Domestic Couple, Umbria, Italy

For a stunning 8 bedroom historic villa in Umbria, Italy we are looking for a competent experienced Domestic Couple who speak fluent English and at least some Italian. Drivers essential. Part-time residence.

The villa was built over 100 years ago and was fully refurbished and completely modernized a few years ago to reflect a beautiful, stylish and luxurious space with highly refined (and often original) features and very high quality materials and finishes throughout, including air conditioning and underfloor heating.

The villa is set within its own park and includes a tennis court. Inside the villa features over several floors spacious living rooms with large terraces, modern bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms as well as a library, art works and two pools one of which is heated. With a minimalistic theme, there are wooden and stone floors, glass staircases and light rugs, fire places, large windows and multiple dining areas as well as an Owners suites spanning over three floors including a tower with breath taking views overlooking the picturesque hillside of Umbria.

The garden is still being restored to its former glory and terraces are being cleaned. Currently several companies are also working on the interior (heating, water, laundry, cleaning) to ensure all is in working condition. These companies and contacts will continue to be available to support the couple if needed. A professional company cleans the windows. Household Items (towels, bedding, china) required in order to live in the villa are in place but may be renewed over time.

Although no interior construction work is planned the Owner has the license to build a staff house within the grounds which is planned to take approx. 6-8 months. This staff house will consist of 2 bedroom with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and utility room.

Recently acquired the new Owner is looking for professional staff to run the villa. This is a part time residence as he visits roughly for a week every two months and has his children, his mother or friends visit from time to time. Longer visits are anticipated over the summer and at Christmas with notice of at least a week given if not longer. Only 1-3 rooms will be used at a time, very occasionally up to 6 bedrooms with ample time between visits.  There are no pets. Cooking as such is not required as the Owner prepares his own breakfast (the family are early risers) and will often eat out. The family entertain only occasionally and the household is relaxed and informal. There is no need for concierge services or table service. The role reports directly to the EA unless the Owner specifically requests a task during a visit. The couple can use the pools and tennis court when there are no visitors.

The duties of the Domestic Couple (interchangeable):

• All housekeeping duties to ensure the villa is well maintained and organized (incl. all cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and mopping, etc)
• Care of all laundry including bed linen, towels and personal laundry (small casual sporty wardrobe), no packing required
• Manage stocks of household supplies (cleaning products, pool chemicals, toiletries and other essentials) and safe storage
• Maintain the property in good working condition including minor repairs and as if it is your own
• Prepare villa for family visits and welcome visitors on arrival
• Organize and oversee contractors for repairs, incl. obtaining quotes and scheduling once approved
• Maintain outdoor areas including terraces and terrace furniture, vacuuming leaves, wiping/ covering furniture
• Oversee robotic lawn mower, dead head flowers, trim shrubs (a garden company visits a few times a year)
• Arrange and supervise gardening contractors to ensure landscaping aligns with employers expectation
• Oversee regular pool maintenance to ensure cleanliness and functionality (checking ph levels, adding pool chemicals, checking  
• filtration systems, keeping surface clean (instruction from the pool company can be provided)
• Oversee the property’s security system (activating it when unoccupied and report any alerts)
• Adhere to health and safety standards
• Report any issues or concerns that need attention and take action to protect the property
• Provide regular updates on the works carried out, condition of property, including quotes and invoicing
• Handle deliveries
• Carry out a household inventories
• Clean the car and related duties (fuelling, service and admin)
• Airport runs
• Run errands

Requirements of the Domestic Couple:

• A min. of 3 years experience managing a similar sized private property as a domestic couple (including in a warm climate)
• Must be eligible to live and work in EU/ Italy
• Fluency in English is a must, with good knowledge of Italian needed
• Clean drivers licenses
• High end housekeeping and maintenance knowledge essential
• Being able to cook light healthy family meals is an advantage but not a requirement
• Must be hand´s on and have good organizational and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and be well presented
• Written references from past employers and a valid security check
• None smokers preferred

Candidates for the Domestic Couple role should have a positive attitude and a „can do“ approach, able to find solutions. Must be loyal and trustworthy, family orientated, open to new ideas, flexible and adaptable. The Principal is keen to develop a trusting working relationship and is happy to support the couple with whatever is needed to make the management of the villa workable.  If tasks or workload is too big the Owners is happy to work together to find a solution. The Domestic Couple need to understand that for the Owner this villa is new as well and he and the couple will search together for the best option that will work for all.

Accommodation: Until the staff house for the Domestic Couple is completed within the grounds, the couple live within one part of the villa in two adjoining light and spacious separate rooms (which could be used as bedroom and living room with arm chairs) with adjoining bathrooms with easy access to the kitchen. If the sharing of the villa is unsuitable the Owner is willing to find another suitable solution. A car is provided.

A´uniform´ can be provided and purchased over time if it is needed.  

Hours: Mon-  Fri, 8 hrs a day to be arranged as required with occasional help over the weekend (time in lieu given).

Salary:  €4000 – 5000 net a month for both plus 26 days paid holidays plus public holidays. The Christmas holidays is not a period of time staff are expected to work.

To start: as soon as possible