Cranbrook, Kent – Live-In Domestic Couple – Sep 3-Bedroom Accomm – £70K–£80K Gross Combined

Family Description and Location
A warm and informal British couple are seeking an experienced, proactive and flexible Domestic Couple to support the smooth running of their substantial country residence near Cranbrook, Kent. The property is one of the principals’ three homes and serves as their weekend and holiday retreat. The family divide their time between London and overseas travel, spending approximately one-third of the year in residence at the property. They typically visit every other weekend for around four days at a time, although they may stay for longer periods during the summer months. This is a long-term opportunity for a capable couple who enjoy taking ownership of their roles, can work independently, use their initiative and maintain exceptionally high standards throughout the estate. The current couple have been with the family for four years and are relocating overseas to care for an elderly parent. A handover period will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.

The household includes:

• One male Hungarian Vizsla
• An additional gardener employed three days per week
• External contractors for specialist works and larger projects

The Property
The property is a substantial and well-maintained 10-bedroom period country house set within approximately 10 acres of formal gardens and a further 20 acres of meadowland.
Additional estate features include:

• Swimming pool and pool house
• Hot tub
• Tennis court
• Orchard with apple and plum trees
• Kitchen garden (optional to continue)
• Several ponds

Job Description
This role will suit an experienced Domestic Couple comprising a Housekeeper/Cook and a Gardener/Handyman/House Manager.

Housekeeper / Cook Duties

• Full housekeeping of the residence
• Laundry and ironing
• Care of delicate items and silverware
• Window cleaning
• Flower arranging
• Taking in deliveries
• Household shopping, both online and in person
• Running errands, including dry cleaning and Post Office returns
• Preparing guest bedrooms and bathrooms before and after visits
• Family-style cooking
• Preparing lunches when the family are in residence
• Preparing meals in advance for the family to enjoy over the weekend
• Batch cooking and freezer preparation for meals to take back to London
• Confident preparation of traditional family favourites such as lasagne, pasta dishes, cottage pies and Sunday roasts
• Occasional meal service and clearing away afterwards
• Assisting with small family gatherings of up to ten guests (Larger parties and special occasions are catered externally)

Gardener / Handyman / House Manager Duties

• Maintaining the formal gardens alongside the existing three-day-per-week gardener
• Operating tractors and larger garden machinery
• General grounds maintenance and care of the estate
• Supporting the upkeep of the kitchen garden, if desired
• Caring for the orchard and making good use of seasonal produce
• Pool, hot tub and pool house maintenance
• Tennis court upkeep
• Care of the estate ponds and fish
• Basic handyman duties and minor repairs
• Pest control
• Preparing and maintaining wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, including log delivery to the house
• Washing, cleaning and ensuring the presentation of the family vehicles
• Identifying maintenance issues and liaising with contractors regarding repairs and projects
• Overseeing works such as leaks, damp proofing and general property maintenance in consultation with the principals
• Driving family members and guests to and from local stations and airports as required

Pet Care
The family’s much-loved male Hungarian Vizsla forms an important part of the household.

Duties include:

• Occasional dog walking when the family are in residence
• Providing companionship and general day-to-day pet care as required
• Looking after the dog during occasional periods when the principals are in London or travelling and he remains at the property
• Ensuring the dog’s general wellbeing, routine and comfort whilst in your care

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Domestic Couple within a private household
• Excellent housekeeping and laundry skills
• Confident family cook with a genuine enjoyment of preparing home-style meals
• Strong gardening and practical maintenance experience
• Ability to operate tractors and larger garden machinery
• Experience liaising with contractors and managing household projects
• Positive, flexible and can-do attitude
• Highly organised and proactive
• Discreet, trustworthy and professional
• Comfortable working independently
• Dog friendly
• Ideally both members of the couple will hold full driving licences, although this is not essential
• Excellent references and a stable employment history

 
Days of Work, Accommodation and Salary

• Monday to Friday
• 9:00am – 5:00pm
• 40 hours per week
• Flexibility appreciated when the family are in residence, with time off in lieu provided where appropriate
• Separate self-contained three-bedroom flat situated above the garage block
• Accommodation can be furnished or unfurnished by agreement
• Bills included, excluding television subscription services
• Pets considered on a case-by-case basis
• Not suitable for dependants
• August/September 2026 start
• Handover period available with the current couple
• Salary: £70,000–£80,000 gross per annum combined, depending on experience and suitability

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Domestic Couple seeking a long-term position with appreciative principals in a beautiful Kent setting, offering autonomy, variety and an excellent quality of life.

Apply Online