St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is one of the UK’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks – and you could get paid to live there.
Looking like something from a fairytale, the island with a castle perched on top is currently being used as a filming location for the Games of Thrones prequel.
However, rather than being under the rule of the Iron Throne, it’s run by the National Trust and St Aubyn Estates – and they are looking for a new Castle Officer. They have now advertised the full-time position – and it has a ‘live-in’ requirement, reports Cornwall Live.
On the downside, you’ll have to clean toilets, could get stranded at high tide and getting takeaways delivered will prove to be a bit problematic. If that hasn’t put you off, the role will have a focus on providing support to the Castle Steward.
Current Castle steward Duncan Murdoch told the BBC said: “The best thing about living here is having a sea view from every window.
“The worst thing is not being able to get a pizza delivered to your door.”
The Mount is linked to the Cornish mainland at Marazion, near Penzance, by a causeway – but gets cuts off at high-tide, meaning the only access is by a boat.
However, you’ll be in good company if you get stranded – the Mount is also home to a Lord and Lady. James and Mary St Aubyn, who moved into the castle with their four children in 2003, became Lord and Lady St Levan when the previous Lord, James’s uncle, died in 2013.
The job application states: “Our values are at the heart of what we do, and we will expect you to demonstrate these in this role, in dealings both inside and outside the organisation. We are looking for someone who is excited to further build on their experience and make the most of all learning opportunities.
“You will be able to demonstrate the highest levels of discretion, be compassionate with a tactful demeanour, have a strong motivation to be based in West Cornwall and above all be a strong team player where flexibility is essential.”
The responsibilities include:
- To live in the castle and be responsible for the safety and security of the castle and its contents.
- Day to day responsibility for the practical operations within the castle.
- To assist the St Aubyn family in both the private and public areas of the castle.
- Supervise the Facilities Team across the island.
- To occupy the allocated accommodation (at least five nights a week) and be available for security and emergency cover where applicable.
- Comply with National Trust standards on fire, security, health and safety.
- Be responsible for the correct operation of all fire and security and other systems in the castle, liaise with contractors, undertake regular testing and inspections
- To check the public rooms at the end of the day and lock up and alarm the castle daily.
- To work closely with the Castle Steward to contribute to the castle’s maintenance schedule and keep records of all inspections, repairs, service agreements.
- To undertake some heavy cleaning duties, furniture moving and picture hanging.
- To proactively supervise the Conservation Team with a hands-on approach, to ensure a consistent, high level of daily cleaning and conservation.
- To research the collection and work with others on developing displays and interpretation of the castle and its contents.
- To ensure that cleaning is carried out thoroughly in all areas to a very high standard, including cleaning of toilets.
If you are interested in the role you are asked to send a CV and a short covering statement to jobs@staubynestates.com. Your covering statement should explain why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to it, highlighting relevant experience or transferable skill sets.
