Black-and-white photo of Craig and Kirsten Bruun, advocates for ethical live-in domestic couple jobs.

A Guide to Domestic Couple Jobs in the UK

Welcome to Jobs4Couples.co.uk! 

 

We created this site to support job-seeking couples in their search for employment in the UK and to assist aspiring couples in making well-informed decisions before embarking on a career together.

 

We are Craig and Kirsten Bruun, a married couple with 20 years of experience working as a live-in domestic couple in London and Kent, UK.

 

Our diverse experiences in domestic staffing have provided us with invaluable insights that we are eager to share with you to help you navigate this unique career path.

 

Please scroll down to see our the latest domestic couple jobs from our jobs board.

Hiring a Couple?

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Employers of live-in domestic staff can advertise domestic couple vacancies (opens a new window to our jobs board) or find registered candidates ready for work near you on our Jobs Board for Live-In Staff. This includes roles not only for domestic couples but also for housekeepers, drivers, gardeners, nannies, and au pairs, as well as live-in positions in care agencies, hotels, campsites, and hospitality.

What is a Domestic Couple and Why Are They Popular in the UK?

Domestic couples, sometimes called housekeeping couples, are partners who work for affluent employers. Historically, these roles were filled by married husband-and-wife teams, but modern placements are gradually reflecting more diversity, with same-sex couples and other pairings becoming more common. While this trend is progressing faster in other roles, such as seasonal or hospitality positions, domestic roles are slowly catching up.

Domestic couples remain highly valued in high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) households for their ability to deliver comprehensive, personalised service covering tasks often performed by housekeepers, gardeners, or handymen. Learn more about Typical Roles and Responsibilities.

Domestic couple jobs usually mean you'll live on site. Rural roles often provide cottages or separate flats, while urban roles might include accommodations within the employer’s residence, such as a wing or basement flat. Their adaptability and presence are especially sought after by employers who require a discreet, high-level service to manage complex household needs.

The UK, especially London, has long attracted HNW and UHNW individuals, thanks to its status as a financial centre and its appeal to international elites. In 2023, the UK was home to around 4,750 UHNWIs—each with a net worth exceeding £23 million—making it one of the top destinations for the ultra-wealthy. As wealth has risen globally, City AM reported that the UK’s HNWI population grew to 609,400 in 2021, underscoring the country’s strong concentration of affluent individuals. This mix of established British landowners and new multimillionaires drawn to the UK’s dynamic economy and cultural heritage drives strong demand for experienced domestic couples. (Source: City AM Report)

The popularity of British period dramas like Downton Abbey has also fuelled a renewed interest in live-in domestic roles among international elites, particularly in London’s prestigious West End. As noted by Time, these portrayals of the classic British household have inspired wealthy foreigners to adopt elements of traditional British service, with many seeking to replicate the classic household setup with dedicated, live-in staff. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of the UK’s rich cultural heritage, which continues to shape modern household management practices. (Sources: Fifty, Altrata, Capgemini, Time)

Latest domestic couple jobs

Live in Couple - Cook and Front of House

  • Job Reference: 1572359033-2
  • Date Posted: 10 February 2025
  • Recruiter: N.E. Recruitment
  • Location: Slapton, Devon
  • Bonus/Benefits: live in available
  • Sector: Catering, Hospitality and Tourism
  • Job Type: Contract

Job Description

 

Live-In Couple Opportunity Cook & Front of House

Seasonal Café & Takeaway Kingsbridge, Devon area
March September (with potential for longer-term work)

Are you a couple looking for a rewarding hospitality role in a stunning coastal location?

We are seeking a Cook and a Front of House Team Member to join a friendly café team in the Kingsbridge, Devon area. This café is a popular seaside spot, offering breathtaking views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a menu featuring fresh fish and chips, stone-baked pizzas, burgers, salads, and homemade cakes.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a couple who enjoy working together, love the outdoors, and want to experience life by the sea.

 

Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/live-in-couple-cook-and-front-of-house-slapton-devon/1572359033-2/

Live-in Estate Manager and Housekeeper Couple Job £80,000 to £90,000

 

  • Job Reference:00000053-1
  • Date Posted: 4 February 2025
  • Recruiter: Town and Country Staff
  • Website: https://www.tandcstaff.com/
  • Location: Stafford, Staffordshire
  • Salary: £80,000 to £90,000
  • Bonus/Benefits: Performance Related Bonuses
  • Sector: Domestic Staff
  • Job Type: Permanent

Job Description

We have a fantastic role for a dedicated and experienced couple to join a team of household staff on a private UHNW family estate in rural West Midlands.  Previous experience and longevity working within a busy private household is essential for this role. This is a large stunning residence set in 26 acres of formal gardens and parkland.

 

 

Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/live-in-couple-estate-manager-housekeeper-stafford-staffordshire/53-1/

Domestic Couple Housekeeper/Gardener Job £75K Suffolk

 

  • Job Reference: AJCRB
  • Date Posted: 31 January 2025
  • Recruiter: Aunt Jessica Cares
  • Location: Suffolk/Essex Boarders
  • Salary: £65,000 to £75,000
  • Bonus/Benefits: £75,000 gross per annum + Large Lodge House
  • Sector: Domestic Staff
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Duration: Permanent

Job Description

 

Full-time Live-in Domestic Couple

 Working Hours: 5 Day working week 

 Salary on offer: £65,000 to £75,000 per annum

 Location: Suffolk -  small estate on the Suffolk/Essex borders

Accommodation: 2 Bed Lodge House

Start Date: March/April 2025

Housekeeper-Cook & Gardener/Handyman/Driver for Manor House in Suffolk

Our clients, located in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, are seeking an experienced Domestic Couple to work as Housekeeper-Cook and Gardener/Handyman/Driver to assist in the smooth running of their Grade II listed property. 

 

 

Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/domestic-couple-housekeeper-gardener-75k-suffolk-suffolk-essex-boarders/51-1/

Domestic Couple £110k in London

 

  • Job Reference: CP792
  • Date Posted: 30 January 2025
  • Recruiter: Cora | Private Staffing
  • Location: Notting Hill, London
  • Salary: £110,000
  • Sector: Domestic Staff
  • Job Type: Permanent

Job Description

 

All-Rounder/Domestic Couple for Private Household

Hours | Full-time, Monday - Friday, 9 - 5pm

Location | Notting Hill, London, W8

Salary | £110,000, depending on experience

Overview

A private family in Notting Hill, London, is seeking a dedicated and discreet Live-out All-Rounder Domestic Couple to manage both housekeeping and maintenance duties. The position requires a high level of attention to detail, ensuring that household is always maintained to the highest standard. Driving is essential for this position (at least one individual must hold valid UK driving licence).

The ideal couple will be proactive, efficient, and capable of handling a wide range of tasks, demonstrating exceptional service standards. A warm and friendly demeanour is key, as the household is informal and welcoming. Experience as a Domestic Couple in a similar setting is preferred but a willingness to adapt to a less formal setting is also important.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Domestic Couple to achieve a healthy work-life balance with a Monday-to-Friday schedule, along with the benefit of living offsite.

 

 

Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/all-rounder-domestic-couple-live-out-notting-hill-london-uk-notting-hill-london/50-1/

Live-in Domestic Couple Housekeeper/Maintenance £65k to £70k in Shropshire

 

  • Job Reference: Shrop4
  • Date Posted: 28 January 2025
  • Recruiter: Private Household Shropshire
  • Location: Shropshire
  • Salary: £65,000 to £70,000
  • Bonus/Benefits: Cottage accommodation with garden
  • Sector: Catering, Hospitality and Tourism, Domestic Staff
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Duration: Permanent

Job Description

We are a friendly family looking to employ a live-in domestic couple to help us look after our home and small business in the lovely Shropshire area. Our current couple have been with us for the last six years. To fit in, you would need to be hard-working and able to think on your feet, while being capable of working without supervision. Our home is informal, and we are ideally looking for a couple who are seeking long-term employment.

 

You must be fond of children and animals, as we have three children: two of whom are primary school-goers, and the third is at boarding school and visits frequently. We also have three small dogs. Due to the location, you would need to have your own transport, as although we are near Ludlow, we are still quite remote. We have a type 2 wall charger if you have an EV which can be used by arrangement.

 

The position comes with a spacious one-bedroom cottage, with a garage for storage and a small self-contained garden. We are respectful employers who value discretion, hard work, and a couple who understand that there may be times when our household is very busy. During these times, we would rely on your help, including working beyond the usual hours, but in return, we offer time off to compensate for any excessive overtime when the household is quieter or when we travel.

 

Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/live-in-domestic-couple-housekeeper-maintenance-shropshire/49-1/

Live-In Gardener (Accommodation suitable for a couple)

 

  • Job Reference: 552719929-2
  • Date Posted: 16 January 2025
  • Recruiter: The Burford Recruitment Company Ltd
  • Location: Burford, Oxfordshire
  • Salary: £28,000
  • Sector: Domestic Staff
  • Job Type: Permanent

Job Description

 

Benefits:

  • Salary of £28,000 per annum.
  • Accommodation in a one-bedroom, single-story cottage on the estate (best suited for a single person or couple).
  • The chance to develop your skills in a diverse and engaging garden setting.

The Burford Recruitment Company is delighted to be recruiting an Under Gardener for a beautiful private estate near Burford. This full-time, live-in position offers a unique opportunity to work within a close-knit, two-person gardening team, collaborating closely with the Head Gardener to maintain and enhance the estate s stunning grounds.

This role is perfect for someone with broad horticultural expertise and hands-on experience in an estate setting. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the seasonal needs of the garden, from herbaceous and shrub border care to kitchen garden upkeep and general grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities


Learn more and apply at: https://live-in-jobs.co.uk/jobs/live-in-gardener-burford-oxfordshire/1552719929-2/

Helping Couples Connect with Employers and Domestic Staff Agencies from One Site

 

In today’s competitive job market, having an impressive online presence can set you apart from other applicants. If you’re a couple seeking live-in domestic roles, showcasing your skills and experience effectively online is essential.

We've created a jobs board for live-in domestic staff, designed to empower job seekers to take control of their careers by promoting themselves directly to employers and domestic staffing agencies. This is especially valuable for couples who may find it difficult to get listed with UK domestic staffing agencies. Our platform allows candidates to share their story beyond a standard CV, helping them connect with prospective employers as well as domestic staffing agencies.

Why Build an Online Profile?

Creating a professional online profile is like having a CV that works for you 24/7. Here’s why it matters:

  • It's Free! Login anytime to edit and update your profile.
  • Increased Visibility: Employers and agencies can find you based on your skills and location.
  • Professional Presentation: A well-structured online profile enhances your credibility.
  • Targeted Opportunities: Match with jobs tailored to your specific expertise and preferences.
  •  

How to Get Started on Live-In Jobs

 

Step 1: Register Your Profile

Visit Live-In Jobs and complete the registration process. Add:

  • Your contact information.
  • Your work history and skills.

Step 2: Upload Your CVs

Prepare individual or combined CVs highlighting your experience as a couple. Include:

  • Relevant roles you’ve held together or good transferable individual skills that would make you a good domestic couple.
  • Skills like housekeeping, maintenance, childcare, or cooking.
  • Any qualifications or certifications.

Step 3: Make Your Profile Stand Out

Employers often look for specific details, so be sure to include:

  • Clear job preferences (e.g., full-time, part-time, or seasonal roles).
  • Flexibility with locations and hours.
  • Examples of past successes or positive references.

Tips to Maximise Your Online Presence

Highlight Your Unique Skills

As a couple, you bring a unique set of complementary skills. Emphasise areas such as:

  • Maintenance and gardening.
  • Cooking and housekeeping.
  • Caregiving and childcare.

Update Your Profile Regularly

Keep your profile up to date with new experiences, certifications, or preferences.

Be Professional

Use a formal tone and clear language when describing your experience and capabilities.

Get Started Today

Take control of your job search and make yourself visible to the right people. Visit Live-In Jobs today to upload your CVs and create a profile that showcases your expertise. With the tools provided by Jobs4Couples and Live-In Jobs, you’ll be one step closer to landing your ideal live-in domestic couple job.

 

Exploitation of Live-in Domestic Staff

Most of the domestic couple positions we've held have been for good, respectful employers. Sadly, some have not been as good, echoing the many stories of exploitation, harassment, coercion, and pitching up to find that your accommodation, working conditions, etc., have been misrepresented, as shared by our over 2,300 members on our Facebook group.

 

In December 2024, a journalist contacted us while investigating misconduct by employers in private households. This gave us the opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by live-in domestic staff—many of whom are too afraid to speak up against exploitation and unfair working conditions for fear of losing their jobs. If you want to share your experiences anonymously so we can shed light on this, or publish your story, please contact Craig at craig@jobs4couples.co.uk.

A sad housekeeper in workwear with her face in her hands against a gloomy background.

Disclaimer

The content of our website reflects our personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as legal advice. All claims are presented in good faith to raise awareness and advocate for reform in live-in domestic staffing roles. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified professional.

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