Live-in Gardener - Harrogate, North Yorkshire

A rare opportunity has arisen for a Live in gardener at a Private residence on the very outskirts of Harrogate and the beautiful rolling Yorkshire Dales, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Abi has been our gardener for three wonderful years and we are delighted and proud that she is setting up her own gardening business with an associate which regretfully means she is moving on but will always be welcome at Hilltop Cottage and in her new capacity, will be the first one called if ever we need an extra pair of hands for the odd labour intensive task.

‘I have enjoyed my time immensely working at Hilltop Cottage over the past three years and it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving. The successful candidate will be able to manage the garden independently with regular meetings. Lynne & Mike are lovely people to work for and want nothing more (as do I!) than the high standards achieved, to be maintained and continued. I will be on hand to ensure a successful handover, and will remain available for any questions as they arise’.

Mike and I are a professional couple who love our garden and appreciate the beauty and pleasure it gives. Our garden is relatively young (4 years) and was designed by a good friend of ours who is a garden architect and still drops in on a personal and professional basis to guide the progress of its potential and growth. Hilltop Cottage is about 2 acres and comprises of herbaceous flowerbeds, a small orchard and paddock area with wild flowers to attract birds and bees. We have lawn areas to surrounding our property with ponds in situ. Hilltop Cottage, as the name suggests, is an exposed site and is surrounded by open fields of cows and sheep and grasslands.

The vacancy comes with a lovely fully furbished cottage, Hilltop Bungalow for a peppercorn rent. It is a short 100 metres from the main residency and has a private garden to the front with its own access and drive. All utility bills are included. It has two good sized double bedrooms, bathroom and an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. It has a log fire and central heating. We are happy to entertain a couple living in the bungalow but the role is for gardener only.

This role will suit someone who is dynamic, physically fit, someone who regularly takes the initiative and cares deeply about the quality of their work and responsibilities. They will display a very high standard of gardening expected of an RHS partner garden. The Live in Gardener will ensure the security of the properties when the owners are away. In addition, we would ask that the two cars are cleaned weekly along with a few other general maintenance duties.

The live gardener will be responsible for the up keep of the garden, including a large vegetable garden, extensive herbaceous beds and lawned areas. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to also put their own stamp on the garden, as there is room for growth and for new areas to be developed. This roll will suit someone who is able to manage their time effectively as full rein over the garden is given.