AP006: Full-Time Housekeeper in Epsom, Surrey, UK

AP006 - Full-Time Housekeeper - Epsom, Surrey

A private estate in Surrey is seeking an experienced, discreet and highly organised Housekeeper to join its established estate team. This is a full-time, permanent position and can be offered on either a live-in or live-out basis.

The property is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, and the successful candidate will join as the household prepares for the residence to reopen. The principals typically spend approximately three to four months of the year at the estate. During these periods, the Housekeeper will be expected to offer a high degree of flexibility and work according to the needs and schedule of the household. This may include longer days, evenings and weekends, as well as additional support when family or guests are staying or the household is entertaining. Appropriate rest days will be agreed around the needs of the household.

When the principals are not in residence, the schedule will be considerably more structured. Responsibilities during these periods will focus on maintaining the property, deep cleaning, household organisation, inventories, seasonal projects and preparing the residence for upcoming visits.

Alongside traditional housekeeping and laundry duties, the role will include preparing fresh, home-cooked meals for the principals when they are in residence, as well as supporting visiting family, guests and entertaining as required. Entertaining is expected to be predominantly family-focused, particularly initially.

The Housekeeper will report to the Estate Manager and work collaboratively as part of the wider estate team. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable and highly detail-oriented, with a genuine pride in maintaining a private home to an exceptional standard.

Responsibilities
Maintain the residence to an exceptional standard of cleanliness, presentation and organisation
Carry out daily cleaning alongside regular deep cleaning and seasonal housekeeping
Manage household and personal laundry, including ironing, pressing and the care of delicate fabrics and fine clothing
Care appropriately for fine furnishings, antiques, silverware and specialist surfaces
Maintain organised wardrobes, linen cupboards, storage and utility areas
Prepare fresh, home-cooked meals for the principals according to their preferences and dietary requirements
Support visiting family, guests and informal entertaining as required
Maintain the kitchen, appliances and food-storage areas to an excellent standard
Maintain household inventories and recurring housekeeping schedules
Prepare the residence ahead of the principals' arrival and reset the household following periods of residence
Monitor maintenance requirements and report issues promptly to the Estate Manager
Liaise with suppliers, contractors and service providers where appropriate
Assist with establishing effective housekeeping systems as the newly renovated residence reopens
Qualifications
Previous professional housekeeping experience within a private household, country estate or similarly high-standard environment
Excellent knowledge of cleaning methods and the care of fine furnishings, fabrics and specialist surfaces
Strong laundry and ironing skills
Confident preparing fresh, good-quality home-cooked meals
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously

Requirements
Full UK driving licence preferred
Highly flexible during the three to four months each year when the principals are in residence 
Legal right to work in the UK
Strong, verifiable references

Salary and Benefits
The position offers a salary of up to £50,000 gross per annum, depending on experience.

The role can be offered on either a live-in or live-out basis, with accommodation available for a candidate who would prefer to live on the estate.