Full-Time Live-Out Housekeeper/Cook – Chelsea
50% Housekeeping / 50% Cooking
Location: Chelsea, London
Position: Full-Time, Live-Out
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 gross per annum
Working Pattern: 5 days per week | Approximately 8–9 hours per day with a break
Travel: Occasional travel with the family
Reports to: House Manager
Flexibility: Essential
About the Household
We are seeking an experienced, professional and versatile Live-Out Housekeeper/Cook to join a large, high-standard private family home in Chelsea.
This is a busy, fully staffed household comprising a House Manager, three Nannies, five Housekeepers, two Chefs, three Drivers, a Security Team and a Personal Assistant. The family has four young children and maintains very high standards throughout their home.
The property is a substantial four-floor residence with eight en-suite bedrooms, a cinema room and swimming pool. Due to the size and pace of the household, the successful candidate must be energetic, physically fit and comfortable working as part of a large and established household team.
The Role
This is a full-time position, with responsibilities divided approximately 50% housekeeping and 50% cooking.
You will work alongside the existing housekeeping team to maintain the interiors of the family home to the highest standards, while also taking an active role in the kitchen.
The successful candidate does not need to be a professionally trained Chef. However, they must be a confident and capable home cook with a genuine interest in cooking and a willingness to learn.
The household Chef will provide comprehensive training on the family's preferred dishes, recipes, cooking methods, dietary requirements and presentation standards. The candidate will be expected to learn these thoroughly and, over time, confidently prepare the family's meals to the required standard.
The position is based around a five-day working week, working approximately 8–9 hours per day with a break.
Flexibility is extremely important. The household requires someone who understands the changing needs of a busy private family and is willing to adapt when required. This may include rotational weekend cover, changes to the usual working pattern from time to time and occasional travel with the family.
Housekeeping Responsibilities
Carry out day-to-day housekeeping duties to an excellent standard throughout the four-floor property.
Work closely with the existing housekeeping team and House Manager.
Undertake deep cleaning, polishing and detailed presentation of the home.
Care for fine furniture, silverware, antiques and artwork.
Provide specialist care for delicate surfaces, including marble and stone.
Manage laundry to a high standard, including washing, ironing, hand-washing and the care of delicate and high-end fabrics.
Change beds and manage household linens.
Assist with flower arranging and maintaining fresh floral displays.
Ensure all areas of the home are beautifully presented and maintained at all times.
Respond proactively to the changing day-to-day requirements of the household.
Cooking Responsibilities
Take an active role in preparing meals for the family as required.
Work closely with the household Chef and learn the family's preferred dishes, recipes and cooking methods.
Undertake hands-on training from the Chef to ensure meals are prepared consistently and to the family's standards.
Learn and follow the family's dietary preferences, individual requirements and presentation expectations.
Become confident in preparing a variety of the family's regular meals independently once trained.
Assist with meal preparation and general kitchen duties as required.
Maintain excellent food hygiene and kitchen standards.
Keep food preparation and kitchen areas organised and immaculate.
Adapt cooking and meal preparation according to the family's changing schedule and requirements.
Candidate Requirements
Significant previous experience in a similar Housekeeper/Cook position within a high-net-worth private household or comparable high-standard environment.
Excellent housekeeping skills and experience caring for fine furniture, antiques, artwork, silver, marble, stone and delicate fabrics.
Good, confident cooking ability and a genuine enjoyment of preparing food.
A willingness and ability to learn directly from the household Chef.
The ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately and reproduce dishes consistently once trained.
A high level of physical fitness and stamina, given the size and layout of the property.
An exceptional eye for detail and genuine pride in maintaining a beautifully presented home.
A proactive, self-sufficient and organised approach.
The ability to work successfully as part of a large, fully staffed household.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
A professional, discreet and reliable manner.
A positive, flexible and can-do attitude.
Comfort working around young children and pets.
Flexibility regarding working patterns, weekend cover and occasional family travel.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time, live-out position working:
5 days per week
Approximately 8–9 hours per day, with a break
The exact schedule will operate in conjunction with the wider household team.
Weekend cover will be required on a rotational basis, and candidates must be comfortable with a degree of flexibility depending on the family's schedule.
There will also be occasional travel with the family, so candidates should be willing and able to travel when required.
Salary
£55,000 - £60,000 gross per annum
The Opportunity
This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an experienced and versatile Housekeeper/Cook who enjoys combining meticulous housekeeping with hands-on cooking.
This is not a position requiring a professionally trained Chef. The household is looking for someone who already enjoys cooking and has a good foundation but is enthusiastic about developing their skills. The household Chef will provide training in the family's recipes, preferred dishes, cooking techniques and presentation standards.
The successful candidate will join a professional, well-established household team with clear leadership from an experienced House Manager.