Role: Live-in Property Caretaker /Houseman
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £30,000-£35,000 per annum (depending upon experience)
Contract: Permanent, full time
Start date: Flexible / early 2026
Accommodation: Self-contained on-site (single occupancy – kitchen, stove, bathroom & bedroom)
A private Family are seeking a hands-on, proactive Live-in Property Caretaker / Houseman for a beautiful countryside residence in West Sussex
This is a long-term role suited to someone practical, trustworthy and ‘hands-on’ within a relaxed but high-standard household environment. The role involves Property management, Exterior work, Maintenance, Gardening, Driving and Security, throughout exteriors and interiors. The Caretaker will take day-to-day ownership of the property (reporting to the Family’s EA who is based in London but attends the property weekly), ensuring the house, grounds and facilities are always maintained, secure & arrival-ready
Core Duties
• Day-to-day caretaking and operational oversight & safety/security of the property
• Conducting regular walk-arounds of the house, gardens and outbuildings to identify issues
• Assisting with maintaining and monitoring household systems (including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and security systems), escalating issues as required
• Coordinating contractor visits and keeping reports
• Proactively resolving or coordinating repairs and maintenance
Gardens & Outdoor Care
• Supporting garden upkeep and garden progress between weekly visits from gardening team
• Lawn care support, summer watering and general garden tidiness
• Monitoring trees, planting and landscaped areas for health and issues
• Light pruning, deadheading and basic plant care; harvesting fruit and vegetables
• Maintaining terraces, pathways and outdoor areas to a clean, presentable standard; keeping bin areas, drains and gullies clear
• Cleaning outdoor furniture, tables and surfaces ahead of family stays or events
Additional Responsibilities
• Preparing the property for high-end rental use, including detailed pre-arrival checks
• Being on standby during guest stays to resolve issues promptly
• Welcoming guests when required and ensuring standards match family use
• Caring for and maintaining vehicles, including classic cars (keeping vehicles clean, fuelled and garages organised)
• Running errands and occasional light chauffeuring duties (full driving licence essential)
• Managing basic inventories, amenities and household supplies alongside the family EA
• Working alongside the family EA to ensure the constant smooth running of the property and in the lead up to family stays/parties
• Supporting private parties and events as an extra pair of hands
To apply for this role you must;
• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Have a valid DBS check or be willing to obtain
• Have excellent contactable references
• Have 3-5+ years’ experience working within private households
To apply for the position please send your CV to info@poppylaneplacements.com