Live-In Dog Friendly Housekeeper for a Lovely Lady in Rye
Start Date: Flexible
Location: Rye, East Sussex
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm (30 hours per week)
Salary: £33,000–£35,000 gross per annum, depending on experience
Accommodation: Beautiful 3-bedroom cottage provided (5 minutes from the main house)
About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive and capable housekeeper to join a much-loved country estate just outside Rye. This is a live-in, part-time role that would suit someone who enjoys a mix of hands-on housekeeping and light household management in a calm, rural setting. The main house sits within a peaceful estate that also includes a separate guest retreat, and you’ll play a key part in keeping both running smoothly. Day-to-day responsibilities include cleaning, laundry, ironing, and helping the home feel beautifully cared for. While there’s a part-time housekeeper working three days a week, this is a hands-on role ideal for someone who notices the details and enjoys creating a warm, welcoming environment. You’ll also help look after the guest space—preparing it with fresh flowers and linens ahead of visits, and resetting it afterwards. The household includes two friendly dogs, so a genuine love of animals is essential, along with a willingness to help with the occasional walk or bit of care. Light errands, liaising with contractors, learning the household systems (like heating timers), and assisting the owner with occasional entertaining will also be part of this varied and rewarding role.
About the Family
The principal is warm, engaged, and very involved in the home. She’s looking for a housekeeper who’ll work closely with her to keep everything running calmly and efficiently. There’s also a small outdoor team on the estate.
Ideal Candidate
• Experienced working in private homes, ideally with some light house management responsibilities
• Proactive, self-sufficient, and confident planning your own day
• Flexible, practical, and happy to “muck in” when needed
• Friendly and professional communicator – comfortable liaising with guests, contractors, and the principal
• Loves the countryside and is happy in a quiet village setting
• Driver with own car
• Dog lover – happy to walk and care for the dogs occasionally
• A team player who takes real pride in their work
What’s On Offer
• Competitive salary of £33,000–£35,000 gross per year
• 30-hour week with two full days off
• Lovely 3-bedroom cottage in a nearby village (furnished or unfurnished)
• Warm and supportive working environment
• A long-term role in a peaceful and well-run country household
• Partner welcome and small, well-behaved pet considered
If you’re an experienced and detail-oriented housekeeper looking for a long-term role in a beautiful setting, we’d love to hear from you!
