Summer Chef & Gardener Couple – Sweden

Situated in Värmdö, on the Stockholm archipelago and close to Fågelbro Golf & Country Club, the property includes a main house, guest house, brand new caretaker’s cottage (50 m2, 2 bedrooms, bath, kitchen, terrace etc), boat house, sauna, greenhouse and various smaller houses.

The garden has multiple lawns, meadows, a tennis court, a vegetable garden, a private beach and boat jetties. On-site there are several boats (32 ft Aluminum DC, 18 ft RIB), UTV and various vehicles. There is an additional property on the outer rims of the Stockholm Archipelago consisting of a small fisherman’s cottage and a sauna.

The family are very casual and is looking for a domestic couple who will quietly get the job done without a formal approach. They help themselves to refreshments throughout the day and would be uncomfortable with formal/silver service. On these special occasions, they choose to go out to dinner, but at home, they like things to be very easy, relaxed and informal.

The start date and salary are flexible for the ideal candidates.

The family use the country house from mid-June to mid-August and is based in the city of Stockholm during the winter.

This role would be great for either a yachting couple or experienced private household domestic couples.

Accommodation: A beautiful newly built 2-bedroom caretaker’s cottage with a terrace.

Responsibilities

Gardening & Maintenance:

• General maintenance and repairs—The client employs tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, builders) who handle considerable maintenance and repairs.
• You will be responsible for gardening and any basic maintenance and repairs.
• You will mow lawns and tend to the greenhouse and a small vegetable garden, where the family grows tomatoes, herbs, etc.
• You will also clean the boats and saunas and ensure all external areas, including the tennis court, are clean and ready for the family to use.
• Keeping pathways and entrances clear of leaves and snow.

Cooking:

• The client and his young family have a seasonal and sustainable approach to menu planning, using the best quality ingredients prepared well to create simple yet delicious meals. They do not require formal fine dining dishes or complicated menus, just great food using excellent produce with little fuss.
• Lunch would usually be a selection of salads and sandwiches or a picnic.
• The clients will typically entertain twice throughout the summer, and you will be required to cater a dinner or lunch for just 10-15 people. From day to day, you will be cooking for the family. Occasional guests may come once a week throughout the summer, usually a couple of friends of the clients or their children.
• The Principal is diabetic and avoids heavy carbohydrates, sweet dishes, and desserts, favouring protein and vegetable options. The family does not have any other dietary considerations. Meals are served family style with lots of sides (a variety of salads, vegetables, and potatoes), and the family helps themselves to what they like. Italian food, particularly pasta, is a family favourite.
• During the summer, you will prepare lots of salads, BBQs, grilled fish, seafood and quality meats with plenty of sides (ensuring there are carb options and alternatives for the Principal). The family also enjoy taking a picnic by boat to the fisherman’s cottage.
• You will be responsible for all shopping, provisioning and kitchen cleaning.

Housekeeping—You will need to do basic housekeeping. If needed, part-time assistance with this could be arranged locally. This is TBC and will be discussed with the client depending on the time available and other factors.

Key requirements

• Experience working as a couple either within a superyacht or private household setting
• Ability to work within the EU
• Proactive approach
• At least five years of professional experience
• Self-motivated and able to manage your workload without too much direction
• Strong family cooking skills
• Developed knowledge of gardening and land maintenance
• Knowledge and experience with general maintenance
• Applicants must be of a relaxed nature without an overly formal approach