Live-In Domestic Couple – Separate Cottage with garden – £70,000–£75,000 Negotiable

Family Description & Location:

An informal British/European family are seeking a proactive and experienced Domestic Couple to manage and maintain their private country house in Haslemere, Surrey.
The property sits within approximately 3 acres of informal gardens surrounding the house, with additional land tenanted to a local farmer. This is not the family’s main residence, but rather a weekend and holiday family home sometimes used for entertaining friends and family.
The family have three school-aged children and a cockerpoo who travels between London and the property. The household is typically used a couple of weekends a month, some half term school holidays, Easter and over Christmas. Outside of these times, there will be extended periods where the couple are responsible for the property independently. The family are abroad most of July and August.
The property is used for approximately 15 weeks of the year, so the family will expect flexibility during the periods when they are in residence, entertaining or hosting guests.
The role is offered with a separate two-bedroom staff cottage located away from the main house. All bills are included. The position is not suitable for dependants.

Job Description:

This is a hands-on and varied role suited to a capable and self-sufficient couple who can take full responsibility for the smooth running, presentation and maintenance of the property.
The couple will work closely with the family’s PA and must be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring the house is always ready for the family’s arrival and for entertaining.

Housekeeping / Housekeeper Duties:
• Full housekeeping to a high standard
• Laundry, ironing and wardrobe care
• Linen changes and bed preparation
• Making up guest bedrooms
• Preparing lunches and evening meals when the family are in residence
• Confident healthy family-style cooking – including seasonal dishes such as roasts, pies, soups, salads. The enjoy international food too.
• Kitchen organisation, food ordering and general household management
• Assisting with informal entertaining
Houseman / Groundsman Duties:
• General property and estate maintenance
• Lawn care including mowing (ride-on mower) and strimming
• Gutter clearing and general exterior upkeep
• Pool and tennis court maintenance
• Managing and overseeing contractors (e.g. tree surgeons)
• General handyman duties including minor repairs and changing lightbulbs
Additional Responsibilities:
• Working collaboratively with the family’s PA
• Ensuring the property is always presented to a high standard
• Being flexible during busier periods including weekends and school holidays
• Shared care of the family dog in July/August when the family are abroad, approximately one month of responsibility (shared with the London housekeeper)

Working Hours & Schedule:

Split shift when the family are in residence:
Approx start 9am – 7pm (with a 2 hour break for lunch). If entertaining, help after dinner may be needed.
Days off are typically Tuesday and Wednesday (or any other weekdays - not Friday, Saturday or Sunday). If the family are out of the country, weekends can be taken instead.
There will be quieter periods when the family are not in residence, offering a more flexible working pattern.
Flexibility is essential, particularly during when the family are in residence.

Accommodation:
• Separate 2-bedroom staff cottage with garden
• Kitchen and bathroom facilities
• All bills included
• Located away from the main house

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience working as a Domestic Couple within a private household or estate
• Strong housekeeping and laundry skills
• Confident family cook
• Practical and hands-on with good maintenance and gardening experience
• Proactive and able to work independently
• Experience managing contractors
• Flexible and adaptable to seasonal workloads
• Pet-friendly
• Driver essential for at least one member of the couple
Salary - £70,000–£75,000 gross per annum (combined), depending on experience
Start Date: May 2026

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.

Apply Online