Wanted, a Mrs Hughes for £30k vacancy in Edinburgh
(Must be VERY discreet)
THE intriguing goings-on below stairs of Downton Abbey have become cult viewing for millions.
But the employment of servants, butlers and domestic staff was seen as essential by grand country estates and mansions.
Even today, it appears the super-rich are prepared to spend lavishly to recruit professional help who will ensure the smooth running of their homes.
A wealthy London couple are advertising for a housekeeper on a £30,000-a-year salary – for their second home.
The mystery pair urgently need a ‘discreet and loyal’ person to take on the role of a modern- day Mrs Hughes, the Argyll-born head housekeeper portrayed in I TV’s awardwinning drama Downton by Scots actress Phyllis Logan.
Her job will be to look after their property in Edinburgh, where they spend only ten days a month. The successful applicant must be confident about caring for antiques and artwork and have knowledge of ‘dealing with designer clothing’.
The housekeeper duties will include keeping an eye on a third property which the couple are planning to buy in Edinburgh to let.
One expert in 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 London. The firm describes itself as ‘specialising in the placement of experienced and committed private staff for both UK-based a nd i nt e r nati o nal homes and properties’.
But yesterday a consultant from Marshall Harber said: ‘Our client is a very private person who has chosen discretion and privacy.
‘They would not be very happy with a newspaper article being written about the vacancy.’
However, the advert for the job, due to start in March, 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 ten 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.’
It adds: ‘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 cl othing and, in particular, male wardrobe, is necessary.’
It is understood the couple have two dogs that travel with them, so it is essential that the new recruit is ‘pet-friendly’.
The advertisement reveals they are also in the process of acquiring a second property which will be let on a short-term basis.
The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the ‘turnaround 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 Edinburghbased Investment Property Agency, said: ‘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.’
I n Downton Abbey, Elsie Hughes works alongside her fiancé butler Charles Carson, played by Jim Carter, on the Granthams’ grand Georgian estate.
But perhaps the most celebrated and lovable housekeeper appeared on the big screen.
Comic genius Robin Williams, who died last year, will long be remembered for his role as Mrs Doubtfire in the hit comedy in which he disguises himself as a matronly Scottish housekeeper in order to keep an eye on his ex-wife and children.
‘Client is a very private person’ ‘Confident with antiques’