A down to earth family who live in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, RG26 are looking for a new, long-term, domestic couple to join their family. Due to the location at least one of you should hold a full driving licence. The housekeeper will be working full time and the second person will be working part time.
Family Background
The family live in Hampshire on the border with Berkshire, RG26. The father works full time with long hours in London, and the mother is very busy with her projects and diary. They have three lovely children aged 13, 10 and 8 who attend a local private school, and they are independent and intelligent. They have three dogs (2 Labs and a Dachshund), chickens and outside cats. The family bought the house a while ago and have been renovating it. They currently live in the newly refurbished coach house whilst the main house is renovated (which will be done in 16 months time). The coach house is a three bedroom, three bathroom, with open plan living area over looking the pool area. The main house they will move back into once it has been finished will be 7 bedrooms, but as there are only five of them living there, most of the bedrooms don't get used regularly. They have a gardener who comes to manage the grounds and the estates, and they are now looking for a new, long-term housekeeper to be part of the family for many years to come. They are planning to keep the gardener on as full time - the main focus of this role is the housekeeping, but they are happy to consider couples and would be able to provide some part time work to the other half of the couple - they are also happy to introduce the other half to other affluent families in the area for additional hours and work.
Duties
You will be main focus will be care of the properties on the estate. While the family are living in the coach house you'll be looking after this, and then when they move into the main house your focus will shift to the main family home. The mother is very organised and will present 6 month schedules, so any routines are clearly defined in advance. This will allow you to be organised and plan your duties according to this.
For one person (full time role):
You will be main focus will be all the housekeeping and upkeep of the properties on the estate. While the family are living in the coach house you'll be looking after this, and then when they move into the main house your focus will shift to the main family home. You should be confident in your housekeeping, with proven experience and history working with bigger properties, and you should bring lots of skills and 'can-do' attitude. The family are down to earth and expect someone to be flexible and helpful, as when the family do spend time together it is precious and they need you to give them the support to ensure that the property and animals are well cared for. Occasionally you might be asked to keep an eye on the children if the mum is popping out and the children are home, but you won't be focused on the children. You should have a passion for keeping house, thinking on your feet. The mother is very organised and will present 6 month schedules, so any routines are clearly defined in advance. You'll also then know when the family plan to travel so you can remain at the property and care for the animals whilst they are away. This will allow you to be organised and plan your duties according to this. There might be occasional cooking but only if the mum is stuck with another engagement (as she loves to cook) and then you'll be preparing simple, easy food for the children and family.
For one person (part time role):
All gardening, maintenance, driving and handyman duties. You should be experienced with gardening and understand land management. You'll also then know when the family plan to travel so you can remain at the property and care for the animals whilst they are away. Helping the other person with their household duties, and dog walking and pet care.
Location/Accommodation
The family is located between Hampshire and Berkshire, RG26.
You will be given a one bedroom cottage on the grounds. This will be completely private and yours to live in. With own entrance, bathroom, bedroom(s), kitchen etc. It is beautifully furnished.
Days/Hours
The housekeeper will be working 5 days a week including weekends, with Mondays and Tuesdays as your days off. Each working day will be 10 hours with a break in the middle: Starting at 7.30am - 2.30pm and then back in the evening around 6pm to turn down beds, tidy up and help lay table for dinner. The family do require flexibility to give them the support they require. For the other person, they will be asked to work between 10-15 hours a week.
Languages
You must speak a good level of English.
Special Skills
You must be able to drive due to the location of the property - if you do not have a car, you can be provided with one. You must be an experienced Domestic Couple who enjoys being around children, animals and living in the countryside.
Package Offered
- The housekeeper (full time role), will pay £350 - 500 net per week depending on experience/ - £419 - £640 gross per week / £21 - £33K gross per year
- For the part time person they will pay an hourly rate of £10-15net per hour.
- Separate accommodation
- Car if required.
Interview/Start date
ASAP