A family is looking for a domestic couple for their stunning country property near Chapel Row, West Berkshire, RG7. This is a live in role. One of you must be able to drive for this role.
Package Offered
- This is a combined salary of £50,000 - £65,000 gross per year for the couple
- Two cars can be provided for work purposes (one is manual and one is automatic)
- Beautiful private accommodation is provided as part of the package
Background
This lovely couple are looking for a domestic couple to care for their 7-bedroom country property. The couple are mainly based in the USA and visit the UK for two-three months of the year. Typically they come in the summer, but occasionally visit at other times. If the husband is working in Europe or the UK he will stop in. They also alternate Christmas and Easter in the US or the UK. Their adult daughter lives in the property, she works full time and is currently studying. The property is nestled amongst 100 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside, with 40 acres being woodland, 55 of farmland, and 5 acres of gardens. There is a property on-site which is rented out to tenants. You must be happy around animals for this role, the property is home to a beloved Springer Spaniel (when he comes with the principals during the summer months) and some pet fish. The family are looking for a long term-term domestic couple to help with housekeeping duties and general maintenance of the property. The couple currently employs a gardener who is due to retire next summer.
Duties
Together you should be confident with all daily housekeeping duties and be able to maintain and undertake all gardening, groundskeeping, and maintenance to a high standard.
This role will focus on managing the property, gardening, and maintenance. You should be able to perform maintenance around the property and be a confident gardener to maintain the stunning 5 acres of gardens. Maintenance duties include changing lightbulbs, maintaining gates and fences. You should be an outdoorsy person and be capable of grounds maintenance, mowing, hedge cutting, caring for flower beds and planting etc. You will need to ensure the security of the estate and monitor the biomass heating system. This heating system runs on pellets and logs, the woods sourced from the families woodland. You will be in charge of overseeing this as they have a weekly man who comes to chop logs for the system.
With the garden and maintenance, you should have skills with garden machinery, understand how to manage tractors, chainsaws and also ensure they are kept in good repair.
You will be responsible for the upkeep of the household and ensure it is clean, tidy, and presentable, attention to detail is crucial for this role. Duties include all housekeeping tasks such as deep and daily cleaning, vacuuming, mopping, changing beds, and organising the home. You will be maintaining the cleanliness of the home until the principal’s return. You must make all necessary preparations for their arrival. You must be happy to organise and deal with contractors that visit the property.
Location/Accommodation
The property is located near Chapel Row, West Berkshire, RG7. This is a live-in role. A private annexe is provided, with a bedroom, kitchen, and living area. The family are open to couples with well-behaved pets joining them.
Days/Hours
- Working Monday to Friday
- Gardener/Maintenance - This Will be a 40 hour week split over the week.
- Housekeeper - Can be a 20 hour week OR a 40 hour week as per your preference.
- Due the mother and father being in the USA most of the year, the hours are flexible (meaning you can start later and finish later if you wish). When the family come into the residence during the summer months, then you should be happy to work more regulated hours as agreed with the principals.
Languages
You should speak a good level of English.
Special Skills
You must be highly organised and have great attention to detail, willing to work as a team and be willing to adjust to the daily needs of the household. One of you must have a driving license to apply for this role.
Interview/Start date
The family are interviewing now for the right couple to start ASAP. We are recruiting safely within the COVID-19 regulations.