When it comes to managing a private home or multiple properties, having the right professional in place makes all the difference. But not all roles are the same — especially when you’re talking about a House Manager versus an Estate Manager.
If you’re wondering which one fits your needs (or your career goals), here’s a quick breakdown.
What’s a House Manager?
Think of a House Manager as the captain of a single ship — your home. They handle the day-to-day operations to keep everything running like clockwork, including:
Overseeing household staff like housekeepers, chefs, or drivers
Managing maintenance and repair appointments
Handling shopping, event planning, and guest arrangements
Keeping a close eye on household expenses
House Managers are highly hands-on, often stepping into operational roles themselves when necessary — whether it’s troubleshooting a malfunctioning appliance or helping to set up for a dinner party. They are the "go-to" person for making sure a home runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
Whats an Estate Manager?
An Estate Manager oversees not just a single home, but often multiple properties, large estates, or complex residences with extensive grounds and facilities. Estate Managers are big-picture thinkers who make sure everything stays aligned with your vision — even when you're not there. Their role is more strategic and administrative, including responsibilities like:
Managing multiple properties and coordinating operations across all locations
Supervising large teams — from gardeners and housekeepers to security staff
Handling extensive budgets and providing financial reports
Long-term planning for property improvements and capital projects
Working closely with principals on lifestyle planning and asset management
Hiring, training and developing staff multiple levels
Estate Managers are the CEO of the household(s), often working behind the scenes to make executive-level decisions that ensure the homes and properties are maintained, staffed, and operating according to the owner’s expectations.
which one do you need?
Choosing between a House Manager and an Estate Manager depends on the size and complexity of your property (or properties).
If you have one primary residence and need someone to keep things running smoothly, a House Manager is likely the right fit.
If you manage multiple residences, have a large estate with significant grounds, or require high-level financial oversight and project management, you should consider hiring an Estate Manager.
For those in the private service profession, understanding these roles and where your skills fit can be the key to a long, rewarding career in luxury property management.
So, which one should you hire?
Need someone to keep your primary home running flawlessly? Go for a House Manager.
Need someone to manage a lifestyle spread across multiple homes or a large estate? You’re looking for an Estate Manager.
Both roles are essential — it just depends on the scale of your life and property.
Need help finding the right fit?
Whether you’re hiring or looking to take the next step in your private service career, we can help.
👉 Contact us today to find your perfect match.