Housemaid | Berwickshire Scotland

Roles and Responsibilities

The position involves housekeeping to an exceptional standard and the housemaid must be confident in caring for antiques, fabrics, artwork and fine crystal and china.

During the periods when the family are not in residence, the property needs to be maintained in a state of readiness, allowing for family/guests to arrive at short notice.

The housemaid will work under the Head Housekeeper and a team of household staff, as a team they will ensure the correct standards and practices are maintained. A well-ordered routine will need to be followed for daily tasks during family visits and an in-depth program to include specific tasks when the Lodge is unoccupied. This is a great role for a practical, hands-on position.

General Responsibilities (During Family Visits):

• Reporting to Head Housekeeper / line manager
• Laundering as follow:
  • Family and guest laundry
  • Bed and table linen
  • To take clothes/linen to the dry cleaners as instructed
  • Bed linen should be changed at least every four days or more frequently when necessary, and on changeover of guests
• Turn down procedure when family/guests in residence:
  • Curtains closed, lights on and beds turned down
• When family in residence bottled water to be placed in suites and replenished as and when required (sometimes twice daily)
• Cleaning, vacuuming, and laying of fires within the lodge
• Laundry, Boot Room, Gun Room, Drying Room (and associated areas) to be kept clean and tidy at all times
• Care of outdoor clothing in the Boot Room
• Driving for shopping and other Estate duties as required
• Organising and managing private Lodge functions and shoot lunches in association with Estate Management and relevant staff

General Responsibilities (between visits):

• Reporting to Housekeeper as line manager
• Maintain a programme of thorough, regular, ‘Spring Cleaning’ throughout the Lodge
• Polishing and buffing of the wooden floors with the help of other Lodge staff
• The cleaning of the inside of the windows including their thresholds
• All taps should be turned on and run and toilets flushed at least once a week
• Reporting and responsible to the House Manager/Factor on all administrative matters
• Ensure the cleaning products and toiletry store-rooms are sufficiently stocked.
• Close communication with Housekeeper and House Manager
• Monitor the house perimeter and ensure that paintwork and window ledges are kept clean and cobweb free and that pathways are swept and tidy at all times
• Security: Report any incident details to the House Manager
• Flower arranging and care of houseplants
• Additional lodges – should be kept clean and tidy at all times as use for overflow / additional accommodation
• Assist with ensuring the Lunch huts are clean and tidy, fires are working and fire wood available prior to the shoot season in August.

Accommodation

Lovely self-contained accommodation, separate from residence. All bills (electricity, oil, council tax, phone line rental etc) are paid too. 

However candidates will need a car to maintain their own social life