Couple - Argyll, Scotland - JF1955

Couple required for large 18th Century classical Georgian country house located between Inveraray and Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute. Easy access to nearest village by car to shops, schools and other facilities. The house sits in 50 acres of grounds and has been completely refurbished.

The ideal couple will be experienced with managing the housekeeping and grounds maintenance of a large property and perhaps be looking to step down from a full time role.

The couple position will be offered a 3 bedroom property and a small annual salary. A family would be welcome and a well behaved dog would be considered. The property and garden will be maintained by the new staff members.

Responsibilities:

Housekeeping (estimate of 1 day a week, extra hours by agreement)

• All housework to a high standard of the main house and annexe
• Laundry and ironing including bed linen, towels etc
• Shopping for provisions prior to family's arrival
• Emptying bins
• Dealing with post and tradespeople
• Preparing the house for family's arrival-heating, hot water, stove etc
• Managing, arranging, ordering items or trades-Plumbers, electricians, etc
• Helping guests (family and friends) settle into the house occasionally.

Groundskeeping (estimate of 1 day a week, extra hours by agreement)

• Grass Cutting using large tractor mower
• Approximately twice a year mowing the long meadow grass , strimming/ scything where accessible.
• Logging and stacking- chain saw use ( certificate required ) to provide logs for the house
• Clearing Rhododendron from the banks of the burn, road side, ditches and burning brash.
• Hedge cutting
• Basic gardening-weeding, pruning, mulching, restocking etc
• Basic machine maintenance - checking oil, fuelling, tyres etc
• Ditching using mini digger, repairing stone walls, fencing, clearing field drainage, keeping gutters and gullies clear ( not on the main house )
• Keeping grounds tidy - sweeping leaves from tennis court etc
• Boat maintenance- launching and recovering boat (17ft Wilson Flyer) from the mooring, checking outboard engine etc
• House Maintenance - basic maintenance to the house as required- light bulb changing etc
• Hydro electric system- Monitoring system, keeping debris off intake
• Security - Keeping an eye out for intruders, making sure house, outbuildings and gates locked at night

Woodland management (40 minutes drive)

The woodland is 350 acres on the west coast of Argyll which is being 'rewilded' by the owners comprising ancient woodland, lochans and other important habitats

• Clearing fallen trees over tracks and cutting back rhododendron
• Spraying or removal of rhododendron regrowth
• Fitting of tree shelters over small trees
• Installation of temporary deer fencing around specific areas.

Items for discussion for an extra fee:

• Occasional driving for the family and guests (airport and station runs )
• Dog-sitting whilst family are away
• Extra cleaning hours if necessary

This position offers the opportunity to live and work in a beautiful part of Scotland and would possibly suit a semi retired couple looking for a better work life balance, or a family where one person could work part time elsewhere to make up their hours.

Car drivers with own transport essential.

To apply, please email - info@ruralrecruitment.co.uk