
Live-In Family Cook near Dumfries, Scotland (Filled Position)
This position has now been filled.
However, we are regularly working with private households seeking experienced cooks and chefs across the UK.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities, please get in touch or view our current household staff vacancies here →
A Great Opportunity for a Cook near Dumfries, Scotland
Are you a passionate home cook looking for a new adventure in the Scottish countryside? A warm and welcoming family near Dumfries is offering a fantastic full-time opportunity for a live-in cook in Dumfries, Scotland. This role combines the peace of rural living with the joy of cooking for a kind-hearted household that truly values good food, fresh ingredients, and the rhythm of home life.
About the Family
This settled and down-to-earth family lives near Dumfries, in South West Scotland, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a strong sense of seasonal rhythm. While much of the year is quiet and calm, the home comes to life when friends and family visit—especially in August and during the shooting season. With a supportive team already in place (including a housekeeper, assistant, and gardener), they are looking for someone who enjoys being part of a collaborative, friendly environment.
What This Live-In Cook Role Involves
This role is all about creating delicious, wholesome meals in a private home setting—not a restaurant kitchen. You’ll cook everything from nourishing meals for two, to hearty lunches and relaxed dinners for larger groups.
Working Hours:
- Typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
- Flexibility required during busier periods (August and shoot season weekends)
Accommodation:
- Private apartment or cottage on the estate (families welcome)
Salary:
- Up to £40,000 gross per annum
Main Responsibilities:
- Cooking daily meals for the couple and their guests
- Preparing game dishes, hearty lunches, and informal group meals
- Menu planning and grocery shopping within budget
- Managing kitchen cleanliness and organisation
- Coordinating with the housekeeper during busy periods
- Adapting to quieter times with flexibility and good communication
- Respecting dietary preferences and family routines
The Ideal Cook for This Role
This role would suit a confident, down-to-earth cook who thrives on variety—someone who enjoys cooking everything from traybakes to venison stew, and who understands the shift between quiet and sociable periods in a private home.
You’ll Be:
- Skilled at creating delicious, home-style meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Experienced with game cooking or happy to learn
- Good-humoured, practical, and able to adapt to changing routines
- Comfortable preparing meals for varying group sizes and age ranges
- Organised and efficient in the kitchen
- Genuinely interested in a long-term role in a rural setting
Why Work as a Cook near Dumfries, Scotland?
The Dumfries area of South West Scotland offers natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a wonderfully peaceful pace of life. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, appreciates local produce, and values a strong sense of community. With stunning countryside and coastal walks, historic towns, and plenty of space to breathe, it’s an ideal setting for anyone looking to combine meaningful work with a fulfilling lifestyle.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced and enthusiastic cook in Dumfries, Scotland, who loves feeding others and finds joy in the rhythms of rural life, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or register with our agency to explore more roles like this one.