Professional Couple Required

Housekeeper & Gardener/Handyperson

The Estates Office client is seeking a trustworthy and proactive professional couple to undertake the roles of Housekeeper/Caretaker and Gardener/Handyperson at a privately owned estate located between Oban and Fort William.

These full-time positions are integral to the smooth running, upkeep, and day-to-day management of the estate. The successful couple will oversee the property, equipment, and contractors, ensuring an effective balance between maintaining the landscape and property to a high standard while supporting the estate’s commercial interests.

This opportunity would suit a couple who take pride in maintaining exceptional standards and enjoy a varied role combining both indoor and outdoor responsibilities. Discretion, reliability, and trustworthiness are essential.

A competitive salary is offered together with rent-free accommodation in a well-appointed two-bedroom cottage on the estate. Council tax is paid.

Full Job Descriptions below. For further information, please contact Sophie Handley. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.
 

GARDENER / HANDYPERSON

Objective

To manage the property, grounds, equipment, and third-party contractors to achieve the most effective balance between maximising income and maintaining the estate landscape and infrastructure to a high standard.
 

Key Responsibilities

Estate & Grounds

• Maintain the gardens and policies surrounding the House, including all associated equipment.

• Ensure the family can enjoy the property with all areas maintained to a high standard.

• Maintain the estate fabric and undertake minor maintenance works including:

  • Slate replacement

  • Chimney cleaning

  • Painting and general repairs

  • Machinery maintenance

  • Fences, gates, hedges and ditches

• Assist with holiday lettings, including property viewings and meter readings as required.

• Carry out any duties reasonably requested by the employer or agent, where suitably trained and equipped.

• Occasionally assist the River Bailiff with boat maintenance and riverbank/path upkeep.

• Assist, when required, with herding livestock grazing on adjoining fields.

• Act as Caretaker when the property is unoccupied.
   

Health & Safety

• Act as the nominated “Responsible Person” for Health & Safety on the estate.

• Maintain the accident book and report incidents in line with estate policy.

• Maintain and develop the estate’s Health & Safety programme.

• Ensure visitors and contractors comply with estate Health & Safety procedures.

• Induct contractors into estate safety policies.
   

Tools & Equipment Provided

• Estate Health & Safety Policy

• Gardening and grounds maintenance tools

• Protective clothing

• Estate vehicle, quad bike, tractor and fuel

• Equipment required for estate maintenance
   

Authority

• Use of estate vehicles and machinery for estate business.

• Authority to contact police regarding trespassers if required.

• Authority to engage contractors in agreement with the employer.
   

Remuneration

• £25,000 – £35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

• Rent-free accommodation

• Council tax paid

• Annual protective clothing allowance (jacket, leggings, and wellington boots)
  
   

HOUSEKEEPER / CARETAKER

Objective

To manage the House, associated buildings, and other estate properties on behalf of the employer, ensuring the highest standards of presentation and care.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain Fasnacloich House and associated cottages and buildings.

• Provide full housekeeping services including cleaning and laundry.

• Assist with the care of domestic pets and animals if required.

• Support holiday lettings, including property viewings and meter readings.

• Provide occasional weekend house cover when required.
   

Health & Safety

• Report all incidents and accidents to Sophie Handley (Agent) and the Employer in line with estate policy.

• Support the ongoing development of the estate’s Health & Safety programme.

• Ensure contractors comply with Health & Safety procedures.

• Ensure the house defibrillator is accessible and operational at all times.
   

Tools Provided

• Estate Health & Safety Policy

• All equipment required to fulfil duties
   

Authority

• Authority to contact police regarding trespassers if required.

• Authority to request contractor assistance in agreement with the employer.
   

Remuneration

• £25,000 – £35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

• Rent-free accommodation

• Council tax paid