Live-in Head Gardener / Estate Grounds Person

Accommodation Provided | Long-Term Opportunity | Employed or Self-Employed Considered

A super opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate live-in gardener to join a warm and well-established private household. This is a long-term position for someone who takes genuine pride in creating and maintaining beautiful gardens and is looking for a role where they can truly put down roots and become a valued part of a small private, family estate.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the care and ongoing development of approximately 18–19 acres of gardens and grounds, working alongside specialist contractors where required whilst taking ownership of the day-to-day presentation and upkeep of the estate.

This role would particularly suit an individual with strong horticultural knowledge, excellent practical gardening skills and a genuine love of the outdoors. The family is seeking someone who enjoys working independently, has a proactive approach and is looking for a position they can call home for many years to come. They would love this person to be cheerful, nice to be around and genuinely easy going and capable. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintaining and enhancing herbaceous borders, flower beds and ornamental planting
• Seasonal garden care, including pruning, watering, feeding and general plant husbandry
• Lawn care and grass management using a range of garden machinery
• Topiary, hedge maintenance and general garden presentation
• Monitoring plant health and ensuring the gardens remain in excellent condition throughout the year
• Leaf clearing, strimming, edging and seasonal tidy-ups
• General estate maintenance, fencing repairs and practical outdoor tasks
• Log cutting and preparation
• Managing compost areas and undertaking seasonal estate jobs
• Operating and maintaining a variety of garden machinery and equipment
• Supporting the smooth running of the estate and assisting with additional tasks as required

Additional responsibilities:

As this is a live-in role, the successful candidate will also provide an on-site presence and peace of mind when the owners are travelling.

This includes:

• Looking after the family dogs during periods of absence
• Acting as a responsible presence on the estate
• Providing occasional practical assistance around the grounds
• Offering support to other long-standing members of the household team when required
• Occasional driving- airport and station runs

The role is varied and rewarding, and whilst horticulture is at its heart, a willingness to turn your hand to a variety of practical tasks will be important.

Accommodation:

A fully furnished two-bedroom apartment is provided rent-free as part of the package.

The accommodation includes:

• Two bedrooms
• Bathroom with shower
• Fully equipped kitchen facilities
• Washing machine, dryer and dishwasher

A partner would be welcome. As the family already have 4 dogs, additional pets will need to be discussed further to ensure it works for both parties.

The Ideal candidate:

We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

• Professional gardening experience, ideally within private estates, country houses or large gardens
• Strong horticultural knowledge and plant identification skills (qualifications would be a real bonus)
• Experience caring for ornamental gardens, borders, lawns and seasonal planting
• Confidence using a range of garden machinery and equipment (chainsaw, spray certificates, gator / tractor driving)
• A practical and proactive approach to estate maintenance
• Excellent references and a proven history of longevity within previous roles
• A trustworthy, dependable and discreet nature
• A genuine desire to become part of a friendly household on a long-term basis
• Comfort around dogs and other animals

Start date:

Flexible - either to start this summer or at the beginning of autumn. 

Most importantly, the family are looking for someone who values stability, takes ownership of their work and would enjoy building a lasting relationship within a household where loyalty and commitment are genuinely appreciated. There last gardener was with them for just over 5 years.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced gardener seeking a secure, live-in position within a stunning environment, where they can make a real impact, care for beautiful gardens and become an integral part of a long-standing and welcoming environment.

For further information, please contact Rebecca : [email protected]