Domestic Couple (Housekeeper/ Houseman), near Faro, Portugal

UHNW family of 3 seeking Domestic Couple (Housekeeper/ Houseman). 2 bedroom apart. provided close to beaches. No cooking required. Experience of Mediterranean living preferred. Ideal for candidates with yachting experience as service and high end housekeeping skills are beneficial.

Contemporary villa (7 bedrooms/ 13 bathrooms) set in gardens (cared for by contractors) plus a 3 bedroom penthouse close by need to care cared for and checked by couple. Villa very high tech and interior high end. Other staff are a f./t housekeeper and Private Chef. No pets.

Owners are a South African/ Portuguese couple in their 60s with their son. Virtually no guests staying bar Christmas season. The atmosphere is friendly, calm and laid back with a little more formality on occasion.

The duties of the Domestic Couple (interchangeable):
• Freshening up and tidying living areas
• Making beds and cleaning bathrooms, cleaning rest of villa and other penthouse when required
• Taking care of all laundry, ironing and steaming laundry and putting away, assisting with packing
• Preparing and readying bedrooms (water, fresh towels, toiletries, etc.)
• Going shopping with the Mother and/ or the Private Chef
• Laying and decorating tables, folding napkins with attractive centre pieces
• Providing drinks (coffees throughout the day) and table service when required
• Lighting candles and incense
• Driving duties/ airport trips (30min) when required and valeting cars
• Keeping outside area tidy and clean (hosing down areas, watering plants, wiping furniture)
• Being aware of sun or humidity damage to furniture and carpets
• Assisting with small maintenance jobs
• Creating a household manual (a list of contractors exists) and overseeing contractors
• Deep cleaning the property when family travel and running errands
• Decorating the villa for special occasions

Requirements for the Domestic Couple:
• A min of 4 years´ experience together as a domestic couple with some longevity
• Legal to work in the EU/ work visas can be obtained
• Clean drivers licenses (automatic and manual)
• Previous experience in a warm EU climate preferred
• Fluency in English (Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian speakers welcome but not limited to)
• High standard of housekeeping, ideally excellent front of house/ service skills
• Knowledge of cocktail making a plus
• Must be able to work autonomously and have an acute idea for detail with finesse
• No piercings or visible tattoos
• Excellent written references from past Owners
• A recent security check (to be obtained)

The domestic couple should work well as a team, be attentive and discreet. A yachting background is welcome. Being able to take the initiative and think of their own accord is key, as well as great communication skills.

The family previously employed a couple for over 5 years. The family is spiritual and observe mind-fullness. Please note that the parents both smoke indoors.
Staff wear their own dark trousers/ shorts with branded shirts/ blouses or polo shirts provided and should be well presented while at work.
Accommodation is a two bedroom apartment in a condominium 200m away (photos are available) which is a 5 min walk from a stunning sandy beach.
A staff car (automatic) is provided.

HOURS: Mon- Fri, 8am – 4pm with some flexibility if needed (1/2 hr for lunch). If work over the weekend is required (by both or one of the couple), time in lieu is given. Staff lunch can be provided, this is to be discussed, plus 28 days holidays incl. bank holidays. Working over Christmas will be required but some bank holidays are free.
SALARY: €6000-9000 gross a month for the couple, depending on experience on a live-in basis. Bonuses to be discussed and over time.