Full time, Live-Out Housekeeper/ Cook - LITTLE VENICE, London (W9)

Job Summary:

An American family settled in London seeks an experienced, self-starting full time, live-out Housekeeper/ Cook to take sole charge of a four-bedroom home. This is a semi-formal household comprising two working parents and two children (boy, 9, and girl, 6). A full-time nanny is also on staff. The housekeeper will be responsible for maintaining the home and laundry to an exceptional standard, preparing family meals, and keeping daily life running smoothly.

This is a hands-on role that begins at 6:30 am each morning, as the housekeeper plays a key part in the children’s school routine—preparing breakfast, packing bags, and handling drop-off. The right person will take genuine pride in a well-kept home, cook with confidence, and bring the judgment and initiative to manage a busy household without close supervision.

Candidate Requirement:

The family places a high premium on the following qualities and will prioritise them in their search:

  • Fluent, confident English. You will communicate daily with the family, liaise with tradespeople and vendors, and occasionally manage deliveries or appointments on the family’s behalf. Strong spoken and written English is essential.

  • Initiative and good judgment. The family values someone who notices what needs doing and does it without being asked—whether that means restocking a cupboard, adjusting a cleaning routine, or flagging a maintenance issue before it becomes a problem.

  • Sole-charge experience in a private family home. You should be comfortable running a home largely independently, with a track record of doing so to a high standard. References from previous family employers are important.

  • Meticulous attention to detail. Cleaning and laundry must be done to an exacting standard. This means spotless bathrooms, properly pressed shirts, and a home that always looks its best.

  • Comfort around children. While a dedicated nanny handles primary childcare, you will help with morning school preparation and drop-off, and occasionally cover a sick day. You should genuinely enjoy being around children.

  • Reliability and discretion. The role requires a dependable daily presence and complete trustworthiness in a private family setting.

  • A clean criminal record. A DBS check will be required.

  • UK Right to work. Proven UK right to work will be required.

  • References. At least two previous household related references will be required.

Duties:

Housecleaning;

  • Daily cleaning and tidying of all rooms, ensuring the home is kept to an exceptional standard at all times

  • Laundry, ironing, and proper care of garments (including delicates and dry-clean items)

  • Bed-making and changing of linens

  • Thorough cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms, including fixtures and appliances

  • Vacuuming, mopping, and floor care throughout the home

  • Dusting of all surfaces, fixtures, and decorative items

  • Interior window cleaning and mirror care

  • Upkeep of outdoor terrace, patio furniture, and planters

  • Care and maintenance of household equipment; reporting any repairs needed

Cooking;

  • Preparing breakfast for the children and coffee for the adults each morning—this is the most important meal of the day in this household

  • Planning and preparing wholesome family meals (lunch prep and evening dinner), with an emphasis on simple, well-executed home cooking; confidence following recipes and adapting them is valued

  • Keeping the refrigerator stocked with key staples and ready-to-eat items (snacks, fruit, basics) so the family always has what they need

  • Grocery shopping, including sourcing quality ingredients and managing the food budget sensibly

  • Coordinating with the nanny on children’s meals, snacks, and grocery availability to ensure smooth handoffs

  • Occasional preparation for dinner parties or gatherings as required

Household Management;

  • Running errands: post office, dry cleaning, returns, and other household tasks

  • Keeping the home organised and decluttered on an ongoing basis

  • Receiving and managing deliveries and packages

  • Communicating with vendors, tradespeople, and building management as needed

  • Maintaining inventory of cleaning and household supplies

Light Childcare;

  • Morning routine assistance: helping children get ready for school, preparing school bags, and handling school drop-off (the 6:30 am start is built around this responsibility)

  • Occasional cover for the nanny in the event of illness or an unexpected gap (e.g., staying with a child on a sick day until the nanny arrives)

Terms:

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 3:30 pm (with a one-hour lunch break). 45 hours per week. The early start is essential—the housekeeper is the first person in the home each morning and is central to the children’s school routine.

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 gross per annum, depending on experience. Paid monthly via payroll.

Holiday: 20 days per annum plus bank holidays. The family travels during school holidays (summer, half-terms, Christmas) for extended periods, and the workload is lighter when they are away. This provides additional flexibility around time off.

Location: Little Venice, London W9. Due to the early start time, proximity to W9 or a reliable, short commute is strongly preferred.

Start date: As soon as possible; some flexibility for the right candidate.

Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

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childfriendly housekeeper, Housekeeper/ CookSharon StewartHousekeeper/ Cook