A rare opportunity has arisen to join a warm, welcoming family in a beautiful private estate setting. This is a live-in role combining high-quality cooking, household management, and housekeeping — ideal for a versatile individual (or couple) who enjoys variety, responsibility, and being an integral part of a private household.
The Role
This position blends culinary excellence with the smooth running of a large family estate. Duties will include:
Culinary (Approx. 60–70%)
- Preparing fresh, seasonal, high-quality meals for daily family dining and occasional entertaining.
- Creating varied menus, including healthy and vegetarian options.
- Assisting with event catering and occasional holiday travel to cook for the family.
- General housekeeping to a high standard — laundry, ironing, bed changing, and deep cleans on a rota.
- Managing household bills, insurances, and liaising with contractors.
- Overseeing property upkeep, car maintenance, and facilities.
- Wardrobe management, dealing with specialist fabrics.
- Feeding and walking dogs, occasional care of cats, and watering plants when the family are away.
- Supporting the family with entertaining and general household organisation.
- Proven experience as a Chef/Cook and/or Housekeeper in a private household, fine dining, or hospitality background.
- A hands-on, adaptable, and practical approach — happy to balance kitchen excellence with household management.
- Reliable, discreet, trustworthy, and well-presented.
- Happy and confident around animals (family has dogs and cats).
- A full driving licence is essential.
- Non-smoker preferred.
- Live-in accommodation: A fully furnished private lodge within the estate, equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, and utilities included.
- Competitive salary: £40,000 (live-in) or £50,000 (live-out), DOE.
- Discretionary annual bonus (usually at Christmas).
- A varied, fulfilling role within a stunning, peaceful countryside setting.
- Supportive team environment, working alongside another housekeeper, a chef/house manager, and grounds staff.