AddressEnergetic, experienced, flexible, Cook/Housekeeper Couple wanted soon for Large Country House on Wiltshire/Hampshire border, with regular extended family use. Private accommodation provided. Flexibility is very important, as there may be large fluctuations in numbers of guests (1-30). House busier at weekends and in Summer, also approx. 3 shoot weekends and Christmas/Easter.
Should have experience in cooking to a good standard, using kitchen-garden produce. They should be open to instruction and be full of ideas. Familiarity with gluten-free cooking beneficial as such food is a daily requirement in addition to gluten menu. Broad experience in world food important.
Job includes laying/clearing tables; cooking lunch, afternoon tea, food to reheat for supper and on days off, occasional breakfasts and dinners/party weekends; menu creation, shopping lists, preserving and freezing garden food, and occasional shopping; basic house maintenance, ground-floor housekeeping, security, accepting deliveries; occasional driving; some light gardening and laying/clearing fires; and dealing with tradesmen; cutlery, brass and floor polishing; Window cleaning. Clock-winding once-a-week requires some strength, so only those confident in this should apply (stronger women can do it, but no-one with a bad back, etc.)
Willingness to look after poultry is a prerequisite, so role would suit a rural type. Another required part of the job is occasional caretaking stays in the main house.
5 day week, Thurs-Mon, working weekends, most bank holidays, and Christmas period is mandatory – days off would be mid-week (probably Tues/Wed). Very occasional dinner parties and overnight caretaking stays would be in addition to standard hours.
Must be fluent in English and at least one person have UK drivers’ licence. Non-smokers only. No dogs. References please. Competitive salary, dependant on experience.
