Live-in Estate Couple

The selected couple will see to the running of the estate with the help of an on-site PA, a handyman and a gardener.

An established kitchen garden is available for the chef/cook to utilise. Seasonal produce is grown by the gardener and includes salad leaves, herbs, vegetables, berries etc.
Candidates who enjoy working with homegrown ingredients and making the most of seasonal harvests (such as bottling fruits, making jams and chutneys etc), would find this an ideal position.

The Principals lead healthy, active lifestyles. Breakfast is typically homemade bread or overnight oats followed by a light lunch and a balanced evening meal.

The ideal chef/family cook will provide a variety of international cuisine with an emphasis on healthy yet flavoursome options. Preferences include Mediterranean cuisine, rustic salads, healthy grains and vegetarian options (Ottolenghi style dishes are a favourite), combined with poolside summer BBQs featuring locally sourced fish, shellfish and meat from quality suppliers.

The selected candidates will prepare 3 meals per day, plus any snacks or drinks required for the household and guests. Dinner parties are expected, therefore it is advised that all applicants include a selection of sample menus alongside their application to give the client a better view of your cooking style and technical ability.

The family have employed the same live-in domestic couple for the past 10-years and are hoping to find suitable replacements who are looking to secure a new role with the prospect of longevity.

The property consists of the main residence, plus a 4-bedroom cottage, a 2-bed staff cottage, the PAs office, a pool house, indoor and outdoor pools and an annexe for overflow guest use.

The Principals have four children, with 3 at boarding school and one attending school locally, therefore busier periods are to be anticipated during the school holidays.

Should the skill-set of the chosen couple suit, car valeting may also be required.

A small vehicle is available for work use, however, applicants with their own vehicle are preferred.

The Principals also have a residence in London, therefore you are required to take time off during the week and work weekends when the family are in residence.

Due to the family travelling frequently, those with wardrobe management and suitcase packing/unpacking knowledge are of particular interest to the client.

Responsibilities

• Cooking – Typically catering for x 2 adults and 1 child during term time (+ 3 children and guests during school holidays/weekends)
• Menu planning, optimising locally sourced, quality seasonal ingredients
• Overseeing external contractors (such as pool maintenance, specialist service providers)
• Reporting any necessary repairs to the on-site handyman
• Occasional assistance with the school run
• Catering for dinner parties
• Running errands
• Grocery shopping
• Sourcing quality suppiers
• Accounts
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Sending out dry cleaning/handling delicate fabrics
• Polishing glassware and silverware
• Wardrobe management
• Packing & unpacking suitcases
• Drinks service
• Working alongside the estate gardener to develop the kitchen garden (optional)
• Valet of household vehicles (not essential depending on skill-set of the selected couple)

Key requirements

• Relevant experience as a professional domestic couple (private household and yacht couples welcome to apply)
• Confident cooking ability (open to applicants with private chef or family cook experience)
• Driving licence (own car preferred, but not essential)
• Clear DBS background check (please contact the agency for assistance)
• Verifiable written references
• British passport or UK Home Office pre-settlement/settlement status
• Start date ASAP (flexible for ideal candidates)