This idyllic Provence style farmhouse is searching for an experienced and dynamic, French speaking Couple to run this busy household. The main house, situated within a beautiful olive farm has 10 bedrooms and multiple outbuildings, as well as a pool and manicured gardens.
The owner requires an experienced domestic couple to manage the property. This picturesque estate is host to the family and many guests over the Spring and Summer months so they are searching for a friendly approachable couple who are capable of working together and supporting each other in busy periods. Applicants must be able to work seamlessly behind the scenes, be capable of running external staff and working alongside the family chef when in residence. There will be times when the couple are hosting guests so a real can-do attitude that is committed to the guest experience is necessary, ideally candidates will have had similar experience in a similar role.
Location: Provence, France
Salary: €35k - €40k each (depending on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
Interviewing: ASAP
Accommodation: Permanent Live-in: 2 bedroom private cottage
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Estate Management
- Take responsibility for all aspects of running the house
- Garden maintenance and management of other garden staff.
- Ensuring the security of the residence at all times
- Household maintenance
- Care of vehicles (maintenance and valeting)
- Driving of Principal and guests as required
- Greeting and hosting guests, making sure they have everything they need
- Any ad hoc jobs duties to related to property maintenance and the needs of the family.
- Liaise with external contractors
- Ensure all household equipment is in good working order, including AV and lighting systems, ensuring everything is in good working order for Prinicpals’ arrival.
Housekeeping
- High level and thorough cleaning throughout the property, laundry and stock taking (the property is occasionaly rented out)
- Household items and cleaning product stock takes, you will be responsible for all ordering for the household
- Upkeep of furniture, art, china, silver and crystal
- Preparation of breakfasts and simple family meals, working with the family chef on busier occasions
- Keep accurate household records and record petty cash expenditure
- Packing and unpacking for the Principal, family and guests if required
- Hire temporary staff as and when required
Candidates must be / have:
- Looking for a long-term role
- Highest level of personal service experience with private families and/or individuals.
- 3+ years of experience in running a country home/estate.
- A love of country living in a rural setting
- Self-sufficient and independent.
- Proactive in addressing issues or problems; anticipate and address needs of family and guests before being asked.
- Strong work ethic.
- Extremely detail oriented.
- High level of creative and intuitive thinking and problem solving.
- Strong communication skills.
- High level of confidentiality and discretion at all times.
- Open to a flexible schedule (5-day week to include weekends during the season)
- At least one half of the couple must speak French (ideally both would) and ideally both would be drivers due to the rural location and requirement to drive the Principal and guests. There will be a vehicle provided for work use but applicants will need a car of their own for personal use.
Please detail relevant experience within your application and include your up to date CV, your availability and required salary.
Please note that due to the volume of applications, we can only respond to candidates who have been successfully put forward to the next stage of the recruitment process. Thank you.