Live In/out Houseman (Light Housekeeping & Cooking)
Location: Rye, East Sussex and Roehampton
Hours/Days: Monday to Friday, 45 hours per week with flexibility when principals are in residence
Accommodation: To be discussed in interview
Salary: £45,000 GPA
Start Date: ASAP
Job Reference: EHS #9169

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Houseman / Estate Assistant to support the smooth running of a large private estate in East Sussex, as well as a London property in Roehampton.

This is a varied and dynamic role suited to a proactive and adaptable candidate who is confident managing multiple properties, assisting with maintenance and presentation, and providing practical support to the principals when in residence.

Key Responsibilities
Houseman & Estate Duties

• Ensure the overall presentation and upkeep of the estate, including external areas
• General maintenance support and basic handyman duties
• Care and cleaning of outdoor areas, terraces, and BBQ spaces
• Assist with setting up the house for occupancy and closing down when vacant
• Moving furniture and assisting with household setups and events
• Monitoring property systems and reporting maintenance issues

Driving & Vehicle Care (when principals are in residence)

• Airport transfers and general driving for the family
• Maintain cleanliness, servicing schedules, and upkeep of all vehicles
• Running errands and ad hoc tasks as required

Housekeeping Support

• Assist with general cleaning duties including vacuuming, dusting, and mopping
• Support laundry and ironing when required
• Changing bed linen and preparing rooms for guests
• Ensure all areas remain tidy, organised, and guest-ready

Cooking & Kitchen Support (when in residence)

• Prepare simple, family-style meals when required
• Assist with food preparation and kitchen organisation
• Grocery shopping and maintaining kitchen supplies
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained

Household & Property Management Support

• Run errands and assist with day-to-day household operations
• Manage and restock household supplies
• Liaise with contractors and assist with overseeing works on site
• Support with ongoing household and estate projects

London Property Support

• Maintain staff accommodation, storage areas, and garage in Roehampton
• Travel to London approximately once per month

Travel

• Travel with the family when required

Flexibility of Role

• This is a full-time role requiring flexibility based on the family’s needs
• Working hours may include weekends and evenings when the family is in residence or travelling
• Duties will vary depending on occupancy and operational requirements

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in a similar private household or estate role
• Strong practical/handyman skills and a hands-on approach
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Basic cooking ability for family-style meals preferred
• Full UK driving licence (essential)
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive
• Discreet, professional, and highly reliable

Additional Information

• The estate includes a large main house, guest house, and cottage
• London property includes staff accommodation and storage facilities
• This is a hands-on, practical role within a private household environment
• A high level of confidentiality and professionalism is required at all times