Live-in Housekeeper/Cook

Location: Broughton Grange, North Oxfordshire
Accommodation: Private two-bedroom apartment within the estate’s stable block (shared use of estate vehicle for work purposes)
Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility required including weekends and occasional evenings
Travel: Regular travel to the family’s private chalet in Europe
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
Job Reference: EHS #9445

Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and professional Live-in Housekeeper/Cook to join a welcoming private family at their beautiful 400-acre country estate, Broughton Grange, in North Oxfordshire.

The estate is home to a stunning nine-bedroom Manor House, extensive gardens, outdoor swimming pool, pool house and tennis court. The property is supported by a dedicated estate team including an Estate Manager, Head Gardener, gardening team, weekly cleaner and handyman.

The principals primarily use the property as a weekend and holiday residence, typically arriving Thursday or Friday and departing Monday or Tuesday. The household is informal in style but maintained to an exceptionally high standard, with occasional entertaining and family guests throughout the year.

This is a varied, hands-on role suited to an experienced Housekeeper who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful private residence, enjoys working independently and can provide excellent hospitality support when the family are in residence.

The successful candidate will also accompany the principals to their private eight-bedroom chalet in Europe several times each year, preparing the property ahead of their arrival and providing housekeeping and hospitality support throughout their stays.

Working Schedule

The role averages approximately 40 hours per week.

When the principals are in residence, the Housekeeper will typically work weekends, usually from around 8:00am–1:00pm and 3:00pm–7:00pm. Additional evening support may be required when entertaining, with time off in lieu provided.

When the principals are not in residence, the working pattern is more flexible, generally around 9:00am–5:00pm, focusing on the upkeep, organisation and preparation of the property.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining the Manor House to an exceptional standard
• Daily housekeeping, cleaning and organisation of the property
• Laundry, ironing and wardrobe care
• Bed making and evening turndown service
• Caring for fine furnishings, artwork and antiques
• Fire setting, flowers and ensuring the home is beautifully presented
• Managing household supplies and shopping requirements
• Household organisation and administration
• Supervising the weekly cleaner and coordinating additional support when required
• Liaising with contractors and overseeing maintenance visits
• Preparing meals from recipes provided, with baking skills advantageous
• Assisting with food preparation, drinks service, serving and clearing after meals
• Supporting the family during entertaining and when hosting guests
• Driving for errands and occasional airport or station collections
• Working closely with the wider estate team

Europe Travel

The family also own a private chalet in Europe, which they visit throughout the year for winter and summer stays.

The Housekeeper will travel ahead of the family’s arrival to prepare the property and remain afterwards to assist with closing duties. Responsibilities will include housekeeping, laundry, shopping, meal preparation, hospitality support and maintaining the chalet throughout the family’s stay.

These periods can be particularly busy, with longer working days required. Time off in lieu will be provided for additional days worked, and additional support will be available from local EU staff or UK-based staff when required.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working within a private household or luxury residence is essential
• Excellent housekeeping and laundry skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience caring for fine interiors, antiques and valuable furnishings
• Confident preparing meals from recipes
• Highly organised, discreet and able to work independently
• Friendly, approachable and flexible
• Comfortable working as part of a wider estate team
• Full driving licence essential due to the rural location
• Non-smoker preferred