SOLE GARDENER/HANDYPERSON

Job Title.
Sole Gardener / Handyperson (Live-in) Location.
Kent Salary.
Circa £ per annum Employment Type.
Full-time, Permanent Overview.
A unique and rewarding opportunity has arisen for an experienced and multi-skilled Sole Gardener/Handyperson to maintain a traditional and charming private estate garden in Kent.
The Garden.
Set within two acres of formal gardens and surrounded by paddocks and farmland, the property includes.
A kitchen garden with a glasshouse and polytunnel Extensive lawns, mixed borders, and flower beds Mature native trees Key Responsibilities.
Horticultural Duties.
Full seasonal management of all planted areas, including borders, lawns, hedges, and trees Propagation, kitchen gardening, and greenhouse management Pest and disease identification and treatment Care and management of aquatic ecosystems (ponds) Maintain potted plants, hanging baskets, and indoor house plants Pruning, mulching, fertilising, and weeding as appropriate Handyperson Duties.
General estate and building maintenance, including basic DIY and decorating Weekly winding of turret clocks and coach house clocking machines Fire preparation, bin rotation, and property checks Monitoring and light maintenance of classic car collection (cleaning, moving, battery management) Cleaning of windows, gutters, driveways, garages, and patios Assisting tradespeople and managing service visits Painting of exterior ironwork and gates when necessary Co-managing tenants at a nearby lodge and maintaining their front garden Additional Duties.
Ordering garden and household supplies as needed Supporting with occasional private events on the property Occasional weekend watering during hot weather or periods of absence General site security and property awareness Requirements.
Academic qualification in horticulture (Level 2 or higher) preferred – experienced candidates without qualifications will also be considered Strong plant knowledge and seasonal garden management experience Skilled in propagation, pruning (including roses and young trees), and vegetable growing Competent in the safe use and maintenance of garden machinery Chainsaw licence (CS) and PA1/PA6 spray certificates are required Full UK driving licence and own transport (due to rural location) Basic understanding of pond and aquatic ecosystem care is desirable Self-motivated, and highly organised Positive, flexible, and discreet personality with a strong work ethic Comfortable working independently and living on-site Working Hours & Benefits.
Monday to Friday (7.
am – 5.
pm) with 1 hour for lunch No scheduled weekend work, though some flexibility required for seasonal tasks 20 days annual leave + 8 UK bank holidays Live-in accommodation.
2-bedroom flat adjacent to the main house (not suitable for children) All rent, utilities, council tax, and bills covered by the employer