Celia Harmston

Head of Private Households & Estates

Meet Celia, the expert behind Leaman Consulting’s Private Household & Estates Desk. With a degree in Primary Education and over 10 years’ experience within the industry she has a deep understanding of candidate quality in private residences. Her caring and professional approach ensures the right fit for you or your principal, whether you need a Housekeeper, Estate/House Manager, Butler, Driver, Chef or Domestic Couple.

Celia is experienced with adhoc roles and welcomes any staffing enquiries – your perfect candidates is just a conversation away.

For a confidential discussion of your needs, you can contact Celia direct at celia@leamanconsulting.com or by calling 020 3006 7888.

 
 

Browse Celia Harmston latest jobs

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£35,000 - £40,000

Job Title: Senior Gardener – Full-time, permanent. Live out.

Salary: £30k – 40k depending on experience.

 Location: Private Estate, near Banbury. 

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a senior gardener to join our small team looking after the beautiful gardens of an organically certified, private estate in North Oxfordshire.

The sixteen acres of estate gardens and wider grounds that surround the sixteenth-century manor house, have been well known for many years going through different phases of ownership and have been photographed and featured in many high level publications.  A recent change of ownership has brought impetus for new direction and redesign across the estate, with new landscape designs led by a well knwon landscaping studio. It is an exciting time to join us at a formative stage of the garden’s development.

 

The gardens comprise of ornamental gardens, an orchard, a productive walled garden and glasshouse, cutting gardens, gravel garden, nuttery, wildflower meadows, pond and wetland, flowering tree and shrub walk; the overall character is naturalistic alongside formal hedging, lawns and topiary providing structure.

 

We are looking for an outstanding, passionate, experienced and skilled gardener who will thrive in a rich and diverse horticultural environment, who is a genuine plantsperson, with the plant knowledge and practice to tend to detailed border schemes. This person will also have a great work ethic and will work tidily and professionally at all times. As a small team we are also looking for someone with a positive outlook who enjoys working with others, who can take direction from the Head Gardener, but it is also essential that you are happy to also work for long periods on your own. Due to the size of the team you must have the experience, capability, and self-motivation to consistently work to a high level routinely, without supervision.

The estate is managed according to organic principles and the existing gardeners share the owners’ passion for regenerative methods of managing landscape, promoting biodiversity and exploring and developing methods to garden with sensitivity to nature and the wider landscape, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the ornamental gardens are kept to the highest standard. Previous experience in organic gardening techniques would be a plus but is not essential.

 Additionally, a cut flower business is run from the estate grounds and the new gardener will be required to assist in the maintenance of the cutting gardens as directed by the Head Gardener. A real interest and curiosity for growing cut flowers would be a plus.

 

Essential Skills

  • Excellent gardener with a minimum of three years in a similar level role in a similar context – private or historic estate. 
  • Excellent and demonstrable plant knowledge. 
  • High level border work, working with attention to detail and craft in border maintenance work. 
  • Excellent pruning skills - competency in this area with a range of perennial plants, shrubs and climbers. 
  • Demonstrable experience in the routine annual maintenance of hedges; lawns; areas of hard-landscaping; assistance with the care of the wildflower meadows. Ability to keep these to an excellent standard. 
  • Experience using power tools for garden maintenance, including hedge-trimming and strimming. 
  • Experience in productive gardening: vegetable & soft fruit production
  • You will ideally have at least a level 3 horticultural qualification in addition to the required professional experience.

 Desired Skills 

  • Experience in producing organic cut flowers a plus, including picking and conditioning flowers (training can be given in this area). 
  • Management skills - on occasion you will be required to work with freelance gardeners at busy times of the year, and in the absence of the Head Gardener you will need to be responsible for managing any freelance gardeners on site. 

 

Routine Hours: 8am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, however flexibility will be required on occasion as will occasional weekend working. 

Reports to: Head Gardener & Estate Manager

Full Details
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£45000.00 - £55000 per annum


We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housekeeper/Cook to join a busy household on a full-time basis. Located just a 10-minute walk from the station, this lovely Mews house is home to a friendly mid-30s couple and their Goldendoodle dog.
The ideal candidate will be confident in cooking Indian cuisine. This is a live-out position with a flexible work schedule, primarily from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Cooking
    • Prepare and cook meals (lunch and dinner mostly) for the couple.
    • Batch-cook when requested.
    • Plan and execute a variety of informal dishes, considering dietary preferences and restrictions.
    • Ensure all meals are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
    • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
  • Housekeeping
    • Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of the house, ensuring all areas are tidy and well-kept.
    • Handle laundry, ironing, and wardrobe management.
    • Assist with household errands and shopping as needed.
  • Pet Care
    • Be comfortable and friendly with dogs, providing basic care and companionship to the goldendoodle.



Requirements

  • Proven experience as a cook, particularly in Indian cuisine.
  • Strong housekeeping skills with attention to detail.
  • Must be dog-friendly and comfortable with pets.
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
  • Reliable and trustworthy with a positive attitude.
  • Flexibility with working hours and occasional weekend availability.
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions (Principal has an allergy to cucumbers)


Job Title: Full-Time Housekeeper/Cook
Location: St John's Wood, London
Start Date: ASAP
Days and Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm
Salary: £45 - 55K GPA, depending on experience
Pets: Yes, a dog (Goldendoodle)
Requirements: Confident in Indian cuisine

Full Details
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£45 to 55K GPA, depending on experience

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housekeeper/Cook to join a busy household on a full-time basis. Located just a 10-minute walk from the station, this lovely Mews house is home to a friendly mid-30s couple and their Goldendoodle dog. 

The ideal candidate will be confident in cooking Indian cuisine. This is a live-out position with a flexible work schedule, primarily from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Cooking
    • Prepare and cook meals (lunch and dinner mostly) for the couple. 
    • Batch-cook when requested.
    • Plan and execute a variety of informal dishes, considering dietary preferences and restrictions.
    • Ensure all meals are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
    • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
  • Housekeeping
    • Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of the house, ensuring all areas are tidy and well-kept.
    • Handle laundry, ironing, and wardrobe management.
    • Assist with household errands and shopping as needed.
  • Pet Care
    • Be comfortable and friendly with dogs, providing basic care and companionship to the goldendoodle.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a cook, particularly in Indian cuisine.
  • Strong housekeeping skills with attention to detail.
  • Must be dog-friendly and comfortable with pets.
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
  • Reliable and trustworthy with a positive attitude.
  • Flexibility with working hours and occasional weekend availability.
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions (Principal has an allergy to cucumbers)

 

Job Title: Full-Time Housekeeper/Cook

Location: St John's Wood, London

Start Date: ASAP

Days and Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm

Salary: £45 – 55K GPA, depending on experience

Pets: Yes, a dog (Goldendoodle)

Requirements: Confident in Indian cuisine

Full Details
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£50000.00 - £55000 per annum

A distinguished family based in London is seeking an experienced and professional Chauffeur to join their household team. The role involves driving and maintaining a fleet of five luxury vehicles, though a Bentley would be the main car in use. The family splits their time between London and other locations, though your primary responsibility will be London-based.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Safely and punctually driving family members to various locations within London.
  • Primarily driving the senior members of the family during the summer months.
  • Occasionally transporting the younger members of the family for shopping and other activities.
  • Ensuring all vehicles are meticulously maintained, cleaned, and serviced regularly.
  • Demonstrating flexibility with working hours to accommodate the family's needs.
  • Providing courteous, professional, and discreet service at all times.


Requirements:

  • Proven experience as a Chauffeur, preferably with high-profile families or individuals.
  • Excellent driving skills with a clean driving record.
  • A good understanding of English to effectively communicate with the family and other staff members.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of London's Road networks and traffic patterns.
  • Discretion, reliability, and a professional demeanour.
  • Ability to work flexibly and manage time effectively, including compensatory time off for any extra hours worked.


This role presents an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and professional Chauffeur to work within a prestigious household.

  • Job Title: Chauffeur
  • Location: London (W1G)
  • Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 GPA
  • Working Hours: 45 hours per week flexibility (If extra hours are required, time in lieu will be provided)
  • Start Date: Aug/Sept
Full Details
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Negotiable

Live-Out Housekeeper/Nanny Position in Belgravia
Location: Belgravia, London
Household: 2 adults, 4 school age children Large 4-bedroom house over 5 floors including a basement
Salary: £42,000 - £45,000 per annum 
Starting ASAP
Hours: Monday to Friday 40-45 hours a week

Our wonderful American client has recently relocated to London from Sussex and is seeking a dedicated and experienced Live-Out Housekeeper/Nanny for their new home in Belgravia. This role primarily involves housekeeping duties with some childcare responsibilities for the boys once home from school.

Responsibilities:
Housekeeping: Work as part of a small team to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organisation throughout the house. Duties include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and general tidying.
Laundry: Handle washing, ironing, and care for delicate fabrics such as cashmere and other high-quality materials.
Grocery Shopping: Run errands and pop to the grocery store as needed.
Childcare: Assist with picking up the boys from school occasionally and help with unpacking school bags. Be present and engaged with the children when they are home from school around 3 PM.

Experience:
- Previous experience in a similar role within an ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) household is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge and skills in caring for fine clothing and fabrics.
- Must be reliable, trustworthy, and capable of running the household independently.
 

Full Details
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Negotiable DOE

Position: Permanent

Start: Immediately

Location: Chelsea, SW3

Hours: Monday – Friday, 06:30 – 15:30

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 GPA / DOE

Holiday: 28 days (including Bank Holidays)

Working for a British/Swiss family with two children in Chelsea, Central London. The family have a busy lifestyle living and working in London and travelling internationally during the school holidays. The children are aged 6 and 9 and the family have a friendly Cockapoo. The household is energetic, lively, and informal.

 

THE ROLE

A loyal, hard-working, and organised individual is required to look after a five-bedroom property in the heart of Chelsea. The typical working hours will be 06:30 – 15:30, Monday to Friday. The role will include housekeeping duties such as household management and organisation, daily cleaning and tidying, deep cleaning, and keeping on top of all laundry. A driver is not essential and holiday travel will rarely be required.

 

RESPONSIBILTIES & DUTIES

Housekeeping

- General household cleaning and tidying (keeping the home well-kept, neat, and organised)

- Daily cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms and maintaining living spaces

- Deep cleaning (incl. frequent cleaning of the ovens etc.)

- Making and changing all beds within the home

- All hoovering, dusting and polishing furniture and décor

- Cleaning the inside of windows

 

Laundry

- Assuming full charge of household laundry, ironing, and wardrobe management

- Having knowledge of a wide range of textiles and their specific care instructions

- Mending clothing (tears, buttons, hems) and sewing children’s name tapes

- Hand washing and handling stain removal

- Familiarity with eco-friendly, non-toxic cleansers and detergents

 

Household Management/General

- Preparing and cooking family meals as and when required

- Purchasing and re-ordering housekeeping and laundry supplies

- House management (liaising with the family Assistant regarding all property maintenance)

- Running errands (post office, dry cleaning, etc.)

- Organising the home (creating, labelling, and maintaining effective cupboard systems, etc.)

- Answering the door and receiving deliveries

- Watering household plants and flower arranging

- Occasional dog walking (the family employ a dog walker)

- Packing overnight bags for weekends away and/or holidays

- Infrequent evening babysitting (always agreed in advance)

- Infrequently accompanying the family on holidays (always agreed in advance)

 

The family are looking for a professional, discreet, energetic, and proactive housekeeper, with

significant experience. The right candidate will have a can-do attitude and great initiative.

 

The ideal Housekeeper will have:

- Several years private household experience in the same or similar sized home

- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail

- Flexible regarding the tasks which they are required to complete

- A positive, proactive, trustworthy, and responsible attitude

- Discretion and loyalty

- A strong work ethic and good time management skills

- Excellent communication skills and good command of the English language

- Must be eligible to work in UK

- Non-smoker is essential

- Checkable references

- An enhanced DBS check will be completed for any successful applicants

 

*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£40000.00 - £45000 per annum (or hourly if part time)

Housekeeper Cook / PA (Full time or Part Time)

Location: Fulham, SW6
Start date: End of June 2024 (1-2 weeks handover with current nanny/housekeeper)
Salary: Depends on which schedule is worked
Hours: Full time OR Part Time

Our client is looking for a proactive and experienced housekeeper cook who is able to take on some household & personal admin duties as well. The Principal often travels once a month for work and at those times the housekeeper will need to be able to stay overnight (up to 5 nights) to supervise her teenage daughter (15 years old). They also have a friendly family cat!

The client is happy to consider 2 working schedules:

Option 1:
2/2.30pm - 7/7.30pm Monday to Friday with ability to work full time/sole care once a month up to 5 nights when the client travels with work. Salary £25 gross per hour overtime.

Option 2:
Full time 8-10 hours a day with ability to work full time/sole care once a month up to 5 nights when the client travels with work. £42,000 - £45,000 GPA.

Role Overview:
The family have had the same nanny employed for 8 years who is moving on, and as their daughter is older the role has now changed.
As the Housekeeper Cook/Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in running the household smoothly. From top to bottom, you will oversee all aspects of housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, and ironing. Cooking, with special attention to a nut allergy. Additionally, you will handle personal admin tasks, errands, and the receipt of deliveries, organising repairs, MOT and anything else required to ensure the home is ran at a high standard.

Key Responsibilities:
- Manage household operations efficiently, acting as the backbone of the home
- Provide attentive care for the 15 year old, including meal preparation, oversight of her activities & occasional school runs.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the house, ensuring everything is in top condition
- Handle laundry, ironing, and any necessary daily tidying tasks
- Undertake personal admin duties and run errands as needed
- Receive and organise deliveries promptly and efficiently
- Drive for occasional school pickups from Hammersmith and run errands & ensuring the car is well-maintained.

Requirements:
- Prior experience in a similar role with excellent references
- A super dependable and proactive nature, with a smart approach to problem-solving
- Valid driver's license and experience driving an automatic car, with a clean driving record
- Ability to work autonomously and take initiative in managing household tasks
- Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and occasional longer hours
- Comfortable with overnight stays when the principal is travelling for work
- Respectful, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality
- A warm and nurturing personality with a genuine passion for family and home

Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive salary in the range of 45-50K gross, commensurate with experience
- Opportunity for long-term employment (the current candidate has been there 8 years!)
- Opportunity to become an integral part of our family and household

*We cannot guarantee a response to every application*
 

Full Details
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Up to £100,000 per annum DOE

Estate Manager High Profile Client in London

We are looking for a super switched on and proactive Estate Manager to work at a very high level overseeing the operations and maintenance of homes in the UK and Italy for a High Profile UHNW client in North London.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership qualities, exceptional organisational skills, and a keen attention to detail and delivering high standards at all time. As the Estate Manager, you will be responsible for managing staff, overseeing property maintenance, and ensuring the overall smooth operation of the home in conjunction with the principal and other team members.

 

Responsibilities to include:

 

Property Management:

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the estate, including maintenance, repairs, and improvements.
  • Conduct regular inspections to ensure the property is well-maintained and adheres to safety standards.
  • Coordinate with contractors and vendors for necessary repairs and renovations.

 

Staff Management:

  • Recruit, train, and supervise estate staff including groundskeepers, maintenance workers, and housekeeping staff.
  • Develop and implement schedules to ensure adequate coverage and efficient workflow.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to staff members.

 

Financial Management:

  • Establish, develop and manage the estate budget, including expenses for maintenance, staff salaries, and supplies.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness.
  • Monitor expenses and identify areas for cost savings.

 

Security and Safety:

  • Implement security protocols to safeguard the estate and its occupants.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and emergency procedures.
  • Oversee the installation and maintenance of security systems.

 

Guest Services:

  • Coordinate guest arrivals and departures, ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Address guest enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
  • Maintain guest accommodations to the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort.

 

Administrative Duties:

  • Maintain accurate records of property maintenance, expenses, and staff schedules.
  • Prepare reports for estate owners or management as needed.
  • Handle administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, responding to emails, and managing correspondence.

 

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field (preferred).
  • Proven experience as an Estate Manager or similar role, with a minimum of 5

years in property management for an UHNW/VIP/High profile client.

  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
  • Knowledge of property maintenance best practices and safety regulations.
  • Familiarity with budgeting and financial management principles.
  • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Some understanding of the Italian language a bonus.

 

Starting: Interviews now with the view to an ASAP start

Hours: Monday - Friday TBD, with flexibility

Salary: £80,000 - £120,000 will depend on experience and background

 

*This role has now been filled*

Full Details