A warm and welcoming family based in the beautiful Bucklebury, Berkshire countryside, are seeking a friendly, capable, part-time Domestic Couple to support the smooth running of their home and garden. This part-time role would be ideal for a couple looking to scale down, or those seeking a flexible role that can be balanced alongside other work or lifestyle commitments.
The family have two polite and well-natured teenagers that attend boarding school (ages 16 and 18), and four friendly dogs. While the household is relaxed and informal, high standards and reliability are essential. The family regularly entertain, including hosting scheduled dinner parties and country shoots, and you may be asked to help with these events.
This is a rare role for a kind, down-to-earth couple looking for a lifestyle-focused role in a supportive and informal environment. The ideal candidates will have flexibility, responsibility, and a genuine love for a family household, animals, and countryside life.
Duties outlined but not limited to:
- General housekeeping: cleaning, laundry, ironing
- Occasional cooking (simple family meals, mainly for the children during holidays)
- Wardrobe care and household organisation
- Tidying the kitchen and helping with evening hosting or dinner parties when needed
- Driving family members and children when required (car provided for work use)
- Looking after the family dogs, including regular walks and occasional weekend care
- Supporting with dog-sitting and property care when the family is away
- Goldfish tank care
- Assisting with events, including country shoots and family gatherings
- Being a friendly, reliable presence in the home
Outdoor duties:
- Gardening and grounds care (1-acre garden and 6-acre field): mowing, strimming, pruning, weeding, watering, planting, basic repairs
- Greenhouse and vegetable planting
- Pool maintenance (chemical balancing, cleaning)
- General handyman duties and minor repairs
- Confident and experienced driving: school runs, station drop-offs, evening dinner pickups (typically Fridays or Saturdays with notice)
- Walking dogs on agreed days
Candidate Requirements:
- Must be animal lovers and comfortable around dogs
- A friendly, self-motivated couple with a sunny disposition
- Prior experience in similar domestic or hospitality roles preferred
- Able to work independently and take initiative
- Confident drivers with clean licences (essential)
- Must have own car for personal use
- Enjoy rural life and the English countryside
- Happy to integrate into the household and local community
Accommodation & Benefits:
- Private 1-bedroom garden cottage with sitting/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and all modern amenities
- All utilities, Wi-Fi, and council tax included
- Use of household vehicle for work-related duties
- 4 weeks’ paid holiday per year
- 2 days off per week (days flexible depending on needs and family schedule)
- Friendly local community with introductions available to other families and couples in the area
- Opportunities for occasional extra work (e.g., dog-sitting, help for neighbours) if desired
The family home is located in a small village just 5 miles from Newbury and 12 miles from Reading. London is easily accessible via train from Reading (30 minutes).
Job Title: Domestic Couple (Part-Time)
Location: Bucklebury, Berkshire (near Newbury and Reading)
Start Date: Negotiable for the right couple
Working Hours: 20 hours per week each (flexible schedule) overtime when required
Accommodation: Beautiful self-contained garden cottage (all bills included)
Salary: £560 per week
REF: S&W#3383270
