A founder-led approach to private household staffing
We are not a volume agency. SILKS was founded to offer something more considered, a boutique staffing consultancy where each household is understood on its own terms, never matched from a database.
We work closely with every client, often beginning with a visit to the residence to understand the property, meet the family or their advisors, and gain a nuanced picture of how the household functions day to day. It is this level of proximity that allows us to make placements with exceptional care, aligning not only skills and experience, but temperament, discretion and cultural fit.
Our clients include UHNW families, high-profile individuals, family offices and private estates across London, Surrey and internationally. Many return to us time and again, not because we are the largest agency, but because we understand their world without the need for explanation.
This approach is guided by The Silks Household Harmony Method — our signature five-pillar framework combining emotional insight, behavioural assessment and chemistry-led matching to ensure every placement is as much about character and fit as it is about skill.
Private Household Staff, Lifestyle Support
Every household is unique. Whether you require a single housekeeper or a fully integrated staff team, SILKS recruits, rigorously vets and places candidates of the highest calibre for private homes and estates across the UK.
Domestic Couples
For larger homes and estates, a domestic couple offers seamless, all-encompassing support across housekeeping, culinary provision, driving and property maintenance. We carefully curate and place couples whose complementary skills and experience align impeccably with the unique rhythm and requirements of your household.
Every relationship begins with a conversation where possible within your own home with you, your PA or trusted advisor to understand your household, your standards and the kind of person who will thrive in your environment.
We draw on established connections across the private staffing industry to source candidates of proven calibre. Every applicant undergoes a detailed interview, thorough reference checks and police screening before they are presented to you.
Recruitment at this level extends far beyond qualifications. We assess character, discretion, adaptability and cultural alignment, ensuring each individual not only fulfils a role, but enhances the natural rhythm and refinement of your home.
Our involvement does not end at placement. We remain available to both client and candidate, providing follow-up support and guidance to ensure the relationship works long term.
Private household recruitment across London, Surrey and the South East
We place exceptional private staff with families throughout London — including Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Mayfair, Notting Hill, St John’s Wood, Westminster, Fulham, Battersea, Hammersmith, Putney, Wimbledon and Richmond — as well as Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent and Cheshire.
We also support clients with properties across the UK and internationally.
What our clients say
From the SILKS Inspired journal
Expertise in Fine Dining, Afternoon Tea, and Lifestyle Etiquette – Butler Knows Best
Private Household Staff
Can Families Truly Have It All Under One Roof? Insights from Two Recent Placements
Private Household Staff
10 Expert Housekeeping Tips for a Calm, Organised Home (UK Guide)
Private Household Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
We place a wide range of private household and lifestyle staff including housekeepers, nannies, butlers, chauffeurs, private chefs, house managers, estate managers, personal assistants and domestic couples.
We work across London, Surrey, the UK supporting both primary residences and second homes.
Yes, we pride ourselves on visiting client in the privacy of their homes or hotels dependent on availability and location.
No, fees are only payable once you have successfully appointed a candidate.
Time frames vary depending on the brief; however our focus is always on delivering the right fit rather than rushing the process.
We can assist with selected temporary and fixed-term placements depending on the requirement.
Where possible, yes. Trials can be arranged depending on the candidate’s availability and current commitments. We recommend trials where we can.
We offer a replacement period in line with our terms, providing reassurance and continuity.
An individual who will fit into your family dynamic. Attention to detail, discretion, organization are a given along with proven experience within private households and of course excellent references are a must.
A house manager oversees the running of the household and staff, while a butler focuses on personal service and front-of-house standards.
No our service is entirely free for candidates.
We look for candidates with relevant private household or high-level service experience, supported by strong references.
Yes, we provide guidance throughout interviews and placement to ensure the right match for both client and candidate.
We are partnered with www.stafftax.co.uk which we will fully support you with.
We are registered with ICO – Information Commissioner’s Office. Contact us for a copy of our certificate
