We are seeking an experienced, discreet and highly capable Live-In Cook / Housekeeper to join a well-established household team supporting both a large rural estate near Winchcombe and a London residence. This is a rare opportunity to join a long-standing, warm and professional household following the departure of a valued housekeeper of over 20 years. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the team, working closely with the Butler/House Manager, Housekeeper and wider estate staff to ensure the smooth, discreet and professional running of both properties.
This is a hands-on, varied role requiring excellent housekeeping standards, confident home-style cooking, strong pet care experience, and flexibility to support estate life including shoot days and busy family period.
Duties out lined not limited to:
- Maintain the main house and staff areas to an exceptional standard
- Full cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms, reception rooms, kitchens and offices
- Care of fine furnishings, antiques, artwork, rugs, silver, crystal and linens
- Laundry management including washing, ironing, pressing and wardrobe care
- Ensuring overall presentation of both residences is consistently high
- Prepare daily fresh, seasonal home-style meals to a high standard
- Menu planning in consultation with principals and household management
- Cooking for family, guests and larger numbers during busy periods
- Assist with catering for shoot days and estate events
- Maintain kitchen hygiene, food safety standards and equipment care
- Manage food stocks, deliveries and agreed budgets
Pet Care
- Daily care of family dogs including feeding, walking and exercise
- Confident handling of dogs across estate grounds and during busy periods
- Support with veterinary appointments when required
- Ensure pets are safely managed around staff, guests, contractors and estate activity
Estate & Shoot Day Support
- Assist with shoot days, estate events and high-occupancy periods
- Work closely with House Manager/Butler, gardeners, gamekeepers and wider team
- Liaise with contractors and service providers when required
- Run errands and undertake off-site trips due to rural location
- Driving (Essential)
- Full, clean UK driving licence required
- Confident driver for rural errands, appointments and estate logistics
Personal Attributes
- Warm, proactive, calm, flexible and highly adaptable
- Good working attitude
- Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on rural estate work
- Flexible, reliable and solutions-focused
- Strong team player with a can-do attitude
- Discreet, trustworthy and professional at all times
- Well-presented and professional
- This role could suit someone with experience in private households who is looking to take the next step in their career, as full training and ongoing support will be provided by the wider team.
Additional Notes
- Must be comfortable with dogs and enjoy animal care
- Flexibility to work weekends may be required during busy periods (some flexibility offered for the right candidate)
- This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve with the needs of the household and estate
Accommodation
- Comfortable live-in accommodation provided at the estate
- Separate one-bedroom staff accommodation including private kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom
- Due to rural location, live-in is essential
- Near Winchcombe & London
Salary : £40 k Please present salary
Start Date : June 2026
S&W#3599035
