LIVE-IN CARETAKER/GARDENER FOR LARGE COUNTRY HOUSE & GROUNDS IN SOUTH OF FRANCE
Location: Lourmarin, France
Contract: Permanent, Part-time
Salary: Negotiable, DOE
Status: Live-in
We are recruiting for an experienced and talented live-in Caretaker/Gardener to maintain our client’s secondary residence on a large estate in the south of France. Set on 10 acres (or 4 hectares) that include landscaped gardens, an olive grove, a vegetable garden and a lake, the 6-bedroom main house has recently been refurbished to a high specification and now requires a live-in Caretaker on-site to ensure the continued smooth running of the property and the grounds.
With support from an external landscaping company that predominantly looks after the formal gardens and olive grove, you will take a very hands-on approach to ensure the property and the grounds are maintained to a very high standard and work with the part-time property manager. Practical maintenance skills are essential for this role, as well as flexibility, professionalism, a can-do positive attitude and a friendly demeanour.
The clients are looking to appoint a professional and reliable candidate with considerable knowledge and experience of maintaining a vegetable garden – they enjoy eating fresh and organic produce from their garden, so the upkeep of the vegetable garden throughout the year is of great importance to them. Other duties will include cleaning and maintaining windows and shutters, exterior furniture, floors and terraces, pool house and gym, as well as the yoga terrace, swimming pool and tennis court.
The Caretaker/Gardener will also be responsible for mowing the lawn, maintaining the garden equipment (including the small tractor) and keeping the garden sheds and greenhouses clean and well ordered.
The ideal candidate will be able to speak enough French to communicate with local suppliers, contractors and neighbours and will take responsibility for the security of the property and be able to operate the CCTV and alarm systems. There are also two cars at the property that will need to be maintained and fueled ahead of family visits. Accommodation is provided in a lovely 2-bedroom cottage on the grounds. Due to the location of the property, it is essential that the successful candidate is a driver with a full driving license and has the right to live and work in the EU.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- General maintenance and upkeep of the property
- Cleanliness and maintenance of garden sheds and greenhouses
- Upkeep of the vegetable garden, ensuring plants are thriving year-round
- Cleanliness and upkeep of the swimming pool, tennis court, yoga terrace, exterior windows and shutters
- Security of the estate; ensuring that CCTV and alarm systems are activated and reporting any issues to the property manager
- Dealing quickly and responsibly with any issues that arise; liaising with the part-time property manager where required
- Running errands for the family and undertaking driving duties when required
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Previous experience in a similar role
- Attention to detail and exacting standards
- Confident and experienced gardener with excellent knowledge of vegetable gardening
- Practical handyman skills such as DIY and general maintenance skills
- Excellent communication and time management skills
- Reasonable standard of written and spoken English
- Discreet, reliable, and highly trustworthy
- Self-directed and strong sense of integrity
- Full, clean driving license
- Right to live and work in the EU
- Some knowledge of French is desired
- Excellent checkable references