LIVE-IN PROPERTY & GROUNDS MANAGEMENT COUPLE (GARDENS-LED ROLE)
Location: Bitton, South Gloucestershire
We are seeking a reliable, practical and experienced live-in couple to act as long-term custodians of a substantial private country property set within approximately 5 acres of gardens and grounds, including a large Grade II listed house and associated outbuildings.
This role is primarily driven by the care, restoration and ongoing stewardship of the gardens and grounds, with housekeeping responsibilities largely limited to changeover cleaning between short-term guest stays.
This is a hands-on lifestyle role, ideal for a couple who enjoy working outdoors, take pride in improving and maintaining gardens over time, and are comfortable with the responsibility that comes with looking after a private country property.
The owners occupy the property for part of the year. At other times, the house is let for short-term stays. During these periods, the appointed couple will manage guest arrivals and departures, clean the house in preparation for property changeovers, and provide on-site support as required. The property is not let continuously year-round, and there are natural breaks between bookings. When the owners are in residence, the role may also include light housekeeping support, such as helping keep the house tidy, assisting with laundry, and occasional cleaning, although this is not a full-time or daily housekeeping role and is expected to be limited in scope.
A key focus of the role will be bringing the gardens back to their former standard over time, with appropriate support and contractor input where required.
Key Responsibilities
Grounds & Garden Care
• Long-term stewardship of the gardens and grounds, with an emphasis on restoration and improvement.
• Hands-on work including replanting hedges, weeding, pruning, planting, lawn recovery, cutting and seasonal maintenance.
• Ongoing care of the wider grounds to keep them safe, tidy and visually appealing.
• This is intended as a progressive, medium-term project, not an expectation of immediate transformation.
• Liaison with and oversight of external gardeners and specialist contractors for larger or specialist works.
Maintenance & Property Care
• First-line maintenance and general repairs across the house and outbuildings.
• Preventative maintenance and proactive identification of issues.
• Light decorative works such as painting and touch-ups as required.
• Supervision of external contractors for larger or specialist works.
Guest Liaison
• Welcoming guests on arrival and providing a brief orientation to the property.
• Acting as the on-site point of contact for guests during their stay.
• Responding to and reporting any issues if required, ensuring a smooth and discreet guest experience.
Housekeeping
• Full cleaning and preparation of the house between guest stays to a high standard.
• Managing laundry and linen changes (either on-site or via external services).
• Ensuring the house is consistently presented in excellent condition.
• No routine housekeeping is provided during guest stays; the role focuses on preparation between bookings and on-call support only.
• Providing light housekeeping assistance when the owners are in residence, as required, while maintaining a primary focus on gardens, grounds and overall property stewardship.
The Ideal Couple
• Proven experience in housekeeping, caretaking, estate work, gardening or similar roles.
• At least one partner with strong hands-on gardening or grounds experience, and a genuine interest in long-term garden improvement projects.
• Practical, organised and self-motivated, with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Comfortable prioritising tasks and managing workload without daily supervision.
• Confident managing a property independently in the owners’ absence.
• Friendly, discreet and professional when dealing with guests.
Accommodation
• Private, self-contained on-site apartment arranged over two levels.
• Ground floor comprises a combined kitchen/living area with bathroom; bedroom located on the upper floor.
• Entirely separate from the main house and not used by guests.
• Accommodation and utilities included as part of the overall package.
• Parking provided.
• Use of the gardens and grounds during non-guest periods.
• Pets considered by discussion.
• The accommodation is best suited to two adults.
Compensation
• Combined salary of £45,000–£55,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• Accommodation and utilities included.
• Salary review after 6–12 months for the right couple.
• Long-term position for candidates seeking stability, autonomy and a rural lifestyle role.
How to Apply
Please apply with a short covering note outlining your experience, together with CVs
Applications are open until the position is filled.