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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£45000.00 - £50000 per annum DOE

Head Housekeeper in the Cotswolds
Location:
Cotswolds, Nr Moreton-In-Marsh
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum (DOE)
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9.30am/10am - 5pm. (There is flexibility with working hours, however when in residence the principals would like all staff to finish before 5pm and not start prior to 9am).

The Principals travel frequently, so whilst there is downtime, there will also be the a deep cleaning schedule in place during these periods.

The Principals are a high profile family who value their privacy. They have strong values when it comes to ecology and biodiversity, so it is essential the housekeeper has thorough knowledge of environmentally friendly cleaning practices utilising environmentally friendly, non toxic cleaning products at all times.

The property is a large new-build property, due for completion in August 2025. It has been built to an exceptionally high standard sent in a wonderful countryside setting.
Initially you will be the sole-housekeeper joining a small friendly team of approximately 5 staff including a chef, estate manager, gardener and PA. As the estate develops with the planned addition of a guest house and further residence on site there will be scope for an additional housekeeper or the cleaners for which the head housekeeper will be responsible.

There is a wonderful dedicated staff area, where you can take your breaks. This includes its own entrance along with kitchen, bathroom and lounge area.

Responsibilities & duties include:
- Perform daily cleaning tasks including dusting, vacuuming, mopping all surfaces.
- Launder clothing and linen. (No ironing required!)
- Coordinate with Estate Manager to ensure household supplies are well-stocked.
- Manage deliveries.
- Maintain organisation and cleanliness throughout the home, highlighting any maintenance or DIY issues to the Estate Manager.
- Manage bins, recycling, and dishwashing duties.
- Undertaking deep cleaning tasks during downtime.
- Care for house plants and arrange fresh flowers from deliveries.
- Provide attentive care to luxury and specialist materials and ensure eco-friendly cleaning practices are followed.

Requirements:
- Previous experience as a Housekeeper in a similar private household environment.
- Discretion is essential. Both principals are high profile individuals, however they like to maintain a high degree of privacy when home.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks efficiently.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Discretion and professionalism when dealing with sensitive information and household matters.
- Familiarity with eco-friendly cleaning products and practices preferred.
- Strong communication skills and ability to liaise effectively with other staff and the principals.

Benefits:
- 45-50k salary
- Discretional annual bonus
- Annual salary review
- Onsite parking
- 25 days holiday
- Flexibility around working hours (to accommodate childcare etc).

*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£55000 - £60000 per annum DOE

Full-Time Live-Out Chef / Household Assistant - Chelsea, SW3
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:00-20:00 | Salary: 55K-60K DOE | Start: ASAP
Our returning clients, are seeking a talented Chef to joint their welcoming, informal household in Chelsea. This is a family of 4 and a friendly Cockapoo! The role is 80% chef 20% household assistant.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan weekly menus in consultation with the principals
  • Plan and cook healthy, seasonal meals (lunch dinners) with a preference for Mediterranean/Asian flavours
  • Provide healthy snacks and light bites throughout the day, and as household stock
  • Bake fresh bread regularly for the household and freezer
  • Maintain a clean, well-organised kitchen
  • Prepare weekend meals in advance and cater occasional dinner parties
  • Support with light household duties and errands assisting the housekeeper when needed
  • Occasionally assist with children when parents are out
  • Maintain a proactive, flexible, and helpful approach to ensure the smooth running of the household, especially during busy periods


Ideal Candidate:

  • Experienced in private households
  • Passionate about fresh, nutritious cooking
  • Proactive, trustworthy, and flexible
  • Excellent English and strong communication skills
  • Enhanced DBS, clean driving licence, and checkable references required
  • A more detailed job description can be provided to shortlisted candidates


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£60000.00 - £70000 per annum negotiable DOE

Estate/Property Manager - London & New Forest (Private UHNW Family)
Location: Based in South London with regular travel across London and to the New Forest
Salary: £60,000-£70,000 DOE fuel reimbursement
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (occasional weekend flexibility required)
Start: ASAP
Driving: Must have own car

We are looking for a switched-on, dynamic and highly competent Estate/Property Manager to join a well-established UHNW household. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on, straight-talking professional who thrives on structure, takes real ownership, and brings solid experience managing multiple private residences.
The successful candidate will oversee the smooth operation of five properties in South London and a new estate in the New Forest, due for completion in November.
This role will suit a well-presented, organised and communicative candidate who is confident reporting directly to the principal, and liaising with the Private PA and London based House Manager. You will enjoy balancing practical maintenance with high-level oversight and staffing coordination.


The role combines elements of facilities management, staff supervision, budgeting, and hands-on problem-solving, with the need for discretion, diplomacy, and high standards.

Key Responsibilities:
Property Management

  • Daily oversight of five private London properties (including main house, gym/residence, family homes, storage, and staff quarters)
  • Weekend/holiday-use estate in the New Forest
  • Regular travel between sites

Maintenance & Systems

  • Conduct regular inspections of all properties (interior and exterior) to ensure they are in excellent condition.
  • Arrange and oversee all planned and reactive maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and safety regulations (gas, fire, electrical, insurance, etc.).
  • Maintain maintenance logs, warranties, and service contracts.
  • Ensure household manuals and SOPs are up to date and followed.
  • Ensuring all systems are functioning smoothly across sites
  • Ensure alarms, CCTV, entry systems, and smart home technology are maintained and functioning.

Contractor & Budget Oversight

  • Arrange and oversee contractors across properties
  • Manage quotes, budgets, and timelines
  • Source and manage third-party contractors, negotiating contracts and ensuring quality work.
  • Oversee inventories and ensure properties are well-equipped and maintained

Country Property

  • Support completion of the new estate (Nov 2025): staffing, gardeners, utilities, and setup
  • Ongoing management of the estate post-completion

Staffing & Coordination

  • Oversee household staff and support any recruitment or scheduling
  • Liaise closely with family PA and other team members as needed


The Ideal Candidate:

  • Switched on, well-spoken and well-presented
  • Longevity in previous relevant roles
  • Highly organised with strong common sense and great attention to detail
  • Confident, straight-laced and comfortable liaising with the principal on practical matters
  • Practical and hands on, with knowledge and a can-do attitude
  • Excellent communicator with a calm, professional approach
  • Driver with own car (essential - petrol reimbursed)


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£23 - £25 per hour (gross)


Live out Housekeeper required 3 days a week for a fully staffed home in Holland Park. This is a newly renovated 5 bed family home with 2 adults and 2 children. There are other staff employed including a chef, nannies, and private PA. The role is to start as soon as the family find the right person!

Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8.30am/9am - 5pm
Salary: £23-25 gross per hour

It is essential that the housekeeper has experience in UHNW households, handling fine fabrics, furniture and valuables. someone incredibly trustworthy who has shown longevity in previous roles. The housekeeper needs to be confident, with an eye for detail and who takes pride and care in their work.
Professional but informal personality with fluent spoken English.

Duties:

  • All general housekeeping duties, cleaning, laundry, maintaining organised cupboards/wardrobes.
  • The family are looking for a housekeeper with initiative and a collaborative attitude who is happy to run occasional errands (i.e. nipping out to pick up small amounts of groceries, drop off/pick up dry cleaning etc. There are grocers, butchers, dry cleaners etc. all within a 5 minute walk from the property).
  • Maintaining marble and natural stone etc
  • Flagging any maintenance issues to the Private PA or arranging directly with gardener/handy man where appropriate.
  • Allowing access to guests of family and tradesmen etc.
  • Always ensuring that the property is presentable and ready for the family to arrive at short notice.
  • The family are based between London, Edinburgh and Los Angeles so there will be periods where house is vacant allowing the housekeeper to get on top of deep cleaning, organising etc.

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

Full Details
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£45000 - £55000 per annum DOE accommodation

Housekeeper (Live-In or Live-Out) - Kensington
A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and professional Housekeeper to join a respected family in Kensington. This role is ideal for an experienced individual who thrives in a small, close-knit team, enjoys a hands-on approach to cleaning, and can manage tasks independently. The family values respect, longevity, and a harmonious working environment.

About the Role:

  • Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 6:00/7:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Salary live in: £45,000 - £50,000 per year
  • Salary live out: £50,000 DOE
  • Main Duties:
    • Hands-on cleaning, laundry, and ironing
    • Managing stock and organising household items
    • Proactively anticipating and addressing the families needs
    • Deep cleaning when the family is away
    • Overseeing the work of a part-time cleaner (3 days a week)
    • Coordination of contractors and deliveries

  • Occasional Tasks:
    • Light cooking and preparation, if needed (not a requirement but preferred)
    • Serving at informal family events (drinks and light serving)


Accommodation if Live in:

  • Self-contained apartment within the main residence with a separate entrance, including a kitchen, living area, and small terrace.


About You:
You will be a motivated and energetic individual, comfortable working independently and with a team. The family is looking for someone with excellent attention to detail who can maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation. Flexibility is key, as there may be times when you need to step in and assist with other household duties when team members are unavailable.
You'll be comfortable working alongside children and have experience working in a similar role, ideally within a small team.

Key Attributes:

  • Experience in housekeeping and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness
  • A self-starter with excellent initiative
  • Friendly, proactive, and positive attitude
  • Able to work independently and as part of a small, close-knit team
  • Flexible and willing to assist in other areas when required (e.g., cooking and serving)
  • Comfortable working around children and overseeing a cleaner


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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 €60,000 per year (joint)

Live-in Domestic Couple – West Greece
Start Date: Beginning of May (handover with existing couple before)
Salary: €60,000 per year (joint)
Accommodation: Private, fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment (3-minute walk from main house)
Hours: Periods of full-time work when the family is in residence, followed by shorter hours when not in residence.
Benefits: Up to 8 weeks annual leave

An experienced live-in domestic couple is sought for a large private residence in the picturesque mountain village of Papingo, Greece. The property is a newly built 800 sqm home, serving as a second winter residence for a young family with two children. The family resides in Athens and visit during the winter months including Christmas & Easter and will be rarely used during the Summer. While in residence, they bring their other staff including nannies and cook, and they have two dogs that accompany them.

Requirements:

  • Previous experience working in a similar role in private households or estates
  • Fluent English (Greek or other languages a plus)
  • Must have an EU passport/right to work in the EU
  • Must be comfortable with an autonomous role and part-time residence of principals
  • No dependants (small rural village, no schools nearby)
  • Child-friendly and pet-friendly
  • Strong references required


Responsibilities:

  • All high level cleaning, laundry, ironing, and basic cooking
  • Managing small household expenses (supermarket shopping, household supplies)
  • General house maintenance & basic DIY tasks
  • Overseeing the garden and liaising with external gardeners and contractors
  • Tech-savvy (comfortable handling new technology and smart home systems)
  • Managing and maintaining two swimming pools
  • Driving (car provided for errands and personal use)


The Role:

  • The couple will work independently, ensuring the home is well-maintained and ready for the family’s visits
  • Flexibility is required to accommodate the family’s varying schedule
  • When the family is not in residence, the couple will have more personal time and will be trusted to undertake their tasks in a timely manner


This is an excellent opportunity for a professional couple seeking a long-term role in a stunning rural location. The current couple, who are Greek, are leaving due to the isolated setting, so applicants should be comfortable living in a small village.

*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£45000.00 - £55000 per annum Depending on living arrangments


Job Title: Private Estate Night Security Officer
Location: Berkshire
Salary: £45,000- £55,000 Depending on whether live in or live out
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM Monday to Friday

Our UHNW client is seeking a security officer to provide vigilant and professional overnight security for a large private estate, ensuring the safety of the main residence, outbuildings, entrance points, and extensive grounds including woodland and lakes. The estate is approx 450 acres but the majority of the focus for this role will be spent around the main residence and gardeners barn area.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct regular patrols of the estate perimeter and grounds throughout the night (patrol vehicle provided).
  • Monitor and operate security systems including CCTV, alarms and access controls.
  • Respond promptly to unusual activity, alarms, or emergencies, following appropriate protocols.
  • Ensure all buildings, outbuildings, and access points are secure during the night.
  • Manage and log any visitors or vehicles accessing the property.
  • Carry out routine inspections of security lighting, doors, windows, and structures.
  • Liaise with emergency services as required.
  • Report incidents, safety concerns or maintenance issues to the Estate Manager.
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold the privacy and safety of all estate occupants.


THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Previous experience in a similar role on a private estate.
  • Observant, and proactive.
  • Comfortable working alone overnight with a strong sense of responsibility.
  • Technologically confident - able to operate modern security and surveillance systems.
  • Professional, discrete, and trustworthy.
  • Holds a valid UK driving licence.
  • Holds a valid SIA licence.
  • Enhanced DBS check will be required.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Accommodation if live in: A three-bedroom cottage within the grounds of the estate. There is a large rear garden, and private parking. Partners and well-behaved pets are welcome.
  • Equipment Provided: Uniform and a dedicated security patrol vehicle for use on the estate.
  • Estate office-based during the night shift.



*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£80000.00 - £90000 per annum DOE Accommodation provided

Couple Required for Private Family Estate Somerset - Live-In Position
Salary: £80,000-£90,000 per annum (DOE)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a professional, experienced, and proactive couple to manage a beautiful private family estate in Somerset. This is a full-time, live-in position offering responsibility for the day-to-day running, upkeep, and presentation of a recently renovated 6-bedroom country home, three guest cottages, pool, gardens, and outbuildings.


The successful couple will be discreet, self-sufficient, and detail-orientated, with prior experience working together running a second or principal residence for a UHNW family. The principals are primarily London-based and use the property as a weekend and holiday home. Flexibility is required to accommodate the family's schedule when in residence.

Hours:

  • Full-time: 5 days per week, 45 hours
  • Typically Monday-Friday with weekends off, unless family are in residence
  • Flexibility required when the family or guests are visiting


Accommodation for the couple:
A newly renovated one-bedroom cottage on the estate is provided. Due to the nature of the accommodation, this role is not suitable for candidates with pets or dependents. Non-smokers only please.
A full, clean UK driving licence is essential for both candidates.



Housekeeper / Cook:
You will be responsible for the smooth and immaculate running of the interior of the main house and cottages. Duties include:
Housekeeping & Household Management

  • Hands-on cleaning and maintenance of the interiors to a high standard
  • Care of fine furnishings, antiques, art, silver, china, and specialist finishes
  • Laundry, ironing, wardrobe management, and linens
  • Overseeing household systems: heating, security, intercom, and AV equipment
  • Running errands, managing stock, and maintaining household supplies

Cooking & Hospitality

  • Preparing fresh, nutritious meals for the family when they are in residence (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Confident with British and international cuisine
  • Occasional entertaining and dinner party support
  • Food shopping (local and online), menu planning, and occasional support for events

Guest & Household Support

  • Table setting and service
  • Wine cellar organisation
  • Greeting and assisting guests with professionalism and warmth


Groundsman / Estate Maintenance:
You will take a hands-on lead with all gardening, grounds, and general estate maintenance. A practical and safety-minded approach is essential. The role is outdoors-focused and physical, so you must be comfortable working outside.
Grounds & Garden Maintenance

  • Mowing, weeding, hedge trimming, and seasonal planting
  • Maintenance and use of garden machinery and hold the relevant certifications for operation (including ride-on mowers, chainsaws, strimmers)
  • Pool maintenance and furniture care
  • Keeping outdoor areas clean, safe, and presentable

Maintenance & DIY

  • General repairs and upkeep of buildings and estate structures
  • Daily checks on plant rooms, security systems, and fire systems
  • Managing tool inventory and liaising with contractors as needed
  • Car washing and care of luxury vehicles

Animal & Estate Care

  • Daily care of family dogs (feeding, walking, vet visits)
  • Keeping an eye on livestock in adjacent farmland (belonging to family)
  • Maintaining boundary fences and gates, monitoring for issues

Miscellaneous

  • Managing oil deliveries, log store, and wood chopping
  • Handling deliveries and refuse, including bin rotation
  • Emptying mouse traps and general property checks
  • Liaising directly with the family's PA to report issues and provide regular updates



*Please note that we cannot respond to every application*

Full Details
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£21-£23 gross per hour

Our client, a busy family living in Kensington are looking for an experienced and proactive housekeeper to join them on a live out basis, 3 days a week. Ideally Mon / Weds / Fri. You will provide an exptra paor of hands to the family and the full time housekeeper who has been with the family many years. You must be dog friendly as the family have 2 friendly little dogs!

Along side the other housekeeper your duties will include but not be limited to:

  • All high level housekeeping and cleaning daily
  • Use of specialist cleaning products on furniture or fabrics
  • Polishing silverware
  • Organising cupboards and pantry
  • Ensuring household supplies are always stocked
  • Grocery shopping and running errands when required
  • Happy to prepare light meals or drinks on occasion
  • Laundry tasks, including ironing
  • Flexibility to cover the full time housekeeper if she is sick or on holiday would be a bonus.

The family are looking for someone who has worked as a private housekeeper in high level homes with good checkable references.

They are looking for a housekeeper who loves their work, is friendly and enthusiastic. You will be passionate, hardworking and loyal.

Hours: Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 9am - 5pm or 8am - 4pm 
Location: Kensington W8
Salary: £21-£23 gross per hour


*You must be living in London already with the right to work in the UK*

*Please note we cannot respond to every application*

Full Details