Domestic Couple – Butler & Housekeeper/Cook - £80–85k Gross - Monday to Friday - S/C accom

Family Description and Location:

A European principal and her school-aged daughter are seeking an experienced Butler / Housekeeper Cook Couple to support the smooth running of their elegant townhouse overlooking a garden square in Mayfair, London.
The principal herself is informal in manner, however the household operates to formal standards and this is a uniformed role. The property consists of the main townhouse with an attached mews house. The family keep a large Australian Shepherd dog who lives part-time at the residence.
The principal travels extensively during school holidays and the successful couple will be required to travel with the family twice a year for approximately one month at a time, typically to France and another holiday destination.
Accommodation is provided within the mews house in a self-contained apartment with a private bedroom and bathroom. The couple will have use of the kitchen within the main house. When travelling with the family, the couple will be provided with separate accommodation, with all bills included.

Job Description:

This is a classic division of duties within a formal household and is best suited to a couple who have worked together previously in private service.
The Housekeeper / Cook will focus on maintaining the bedrooms and private areas of the house, laundry and wardrobe care including ironing, and ensuring the property remains beautifully presented at all times. The home contains antiques, fine fabrics, delicate furnishings and specialist surfaces which require careful and knowledgeable cleaning techniques.
Cooking forms an important part of the role and the principal enjoys simple but well-executed French bistro-style food. Meals will typically be prepared for the family, with occasional lunches or dinners for guests of up to approximately 12 people. Dishes such as souffl?s, cr?me caramel, duck and other classic French home-style meals would be typical of the cuisine expected. This is not a chef role but requires a confident and capable home cook.
The Butler / Houseman will take responsibility for the reception rooms and front-of-house service within the home. Duties include formal table laying, silver service during meals and entertaining, polishing silver, maintaining reception areas, and meeting and greeting guests.
The Butler will also assist with elements of the child’s daily routine, including helping with afternoon activities and occasional school collections when required. When the dog is in residence, walking the Australian Shepherd forms part of the role.
The couple will work together to ensure the household runs smoothly, rotating deep cleaning of rooms and maintaining high standards throughout the property.
Occasional dinner parties may run later in the evening, sometimes finishing around 11pm, and require polished and discreet formal service.

Candidate Requirements:
 

• The ideal couple will have experience working together within a formal private household and understand the structure and standards expected in such an environment.
• Candidates must have experience caring for homes with antiques, fine fabrics and specialist surfaces, and be confident maintaining these items using the correct cleaning methods.
• The Butler must be confident with formal table laying, silver polishing, meeting and greeting guests, and delivering professional service during meals and entertaining.
• Both candidates should be organised, discreet and highly presentable, with strong attention to detail. Experience providing turn-down service and preparing the home for evening routines would be beneficial.
• Flexibility to travel internationally with the family during school holidays is essential. At least one member of the couple, and ideally both, should hold a full driving licence.

Days of Work, Accommodation and Salary:

• The position is Monday to Friday with occasional weekend support required.
• Working hours are structured around the household routine. Mornings begin once the child has left for school, allowing the couple to focus on housekeeping and preparation of the home. Afternoon and evening duties centre around the child Working hours follow the household routine. The Housekeeper / Cook begins the day at 7:30am, preparing breakfast and the child’s lunchbox before school, followed by housekeeping duties once the child has left. The Butler begins at 8:30am and focuses on the reception rooms and front-of-house areas. Both roles have a break during the middle of the day.

The Butler resumes duties at 3:00pm, assisting with the school collection and accompanying the child to any after-school clubs. The Housekeeper / Cook returns at 4:00pm to focus on laundry, ironing and preparation for dinner. Dinner is typically served at 6:30pm, with the working day normally finishing at approximately 7:30pm.

• Occasionally the household hosts dinner parties which may run later in the evening. Occasional later finishes may occur when the principal is entertaining. Overtime is taken as time off in lieu when the principal travels during school holidays.
• Accommodation is provided within a separate apartment in the mews house with sole use a kitchen within the main house.
• Pets will be considered but accommodation isn’t suitable for dependents.
• When travelling with the family, separate accommodation will be provided for the couple and all household bills will be covered.
• The combined salary for the couple is £80,000–£85,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Uniform is required when on duty, typically black tie or black suit with traditional black and white service attire.
• The role is available for an immediate start and the family will arrange a three-day paid trial for suitable candidates.

Town & Country Domestic Staff is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background, age, disability, gender, or beliefs.

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