Experienced Couple (Housekeeper / Gardener) – Beautiful Estate near Sevenoaks, Kent

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced, capable and warm domestic couple to take on a long-term role caring for a much-loved family home and small estate near Sevenoaks, Kent. The position has become available following the retirement of a long-standing couple after 13 happy years.

The estate includes a seven-bedroom family home, a holiday let, two long-term cottages and a comfortable two-bedroom cottage provided for the couple, set within approximately 12 acres of gardens and grounds.

The owners are a friendly, organised couple in their early 60s who split their time between Kent, London and overseas, with adult children visiting occasionally. The household is informal, welcoming and well run.

This role would suit a couple who genuinely love dogs, enjoy working together and take pride in caring for a home and gardens. The dogs will happily spend evenings curled up with the couple in their cottage and will be part of daily life. Applicants must truly love dogs and be happy sharing their living space with them when the owners are away. This is not a role for someone who simply “doesn’t mind” dogs

Duties include:

• Housekeeping (3 days per week): cleaning, family laundry, ironing and holiday-let changeovers as well cleaning the holiday let and presenting it to guests at a high standard.
• Gardening and maintenance (4–5 days per week): general gardening, repairs, equipment care, painting/decorating (advantageous), summer pool care, mowing lawns, leaf blowing, hedgecutting.
• General maintenance and repairs across all properties including basic plumbing and generally being on top of things that go wrong 
• Servicing and care of garden machinery
• Being on call for long-term tenants when issues arise
• Proactively liaising with tradespeople
• Vehicle care, MOTs and servicing
• Occasional driving (stations, airports) and trips to London properties
• Full dog care and house-sitting during the owners’ regular travel, including daily walks, vet/grooming visits and lots of companionship
• Property oversight, liaising with trades, vehicle care and occasional driving
• Occasional help with entertaining and trips to London properties

Package:

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum combined, pro-rated by days worked
• Furnished two-bedroom cottage and car provided
• All household bills and Wi-Fi included
• Occasional weekend work paid separately

Hours:

 Housekeeping: 3 days per week, 8am–5pm
 Maintenance: 4–5 days per week, 8am–5pm

Practicalities:

• Start date: mid-April
• No dependent children or additional dogs
• Maintenance partner must be a driver with a clean licence
• Proven household or estate experience essential
• Valid UK work visas required

This is a genuinely lovely, long-term position for a couple seeking stability, responsibility and a welcoming home environment.

For further information or to apply, please contact:  Rebecca – rebecca@larstonerecruitment.com