Live-out Housekeeper/Cook, Warwick

A private family based on a traditional country estate between Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking a warm, capable and discreet live-out Housekeeper/Cook to join their established household team. Set within approximately 1,000 acres, the estate has a classic country aesthetic with a modern, conservation-minded outlook and is currently being thoughtfully renovated in keeping with its heritage.

This is a friendly and respectful household with a lovely team atmosphere. The family value reliability, integrity, discretion and a positive sense of humour. Events, visitors and any flexibility required are planned well in advance, so the role would suit someone who enjoys being organised and prepared.

The household consists of two adults and one child, who has a nanny. One of the principals’ elderly mothers also lives at the property and has 24/7 carers. The main residence has 10 bedrooms, although day-to-day care is focused primarily on the principals’ rooms, with the wider house maintained to a consistently high and presentable standard.

There is an exceptionally friendly Labrador on the estate, so the successful candidate must be comfortable around dogs and happy to assist with some pet care when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Carrying out daily housekeeping duties including cleaning, tidying, organising and maintaining the home to a high standard.
• Caring for fine finishes and valuable items, including artwork, antiques, silver and crystal.
• Ensuring the wider house remains beautifully presented and guest-ready.
• Managing laundry, ironing and wardrobe care with excellent attention to detail.
• Recognising appropriate care for different fabrics and garments, and asking for guidance where needed.
• Organising dry cleaning and maintaining wardrobe systems.
• Replenishing household stock, carrying out shopping and running occasional errands.
• Assisting with visitors, guests and planned entertaining.
• Liaising with contractors and supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the household.
• Working alongside and helping to delegate to cleaning support when required.
• Assisting with light pet care for the family’s Labrador.

Cooking:

Cooking will form approximately one third of the role. The family are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for preparing simple, tasty, wholesome and family-friendly meals using fresh, organic ingredients where possible. The candidate does not need to be a trained chef, but must be confident following recipes, batch cooking and working collaboratively with the principals to plan healthy meals.

For larger gatherings or more formal entertaining, a chef is brought in, and the Housekeeper/Cook may be asked to assist in the kitchen as needed.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced in private household housekeeping, ideally within a larger property or country estate environment.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage time effectively.
• Discreet, trustworthy and respectful of a family environment.
• Warm, down-to-earth and a true team player who is happy to get stuck in where needed.
• Confident working autonomously while also fitting naturally into a wider household team.
• Passionate about home cooking, healthy meals and using good-quality ingredients.
• Attentive to detail, particularly with wardrobe care, fabrics, fine items and presentation standards.
• Reliable, flexible, good-humoured and professional.
• Comfortable around dogs and happy to assist with occasional pet care.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, with some flexibility required when the family are entertaining or have guests. Any additional hours will be discussed and agreed in advance, with overtime either paid or given as time off in lieu.

Requirements:

• Previous private household housekeeping experience.
• Strong cooking ability and confidence preparing healthy family meals.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High levels of discretion, integrity and reliability.
• A full driving licence and own car are essential due to the rural location and occasional errands.
• Excellent references.

Salary:

£40,000–£50,000 gross per annum, depending on experience. The family are open to discussion for the right candidate and offer annual salary reviews.

REF:S&W#3644474