What Does a House Manager Do?

A house manager is a senior household professional responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of your home (or homes). Their role is versatile, blending administrative, managerial, and hands-on tasks depending on the needs of the principal.

Typically, their duties include:

• Overseeing property upkeep, both interior and exterior

• Coordinating household calendars and events

• Supervising tradespeople, vendors, and contractors

• Managing home technology and smart systems

• Running errands and managing inventories

• Hiring, training, and overseeing other household staff

• Organising travel and preparing properties for arrival

• Managing cars, chauffeurs, and maintenance schedules

• Keeping household manuals, checklists, and logs up to date

In short, a skilled house manager will handle all of this with discretion, attention to detail, and the highest standards of service. Consequently, principals are free to focus on what matters most.

Estate Manager vs. House Manager – What’s the Difference?

While the two roles often overlap, an estate manager typically oversees multiple properties and carries broader responsibilities. Additionally, they may also supervise several house managers, manage household budgets across homes, and coordinate travel and logistics for high-net-worth principals.

Estate Manager Responsibilities Include:

• Acting as your private representative across all assets

• Coordinating staff across multiple residences

• Negotiating contracts and reviewing invoices

• Managing insurance, property taxes, and asset inventories

• Implementing systems, databases, and digital tools

• Overseeing security protocols and emergency plans

• Supporting personal assistants with scheduling and logistics

Therefore, if you own multiple homes or travel frequently, an estate manager may be the ideal solution. Not only will they streamline operations, but they will also enhance consistency across residences.

What Experience and Qualifications Do House Managers Have?

All our candidates have extensive experience in high-end private service. Many are former private PAs, housekeepers, or hotel managers. Others have formal training from institutions like our own British Butler Academy, where they learn everything from luxury service protocols to people management.

In general, common backgrounds include:

• Hospitality and 5-star hotel management

• Yachting or aviation service roles

• Butler training or private estate work

• Event planning and logistics coordination

In addition, each house manager is vetted for discretion, longevity, and professionalism. This means you’ll receive a shortlist of only the most qualified individuals.

Should I Hire a House Manager or a Domestic Couple?

Sometimes, hiring a domestic couple may be the better fit—particularly for clients who need more than one area of the home managed but prefer fewer staff members.

For example, we often place couples who combine roles such as:

• House manager & housekeeper

• Butler & cook

• Gardener & nanny

• Chauffeur & PA

Depending on your household’s unique needs, we’re happy to advise on the best setup. Importantly, many of our clients appreciate the flexibility and intimacy that couples bring to their homes.

House Manager vs Butler – What’s the Difference?

While both roles can be hands-on, a butler typically focuses more on formal service, such as silver service, fine dining, wine, wardrobe care, and front-of-house etiquette. A house manager, on the other hand, ensures the operational and managerial side of the home is running smoothly.

In some households, clients hire both. Alternatively, one person may combine aspects of both roles, depending on the scope and scale of the estate.

Key Skills of a House Manager or Butler:

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Vendor and project management

• Etiquette and formal service experience

• Understanding of fine art, antiques, and valuables

• Valeting, wardrobe management, and guest service

• Technical knowledge of household systems

• Flexibility and emotional intelligence

• Absolute discretion and confidentiality

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your lifestyle, the complexity of your home, and your expectations for service.

Locations We Serve

We place house managers and estate managers in:

• London and the Home Counties

• The Cotswolds and countryside estates

• France, Monaco, and Switzerland

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar

• New York, LA, and global cities

Regardless of location, we can find the perfect match. Because of our global reach, we’re able to connect you with talent no matter where your home is.

Why Choose Bespoke Bureau for House Manager Hire?

• Over 15 years of experience placing elite household staff
• Personalised service from start to finish
• Access to fully vetted, referenced candidates
• Options for permanent, temporary, or seasonal staff
• Last but not least, Home of the prestigious British Butler Academy

For these reasons, Bespoke Bureau remains the trusted choice for UHNW households around the world. Unlike standard agencies, we take the time to understand your preferences and household dynamic before making any introductions.

Client Case Study: Seamless Staffing for a Global Lifestyle

One of our long-standing clients, a Middle Eastern family with residences in London, Paris, and Dubai, approached us to find a house manager who could travel with them and oversee multiple properties. Understandably, their expectations were high. Key factors such as discretion, multilingual ability, technical know-how, and experience managing both formal and informal residences were requested.

Within a week, we presented a shortlist of vetted candidates. The client selected a British-trained estate manager with a background in luxury hospitality and private service. He now coordinates household staff across all three homes, ensures consistency in service standards, and even liaises with private aviation teams for family travel.

According to the family’s PA: “We no longer worry about whether a property is ready or if the team is performing—everything just happens. Working with Bespoke Bureau made the entire recruitment process effortless.”

Ready to Hire a House Manager?

If you’re ready to take the stress out of managing your home, get in touch with us today. We’ll present you with a shortlist of suitable candidates. Of course, they will be discreet, capable, and ready to get started.