, shopping, assisting with meal prep, occasional cooking and serving, washing up and supporting daily hospitality.
These periods involve the most intense and long days of work; time off in lieu will be given.
Ideal candidate:
Experienced, independent, self-starting, responsible and energetic.
High standards of cleanliness and discretion.
Comfortable working as part of a wider estate team.
Able to adapt between periods of quiet routine and busy, high-demand hosting.
5 days per week to include weekends up to 40-45hrs per week.
A confident driver is essential. Use of a shared estate car for work purposes.
Accommodation: 2 bedroom apartment in the stable block adjacent to the main house; partner welcome, but regret no children or pets.
Role to commence as soon as the right candidate is found.
Experienced Housekeeper/Cook sought near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, £50k+ gpa, September start employer: Katherine Shields Private Staff
Join a welcoming and supportive environment in Yeovil, Somerset, where your skills as a Gardener/Handyman will be valued and nurtured. With a long-standing team member who has thrived for 25 years, you can expect a culture that promotes stability and growth, alongside competitive pay and the opportunity to work in beautiful surroundings. This role not only offers a chance to maintain stunning gardens but also to engage in meaningful tasks that contribute to a vibrant household.
Contact Details:
Katherine Shields Private Staff Recruitment Team
