Governess
The housekeeper of an affluent private residence is responsible for the daily management of the home. She oversees the household staff, organizes cleaning and maintenance tasks, ensures the cleanliness and proper functioning of the house, and coordinates services to guarantee the comfort and well-being of the residents. She may also handle supplier relations, meal planning, and guest reception, all while maintaining a high level of discretion and professionalism.
Majordome
The Majordome holds a particularly vital role in supporting his employers. He primarily works within private townhouses to fulfill various requests. As the main point of contact, he interacts regularly with managers, the management team, and all staff members of the private residence. He coordinates the different services offered, such as laundry, pet care, chauffeur, or head chef. He must be capable of responding promptly or even anticipating needs, acting efficiently at all times. Often familiar with his employers’ tastes and habits, he implements tailored services to meet their preferences. Versatility is a key strength in this role, as the butler manages all requests with discretion while remaining sufficiently present to be indispensable.
Chef
The private household chef plays a vital role in maintaining a refined and comfortable living environment. He designs and prepares meals tailored to the tastes, habits, and specific requirements of his employers, while adhering to hygiene and safety standards. With a strong sense of service, he must demonstrate creativity in crafting a varied, balanced, and sophisticated menu, always attentive to the family’s preferences and dietary restrictions. Discreet and professional, he also manages sourcing fresh ingredients, organizes the kitchen operations, and ensures the presentation of dishes is impeccable. His ability to anticipate needs and uphold a high culinary standard makes him a key contributor to the comfort and lifestyle of his employers.
Estate Manager
The Estate Manager is the professional responsible for overseeing all of a wealthy owner’s properties. His role involves ensuring the optimal management of multiple residences, whether primary, secondary, or rental properties. He coordinates and supervises maintenance, security, staff, and overall upkeep, ensuring each property remains in impeccable condition and functions smoothly. With a sharp sense of organization, he plans and optimizes every aspect of property management while respecting the preferences and requirements of his employers. Discreet, efficient, and highly personable, he acts as a vital link between the owner, service providers, and staff, guaranteeing a high level of excellence and absolute confidentiality. His ability to anticipate needs, resolve issues swiftly, and maintain an impeccable environment makes him a key player in managing his clients’ real estate assets.
Lady s Maid
In a private residence, the housekeeper plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, tidy, and comfortable environment. Depending on the employer’s needs, they work predetermined hours, ranging from a few hours a day to several times a week. Their tasks, defined in advance, are varied and require rigor, discretion, and professionalism. Discreet, organized, and reliable, this professional contributes to the well-being of the residents by ensuring an impeccable and harmonious living environment.
House manager
A luxury house manager must possess exceptional organizational skills. He or she is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all activities and events within the property, effectively managing staff schedules. The primary goal is to ensure seamless operations and flawless organization of the residence.Effective management and leadership of a diverse team are at the core of this role. The house manager must recruit, train, supervise, and motivate household staff—including housekeepers, gardeners, chauffeurs, chefs, and other personnel. Conflict resolution, fostering a positive working environment, and team cohesion are essential qualities.Flexibility, adaptability, and quick thinking in response to unforeseen situations are vital. The needs and expectations of owners of luxury estates can change rapidly; therefore, the house manager must be able to adjust plans and actions accordingly while maintaining an impeccable level of service, discretion, and professionalism
Couple
The domestic couple, also known as the residence couple, plays a key role in the day-to-day management of a high-end private home. This duo offers a range of services, which may include combinations such as butler and housekeeper, handyman and housekeeper, butler and private chef, or other configurations tailored to the residence’s needs. Their primary mission is to ensure the upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance of the property’s high standards. They ensure adherence to quality standards, supervise and manage household staff, coordinate with contractors, and oversee their work. Depending on the needs, they may also be responsible for planning and organizing social events. Managing pets, including feeding, veterinary care, and walks, may also fall under their responsibilities. This role is typically based in the primary residence (« live-in »), and their direct line of command may be the executive assistant or the employer.
Chauffeur
The private house chauffeur provides safe, discreet, and elegant transportation for family members or guests. He ensures a refined, punctual drive tailored to confidentiality and comfort standards. Often responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle, he also monitors its condition and cleanliness. Discreet, professional, and trustworthy, he embodies the refinement and hospitality of the residence, delivering personalized and efficient service according to the family’s needs.
Tutor
The tutor is a highly educated individual specialized in one or more specific subjects. His or her primary role is to provide personalized education to children or adults, either individually or in groups, as a supplement to the traditional educational system.Private tutoring aims to help students improve their skills in a particular subject, such as a second language, or to assist high-achieving students in reaching new academic levels. It can also support learners facing difficulties by slowing their pace of learning to ensure better comprehension.The tutor works closely with the employer or parents, tailoring teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student. Discreet, pedagogical, and adaptable, the tutor is dedicated to fostering success and confidence in their protégés.
Gardener
The gardener, head gardener, and outdoor maintenance staff play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the beauty of the exterior spaces of a luxury private residence. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the health, vitality, and aesthetic appeal of the garden, lawns, flower beds, as well as trees and shrubs.Their expertise includes the proper use of insecticides, herbicides, and various chemicals, strictly adhering to safety and environmental standards. They are also responsible for maintaining greenhouses, if present, and managing the procurement of plants and necessary materials.They supervise and coordinate the work of contractors or subcontractors, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met. Depending on the property, they may also be tasked with pool maintenance, including cleaning, water treatment, and preventing damage.These professionals work closely with the house manager, the executive assistant, or directly with the employer. They pay careful attention to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the outdoor environment. Discreet, efficient, and committed to sustainability, they help maintain an exceptional outdoor setting.
Bodyguard
Alone or in a team, the bodyguard or close protection agent (CPA) ensures the safety of VIPs (very important person) during their professional or private trips by respecting precise procedures, with discretion and in strict compliance with the law.
Pilot
The pilot of a private aircraft or boat plays a vital role in managing and ensuring the safety of their employer’s travels. Their technical expertise, precision, and ability to handle emergencies guarantee safe, comfortable, and discreet journeys.
They are responsible for planning routes, overseeing navigation or flying operations, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The pilot must be thoroughly familiar with the aircraft’s or vessel’s equipment, conduct regular checks, and anticipate any unforeseen issues during the voyage.In the case of private aviation, the pilot may be assisted by a crew comprising co-pilots, flight attendants, or stewards, whose role is to ensure passenger comfort, safety, and onboard service.The pilot or crew collaborates closely with the owner or employer, maintaining discretion, professionalism, and responsiveness at all times. Their mission is to facilitate smooth, secure, and high-standard travel experiences.
