Housekeepers are the beating heart of many homes in London and the UK and are often long- standing, loyal and a treasured member of a family’s staff.
A traditional housekeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organisation and general upkeep of a household. Duties and responsibilities typically include cleaning, tidying and laundry.
However, with salaries for housekeepers ranging from £40k to £65k per annum, the role is constantly evolving and definitely not set in stone. Today, many housekeepers have grasped the challenge of expanding the standard housekeeper role and are totally dedicated to make sure that every aspect of their boss’ personal life is taken care of. For clients, trust and total discretion are qualities that are top of their list when recruiting housekeepers, but all jobs are different, and now housekeeper roles often include some of the following very varied duties:
CHILDCARE
Looking after the family’s children when the parents are overseas, even helping with
homework. One family’s housekeeper researched a property project for an A’ Level student.
Some housekeepers have defence training organised by their family.
Some housekeepers have defence training organised by their family.
CARING FOR PETS
While it’s not unusual for housekeepers to look after their family’s dogs and cats, sometimes
they look after exotic pets such as snakes, birds and reptiles. One family’s housekeeper
accompanied the dogs by private plane so they could go on holiday with their family.
Another family had a ‘Doggie Nanny’ who was employed 5 days a week specifically to look after their beloved pooches.
Another family had a ‘Doggie Nanny’ who was employed 5 days a week specifically to look after their beloved pooches.
PREPARING GOURMET MEALS
Preparing and cooking delicious, healthy meals for the family and their guests. Not
necessarily straight forward, as on occasion this has meant housekeepers have had to deal
with allergies as well as very specific dietary requirements.
TRAVEL
A housekeeper may travel in advance of their family to ensure their home whether in the
countryside or overseas, is fully set-up and ready for their arrival. The housekeeper may also
pack or unpack for their boss and family.
EVENT PLANNING
A housekeeper often helps with a family’s social events including dinner parties and
weddings. They may even help with seating plans such is their knowledge of their family and
their friends.
ACTING AS A PA
Managing schedules, appointments and travel arrangements.
PERSONAL SHOPPING
Researching new collections and designers, booking appointments and even attending
designer fashion shows
WINE CELLAR
Organising and cataloguing an extensive wine collection.
ART COLLECTION
Ensuring its proper care, cataloguing the collection and shipping paintings to the family’s
homes overseas.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Helping with home renovation projects including painting and decorating.
GARDENING
Looking after a greenhouse to ensure there are always flowers in the house and growing
vegetables for the family.
PERSONAL FITNESS
Helping with meal planning and exercise routines.
WELLNESS
Providing yoga and meditation instruction and beautician services.
LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT
Expert care of very expensive and precious jewellery, designer clothes and accessories.
Some housekeepers are expected to keep an accurate ‘wardrobe’ of all clothes and
accessories on an iPad with photographs, dates and occasion when worn for ease of
selection.
SECURITY
Often housekeepers live in look after the house when a family is away.
Knightsbridge Household Staff’s housekeepers are of the highest quality available anywhere.
Many are very happy with the traditional housekeeper role but equally many enjoy the variety and responsibility of a more diverse housekeeper role.
Many are very happy with the traditional housekeeper role but equally many enjoy the variety and responsibility of a more diverse housekeeper role.
Knightsbridge Household Staff’s HOT TIP
Housekeepers know their worth. It’s a competitive market and clients who offer good hours and pay
generously will always be the winners. It’s a small world and housekeepers will turn down jobs if the
salary and conditions are poor and the household has a reputation for poor staff retention.
Browse our current job roles >
Knightsbridge Household Staff is part of the renowned Knightsbridge Recruitment Group. It has provided the highest calibre of household staff for HNWIs, VIPs, Celebrities, Professionals and their Families in London, UK and overseas for over 20 years. Contact us to begin your search for Butlers, Chefs, Chauffeurs, Private PAs, Nannies Domestic Couples and Housekeepers.
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Looking for a job ?
Experienced Private PA for VIP Family
£100,000
Central London
12/04/2024
Amazing Private PA role paying up to £100K!Experienced Private PA required for principal living in large, fully staffed private residence in Central London.Required to work M-F, 9am – 5pm, 5 days in a...
Seeking Experienced Senior Level Private PA
£100,000
Central London
12/04/2024
Seeking Experienced Senior Level Private PA!If you are a Private PA with a minimum of 5 years' Private PA experience, having previously worked in London and are looking for a new job please email us y...
Daily Housekeeper - Knightsbridge - Immediate Start!
£45,000
Knightsbridge, London
23/04/2024
Daily Housekeeper req working for mature couple living in Knightsbridge.Urgently seeking a professional, very experienced Housekeeper who can do excellent ironing and cleaning to work for delightful c...
Permanent Part-Time Housekeeper - Bayswater
£19.00
Baywater
23/04/2024
Urgently Seeking Part-Time Housekeeper - 2 days a PT Permanent HK Job - BayswaterSeeking experienced, professional Housekeeper to work Tuesday and Fridays 9am - 5pm for private family. Responsible fo...