The Butler is back in demand-and in short supply.
The worlds growing number of plutocrats with their enormous mansions and expansive lifestyles are actively seeking household managers to oversee the care of their luxury homes and lifestyles. These enormous residences require ongoing care, along with coordination of property and grounds service providers ranging from pool service technicians, to dog groomers and trainers, to maids, gardeners and arborists.
Contemporary butlers, or Household Managers as many are called today, are better educated than their historic peers. Todays servant is likely to possess accounting, computer, and technology skills along with knowledge of property maintenance, home entertainment, menus, cooking, clothing care, and the ability to attend to the care of antiques, fine china, silver, art, automobiles, home and personal security, communications and a score of others details.
A college degree might be helpful, as would specific training in Household Management. One of the better-known butler training programs would be that offered by the Starkey International Institute for Household Management in Denver, Colorado.
Benefits of employment in this home management field might include free room and board at the luxury residence, possible travel, and annual salaries that range from around $70,000 to over $200,000.
A tip of the top hat to Robert Frank and The Wall Street Journal.
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St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour is taking the concept of around-the-clock personal service into the wireless age by equipping each member of its elite butler staff with a wireless handheld device. At any time and from anywhere, St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour homeowners may communicate their wishes to their personal butler by sending a simple e-mail from an ordinary computer or from any wireless device.
The signature St. Regis Butlers will offer white-glove service, from 24-hour in-room dining to pet pampering, while the 15,000 square-foot Reméde Spa will provide the ultimate spa experience and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Everyday indulgences will also include fine dining restaurants, childcare, and poolside, cabana and beach services. Unique to the St. Regis will be the serene gardens and sculptures with decorative fountains and pool features, as well as a premier selection of artwork by world-renowned artists.
St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour will be the ultimate destination in South Florida for those looking for personalized service from a trusted name. Positioned as an exclusive beachfront enclave, St. Regis Resort & Residences is a five-star resort hotel and condominium aimed at delivering discreet, graceful living.
The property’s three all-glass towers will rise 27 stories above nine acres of lushly landscaped gardens and 1,000 feet of pristine white sand on the edge of the Atlantic. Each tower will have its own private lobby entrances, security, valet and covered parking, as well as access to all anticipatory services provided by the St. Regis Hotel.