Domestic Couple job in Saumur, France
Job description
Morgan & Mallet International is recruiting on behalf of a private owner a versatile and autonomous Domestic Couple to ensure the year-round maintenance of a beautiful late 18th-century character property on the outskirts of Saumur.
The estate covers approximately 4 hectares and comprises a 400 m² manor house, a guest house, outbuildings, a landscaped garden with orchard and rose garden, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a wooded hillside.
The owner, a writer who resides on the property for extended periods, is supported by a personal assistant who oversees daily priorities and coordinates the couple's activity.
A maintenance man is also present for heavy work; the couple ensures continuity and support in his absence.
Responsibilities
Garden & Exterior Maintenance
- Seasonal upkeep of the garden: pruning, planting and phytosanitary treatments (vines, fruit trees, box hedges including pyrale moth)
- Picking, harvesting and fruit protection: bagging of pears, grapes and other produce
- Leaf collection, mulch maintenance, weeding and cleaning of flower beds and borders
- Maintenance of the automatic irrigation system and solenoid valves (basic plumbing knowledge required)
- Occasional assistance to the maintenance man: fencing, wood loading, brush clearing and spreading of manure and mulch
Estate Security & Maintenance
- Daily opening and closing of gates, railings and shutters (from 7:00 am during the summer season)
- Monitoring of alarms: interior volumetric detection, exterior lighting, fire safety equipment and boiler room
- Pool maintenance from May to September: chlorinator, heat pump, robot cleaner and water level
- Regular checks of roofs, gutters and downpipes
- Managing fuel and gas supplies, reading meters and waste sorting
- Routine maintenance tasks: basic electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry, shutters and garden furniture
Interior Upkeep & Daily Life
- General upkeep of the main house and guest house
- Laundry, ironing and small errands
- Preparation of family-style meals
- Care of the cat's litter tray
- Managing deliveries, post and daily newspapers
- Driving the owner, her assistant or guests to Saumur station (or Angers in the event of a strike) using the service vehicle
Requirements
- Category B driving licence mandatory for both members of the couple; personal vehicle required in addition to the service vehicle
- Proficiency with petrol-powered tools: mini-tractor, ride-on mower, brushcutter, chainsaw, log splitter, leaf blower and hedge trimmer
- Good knowledge of horticulture and seasonal gardening: pruning schedules, treatments and automatic irrigation
- Practical DIY skills: plumbing, painting, carpentry and basic electrical work
- Literate French essential
- Excellent physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Rigorous application of safety rules: appropriate PPE, up-to-date vaccinations, tetanus mandatory
- Available on an occasional basis when required
- No pets: a well-trained dog will be considered on a case-by-case basis; cats are not accepted
- Discreet, reliable and autonomous, maintaining the same high standards whether or not the owner is present
- Working under the supportive supervision of the personal assistant
Work conditions
- Accommodation: Live-in
- Contract: Permanent (CDI) – full-time, 35 hours/week
- Location: Saumur (49)
- Start date: Early September 2026
Salary
Christopher Lebreton is a freelance recruiter with Morgan & Mallet International, specializing in the placement of household staff for an international HNW and UHNW clientele.
With a background in luxury hospitality, where he held the position of Sous Chef Executive at the InterContinental Lyon – Hôtel-Dieu, he has developed a deep understanding of excellence-driven environments, team leadership, and bespoke service standards.
This hands-on experience enables him to accurately identify candidates capable of thriving in demanding and highly confidential settings. He recruits for a wide range of roles, including private chefs, butlers, house managers, housekeepers, chauffeurs, and other key household positions.
His approach is defined by a strong understanding of client expectations, a rigorous selection process, and a tailored, discreet service, ensuring long-term and highly aligned placements.
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