A permanent, live in Butler/Housekeeper couple are required for a prestigious household on a large Estate near Newbury, with the flexibility to support the London team at the Family’s London residence on a regular basis. Ideally to start as soon as possible. The candidates should have had similar experience in a private household ideally.

You will work 5 days a week, including weekends, with two days off during the week. Accommodation is provided in a private property on the Estate, with all bills covered. Suitable for a couple with no children. One small pet may be considered. The Butler must be happy to travel abroad for up to 2 weeks at a time, for up to 8 weeks a year. Both parts of the couple must be happy to work Christmas/Boxing Day/New Years Eve/Day if requested.

Job Duties and Responsibilities for the Butler:

• Driving family members & general errands - driving licence essential

• Formal table service and service of drinks.

• Preparing properties for Family’s arrival (inc. stock take, liaising with housekeeping staff and wider Estate team).

• International travel with family (with a potential of up to 8 weeks of the year, 2 weeks at a time)

• Polishing silverware and precious items.

• Liaising with external contractors.

Overview for Butler:

Flexible working throughout the week to fit with family needs.

Two days off during the week, you must be happy to work weekends.

There is a requirement for the Butler to travel with the family throughout the year (mainly to Switzerland and South of France, with the potential for further Global travel - but usually no more than 2 weeks at a time, and not more than 8 weeks a year). Positioned on a private country Estate, reporting to the Family PA, you will work alongside another Butler (must be able to take direction but also be strong enough to work independently), a Chef and a team of housekeepers and gardeners to maintain the property and serve the family when they are in residence.

The existing team are a hardworking, supportive but fun team.

Ideally someone who is familiar with shooting weekends as, although not a shooting estate, the family do host dinners throughout the shooting season.

Gun license not essential, but beneficial.

Hours for Butler: 5 days Monday-Sunday. Weekends essential. Usually a rota shift which could be 6.30am-4/5pm or 11am-8/9pm - flexibility essential as it will depend on the family movements. Must be happy to travel with the family for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Hours for Housekeeper: 40 hours per week - 5 days per week, Wednesday - Sunday. 08:00am – 16:00pm (roughly)

Job for Housekeeper:

The role is full time. The family are in residence 70% of the time. You will be required to change bedding, assist with laundry (including hand washing of delicate items), ironing, all round cleaning, ensure the houses are clean and tidy at all times along with helping with ad-hoc assistance to the Butlers and Chef. You will not be required to cook but may be required to assist with washing up post-meals for the family. You will work alongside another housekeeper.

Essential for Housekeeper:

Experience in private domestic cleaning or housekeeping - with excellent Laundry experience - must be able to handle fine fabrics/expensive items
Wardrobe management experience
Experience working with high value items / precious fabrics
Good ironing skills
Excellent attention to detail
Able to work both independently and manage time efficiently, but also work as a team really important
Honest, discreet, and consistently reliable
Takes genuine pride in maintaining a beautiful home
Must be happy to work weekends
Happy to assist at events/parties

Essential for both:

DBS Check (The family have 5 children, over 12 years old)
Driving licence (for the Butler this is essential)
Flexible worker, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
Contactable references

Desirable for Butler:

Gun License.
Hospitality / Cabin crew experience or Butler / Service experience important for the butler role

Accommodation: Live-In, they would consider Live-out for the right person. Both parts of the couple must have previously worked on a country estate with plenty of contactable references, and longevity in previous roles essential.

Salary Offered: £Depends On Experience. Accommodation provided is a one bedroom apartment, own bathroom. No bills applicable. The accommodation is suitable for a couple with no children. The accommodation is private, not shared. Not suitable for children but a pet may be considered. There is a garden with the property.

If you are interested in this position, please email ella@sugarellacooks.co.uk with your CVs and salary expectations and time frame to start a new role.