Claudia Pfeiffer always has a packed bag on standby. Inside are overnight clothes, a fresh outfit and toiletries. It is there in case she is asked to dash to a plane — private or commercial — to fly to her employer’s second or third home, to make sure the sheets are fresh, the fridge freshly stocked, the suits and dresses in the wardrobe pressed, and the shoes buffed.
She is the house manager for a wealthy family based in London, who decline to be named — discretion is, after all, essential. She might be flown to an exotic location at a moment’s notice, even at the cost of her own weekend plans.
Among private staff the house manager has high status and a relatively fluid role overseeing the running of the home, or homes, and the other household staff. Originally from Germany, Pfeiffer sees her job in particular as to ensure the wellbeing of her busy employers. “My principal [employer] is my main priority; this is the main person,” she says.