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- Tasks: Manage a beautiful estate, including housekeeping, gardening, and pet care.
- Company: Join a welcoming household on a stunning 35-acre farm in Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private accommodation, and a peaceful rural lifestyle.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic family environment while enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside.
- Qualifications: Must have five years of domestic experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with excellent transport links to Central London.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68000 ÂŁ per year.
A wonderful opportunity has arisen to join a welcoming and dynamic household on a stunning 35-acre former dairy farm in rural Essex. Despite its peaceful, countryside feel, the property is remarkably well-connected—less than a mile to the local train station with a direct 30‑minute service to Liverpool Street, and walkable to all local shops and amenities.
The estate includes a five-bedroom farmhouse, three guest/rental cottages, 20 acres of newly planted woodland, rewilded meadows, and approximately five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with herbaceous borders, seasonal planters, and lawns. The family has four grown children who visit regularly, two dogs (a Border Collie and a Samoyed, one of whom is blind), and two cats.
The Principal travels frequently and splits time between the property and Cambridge, so is seeking a self-sufficient, proactive couple who can take ownership of the home and grounds in her absence. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, organised, and intelligent housekeeper who can think ahead, plan efficiently, and manage the day-to-day running of the main house and three guest cottages.
Occasional cooking for the family is required, along with meal planning and grocery organisation when the family is in residence. The Principal is seeking someone with the mindset of an "experienced wife and mother"—someone who instinctively knows how to run a household smoothly without constant direction.
The ideal candidate will be a skilled and experienced gardener, confident with herbaceous perennials, lawns, seasonal planting, and general grounds maintenance. In addition, strong handyman skills are essential—someone who can tackle light painting, minor repairs, pond and hot tub maintenance, tool servicing, and general property upkeep.
During winter months, the role shifts towards indoor maintenance, cleaning outbuildings, organising storage areas, and preparing for the busier spring and summer season.
Type: Live-In (preferred) or Live-Out, Full-Time, Permanent
Working Days: 5 days per week (flexibility required, including occasional Saturdays)
Working Hours: Seasonal variation – lighter hours in winter, fuller schedule spring through summer
Location: Rural Essex, 30 minutes from Central London
Accommodation: Private one‑bedroom cottage with two bathrooms, kitchen, living area, and patio (all utilities included)
Start Date: Flexible – transitional handover with outgoing couple
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Full housekeeping of the main five-bedroom farmhouse and three guest cottages
- Turnover and cleaning of short-term rental properties (Airbnb)
- Laundry, ironing, and wardrobe organisation
- Meal planning, grocery ordering, and cooking for the family when in residence
- Household organisation—labelling, reorganising cupboards, and maintaining order
- Managing the household calendar and coordinating family arrivals/departures
- Receiving deliveries, meeting contractors, and overseeing works on site
- Pet care for two dogs and two cats—feeding, supervision, and occasional walking
- Locking up the property and general security checks in the evening
- Maintenance of five acres of landscaped gardens, lawns, herbaceous borders, and planters
- Seasonal planting and garden preparation
- Liaison with external landscaping contractors when required
- Light painting, repairs, and general property maintenance
- Pond filter changes, hot tub maintenance, and equipment servicing
- Tool and equipment servicing and organisation during winter months
- Organising garages, tool sheds, and outbuildings
- Waste management and recycling
- Assisting with setup for occasional large-scale garden parties and events
- Flexibility to support the housekeeper with heavier tasks when needed
ACCOMMODATION
A charming private cottage is available on the estate for the right couple, located away from the main house for complete privacy. The accommodation includes one bedroom, two full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living area with a private patio. All utilities are included—gas, water, electricity, and Wi‑Fi. The setting offers the best of both worlds: a tranquil rural lifestyle with excellent transport links to Central London.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum five years of private domestic experience in a similar role
- A proactive, self-sufficient couple (or two individuals) who take ownership and pride in their work
- Excellent, checkable references
- Fluent English with strong communication skills
- Valid UK work permit
- Full UK driving licence (own vehicle preferred)
Perfect Household Staff has over 15 years of experience placing professional Domestic Couples within distinguished private households across the UK and internationally. We are a boutique domestic staffing agency specialising in long‑term, quality placements. If you are seeking a permanent Domestic Couple position within a respectful and well‑managed household, we would be delighted to assist.
PHS Job 3364 Permanent Live-in or Live-out Domestic Couple Job in Padham\'s Green, Essex; Salary[...] employer: Perfect Household Staff
Contact Detail:
Perfect Household Staff Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PHS Job 3364 Permanent Live-in or Live-out Domestic Couple Job in Padham\'s Green, Essex; Salary[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and even acquaintances who might know someone in the domestic couple scene. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that perfect job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance for an interview, be ready to demonstrate your experience in housekeeping, gardening, and maintenance. Bring along examples of your work or even photos to impress the employer.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and adaptable! The role requires a proactive couple who can handle various tasks. Highlight your ability to switch gears between cleaning, cooking, and maintenance during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always here to help with any questions you might have about the role or the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace PHS Job 3364 Permanent Live-in or Live-out Domestic Couple Job in Padham\'s Green, Essex; Salary[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique touch to the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing what makes you the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what really matters—your qualifications and how they align with the job description.
Show Your Personality: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for a couple who can blend into our welcoming household, so don’t be afraid to share a bit about yourselves and what makes you tick.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perfect Household Staff
✨Know the Household
Before your interview, take some time to research the family and their lifestyle. Understanding their needs and preferences will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making their home run smoothly.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in housekeeping, gardening, and maintenance. Prepare specific examples of tasks you've handled in previous roles, like managing a household calendar or planning meals, to demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a couple, it's essential to highlight how well you work together. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated on household tasks, ensuring that both of you can manage responsibilities seamlessly, especially when the Principal is away.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions about the household dynamics, the Principal's expectations, and any seasonal tasks you might need to handle. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you both.