The specialist recruitment agency dedicated to the country estate and field sports industry
Live-in Couple Required: Housekeeper/PA and Groundskeeper/Handyperson Private farm near Fordingbridge, New Forest National Park Two part-time positions, one-bedroom flat included. Start December/January 2027.
A private family is looking for an experienced couple to look after their farm in the New Forest, taking over from a couple who have been in the role for two years and are moving on.
The farm is 50 acres, with a main house, an annexe flat, workshop and outbuildings, grazing let to a local sheep farmer, and public footpaths crossing the land. The family are in residence for around a month over Christmas and for three months in the summer. For the rest of the year the property is quiet and the roles will require independent management and initiative.
The Housekeeper/PA takes care of the house and the family's day-to-day admin. Cleaning, laundry, shopping, help with food, correspondence and errands, and keeping things running when the family are away.
The Groundskeeper/Handyperson looks after the land, the buildings, the machinery and the vehicles. Hedges, grass, fencing, repairs and painting to the outbuildings, footpath stiles and gates, servicing and repair of farm equipment, arranging servicing and MOTs for the vehicles, and the chickens and cat.
Hours. Two separate positions, each contracted at a minimum of 20 hours per week averaged over the year, around (1,100) hours a year each. The work is seasonal rather than steady. During the roughly 17 weeks the family are in residence, expect 30 to 40 hours a week each, with both of you available and on site for most of that period. Across the remaining 35 weeks the work drops back considerably, often to 10 to 15 hours a week, leaving room for other local work.
Accommodation. A self-contained one-bedroom flat, included as part of the package. Water, council tax and heating are covered. Electricity is metered separately and is not included. The flat is provided under a service occupancy agreement, so it goes with the job. Non-smoking.
Terms. Two separate contracts of employment and two separate salaries, one for each of you. Overtime beyond the agreed hours is paid. Workplace pension. (Number) days holiday plus bank holidays, with leave during the family's periods in residence agreed in advance.
We are looking for a couple with at least three years of relevant experience each, in private household, estate, farm or similar work, full driving licences and the right to work in the UK.
To apply, please send a CV for each of you, a short covering note, and your salary expectations. Please give expectations as a combined annual figure for the two of you, and say how you would want it split between the two roles to thomasegilpin@gmail.com
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