Our Next Domestic Couple Job in London

After a short break from domestic service, and with a glowing reference from Sir Robert at Allington Castle, Kirsten and I found our second role as a domestic couple in London's Mayfair district. From September 2012 to April 2015, we worked for a UK billionaire businessman and philanthropist. We were the first staff hired after he purchased the property, initially tasked with deep cleaning and preparing the house as a residence before his family moved in.

The property was reported in the press for its colossal size of 43,000 square feet—reportedly larger than the Royal Albert Hall. Its grand ballroom, one of the largest in a private house in the UK, was used as a venue for regular charity events. These high-profile occasions required precise planning and coordination involving additional staff from the principal’s other residences. Working on these events taught us invaluable skills in front-of-house, organisation, and teamwork. Meeting royalty and celebrities was surreal, offering us a glimpse into a world far removed from our own.

Immediately after we landed the job, the family left for a month-long holiday, leaving us to deep clean the property in preparation for their return and their first charity event. Before departing, the principal requested seating for 70 people at two long tables in the ballroom, specifying a certain width and instructing us to “make it happen.” The problem was that there were no tables of the correct size in the house, so we improvised, sourcing materials and building tabletops out of MDF ourselves and bolting them to trestle tables—an early test of our resourcefulness.

Our live-in accommodation was in our own wing in a neighbouring five-storey house connected to the main property by a long underground tunnel, which was dimly lit and reminiscent of the corridors in Kubrick's The Shining. The main house itself featured three lifts: the main one used by the family and guests was adorned with gold leaf, another hidden behind secret doors for staff, and a third for transporting catering supplies and groceries to the underground kitchens, which were large enough to accommodate multiple chefs.

My duties included front-of-house responsibilities, chauffeuring, and maintaining the seven-storey mansion, while Kirsten managed the interior and ensured everything ran smoothly. We also maintained two additional properties in the principal’s portfolio. One really enjoyable responsibility for us was creating seasonal flower box displays. Kirsten and I would start our day at dawn to visit the New Covent Garden Flower Market in Vauxhall. The resulting displays became a trendsetter on the street, sparking fierce competition among neighbouring embassies and businesses.

The block was an incredible location to live and work, surrounded by embassies with armed police, which made it feel extremely safe. The nearby restaurants, the Curzon cinema, and the West End parks were highlights during our downtime. Initially, we were the only live-in staff, working long hours when the family was in residence. During charity events and later, with the addition of Tom to our team, we worked alongside visiting live-in staff from the principal’s other properties. Tom quickly became like family, adding a sense of camaraderie within the household. Some friendly competition occasionally arose among staff from the various residences, and we were firmly convinced our property outshone the others in both grandeur and organisation.

When the family travelled, we had time to recharge and enjoy London, especially during the summer. The principal was very generous and once arranged a helicopter ride for us over Cape Town through his aviation connections as a gesture of appreciation for our efforts at his charity events.

What set this employer apart was his thoughtfulness. He always gave advance notice of his return, allowing us to prepare thoroughly without unnecessary stress.

We left the position due to lengthy planned refurbishments as documented in the video below, taking with us valuable skills, fond memories, and a strong reference, which read:

"Craig and Kirsten work well with all other employees. They are both loyal, genuine individuals who treated me, my family, and my guests with the utmost respect. They would be an asset to any other family/employer."

Our time at this property was demanding but rewarding, and we reflect on it with pride in what we achieved.