Domestic Couple, nr Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK

A private family with an estate close to Banbury, Oxfordshire, is seeking an experienced and professional domestic couple to support the smooth running, care and presentation of their home.

This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an established couple with complementary skills who take pride in creating a well-organised, welcoming and beautifully maintained household.

The precise division of responsibilities will be tailored to the experience and strengths of the successful candidates. Possible combinations might include:

• House Manager / Household Operations and Housekeeper / Cook; or
• House Manager / Maintenance / Property Support and Senior Housekeeper / Cook.

The couple will work collaboratively with the family, the Chief of Staff and the wider household team. Both candidates should be comfortable taking ownership of their respective areas while remaining flexible and willing to support one another when required.

Partner One: Household and Property Responsibilities

Depending on the successful candidate’s experience, responsibilities may include:

• Overseeing the smooth day-to-day operation of the household.
• Managing and coordinating domestic staff.
• Maintaining household systems, records and administration.
• Liaising with contractors, tradespeople and suppliers.
• Coordinating routine maintenance and property-related works.
• Monitoring household stocks and managing inventories.
• Undertaking driving, errands and local duties as required.
• Supporting family entertaining, events and guest stays.
• Assisting with practical household and property duties.
• Identifying maintenance requirements and ensuring they are addressed promptly.
• Working closely with the Chief of Staff to maintain consistently high household standards.

Experience or a genuine interest in property maintenance, woodworking, craftsmanship or another practical discipline would be particularly welcomed.

Partner Two: Housekeeping and Cooking Responsibilities

Depending on the successful candidate’s experience, responsibilities may include:

• Delivering high-level housekeeping throughout the home.
• Managing laundry, ironing and wardrobe care.
• Maintaining excellent household organisation.
• Preparing fresh, family-style meals.
• Planning menus and managing food shopping.
• Preparing bedrooms and communal areas for guests.
• Providing informal service when required.
• Arranging flowers and maintaining the presentation of the home.
• Supporting family entertaining and special occasions.
• Monitoring household supplies and assisting with stock control.
• Ensuring the home remains welcoming, orderly and beautifully presented.

Experience or a genuine interest in floristry, ceramics, interiors or another creative discipline would be highly desirable.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Previous experience working together in a private household.
• Excellent, verifiable private-household references.
• A strong record of employment longevity.
• Complementary professional and practical skills.
• A proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• High standards and strong attention to detail.
• A naturally discreet, trustworthy and professional manner.
• Flexibility and a willingness to collaborate with the wider household team.
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a team.
• A genuine desire to make a long-term commitment to one household.

The family is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute something additional beyond their core responsibilities. This might include cooking, floristry, ceramics, woodworking, gardening, property maintenance, interiors or another practical or creative skill.

This role would suit a warm, capable and self-motivated couple who understand the rhythms of private-household life and are committed to providing dependable, thoughtful support over the long term.

Working Hours: 40 Hours, Thursday to Monday, 8am to 5pm, with 1 hr break

Accommodation: 1 or 2 bedroom newly renovated apartment on the estate

Salary: £80,000 gross per annum

REF: S&W#3672211