A private, elderly (mid to late 80s) couple in Henley-on-Thames is looking for an experienced live-in Housekeeper/Cook to maintain their home to a high standard and prepare healthy, nutritious meals.
The Role
Location: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, with winter travel to the Caribbean
Type: Permanent, full-time, live-in
Working days: Six days per week
Hours: Defined working hours – this is not a 24/7 role
Accommodation: Private accommodation in a separate three-bedroom cottage on the property
Salary: £40-50,000
Start date: ASAP
The Household
The couple are fairly mobile and independent and value privacy, discretion and a well-maintained home. The main residence has three bedrooms and is relatively informal, with no expectation of regular entertaining.
The principals take frequent short trips and enjoy visiting family and friends, so there will be quieter periods and time off when they are away. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently and adapting their routine around the couple’s lifestyle.
Candidates who wish to live in the cottage with their immediate family or dependants will also be considered, subject to agreement on occupancy and living arrangements.
Duties
• Housekeeping: Maintain the main home to a high standard, including cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and general household organisation.
• Laundry and linen: Manage laundry, ironing and linen care, ensuring clothing and household items are well maintained.
• Cooking: Plan and prepare healthy, nutritious, home-style meals suited to the couple’s preferences and dietary requirements.
• Shopping: Manage grocery and household shopping, both online and in person, ensuring essential supplies are available.
• Kitchen management: Keep the kitchen clean and organised, including clearing away after meals.
• Household organisation: Take a proactive approach to maintaining a comfortable, tidy and well-run home, anticipating needs without requiring close supervision.
• General support: Provide practical assistance around the household while respecting the couple’s privacy and independence.
Travel
The couple spend approximately three months each winter at their home in the Caribbean. The successful candidate may be required to accompany them during this period (TBC).
Requirements
• Previous experience as a housekeeper/cook in a private household.
• Confident home cook, able to prepare healthy, nutritious meals.
• IT literate and comfortable with online grocery shopping and household orders.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Discreet, reliable and respectful of the couple’s privacy.
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently.
• Flexible and comfortable adapting to the principals’ routine and travel arrangements.
• Checkable references from previous private employers.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a capable and considerate housekeeper/cook seeking a long-term position within a private household, with separate accommodation, a countryside setting and the opportunity to travel with the principals each winter. The successful candidate will take pride in their work and provide thoughtful, practical support while maintaining a calm and comfortable home environment. Please get in touch if you are a good fit for this fantastic job!
Location: Henley- on – Thames Oxfordshire
Minimum Experience Level for this job: 2+ years in a similar role
Training and Qualifications needed for this job: qualifications not essential .
Days : 6 days a week
Hours: Defined working hours – this is not a 24/7 role
Job Start :ASAP
Pay: Salary: £40-50,000
Driver : Yes
This is a permanent position.
To apply for this job please contact Philippa immediately on 01865 693060 | 07988 908231 or send an up to date version of your CV to: Philippa@harmonyathome.co.uk
P J Day Limited T/A Harmony at Home Oxfordshire acting as an Employment Agency. This is a permanent position .
Please apply via the ‘Apply for job’’ button. This job has an ID code of: 884861
Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, you will only be contacted for shortlisting and interview if you meet our client’s suitability requirement’s.
For all roles with children and the vulnerable you must have an up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate which is registered on the update service, a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate and a minimum of 2 professional referees who are happy for you to share their contact details to our recruiters. One of your references must be your current or last employer and both references must be immediately contactable. We also recommend that you have appropriate professional insurance (nanny insurance). Whilst we usually undertake all registration interviews and right to work checks in person face to face, we will in certain circumstances consider video call registrations and digital right to work checks via a certified digital identity service provider (IDSP). We support the principle of Equality and Diversity in employment wholeheartedly and oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. To help speed up your application, please ensure that you only apply for the job(s) you are interested in on our website, on the job advert page using the ‘Apply for job’ button. Please only apply for roles where you meet the requirements.
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