Role & Responsibilities
Domestic Couple
Two professionals, one standard. The partnership that runs a home with complete continuity. What the role involves, the standard it is held to, the package it commands, and the positions open now.
Understanding the role
One trusted partnership.
A Domestic Couple is a partnership entrusted with the running of a private residence – usually combining housekeeping and cooking with driving, grounds and maintenance. Often the people who keep a country house or second home alive between the family’s visits. These are the responsibilities that fill the day, and the depth each one brings to a private household.
Housekeeping and presentation
Keeping the residence immaculate and ready for the family and their guests.
Cooking and the kitchen
Preparing family meals and supporting entertaining, to the family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Grounds and maintenance
Caring for gardens and grounds, and handling day-to-day maintenance and contractors.
Driving and errands
Driving family members and guests, and managing collections, deliveries and errands.
Caretaking and security
Keeping the property secure while the family is away, and preparing it for every arrival.
Living closely with the family
Living on the property with complete discretion, under confidentiality agreements and security protocols.
The Benchmark
The Benchmark for a Domestic Couple
Every Domestic Couple we represent is measured against The Benchmark – our standard for character, capability and discretion. Three years is simply the minimum to join our network; most bring far more. Our professionals step into a role ready to excel, never to be trained. For this role, that means:
- Complementary skills across housekeeping, cooking, driving, grounds and maintenance
- Three years each in private households of comparable standing, ideally together
- The ability to run a residence as one, with or without the family in residence
- Experienced with country houses, second homes and seasonal arrivals, with a full, clean driving licence between them
- References for each partner from comparable households, and a shared commitment to confidentiality
- Basic DBS or a police clearance certificate for both partners
Experience, references and background checks for both partners are verified before any introduction is made. We do not forward CVs – we shortlist and select, so a client meets only the professionals we would place with confidence. See our full standards.
Typical Package
What to expect, from either side of the placement.
A guide for clients and professionals alike. Packages reflect the professional’s experience and the scope of the household, across every residence and every country. All figures are gross per year, combined for both partners.
- Domestic Couple Single residence
- £70,000 – £90,000 combined per year
- Running one residence, often with the family in seasonal residence.
- Senior Domestic Couple Country house
- £90,000 – £115,000 combined per year
- Full responsibility for a country house, its grounds and contractors.
- Multi-Residence Couple Multiple residences
- £110,000 – £140,000 combined per year
- Running several residences or travelling with the family. Live-in packages typically add accommodation, meals and flights.
- Estate Couple Senior appointment
- £130,000 – £170,000 combined per year
- Leading a large residence or estate together – staff, contractors and every arrival.
Every package is agreed privately between family and professional. We review this guidance each year against the placements we make.
Opportunities
No domestic couple roles open at this moment
New positions arrive weekly and the best are filled from our existing network. Register now and we will contact you when a suitable role opens.
There are no Domestic couple roles open at this exact moment.
New positions arrive with us most weeks, and the most sought-after are placed before they are ever advertised. Register and you will be among the first to hear.
Join Our NetworkThe questions we are asked most
What does a domestic couple cover between them?
Usually housekeeping and cooking on one side, and driving, grounds and maintenance on the other. The exact division is agreed with the client to suit the residence.
Do both partners need experience?
Yes. Each partner meets The Benchmark individually, with at least three years in private households of comparable standing and their own references. Couples who have worked together before are especially valued.
Does a domestic couple live in?
Almost always. Most roles include private accommodation on the property, often a cottage or staff apartment.
What hours does a domestic couple work?
Hours are agreed for each partner and flex with the family’s visits – quieter while the family is away, fuller when they are in residence.
How is the salary agreed?
Every package is agreed privately between client and couple, with our consultants guiding both sides. Salaries are quoted gross and combined for both partners, and usually include accommodation and meals.
How long does it take to place a domestic couple?
Where the professional is free and available, the process from first interview to offer can be completed within seven days. We select from an established network rather than advertising, so the pace of every placement is set by the client’s needs – and we work to match it.
Register Your Interest
Begin the Conversation
Join our selected network, or tell us what your household needs. Either way, a senior consultant will be in touch personally.