A warm and welcoming family based on St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and hands-on couple to join them for a rewarding, hardworking, and fun-filled role in a truly unique island setting. This is very much a long-term position, and the owners are looking for a hardworking and friendly couple who will become part of their happy family.

The gardens encompass approximately 6-acres surrounding the main house, boasting stunning coastal views. Elements within the garden include a productive kitchen garden with greenhouse which grows a variety of fresh produce for the main house, expansive formal lawns, cut flower garden, pool garden and beach front garden. Due to the island’s unique subtropical microclimate, experience with tropical and exotic plants is essential. The Isles support a rich and unusual variety of flora not typically found in mainland UK gardens, and an understanding of how to care for these species is key. From tender perennials to rare succulents and coastal plants, this role requires candidates with a keen eye for detail, a strong horticultural background, and a passion for working with diverse plant life in a truly distinctive environment.

Although the role is presented as a Gardener and Housekeeper, the principals are open to how the couple divide their workload, as long as the dynamic works, tasks are completed and done to a high standard. The position is extremely varied and enough to keep the successful candidates busy throughout the year. The role will be divided between two properties: the main residence, set within stunning, secluded gardens and featuring a swimming pool, and a charming two-bedroom rental cottage, which is let weekly from April to October with changeovers typically occurring on Fridays.

Within the gardens the role involves a variety of responsibilities, including general gardening tasks such as lawn care, hedge cutting, maintenance of the vegetable garden and greenhouse, pruning, compost management and swimming pool maintenance. Additional duties include, but are not limited to, window cleaning, rubbish and recycling removal, light property maintenance, and assisting with general housework and guest preparations. Responsibilities extend to cleaning guest accommodation to a high standard on changeover days, checking inventories to ensure the property is fully equipped, reporting maintenance issues, and greeting guests while assisting with their luggage.

The housekeeping aspect of the role involves supporting a busy family by helping to maintain a clean, organised, and well-kept home. Responsibilities include routine cleaning of all living spaces and bathrooms, managing laundry and linen care (including ironing and bed-making), and keeping the kitchen and communal areas neat with daily upkeep. The focus is on ensuring the home remains orderly and presentable at all times.

The ideal candidates will hold a full UK driving licence (or equivalent) and be practical, multi-skilled, and experienced in both property maintenance and gardening. A strong understanding of housekeeping is essential, along with the ability to maintain high standards, prioritise tasks independently, and work without supervision. The role requires physical fitness, a passion for outdoor work, and excellent attention to detail. A positive, flexible attitude and the ability to adapt to a wide range of tasks and seasonal demands are crucial. Proficiency with hand and power tools—including tractors, lawnmowers, strimmers, and hedge trimmers—is required, while chainsaw experience and basic skills in car maintenance, plumbing, electrical work, or joinery would be advantageous. The candidate must be consistently hardworking, enthusiastic, and possess good English communication skills.

The Isles of Scilly offer a peaceful and unique escape unlike anywhere else in England. St Martin’s, the most westerly inhabited island, is a hidden gem with sweeping beaches, rocky coves, and clear waters perfect for snorkelling, swimming, or leisurely walks along the coast. Despite its tranquillity, it has excellent dining options, a pub, a shop, and a 5-star hotel. Nearby St Mary’s, the largest island, provides more amenities including pubs, restaurants, shops, healthcare, sports facilities, and cultural spots, all within a small, welcoming community.

Comfortable, private accommodation is provided in a fully furnished one-bedroom barn conversion. The property includes a spacious open-plan kitchen, lounge, and dining area, a separate bedroom, a modern shower room, Wi-Fi, and a TV. Outside, you’ll enjoy secluded gardens with outdoor furniture—perfect for relaxing in peaceful surroundings. The accommodation is non-smoking, and all bills are included except electricity, which will be covered by the successful candidates.

The most important part for the family is to find the right couple for them, who are kind, reliable and family-orientated, as well as flexible with their duties and discreet and who are equally dedicated and looking for a long- term position with this happy and supportive family.

Applicants should be aware that this position is based within a remote setting, and it is essential to consider the unique nature of island life before applying. Living and working in such a location requires a level of self-sufficiency, adaptability, and appreciation for a slower, nature-connected lifestyle. A love of the outdoors is key, and those with nature-related hobbies—such as walking, birdwatching, photography, gardening, or water-based activities—will find this peaceful and picturesque setting especially rewarding.

Working hours are flexible depending on the split in duties between the successful candidates. Holiday entitlement will be statutory reflecting on weekly working hours, once established with the owners. The owners kindly request that candidates refrain from taking annual leave during the peak of the busy summer season, as this is a crucial period for the smooth running of the properties. However, they understand that exceptional circumstances may arise, and in such cases, requests for leave will be considered on an individual basis with prior discussion and agreement.

Please note the successful candidates will be subject to extensive reference checks both written and verbal, candidates will also be required to undergo a DBS check as well as signing an NDA.

SALARY:  £50,000 combined salary + accommodation

LOCATION: St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

JOB No:  EC68827

If this Gardener and Housekeeper Couple is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

To apply for this role you will need a Candidate Registration.

To find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener – Richmond.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

We are proud to work with:

• the Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• the RHS
• the WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: full time, Gardener, Housekeeper, Isles of Scilly