A WEALTHY London couple are bringing a touch of Downton Abbey to Scotland after advertising a £30,000-a-year job for a housekeeper – at their second home.
The unnamed pair need a “discreet and loyal” Mrs Hughes to look after their property in Edinburgh where they spend just 10 days a month.
The successful applicant must be confident caring for antiques and artwork and have knowledge of “dealing with designer clothing”.
The housekeeper will also need to keep an eye on a third property the couple are planning to buy in Edinburgh to let out.
One expert on high-end house sales described the job ad as “remarkable” and highly unusual in the Scottish market.
The advert appeared on Thursday and was placed by Marshall Harber, a UK and international employment agency, based in Kensington, London.
The firm describes itself as “specialising in the placement of experienced and committed private staff for both UK based and International Homes and Properties”.
The advert for the job, due to start in March this year, states: “We have a vacancy for a Live Out Housekeeper for a lovely home in Edinburgh.
“The Principals are based in London and use the home for approximately 10 days during the month.
“You will take responsibility for the immaculate presentation of the house, ensuring that it is ready for the Principals’ arrival, and stocked with groceries, household supplies, fresh flowers and so on.”
They added: “You will also need to be on hand to assist with unpacking and to get them settled. In addition to cleaning to a very high standard, you will also take care of laundry and ironing. The house has many artworks as well as antique furniture and you must be confident in your ability to care for these.
“Knowledge of dealing with designer clothing and in particular male wardrobe is necessary.
“The Principals have two dogs that travel with them so it is essential that you are pet friendly.
“The Principals are in the process of acquiring a second property which will be let on a short term basis and you will be responsible for overseeing the turn around of this property in conjunction with the cleaning firm that will be contracted.”
The advert concludes: “The Principals value their privacy and are looking for someone who is absolutely discreet, loyal and will be comfortable signing a confidentiality agreement.”
Alan Fraser, head of Investment Property Agency based in Edinburgh said: “This is quite unusual. I would say that’s pretty unique.
“It’s not the type of thing you’d usually see in Edinburgh. It’s more of a London thing where you’d have Russian millionaires buying expensive homes.
“It’s quite remarkable to have a housekeeper looking after your second home.”
In Downton Abbey, Scots actress Phyliss Logan plays the Argyll-born strict and stoic house mistress Elsie Hughes.
She works alongside her fiance butler Charles Carson, played by Jim Carter. Between them they maintain the Granthams’ grand Georgian estate.
