An experienced live-in couple is required to act as guardians of a private family residence in Hertfordshire. Reporting to the Estate Manager and working alongside the Head Housekeeper, the couple will ensure the property is maintained to an exceptional standard and fully prepared for the family’s visits, providing a welcoming, secure and well-organised environment at all times.

The role involves maintaining excellent standards of housekeeping, property care and general maintenance, while supporting the smooth running of the household. The couple will also be responsible for following and maintaining security procedures, including the correct opening and closing of the residence, ensuring all aspects of the home and estate are managed efficiently to meet the family’s needs. The property is a country residence for a young family, and is currently used as a weekend and school holiday retreat for family and friends and is expected to become the family’s primary residence later this year. The main house is a six-bedroom home situated within a private estate and supported by several additional buildings. The family occasionally hosts guests and small gatherings. At full occupancy, the estate may accommodate up to approximately 14 people including family members and guests.

Key Responsibilities:

Housekeeper / Family Cook

• Acting as a guardian and key holder for the property
• Full housekeeping of all rooms across the main residence and additional buildings
• Laundry and wardrobe care
• Periodic deep cleaning
• Creating and maintaining cleaning schedules
• Preparing family meals
• Grocery shopping and larder management
• Managing cleaning supplies and household stock
• Running errands as required
• Chaperoning contractors when they are on site
• Driving duties for household errands
• Ensuring security procedures are followed when opening and closing the property
• Food and beverage service when the family are in residence
• Assisting with events held at the property
• Receiving and recording deliveries
• Assisting with the care of 7 alpacas and 4 chickens
• Supporting with occasional outdoor tasks when required

Groundsman / Handyman:

• Acting as a guardian and key holder for the property
• Maintaining outdoor areas to ensure they are clean, safe and well presented
• Care and upkeep of vehicles
• Care and maintenance of boats
• Ensuring outdoor facilities are ready for use (BBQ, pizza oven, children’s toys, jacuzzi etc.)
• Running errands for the estate
• Chaperoning contractors
• Carrying out light maintenance including gutter clearing, biomass boiler checks and solar panel care
• Ensuring waste bins are collected
• Possible pool maintenance
• Driving duties when required
• Maintaining security awareness and following opening and closing procedures
• Simple family cooking when required
• Assisting with events at the property
• Receiving and recording deliveries
• Assisting with the care of 7 alpacas and 4 chickens
• General DIY and maintenance tasks as required

Candidate Requirements:

• Fluent English, both written and spoken
• Both candidates must hold full driving licences and have their own transport
• Previous experience in private households, estates or hospitality preferred
• Service-oriented with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working around animals
• Computer literate (email, internet, WhatsApp)
• Non-smokers
• Good practical and DIY skills, particularly for the groundsman role

MW164910