Ham Court is the home of Matthew Rice – author, artist and illustrator, consists of a medieval gatehouse surrounded by Cotswold stone farm buildings, walled kitchen garden, moat and working farmland. Rice has spends his days designing in the studio, as well as hosting a number of painting courses throughout the summer, open garden days, garden suppers and workshops hosted by other creatives. There is a forge with a resident blacksmith. His eldest daughter runs a circus which makes home on the farm at various times throughout the year. Ham Court is a vibrant and busy place with a small but happy team keeping things in order.
The new Head garden will manage the gardens at Ham Court, which comprise of a half-acre, walled Kitchen Garden made up of beds and borders and a small lawn, a large greenhouse, potting shed and poly-tunnel and further lawns, orchards and small borders. The main focus is on the Kitchen Garden, a large, productive space which provides for the family and guests. Rice is most interested in growing vegetables, salads and herbs alongside flowers for cutting. The successful candidate will work alongside Rice and team. All who live at Ham Court participate in the work and running of the house and garden. The surrounding grounds are beautiful and free to explore outside of work hours.
A small cabin is provided for the Head Gardener, fully self-contained with kitchen, living area, bathroom
and two bedrooms. There is a log burner for colder days and wifi is provided. A small veranda provides
the cabin’s own outdoor space. The candidate must have a full, clean UK Driving License and be a confident driver.
- Contract: Full-time
- Salary: Live-in role with accommodation, paid an hourly rate of £12.49 by monthly PAYE
- Location: Ham Court, Bampton, Oxfordshire (OX18 2HG)
- Application deadline: 1st of December 2025
Full job and application details can be found here.