British American Household Staffing
British American Household Staffing
Simply put, a domestic couple is a set of two household employees who bring a variety of skills to the home. Generally, they are hired to look after an estate or, more commonly, a seasonal or secondary property. A domestic couple is an excellent hire for any vacation home or large estate. They maintain the property on both a micro and macro level. The likelihood of longevity is high. They have often relocated to live on property for the job position and tend to make the area and job their life. They are either given a private cottage or provided a separate living area. Together, a domestic couple can run one large estate successfully and can often save the employer from needing to hire multiple staff. If you’re interested in learning more about hiring a domestic couple, please get in touch. If you’re seeking domestic couple positions, please check our job board for current openings. A common domestic couple will oversee all of the housekeeping, laundry, cooking, serving, groundsman duties, any plumbing or HVAC issues, and will be in charge of the structure of the home. They will be well-versed in and understand the unique maintenance needs dictated by the age and style of your home and its location. For example, if the property is a beach property, salt and water can cause a plethora of problems, the correct maintenance is imperative to maintain the value of the property. Usually, a domestic couple consists of a housekeeper and a houseman or maintenance person. One is responsible for housekeeping, cooking, laundry, menu planning, and fine wardrobe care. The other member of the couple can be responsible for maintaining the grounds, pool care, car maintenance, and internal repairs such as plumbing and painting. When the family is in residence, a domestic couple of this type will keep all aspects of a busy home running. Duties during that time may include laundry, deep cleaning, shopping, stocking, organizing, cooking, and serving. An excellent couple is made up of two individuals who are both strong housekeepers and capable cooks. Usually, one or both drive and both can run errands. In some situations, one member of the couple can take on more high-level estate management duties such as handling bills and vendor contracts.
When interviewing a domestic couple, it’s important to assess their experience, teamwork, flexibility, and ability to divide responsibilities effectively. You can find a series of thoughtfully designed interview questions for domestic couples here. A domestic couple is a long term hire. Once a domestic couple accepts a position, they often live on the property or nearby and create a life for themselves in the area-they rarely leave the position for other opportunities. An estate couple usually work in larger estates, overseeing staff. They do not deep clean or serve, but they will manage the staff in the home, oversee and manage schedules, organize the staff to prepare them for any extra guests and dinner parties, and manage the financial aspects if needed. One member of an estate couple will often be a chef and can prepare specialty meals for guests, family, or just the principal. An estate couple may have worked on a yacht together and will want to settle down and retire on land. While property management companies can oversee additional homes or rental properties, a domestic couple offers more personalized and focused care beyond what a property management service can provide. If you need dedicated attention, BAHS, a domestic couple agency, recommends hiring a domestic couple for each additional property. Yes, it is standard to offer domestic couples their own space. They are either given a private cottage or provided a separate apartment within the property grounds Salaries for domestic couples typically range from $180,000 to $250,000 per year for the couple (which breaks down to approximately $90,000 to $125,000 per person). In addition to base salary, most domestic couples expect a comprehensive benefits package, which often includes health insurance, paid time off, and housing. Compensation can increase significantly depending on the scope of responsibilities, location, and the couple’s experience. Yes, domestic couples can be responsible for pet care as part of their role. This typically includes feeding, walking, grooming, administering medications, and coordinating vet appointments. They can also care for pets in the homeowner’s absence, providing continuity and peace of mind while the owner is away. On larger country estates, some domestic couples may also assist with the care of farm animals, such as chickens, goats, or horses, depending on their experience and the property’s needs. Responsibilities are usually customized to fit each household.
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What is a domestic couple?
What are the duties of a domestic couple?
Domestic Couple FAQ
What should I look for when hiring a domestic couple?
Why can hiring a domestic couple be a better choice than hiring a single housekeeper in the long term?
What is the difference between an estate couple and a domestic couple?
What are the advantages of hiring a domestic couple over a property management company?
What kind of housing is expected for live-in domestic couples? Do they need separate quarters?
What is the typical salary of domestic couples?
Are domestic couples able to provide pet care?
