At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a beautiful countryside property, ensuring it's always ready for family and guests.
- Company: Private family seeking a proactive and trustworthy caretaker.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation, competitive salary, and a relaxed working environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy a hands-on role in a stunning location with a focus on property care.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years experience in private households and a valid driving licence.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with varied responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
A private family is seeking a hands-on, proactive Live-in Property Caretaker / Houseman for a beautiful countryside residence in West Sussex. This is a long-term role suited to someone practical, trustworthy and ‘hands-on’ within a relaxed but high-standard household environment.
The role involves property management, exterior work, maintenance, gardening, driving and security, throughout exteriors and interiors. The Caretaker will take day-to-day ownership of the property, ensuring the house, grounds and facilities are always maintained, secure & arrival-ready.
Core Duties- Day-to-day caretaking and operational oversight & safety/security of the property
- Conducting regular walk-arounds of the house, gardens and outbuildings to identify issues
- Assisting with maintaining and monitoring household systems (including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and security systems), escalating issues as required
- Coordinating contractor visits and keeping reports
- Proactively resolving or coordinating repairs and maintenance
- Supporting garden upkeep and garden progress between weekly visits from gardening team
- Lawn care support, summer watering and general garden tidiness
- Monitoring trees, planting and landscaped areas for health and issues
- Light pruning, deadheading and basic plant care; harvesting fruit and vegetables
- Maintaining terraces, pathways and outdoor areas to a clean, presentable standard; keeping bin areas, drains and gullies clear
- Cleaning outdoor furniture, tables and surfaces ahead of family stays or events
- Preparing the property for high-end rental use, including detailed pre-arrival checks
- Being on standby during guest stays to resolve issues promptly
- Welcoming guests when required and ensuring standards match family use
- Caring for and maintaining vehicles, including classic cars (keeping vehicles clean, fuelled and garages organised)
- Running errands and occasional light chauffeuring duties (full driving licence essential)
- Managing basic inventories, amenities and household supplies alongside the family EA
- Working alongside the family EA to ensure the constant smooth running of the property and in the lead up to family stays/parties
- Supporting private parties and events as an extra pair of hands
To apply for this role you must:
- Be eligible to work in the UK
- Have a valid DBS check or be willing to obtain
- Have excellent contactable references
- Have 3-5+ years’ experience working within private households
To apply for the position please send your CV to info@poppylaneplacements.com
Role: Live-in Property Caretaker /Houseman employer: Poppy Lane Placements Ltd
Contact Detail:
Poppy Lane Placements Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Role: Live-in Property Caretaker /Houseman
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the family and their needs before you even step foot in the property. Research their lifestyle and preferences so you can tailor your approach when you meet them. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in making their home a better place.
✨Tip Number 2
When you get the chance, showcase your hands-on skills during the interview. Bring along examples of past maintenance projects or gardening successes. We want to see that you can handle the practical side of things with ease!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just sit back and wait for the job offer; follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can go a long way. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Role: Live-in Property Caretaker /Houseman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the role of a Live-in Property Caretaker. Highlight any hands-on experience you have in property management, maintenance, or gardening to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Don't skip the cover letter! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your proactive approach aligns with our high standards. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Showcase Your Reliability: Since trustworthiness is key for this position, make sure to include references that can vouch for your reliability and work ethic. We want to know that we can count on you to take care of the property as if it were your own!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poppy Lane Placements Ltd
✨Know the Property Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the property and its surroundings. Familiarise yourself with the types of maintenance and care that might be required in a countryside residence. This will show your potential employer that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you’ve taken ownership of property management tasks. Highlight your experience with gardening, maintenance, and any relevant systems like plumbing or electrical work. This will demonstrate your practical skills and reliability.
✨Emphasise Trustworthiness and Proactivity
Since this role involves being a live-in caretaker, it’s crucial to convey your trustworthiness. Share instances where you’ve successfully managed responsibilities independently and how you’ve proactively resolved issues in previous positions. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Prepare Questions for the Family
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready for the family. Ask about their expectations for the role, the types of events they host, or how they envision the caretaker's day-to-day responsibilities. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to engage with their needs.