Experienced Housekeeper/Cook sought near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, £50k+, September start

Description

A high-calibre live-in Housekeeper/Cook is sought for a hands-on, full-time role at a prestigious country estate near Banbury, North Oxfordshire. This is a part-time weekend residence with occasional summer use and a high standard of presentation and service is expected despite the informal household style. Responsibilities: Day to day smooth running of the house, including all standard housekeeping duties: cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing, bed-making and turn-downs, fire setting, shopping, floral arrangements, and household admin. Cooking occasionally to a good dinner party standard (recipes provided), including assistance with food preparation, drinks service, serving meals, and general hospitality-related tasks. Evening work when the owners are in residence, with flexibility required for dinner service and guest support. Supervising external contractors or maintenance work when needed. Dog care, including walking and feeding (must be dog friendly). Driving is essential due to rural location, with occasional guest pickups/drop-offs at the train station or airport. Chalet Responsibilities (Switzerland): Travel to the owners’ large 8-bedroom chalet in Switzerland 4–6 times during winter and 2–4 weeks in the summer (plus a 1-bedroom staff apartment). Arrive 1–2 days ahead of family and guests (typically 4–18 people), and stay on 1–2 days after departure for close-down. Duties include cleaning, tidying, laundry, shopping, assisting with meal prep, occasional cooking and serving, washing up and supporting daily hospitality. These periods involve the most intense and long days of work; time off in lieu will be given. Ideal candidate: Experienced, independent, self-starting, responsible and energetic. High standards of cleanliness and discretion. Comfortable working as part of a wider estate team. Able to adapt between periods of quiet routine and busy, high-demand hosting. 5 days per week to include weekends up to 40-45hrs per week. A confident driver is essential. Use of a shared estate car for work purposes. Accommodation: 2 bedroom apartment in the stable block adjacent to the main house; partner welcome, but regret no children or pets. Role to commence as soon as the right candidate is found.

Ad ID: 5418695965