DOMESTIC COUPLE

DOMESTIC COUPLE
NR EXETER, RURAL DEVON
Housekeeper - Family Cook – Handyperson - Security.
Essential Requirements: Previous experience in private residence or yachting.
Both must drive, have own car and dog lover essential. Team players, child friendly with a flexible practical approach.

The position is for a full-time live-in couple consisting of a housekeeper/ light family cook together with genuine all-round property maintenance.
The property is a Grade I listed historic building in rural Devon not far from Exeter and close to the sea, due to its rural location driving licenses for both are essential. Own car is required, there is a car that can be used for shopping and other necessary work related trips.

The property is owned by a family with young children who live in London, this property is their weekend and holiday home. The family mostly reside in London but use this house weekends, school holidays and half terms. Diaries are planned in advance.

Hours of work are based around a 45-hour working week, some weekend, evening and bank holiday working will be required. Tuesday and Wednesday can be taken as days off.
There are 30 days holiday per year inclusive of bank holidays, where it is necessary to work on bank holidays these days can be taken in Lieu.

There is a family dog who will remain at the property therefore it is important to be very comfortable with dogs and be willing to care for domestic pets during the families absence.

Duties will include

Housekeeping:

• To ensure that the alarm systems are fully functioning, maintained adequately and used effectively.
• To ensure the day-to-day cleanliness of the main house and associated areas.
• Ensuring the property is clean, prepared and ready before every visit.
• Making all beds before visits and daily turn down when family and guests are in residence.
• Laundry duties and care of clothing.
• To supervise and be responsible for the cleaner, who comes twice a week.
• Supervising cleaning of bed linen by laundry service company.
• Stock control and purchasing of all cleaning, laundry and household products.
• Grocery shopping for family prior to their visits.
• Laying table for breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
• Some simple cooking or meal preparation occasionally for family members. The family often cook for themselves, and a chef comes in for busy periods.
• Clearing and cleaning kitchen after meals.
• Occasional childcare of 2 boys ages 12 and 10yrs
• Care of domestic animals during the family’s absence
• Have a flexible approach with ability to multitask

Handyperson/ Household Assistant    

• Responsible for ensuring security of the property, monitoring and maintenance of the security system.
• Requires good DIY skills.
• Looking after the roofs, clearing gutters.
• Liaison with contractors on site; meeting and directing as appropriate.
• Arranging any maintenance service visits as required.
• Assisting with moving furniture, bringing in firewood, cleaning cars, taking bins out.  
• Setting and cleaning of fires.
• Light gardening and external maintenance. Liaising with full time gardener.
• A flexible approach and the ability to multitask.
• Liaison with estate staff.
• Support and assistance to the Housekeeper.
• To think practically and proactively, be a team player and be prepared to adapt and learn new skills.

Salary in the region of £65k gross per annum. Accommodation is included consisting of a 2 bedroom furnished apartment attached to the main house. The role is not suitable for candidates with children but well behaved pet may be considered. (HU3706)