Live-in Domestic Couple Job – Near Reading, Berkshire, UK
Job description
A private family is seeking an experienced, reliable and hands-on Domestic Couple to join their
beautiful country residence near Reading in Berkshire on a permanent, long-term basis.
The property is a substantial six-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence set within approximately
80 acres of land and is occupied for the majority of the year. Normally, two Principals are in
residence.
This is a quiet, relaxed and informal household with no formal protocol. The family is looking
for an experienced couple who take genuine pride in their work, are practical and proactive, and are
happy to remain hands-on with the day-to-day care and smooth running of the residence.
The couple will report directly to the Principals and work alongside and liaise with the existing
household and estate team. This is not primarily a management position, and the successful
candidates should be comfortable working collaboratively and assisting wherever required.
The family also has an elderly dog, so both candidates should be animal-friendly and comfortable
assisting with the dog when necessary.
Longevity is particularly important to the family, and they are looking for a couple who would
genuinely like to establish themselves in the position for many years.
Responsibilities
Housekeeper / Cook
- Maintaining the residence to an excellent standard of cleanliness and presentation
- General housekeeping and cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas
- Laundry and ironing
- Wardrobe organisation and garment care
- Care of fine furnishings, artwork, antiques and delicate materials
- Household organisation and maintaining appropriate supplies
- Shopping and household errands when required
- Preparing breakfast and occasional simple meals for the Principals
- Keeping the kitchen clean, tidy and organised
- Assisting with the family's elderly dog when required
- Liaising with other members of the household and estate team
- Providing general household support according to the family's needs
Houseman / Estate Support
- Providing practical, hands-on support with the day-to-day running of the residence and
estate - Driving the Principals when required
- Monitoring the general condition of the property and identifying maintenance requirements
- Carrying out minor practical household tasks where appropriate
- Liaising with contractors and external service providers
- Assisting with deliveries and household logistics
- Supporting the existing estate team with general grounds and estate duties when required
- Helping to ensure the property is secure and well maintained
- Assisting with the family's elderly dog when needed
- Providing additional practical support around the residence as required
Requirements
The ideal candidates will:
- Have previous experience working together as a Domestic Couple within a similar private
household or country estate - Demonstrate excellent longevity in previous positions
- Provide excellent, checkable references
- Be hands-on, practical and proactive
- Be physically active, energetic and comfortable with the practical nature of the position
- Have excellent attention to detail
- Be responsible, reliable and trustworthy
- Be discreet and respectful of the family's privacy
- Be comfortable working within an informal household without formal protocol
- Be capable of working independently while also liaising effectively with the wider
household and estate team - Be confident drivers
- Speak good English
- Be comfortable with dogs
- Be non-smokers
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Be genuinely interested in a stable, long-term position
Work conditions
- Contract: Permanent, full-time
- Working Hours: 08:00–17:00, five days per week
- Weekend Work: Occasional weekend cover, with corresponding weekdays off
- Start Date: ASAP / negotiable
Accommodation
A particularly attractive part of the package is the independent accommodation provided on the
estate.
The successful couple will be provided with a modern four-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage,
featuring:
- Completely independent accommodation
- Private access
- Four bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- Private garden
- Garage
- All household bills covered by the employer, excluding food
The cottage is situated on the estate while providing the couple with their own private living space.
Conditions of Employment
Salary
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