Position: Full-time Household Couple
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Employment Type: Permanent, Live-in/Live-out (to be agreed)

Overview:

We are looking for an experienced, discreet, and proactive household couple to manage all aspects of a private secondary residence. The principal spends approximately 90–100 days per year at the property, with stays averaging 5–10 days.

The couple will be responsible for ensuring the residence is always maintained to the highest standard, both in preparation for and during the principal’s visits. Duties include housekeeping, cooking, light maintenance, driving, and hosting. As this is a position with no other household staff, independence, reliability, and initiative are essential.

The family has a team of gardeners and external contractors who are independent and know their duties, but it is important that the couple are aware of what is happening in the garden and maintain good working relationships with the team.

Regular and clear communication is vital. The couple will be expected to stay in close contact with the principal’s PA (based abroad), keeping her informed about the property and schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

Housekeeping & Household Management

• Keep the main house and outbuildings (gym, orangery, sauna) to a consistently high standard
• Laundry, ironing and housekeeping to a professional standard, including care of delicate fabrics, antiques, silverware, and valuable furnishings
• Daily duties: bins, deliveries, post, restocking supplies, unpacking/packing for travel
• Seasonal duties: cleaning fireplaces in winter; preparing outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and pool area in summer
• Pet care as required (dogs and chickens): feeding, grooming, walking, cleaning coops, collecting eggs, the dog is at the house only when the principal is in residence

Cooking & Hospitality

• Prepare and serve daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for the principal
• Provide a range of simple dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Host and serve at small dinner parties (5–10 guests) several times per year
• Assist with larger gatherings (15–20 guests, 1–2 times a year), coordinate with an external chef
• Lay tables, serve meals, prepare drinks, and ensure excellent guest care

Driving

• Chauffeur the principal as needed, including airport transfers, errands, and trips
• Maintain and valet two work vehicles to a high standard (interior/exterior cleaning, fluids, tyre pressure, MOT, servicing schedules)

Maintenance & Grounds

• General upkeep of house and grounds: light DIY, clearing gutters, cleaning windows, bleeding radiators, jet-washing bins, patios, and outdoor areas
• Weekly and monthly fountain maintenance
• Stock fireplaces, log stores, and pizza oven
• Maintain sheds and outbuildings (cleaning, painting, organising)
• Assist with fruit picking in autumn and light gardening (watering, weeding, helping gardeners when required)
• Ensure all household technology (TVs, sound systems, Wi-Fi, etc.) is updated and functioning

Administration & Communication

• Stay in regular contact with the principal’s PA regarding schedules, requirements, and updates
• Liaise with contractors, tradespeople, and the gardening team
• Monitor, report, and arrange for repairs or replacements as needed

Working Hours:

• 8 hours per day, 5 days per week
• Flexibility required: longer hours, evenings, and weekends when the principal is in residence
• Time off in lieu during quieter periods when the principal is away

Remuneration & Benefits:

• Salary: £100,000 (combined, gross, per annum)
• Discretionary yearly bonus
• 28 days annual leave (to be scheduled around the principal’s visits)
• Use of a car for professional and personal purposes (maintenance, MOT, insurance covered; petrol for private long-distance travel at own expense)
• Pension contribution (3%)
• Training opportunities available (e.g., floristry, wine, mixology)