Domestic Couple – Portugal

Marcilly Recruitment’s client is seeking a dedicated and experienced Domestic Couple to manage a newly acquired private villa in the Algarve region of Portugal. The successful couple will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a large, luxury residence located in the exclusive area of Vale do Lobo.

The ideal couple will have prior experience working for a UHNW family, ideally in a live-in position within a private household or boutique hospitality environment. The role requires a high level of discretion, professionalism, and flexibility, along with a proactive, hands-on approach to managing all aspects of the home.

The couple must have the right to live and work in Portugal. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available. Fluency in English is essential; Portuguese or Spanish would be a welcome bonus for liaising with local contractors and suppliers.

The Algarve property is used primarily as a second home and summer retreat by a warm and respectful British family. It is one of several global residences owned by the principals, whose main home is in the UAE.

Duties Will Include:

• Full housekeeping, laundry, and wardrobe management
• Cooking fresh, healthy meals for the family (and occasional guests)
• Property and grounds maintenance (including pool and garden)
• Day-to-day inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs
• Liaising with and overseeing external tradespeople and contractors
• Driving duties: airport pickups, errands, shopping
• Managing household supplies, stock rotation, and pantry organisation
• Household admin, including receipts, records, and light budgeting
• Guest support and creating a warm, welcoming environment
• Maintaining a secure presence at the property when unoccupied

The successful couple must be flexible in their working hours—particularly during family visits—have excellent attention to detail, and maintain absolute discretion. A valid driving license is preferred but not essential.

Start Date: ASAP – Ideally from 13th July onwards
Salary: €2,000–€3,000 per person per month gross (approx. €56,814 net per annum per couple)
Accommodation: Private bedroom and bathroom within the property; all bills, food, Wi-Fi included
Additional Benefits: Discretionary annual bonus; potential use of vehicle for work-related duties

The client’s preference is for a couple covering Housekeeping, Cooking, Estate Management and Maintenance, but they are open to candidates with slightly varied strengths as long as the couple can cover all key responsibilities between them.

If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please get in touch. Referrals are also welcomed and rewarded.

Marcilly Recruitment is a boutique recruitment firm specialising in private household staff and operational support roles across Europe and the Middle East.