A private estate near Edinburgh is advertising two permanent positions for a couple, offering a combined salary of up to £80,000 and a rent-free cottage within the grounds. The roles involve maintaining the house and gardens “to an exceptional standard” and are listed on the Greycoat Lumleys website.
Role details and benefits
The positions are described as permanent and long-term, with the couple “ideally” committing to a minimum of five years. Alongside the salary, the main perk is a separate cottage on the estate, provided free of charge, with at least two bedrooms.
The estate is in a rural location while offering easy access to Edinburgh for days off. The successful applicants are expected to start working “as soon as possible”.
Candidate requirements
According to Greycoat Lumleys, applicants should have a “warm” and “welcoming” disposition, be highly organised and self-motivated, and possess good communication skills and a “genuine can-do attitude”. The couple must be comfortable working independently, using initiative, and taking ownership of decisions without needing guidance. Both members need a full UK driving licence and a good eye for detail.
Responsibilities and duties
Tasks include housekeeping, laundry, ironing, and keeping the property at a high standard, as well as ensuring the household is stocked with groceries. When the owner hosts guests, the couple will assist with cooking family-style meals, lighting fires, driving guests to and from the airport, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Other duties involve managing estate maintenance, monitoring issues, organising contractors, dealing with weather-related problems such as fallen trees, receiving deliveries, and overseeing tradespeople. The couple will also oversee household IT systems, ensure the estate remains secure, and “act as ambassadors” when the owner is away, directing enquiries to other team members as necessary.
The job listing states: “Greycoat Lumley’s client are offering a rare opportunity for an experienced couple to join a prestigious private estate and take responsibility for the smooth running, security and presentation of a substantial country house and its grounds. This locations offers being close to Edinburgh but in a rural setting. Edinburgh is an extremely desirable location to live and work and has a vast amount to offer for everyone.”
Further details about the roles are available on the Greycoat Lumleys website.
