At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and keep the estate sparkling clean.
- Company: Beautiful Highland estate in Scotland, perfect for nature lovers.
- Benefits: Separate 4-bedroom cottage, competitive salary, and pet-friendly accommodation.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a long-term team and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in the Highlands.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and housekeeping, plus a hands-on attitude.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
A beautiful Highland estate in Scotland, used as a part-time residence by London-based principals, is seeking a long-term domestic couple. The outgoing couple have been part of the family for many years and are now moving on, creating an excellent opportunity for a new team to take over the care and management of this special property.
The Roles
- Groundskeeper (Full-Time, 40hrs pw)
- Responsible for maintaining the estate’s parkland and gardens, including:
- Mowing, planting, pruning, and general grounds upkeep
- Routine property maintenance and small repairs, occasional chainsaw work
- Calling in and managing contractors when necessary
- Occasional airport transfers for the principal to Inverness (approx. 1 hour each way)
- Applicants should have good gardening knowledge, general maintenance skills, and a proactive, practical approach.
- Housekeeper (Part-Time approx. 10-20hrs pw)
- Responsible for the smooth running and presentation of the main house and guest cottages, including:
- General cleaning and housekeeping duties
- Overseeing contract cleaners when required
- Preparing and maintaining two Airbnb cottages to guest-ready standards
- Occasional family-style cooking and assistance during larger gatherings (a chef is brought in for events)
- Supporting with light gardening or estate tasks when household duties are lighter
Requirements
- Flexibility, discretion, and a hands-on attitude
- Full UK driving licence (one essential)
- Proven experience in similar domestic roles
Hours
- Groundskeeper: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
- Housekeeper: Part-time, approx. 10 hours per week Autumn/Winter and 20hrs per week Spring/Summer when the family is in residence
Package
- Separate, 4-bedroom cottage provided as staff accommodation - dependents and well-behaved pets welcome
- Competitive combined salary up to £50k gpa, dependent on experience
Groundskeeper (f/time 40hrs) & Housekeeper(p/time 10 -20hrs) couple for a Highland estate, Scotland, 4 bed cottage £50k employer: Katherine Shields Private Staff
Contact Detail:
Katherine Shields Private Staff Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundskeeper (f/time 40hrs) & Housekeeper(p/time 10 -20hrs) couple for a Highland estate, Scotland, 4 bed cottage £50k
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate and its needs! Before your interview, take some time to research the property and its surroundings. This will help you show genuine interest and demonstrate how your skills can benefit the estate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your teamwork! As a couple, it’s important to highlight how well you work together. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated on tasks, whether in gardening or housekeeping.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! Since the roles involve hands-on work, expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific tasks or challenges on the estate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your details reach the right people and gives you a better chance of standing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundskeeper (f/time 40hrs) & Housekeeper(p/time 10 -20hrs) couple for a Highland estate, Scotland, 4 bed cottage £50k
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the roles. Share why you’re excited about working in a beautiful Highland estate and how your skills align with the Groundskeeper and Housekeeper positions.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV for this specific job. Highlight relevant experience in gardening, maintenance, and housekeeping. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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 ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at our estate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Katherine Shields Private Staff
✨Know the Estate Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Highland estate. Familiarise yourself with its history, layout, and any specific features that might be relevant to the groundskeeping and housekeeping roles. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your gardening knowledge and maintenance skills in detail. Bring examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed similar tasks. If you have any certifications or training, make sure to mention those too!
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
As a couple applying for these roles, it's essential to highlight how well you work together. Share examples of how you've collaborated in previous jobs, especially in domestic settings. This will reassure them that you can manage the estate smoothly as a team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the estate's future plans, the principals' preferences, or any challenges they foresee. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.