Live-In Private Gardener / Grounds Person / Maintenance – Beautiful Family Home

A wonderful opportunity has arisen for an experienced, capable and practically minded live-in gardener / grounds person to join a friendly and established household in rural Northamptonshire. This is a long-term role for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys variety and responsibility, and is looking for a stable position within a well-run private estate.

The family home is a very pretty, mid-sized house set within approximately 18–19 acres of gardens, paddocks and meadows, including a lake, wildflower areas and established grounds. The property is supported by long-standing staff and professional garden contractors, and the owners are now seeking someone reliable and hands-on to work alongside them and keep everything running smoothly day to day.

The Role

This is a live-in position, approximately 30–35 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the season. There is always a varied and satisfying list of jobs, and no two weeks are quite the same.

Key responsibilities include:

• Grass cutting (approx. 4–5 hours per week using modern mowers)
• General grounds maintenance: strimming, edging, leaf blowing, tidying
• Fencing, repairs and practical maintenance using hand and power tools
• Logging, chainsaw work and log preparation
• Maintaining gravel drives, compost areas and bonfires
• Tennis court brushing using machinery
• Seasonal work such as apple picking, winter tidying and stick picking
• Keeping machinery, tools and vehicles clean and well cared for
• Occasional movement of furniture and outdoor items with the seasons
• Providing an extra level of security and presence when the owners are away

The role is physical and would suit someone fit, active and confident with machinery, including multiple mowers and estate equipment.

Dogs, Horses & Cover During Absences

A key element of the role is caring for the family’s four dogs when the owners are away, ensuring they can remain at home rather than going into kennels. This includes daily care, companionship and being a reassuring on-site presence.

There are also horses on the property, supported by a long-standing groom who attends twice daily. Occasional assistance may be required, such as bringing a horse in during the afternoon or helping with small tasks when needed.

Accommodation

• Fully furnished two-bedroom flat above the stables
• One king-size bedroom and one twin room
• Bathroom with shower
• Dishwasher, washing machine and dryer
• Accommodation is rent-free

The flat is close to the stables and horses, offering a genuine rural, working-yard environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experienced gardener / grounds person with a practical, can-do attitude
• Loyal, trustworthy and looking for a long-term position
• Comfortable working independently and as part of an established team
• Confident driver
• Happy around dogs and horses
• Takes pride in keeping things tidy, organised and well maintained

The family values loyalty and is keen to find someone who is settled and not inclined to move roles frequently, this is certainly a role to become part of the furniture on a long-term basis. 

The role can be offered employed or self-employed, depending on the right candidate.

This is a genuinely lovely opportunity for someone seeking a secure, live-in role in a beautiful setting, with good support, variety and trust.

Partner welcome. 

For more information, please contact: Rebecca – rebecca@larstonerecruitment.com