Domestic Couple
Overview
A private family in Oxfordshire is seeking a reliable, hands-on Live-in Domestic Couple (House Management and Housekeeper or Gardener / Maintenance) to help run and maintain a beautifully considered family home, with a strong focus on design, nature, creativity, health and sustainability.
One partner will take the lead on House Management, overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of the home, its systems and its standards. The other partner will take the lead on either Housekeeping (keeping the interior of the home immaculate, well organised and welcoming) or Gardener/Maintenance (the garden, grounds and general upkeep of the property), depending on their background and strengths. Both roles require flexibility, and each partner should be willing to support the other, and the wider household and garden teams, when needed.
The couple will work under the Chief of Staff and Principals.
Job duties
Responsibilities of the Domestic Couple (House Management and Housekeeper OR Gardener / Maintenance) include:
House Manager
- Oversee the smooth running of the household, ensuring high standards are maintained across the home.
- Manage inventories, supplies and household stock, keeping storage well organised.
- Help prepare the house for family stays, guests, dinners and celebrations, and reset it afterwards.
- Maintain and follow the house manual and household systems consistently, flagging anything that needs updating.
- Manage light household administration, including tracking supplies and liaising with suppliers as directed.
- Act as a key point of coordination between the household, the Chief of Staff and family office staff.
Housekeeping duties
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, tidiness and presentation throughout the house.
- Manage laundry, linen and wardrobe care, including seasonal rotation and care of vintage clothing.
- Support with preparing the house for family stays, guests, dinners and celebrations, and resetting it afterwards.
- Follow the house manual and household systems consistently, flagging anything that needs updating.
Gardener/Maintenance duties
- Maintain the gardens and grounds to a high standard, in keeping with the organic and sustainable ethos of the estate.
- Grow and manage produce and cut flowers for the home, working closely with the household team.
- Carry out routine property maintenance and minor repairs, escalating larger works to the Chief of Staff.
- Help oversee the wood chip pellet boiler, wood log deliveries, LPG tank, swimming pond, and other estate systems as needed.
- Support the care and welfare of the family’s animals (currently two dogs, potentially more livestock in future).
- Liaise with outside contractors and subcontractors on garden and maintenance projects as directed.
Shared Responsibilities
- Be a reliable, trustworthy on-site presence for the property, exercising discretion at all times.
- Communicate clearly and proactively with the Chief of Staff on progress, issues and priorities.
- Support one another and the wider team, covering for colleagues during holidays or illness where needed.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Chief of Staff or Principals.
Candidates must be/have:
- Previous experience working as a Domestic Couple, or individually, in a private household or similar setting.
- A genuinely hands-on, flexible and collaborative approach, with each partner willing to help the other.
- Demonstrable longevity in previous positions.
- Strong attention to detail and high personal standards of cleanliness, tidiness and presentation.
- Practical house management, housekeeping, gardening and/or general maintenance skills, or a strong willingness to learn.
- An interest in, or openness to, organic and sustainable methods, with an understanding of reducing chemical use and waste.
- Comfortable and confident around animals, with a genuine interest in their care and welfare.
- Good communication skills and the confidence to liaise with the Chief of Staff, family office staff and other household team members.
- Discretion and a clear understanding of confidentiality.
- Both hold a full, clean driving licence.
Accommodation
Private accommodation provided.
Hours
Full-time, Thursday – Monday. Days off on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flexibility is essential when the property has people in residence.
Location
Oxfordshire, UK.
Salary
In the region of £80,000, DOE.
Job ref
CP1097: Domestic Couple in Oxfordshire, UK.
The position is offered on a Live-in basis.
Apply Here
