We are searching, on behalf of our client, for an exceptional couple to take the helm of a beautiful privately owned country house in Yorkshire. This is a hands-on hospitality role: running the property to the very highest standards of service, food, and guest experience, with the ambition of establishing it as one of the UK's premier country house destinations for corporate groups, private celebrations, and family gatherings.

This will be the first time in the property's 350-year history that it will be available for exclusive private hire.

The Estate

Set within a sweeping Yorkshire landscape and backing directly onto a river, this handsome country house is surrounded by beautiful grounds featuring immaculate flower gardens and river frontage. Meticulously appointed across eleven bedrooms, the estate offers an unrivalled setting for exclusive retreats and distinguished corporate gatherings.

Facilities include:

• Multiple reception rooms, from formal dining spaces to relaxed family areas and workshop rooms
• Fully equipped kitchen with scope to add additional catering equipment for larger groups
• Tennis and squash courts
• Heated outdoor swimming pool and pool house, with potential for further development as a bar, entertaining space, or sauna
• Kitchen garden providing fresh seasonal produce

There are also plans to introduce additional leisure facilities, including a plunge pool and yoga studio, further enhancing the estate's appeal as a luxury countryside retreat.

The Opportunity

The property will be available for exclusive private hire, catering to:

• Corporate retreats and leadership offsites
• Milestone celebrations
• Family gatherings
• Friends' weekend escapes

This role offers the unique opportunity to build a luxury hospitality destination from the ground up, creating memorable guest experiences and developing a reputation that generates repeat bookings and exceptional reviews.

The estate will also work in partnership with a nearby hospitality business to accommodate larger parties requiring additional guest rooms.

The Role

At its heart, this is a hospitality-led position. The successful couple will be responsible for creating an exceptional guest experience through outstanding food, attentive service, and flawless property management.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• One partner will serve as the resident chef, preparing high-quality meals for all bookings, creating seasonal menus, and maintaining exceptional culinary standards
• Deliver a seamless guest experience from enquiry through to departure
• Oversee housekeeping, property presentation, and day-to-day operations to an impeccable standard
• Manage and supervise the housekeeping and service team
• Develop a curated programme of activities and experiences by partnering with local providers and event specialists
• Liaise with partner hospitality venues to accommodate larger group bookings when required

Bookings & Marketing

• Take ownership of the property's commercial performance, driving occupancy and revenue throughout the year
• Manage guest enquiries and booking conversions with professionalism and warmth
• Work with luxury accommodation agents and corporate booking platforms to maintain listings, availability, and guest reviews
• Support marketing initiatives alongside the estate office to build the property's profile and reputation
• Establish a reputation for excellence that generates referrals, repeat business, and outstanding reviews

The Ideal Couple

We are seeking a proven hospitality couple with experience managing or owning a country house hotel, boutique inn, luxury guest accommodation, or hospitality venue with rooms.

You will understand both the commercial and operational aspects of hospitality, including driving bookings, managing revenue, and maintaining exceptional service standards.

One partner must be an accomplished chef, capable of catering for groups to a high standard and creating seasonal menus for a variety of occasions. The other partner will lead front-of-house operations, guest relations, bookings, and overall property management.

Both candidates should be:

• Energetic and entrepreneurial
• Highly organised and proactive
• Warm, personable, and guest-focused
• Passionate about creating memorable experiences
• Motivated by maintaining exceptional standards and achieving outstanding guest feedback

The Team

The couple will manage the in-house hospitality team and work closely with the estate office.

The wider estate operations are managed separately by a dedicated estate management and gardening team.

The hospitality structure includes:

• Estate Office
• Estate Manager
• Resident Couple
• Housekeeper
• Three Gardeners
• Self-employed waiting staff as required

Accommodation

A private cottage on the estate will be provided as part of the package, offering a comfortable home in one of England's most beautiful rural locations.

Salary: £120,000 dependent on experience