Get to know Eunice Carswell - Head Housekeeper
Born and raised in rural Queensland and growing up as a farmer’s daughter, Head Housekeeper, Eunice Carswell enjoyed a simple but creative life as a young girl. She learnt to cook & sew from age 10 and almost everything her family ate, they grew, pickled, baked, preserved, bottled, dried or bartered from.
In her early 20’s, Eunice left farming life behind and took up a retail traineeship with Coles Myer which set the path for roles in customer service and training staff, opening new stores and working with a diverse mix of people and abilities. She’s gone on to enjoy many other different jobs over the years (Nanny, Youth Mentor, Bed and Breakfast Owner, waitressing, landscaping and interior design, just to name a few) and during several covid lockdowns, Eunice took on a very essential service of delivering chocolate and wine to people in their homes!
A little over 8 years ago, Eunice made her way up the oak-lined driveway of Stones of the Yarra Valley to fill an annual leave position in the housekeeping department, where her incredible work ethic, attention to detail and management skills quickly shone through. She was offered the role of Housekeeping Manager soon after, and took it in her stride; “Flexible work hours, close to my family, alongside a remarkable team of housekeeping ‘ninjas’ meant it was an easy decision to make! Oh, and the view’s not bad either!”
Eunice spends her days off cooking at home, gardening, playing music, walking Lonnie the Beagle and “with 4 kids left at home between myself and my partner Dave (a busy pilot), we basically run a taxi service too!”
We were lucky enough to catch up with Eunice recently to get a bit more insight into this passionate, super-organised, inspiring force of nature!
How would you describe your day job to a child?
We make everything look lovely for when you visit
What does happiness look like to you?
Happiness is not having to set the alarm for the next day! But the promise of a new day, fresh air and sunshine is something to look forward to, with a hot cup of tea!
What’s your favourite blog?
Simple recipes using local seasonal produce. I’m no chef, but I have been collating all my own favourite recipes (and a few family ones) for about 10 years, to give to my kids in the form of a cookbook one day... the fun part is definitely experimenting along the way, so watch this space!
With such a big, blended family, we don't usually have leftovers, but I like to find creative ways of using up all the ingredients and leftovers - to create yet another delicious meal or snack.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Attention to detail is an addictive habit - finding the daily motivation gets you started, then it becomes a way of life.
What do you like most about your job?
My staff are the favourite part of my job. We are a strong team; every single person makes a difference. There is laughter, hard work, loyalty, and strong work ethics. Nothing is impossible, even in crazy wedding season with tight time frames, we somehow get it done! The young people starting with us - often this is their first job, which I like to think will be a good learning experience and set them up for their other interests and careers when they move on. Working on such a beautiful property and being one of many who help maintain the presentation is a huge honour, and responsibility. When you take on such a task, you really have to treat the business as if it is your own, and demonstrate those attitudes to your colleagues and customers as well.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Guilty pleasure.... how many am I allowed?! Simply to go out and enjoy a nice 2-course dinner with my partner, conversation, maybe some live music and a sunset.... and no dishes!
