Couple Job

Greycoat Lumleys; Hungerford; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Greycoat Lumleys seeks a live-in Domestic Couple to manage a 14-bedroom country home on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. One partner acts as Head Housekeeper; the other handles technical systems, maintenance, gardening, driving and butler duties. The role requires discretion, adaptability and a proactive approach to luxury estate living.

Accommodation is provided on the estate. Hours are flexible and full-time, with driving and occasional event support expected.

Qualifications

• Extensive private household or luxury estate experience with references.
• Ability to lead a small team and maintain very high standards.
• Comfort with formal entertaining, front-of-house service and country events.
• Willingness to manage technical estate systems and driving duties.

Responsibilities

• Head Housekeeper: lead housekeeping, supervise team, plan schedules and maintain inventories.
• Estate Maintenance: manage security, lighting, climate systems and DIY tasks.
• Front-of-house service, table service and coordination with chef and garden team.
• Support planning of large family events and shoot parties.

Skills

Leadership

Housekeeping

People management

Time management

Hospitality

Discretion

Tools

Crestron

Biomass heating

Ground-source heat pumps

AV systems

Security systems

Job description

Live-in Domestic Couple Job, Hampshire/Berkshire Border

Greycoat Lumleys is looking for an experienced, professional and hands-on live-in Domestic Couple to oversee the smooth running, presentation and care of a beautiful, semi-formal 14-bedroom country home on the Hampshire/Berkshire border.

The property is occupied by a family of four, their two dogs and a variety of estate animals. The household regularly hosts family events and shoot parties, so the successful couple should be confident with formal entertaining, front-of-house service and the additional demands of a busy country estate. This is a long-term opportunity for a proactive, discreet and hardworking couple who enjoy working to exceptionally high standards. One candidate will take overall responsibility as Head Housekeeper, leading a small team, while the second candidate will focus on technical systems, estate maintenance, gardening, keyholding and butler duties.

Duties to include:

Head Housekeeper (Employee 1) duties

• Hands-on housekeeping and cleaning throughout the property, ensuring exceptionally high standards of presentation

• Leading and supervising the housekeeping team, currently consisting of one live-in housekeeper, one daily housekeeper and a Mother\'s Help

• Creating and maintaining daily, weekly and deep-cleaning schedules

• Caring for antiques, fine furnishings, delicate surfaces and woodwork

• Managing all laundry, ironing, wardrobe care and basic sewing repairs

• Maintaining household inventories, updating the House Bible and managing stock control for supplies

• Preparing staff rotas, mentoring team members and supporting team building

• Front-of-house service, formal table service and cellar upkeep

• Liaising with the Chef, Maintenance Team, Head Gardener and wider Estate staff, as well as keeping a clear maintenance snagging log

• Basic meal preparation and preparing simple family meals on the Chef\'s days off

• Assisting with the planning and organisation of large family events and shoot parties alongside the Estate Office

Estate Maintenance (Employee 2) duties

• Lead keyholder responsibilities with attendant responsibility for security and fire safety, including first response in and outside working hours

• Overseeing the day-to-day running of technical systems including biomass heating, ground-source heat pumps, air conditioning, generator, AV, Crestron and internet systems

• Daily estate cleaning, maintenance, emergency DIY and building upkeep such as clearing gutters, cleaning windows and painting

• Maintaining the swimming pool, tennis court, hot tub, log store and energy centre

• Assisting the gardening team with general duties including jet washing, keeping paths tidy, greenhouse plant watering and flower displays

• Setting out and putting away outdoor furniture, games and the estate Bell Tent

• Care, cleaning and refuelling of cars and the estate Mule, as well as driving the family and guests for school runs, appointments and transfers

• Pest control, taking bins in and out, processing compostable waste and maintaining the recycling room

• Feeding and care of estate animals (ponies, goats, chickens, dogs), including full pet and house sitting when the family is away

• Overseeing trades, contractors, deliveries and managing visits to the estate

• Formal and informal butler/concierge service, assisting with shooting parties and ensuring the house is prepared for family and guest arrivals

The ideal couple will have extensive private household or luxury estate experience with excellent, checkable references covering the last 5 years. They will be mature, discreet and organised, with a genuine love of animals and comfort within a rural setting and country pursuits. One candidate must possess strong leadership and housekeeping skills, while the other brings practical expertise in complex technical systems, estate maintenance and driving. A shotgun licence for the maintenance candidate is a distinct bonus. Both candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Accommodation:Live-in accommodation is provided on the Estate. Estate vehicles are available for work-related errands and duties.

Working days:Full time. Flexible schedule to adapt to quiet periods as well as busy times when the family is in residence or entertaining.

Hours:Split and/or staggered working shifts with two consecutive days off during the week. Flexibility is essential around the needs of the household, family events, entertaining and shoot parties.

Driving:Full UK driving licence and own car essential.

Salary: £80,000 combined gross per annum

Start: When the right candidate is found.

Contact: Shannon Anderson

Job Number: 242374