Domestic Couple – Housekeeper/Cook & Gardener/Handyman
West Sussex (Relocating to Dorset in October 2026)
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Domestic Couple to join a private household. The successful couple will initially be based at our beautiful seafront home in West Sussex before relocating with us to our stunning rural estate in Dorset at the end of October 2026.
This is a long-term position for a couple who take pride in maintaining a high standard of housekeeping, gardening, and property care, and who enjoy working as part of a friendly and supportive household team.
The Roles
Housekeeper / Cook
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Housekeeper who enjoys cooking and has previous experience preparing fresh, healthy family meals. You will be responsible for ensuring the home is maintained to an exceptional standard while providing nutritious daily meals for the principals when they are in residence.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily housekeeping, cleaning, and presentation of the home
- Laundry, ironing, wardrobe care, and simple mending
- Grocery shopping and household errands
- Preparing breakfast, light lunches, and evening meals
- Monitoring and maintaining household supplies
- Assisting with very occasional entertaining when required
Gardener / Handyman
The Gardener/Handyman will work alongside the Head Gardener and two part-time gardeners to help maintain the estate's beautiful gardens and grounds. While previous gardening experience is desirable, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are equally important.
The estate includes:
- A two-acre walled garden
- Greenhouses
- A productive vegetable garden
- Herbaceous borders
- Lawns, orchards, and a swimming pool
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting with the maintenance of gardens and grounds
- Caring for the vegetable garden, greenhouses, and borders
- General household and estate maintenance
- Basic DIY and minor repairs
- Swimming pool maintenance
- Vehicle checks and basic upkeep
- Driving duties as required
- Supporting overall property security
Dog Care
The household has two much-loved dogs, so applicants must genuinely enjoy working with animals.
Responsibilities include:
- Walking the dogs twice daily
- Feeding and general daily care
- Looking after the dogs when the principals are away
Accommodation
Initially, accommodation is provided in a charming one-bedroom wooden house overlooking the sea in West Sussex.
Following the family's relocation to Dorset at the end of October 2026, the successful couple will move into a private three-bedroom cottage on the estate.
A well-behaved dog is welcome.
Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Domestic Couple or in similar private household roles
- Excellent housekeeping and organisational skills
- Confident home cooking ability with an emphasis on healthy meals
- Gardening or estate maintenance experience is desirable
- Practical DIY skills would be advantageous
- A genuine love of dogs and animals
- At least one confident driver with a full driving licence
- Positive, flexible, discreet, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an experienced Domestic Couple seeking a rewarding role within a welcoming private household, offering beautiful accommodation, varied responsibilities, and the opportunity to relocate to an exceptional country estate.