An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Traditional Housekeeper & Hospitality Hostess Lead at Lochnell Estate, Ledaig, near Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QT.
Lochnell Castle and Estate is a historical property in Argyllshire extending to approximately 1200 acres situated 10 miles north of the port town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland.

Lochnell offers an opportunity to join the Estate team at a time of accelerating change in our countryside.The position available is that of a traditional Housekeeper / Hospitality Hostess Lead.

Lochnell continues to diversify from traditional estate income streams which now include a commercial boat storage yard business, wedding and events held in the Castle Chapel and to the new and exciting holiday property venture www.thecroftcollective.com which compliments the rental income derived from part of the Tralee Holiday Business.

We are looking for an energetic person who comes from an environment of high professional standards and has a hospitality orientated mindset.

We are looking for someone to take over the responsibilities of running a historical family home where we often host large house parties and are increasingly running events and weddings, as well as supporting our holiday accommodation business.

The ideal candidate will have a background in hospitality and is comfortable working in a dynamic and team-based environment.

‍Hospitality Tasks

• Responsibility for all aspects of wedding and event management before, during and after.

• Overall management of The Croft Collective from liaising with guests before they arrive to managing bookings. Includes all food and beverage shopping for guests.

• Managing changeovers, check ins and check out of holiday guests. Deep cleaning and property management and necessary repairs.

Housekeeping Tasks

Laundry

All Bedroom and Bathroom linens, Laundry for the Croft Collective and Old Diary holiday properties and any events may also be added.

Clothes washing and Ironing when family are in residence.

Cleaning

Lochnell Castle is a 10 bedroom property with 10 bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms and 4 other rooms. The Chapel, Dance Hall and Toilets will also be required to be

cleaned when required. The property is to be maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and readiness for family stays and events at all times.

Cooking and Serving

While the family is in residence there may be a requirement to cook and cater family meals, and other family events. Assistance can be brought in but will be the responsibility of the housekeeper to run the kitchen and serving as required.

Castle Maintenance

Working alongside other members of staff and the Estate Factor regular maintenance will be scheduled. However it will be the Housekeeper's responsibility to undertake the following :

• Internal window cleaning (external done by a contractor once a year).

• General cleaning of all rooms.

• Cleaning and polishing of any family belongings required

• Making and lighting of fires

• Check attics and rooms for leaks and manage ventilation.

• Polish of floors every 6 months

• Polish silver every 3 months

• Shopping for family when required

When the family are in residence the main jobs are as follows (please note this is not an extensive list):

• Set and clear tables for breakfasts

• Tidy bedrooms, make beds, clean all bathrooms daily.

• Check laundry baskets, wash anything required and iron including bedding and towels.

• Hoover and dust.

• Cooking when required

Requirements

• Valid UK Driver’s License

• No criminal record

Location

Lochnell Estate, Ledaig, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QT

For further information, please get in touch with Sophie Handley—Estate Factor on 07791 481 203 or Sophie@theestatesofficeargyll.com.

We are also willing to sponsor a Home Office visa.

This position will suit an experienced individual, or as one half of a couple where the Housekeeper's partner fulfills our other advertised role of Estate Foreman - see here.