Live-in Couple Job in East Wiltshire
We are looking for a trustworthy, experienced and enthusiastic live-in couple to take on the roles of Gardener/Groundsman and Part-Time Housekeeper on a beautiful estate near Hungerford, in East Wiltshire (North Wessex Downs National Landscape), within easy reach of the M4 and mainline railway stations.
This is a rare opportunity to work at a unique property with idyllic gardens and grounds on the River.
Duties to include, but not limited to:
Housekeeper (part-time; minimum 10 hours per week):
- Domestic cleaning (main house and ancillary accommodation).
- Laundry.
- Preparing the house for family visits and guests.
- Shopping for household items as required and administering petty cash/purchases/collection of goods on behalf of the employer.
- Managing household recycling.
- Looking after the antique collection (cleaning/polishing furniture and antiquities and ensuring items are appropriately stored).
- Occasional basic cooking (very infrequent).
- Being flexible and willing to help in the garden during quieter times in the house.
- When the client is not in residence, assisting with security systems (ensuring the property is appropriately locked and alarmed).
- Any other duties as may be required within the scope of the role.
Gardener / Groundsman (live-in):
- Leading all aspects of maintenance and upkeep of the garden, grounds and private 9-hole golf course.
- Ornamental plant management, lawn care, topiary and hedge care.
- Greenkeeping and course presentation (tees, greens and fairways), with training/support available where required.
- Leading and directing external specialist contractors as required.
- Operating and caring for garden tools and equipment, including basic maintenance, routine pre-start checks, and safe use of machinery.
- General DIY and estate maintenance tasks across the property (as required).
- When the employer is not in residence, providing security cover and being on hand in the event of an emergency.
Candidate profile (key attributes):
- Comprehensive plant knowledge and familiarity with most gardening practices (horticultural qualification desirable but not essential).
- Understanding of turf care and course presentation.
- Sympathetic use of tools and equipment; ability to carry out routine checks and basic maintenance on handheld, pedestrian and ride-on machinery.
- Team player; conscientious, friendly, articulate and self-motivated, with willingness to go the extra mile.
- Organised and methodical yet flexible, with attention to detail and ability to use initiative.
- Good working knowledge of Health & Safety (including risk assessments).
- Valid driving licence. (both having licence is preferable)
Start: As soon as possible.
Accommodation: A 3-bedroom detached cottage on the estate (kitchen/dining room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms, two family bathrooms), with garden and detached garage. Council Tax paid by employer; employees responsible for oil and electricity.
Days/Hours: Gardener/Groundsman hours to be agreed (suggested 8am–4pm Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend work as required). Housekeeper hours are flexible (suggested 9am–2pm Monday and Friday), with occasional weekend work when the family are in residence.
Holiday: 20 days per annum plus bank holidays (Housekeeper pro rata).
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience (market rate for each role).