Domestic Couple, N. Ireland

For a HNW couple in County Wicklow, N. Ireland we are looking for an experienced dedicated domestic couple (housekeeper & groundsman/ estate maintenance) who look after their beautiful equestrian estate in the Irish countryside, about 50 Min. from Dublin. A love of animals, especially horses and dogs, is essential as well as a love for rural country side living.

The property is a stunning large Georgian property (built in 2000) containing all mod cons including underfloor heating. It comprises 7 bedrooms and 5 ½ bathrooms. The interior is stylishly decorated to high standards and features marble, parquet wooden flooring, wall to wall wool carpets, Persian rugs, silver pieces as well as a grand piano and antiques that are personal and precious.

The property is set in large grounds with a beautiful English country gardens, horse stables, indoor riding arena and outbuildings for machinery. There are three horses which are kept naturally and holistically and their care form part of the couple´s responsibilities. No previous equestrian experience is required as full training will be provided but a general knowledge of horses is advantageous. There are also two small dogs that need to be cared for and take priority when the Owner is out or travelling.

This is a full-time residence. Occupancy is in low and often single numbers. There are infrequent visitors (in small numbers) that stay longer or family will visit over short periods. Being able to cook occasional light lunches would be an advantage.

The role reports directly to the Principals. The purpose of the role is to ensure the property and grounds are kept in pristine condition at all times just like a hotel and the Owners and their animals are well cared for, able to feel safe and secure. A gardener comes once a week in the summer and when needed in the winter and a company is contracted to clean the outside windows once a month.

The duties of the Housekeeper (the duties are interchangeable):

Detailed daily check of every room on starting work (straightening cushions, opening curtains, collecting glasses or cups)
All housekeeping duties (mopping, dusting, vacuuming, polishing, cleaning)
Care of all laundry including ironing and towel folding
Changing of bedding
Organizing cupboards
Inventories of household supplies
Occasionally cook a light lunches when friends visit
Assisting with dinners parties (laying tables, drinks service, etc.)
Laying and decorating tables for dinner parties; helping with occasional events
Pet sitting when the Principal is out or the couple travel
Deep cleaning property when the couple are away

The duties of the Groundsman/ Estate Maintenance:

Care of the grounds and gardens, including sweeping leaves, lawn maintenance, hedges, weeding, strimming and tidying
Mucking out, feeding and general care for the horses (In-depth training will be given for the horses)
Looking after all animals on the estate when the owners are away
General estate maintenance including paddock checks, fencing, water supply management and building upkeep
Basic vehicle upkeep and cleaning with occasional driving
Overseeing contractors
Maintenance and upkeep of estate machinery
Keeping the property and grounds secure
Firewood maintenance and laying fires
Running errands

Requirements for the Domestic Couple:

UK passport or EU passport with Settled or Pre Settled Status
A min. of 5 years´ experience working as a couple caring for a large property with grounds and ideally animals
Clean driver licenses for both
Excellent high end housekeeping skills and knowledge of running a large property smoothly
Formal service knowledge is not necessary but would be an advantage
Sound groundsman and gardening skills
Be passionate about a remote country side setting
Some cooking skills are an advantage
An acute eye for detail for both interior and exterior
Great organizational and communications skills
Be familiar and comfortable with horses and dogs
Excellent written references
A clear recent DBS security check

The couple are looking for candidates who are proactive in their approach, able to take the initiative and work independently without supervision in order to maintain the high standard of the estate. The ideal couple understand the flexibility required for this type of role when guests are visiting or the couple are travelling and are discreet and respectful of privacy while understanding boundaries. This is a long term role located near the Wicklow mountains which are perfect for hiking.

For accommodation there is a 3 bedroom fully furnished beautiful cottage with its own fenced in garden within the grounds (with utilities paid for) – short family visits are welcome. A car is provided for private and work use. Older dependants may be considered.

Hours: 5 days a week, 9am -5pm with flexibility if guests are staying, including every second weekend work half day Sat/ Sun with the Monday off (otherwise Mon -Fri).

Salary: €80000 gross per annum with discretionary yearly bonus, overtime or time in lieu for extra hours worked, 20 days holidays and a 3 bedroom cottage (utilities bills paid) and use of a car.

To start: as soon as possible.

To apply for this role please outline BRIEFLY your experience relevant to this job and attach your CV. Thank you.