Live-in House Manager | Banbury, UK

House Manager

Overview

Our client is seeking an exceptional Live-in House Manager to oversee the smooth running of a beautifully restored 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom 16th-century manor house in Oxfordshire. This is a rare opportunity for a highly organised, hospitality-led professional to join a private household at an exciting stage of development, as the property transitions into a fully operational weekend residence and guest retreat venue.

The principals plan to begin using the property as a weekend residence from September/October.

The estate will operate with a strong hospitality focus, welcoming family, guests, and retreat visitors throughout the year. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the house runs to an exceptional standard, comparable to a luxury boutique hotel, while maintaining the warmth and discretion expected within a private household.

The grounds include a swimming pond, steam room, extensive gardens, and a productive vegetable garden. A well-established gardening team is already in place.

Job duties

• Oversee the day-to-day management and presentation of the manor house and estate buildings
• Deliver a seamless, luxury hospitality experience for the principals, family members, guests, and retreat visitors
• Manage and coordinate housekeeping operations, including recruitment, staffing levels, rotas, training, and performance
• Maintain and enforce high standards
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and external service providers as required
• Ensure the property is fully prepared ahead of family arrivals and guest stays
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and household efficiency
• Manage household inventories, consumables, and procurement with attention to quality and sustainability
• Work closely with the gardening team to maximise use of the estate’s vegetable garden and support the family’s sustainability ethos
• Assist with event, retreat, and guest logistics, including room preparation, catering coordination, and guest care
• Provide discreet, proactive support to the principals, anticipating needs and resolving issues efficiently
• Be comfortable around animals, including dogs currently in residence, with horses and chickens expected in the future

Candidates must be / have:

• A minimum of 5+ years’ experience as a House Manager within a high-end private household, or outstanding experience within a luxury boutique hotel
• A strong hospitality mindset with exceptional guest service standards
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage a dynamic household
• Discreet, polished, and professional in all interactions
• Sustainability-minded, with an appreciation for estate-grown produce and environmentally conscious household management
• Animal-friendly and comfortable working within a family environment that includes pets and livestock
• Right to work in the UK
• A valid driving licence

Accommodation
A self-contained one- or two-bedroom flat is provided on the estate grounds. All bills are included. Partners, children and pets are welcome.

Hours
Typically, 8/9/10am – 5/6pm when the family is not in residence, with flexibility and on-call availability required during family visits and guest stays. Days off are usually Tuesday and Wednesday.

Location
Oxfordshire, UK.

Salary & Benefits
£60,000 – £70,000, depending on experience.

Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays.

Benefits: Medical insurance, life insurance, and a strong pension package.

Job ref
CP1042: Live-in House Manager for Private Estate in Oxfordshire, UK.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the operational standards and future household team structure as the estate becomes fully operational.