Housekeeper/Houseman - Rye, East Sussex
Live-in or Live-out Housekeeper/Houseman/Caretaker Position – Rye, East Sussex
Salary: £40,000 to 45,000 gross per year
Licences: Driver essential
Accommodation: Provided
Note: No partners or pets
Burlington Nannies have a wonderful opportunity for a committed and dedicated Housekeeper or Houseman to join a prestigious private estate in East Sussex.
This full-time role involves caring for three properties which includes the main large house which has 10 bedrooms a guest house with 9 bedrooms and a three bedroomed cottage. Your role is to ensure the property is maintained to the highest standard.
The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of housekeeping, including daily cleaning, laundry and ironing (with particular attention to fine fabrics), changing bed linens and towels, running errands, and managing household inventories. Occasional travel to London or Europe may be requested, offering variety and the chance to support properties in different locations.
The family visits the estate for approximately one week each year, during which flexible hours will be required. Any additional hours worked during this period will be compensated with time off in lieu. The position demands a proactive, hands-on approach, and the ability to liaise effectively with contractors and service providers. Driving duties such as airport transfers and vehicle maintenance are also part of the role, so a clean driving licence is essential. Packing and unpacking, as well as supporting general household maintenance, will be required.
We are seeking a professional, discreet, and organised candidate with prior private household experience. Flexibility and initiative are key, alongside a commitment to maintaining high standards across the estate. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00, with additional hours when the family is in residence.
Estate Overview
This is a large estate comprising:
Main House: 10 bedrooms, 7 reception rooms, gym, chefs’ kitchen, main kitchen, cinema room, 10 bathrooms, 19 toilets, boot room, terraces and balconies.
Guest House: 7 beds (sleeps 9), 6 bathrooms, 1 toilet, 2 kitchens, 1 reception room, terrace.
Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 receptions, kitchen, boot room, garden. The cottage is intended for long-term rental.
Grounds: Including a tennis court, maintained by a team of gardeners.
Additionally, the principals own a London property in Roehampton:
Staff apartments (2), garage and storage quarters. There is an intention to rent out the 2-bedroom apartment and retain the 1-bedroom for staff. Vehicles will be relocated to East Sussex and the garage space rented out.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Housekeeping & Cleaning (East Sussex Estate):
Daily cleaning and maintenance: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitation, window cleaning.
Care and cleaning of all external furniture, including BBQ.
When family is in residence: changing bed linen and towels, laundry and ironing of clothes and household linens, care of fine fabrics, maintaining cleanliness and organisation across all rooms, packing and unpacking.
Cooking & Meal Preparation (when family is in residence):
Preparing meals for the family and guests (10+ people).
Menu planning, grocery shopping, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
General Household Management:
Running errands.
Organising household inventories (e.g., cleaning products, toiletries).
Managing house maintenance.
Coordinating with service providers (maintenance contractors, etc.).
Overseeing household projects.
Driving (when family is in residence):
Airport transfers.
Other car transfers.
Maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of all vehicles.
London Staff Accommodation:
Maintain staff quarters, storage areas, and garage.
Travel:
Travel with the family when required up to twice a year
Requirements
Full-time position, requiring flexibility to accommodate the family’s needs.
Includes weekends and evenings, especially when travelling or when the family is in residence in East Sussex.
Monthly travel to London to maintain staff accommodation.
If you are an experienced Housekeeper or Houseman seeking your next challenge in a beautiful East Sussex setting, we would love to hear from you.