During the Victorian Era, the domestic employee with the highest status in large estates was called the housekeeper. Back then several of the staff i.e. chamber maids and parlor maids were relegated to maintaining various rooms in the home. The head of the house maids would report to the housekeeper. Today with the rise of two working parents in middle class homes, housekeepers and nannies are in greater demand.

Housekeepers organize homes to insure easy access to their employer’s belongings. They may cook, do laundry, errands and child care as required. They keep the pantry stocked and replenish items for the bathrooms and linens as requested. Housekeepers tend to fine furniture, family heirlooms and valuables to maintain their value and beauty.

In large homes and estates today, although not usually considered the highest ranking domestic, the housekeeper is essential for keeping their employer’s homes meticulously clean and in pristine condition. Some housekeepers are employed to do hands on cleaning while Executive Housekeepers also direct and oversee their staff’s housekeeping duties.

Housekeepers Duties:

• Full Charge Housekeeping - Meticulous and well organized
• Wash/ dust/ vacuum/ laundry and ironing as required
• Experienced in handling fine fabrics, china, heirlooms and antiques
• Knows specific cleaning agents for fine furniture, marble and wood floors
• Runs errands/ keeps home well stocked
• May include formal and informal serving and cooking
• Childcare as needed