At one time, the terms 鈥渂utler鈥� and 鈥渉ouse manager鈥� could be used interchangeably in reference to the professional charged with organizing and maintaining a formal home. Over time the definition and basic responsibilities of these two occupations has shifted apart into very distinct roles.
As explained by 百花视频鈥檚 founder Anita Rogers when interviewed for聽:
A house manager oversees the structure of the staff and typically does all of the hiring and firing. They handle scheduling鈥攎aking sure a chauffeur is always on call, housekeepers shifts are covered, and that a replacement is available if someone calls in sick. They’re also responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and overall management of the household.
A seasoned butler is properly trained in etiquette, so they understand how to serve a meal and handle all the details, from the wine pairings down to the flower arranging. They provide a white glove experience, which not everyone needs or wants. In Silicon Valley, for instance, no one would have a butler. But in New York, it’s much more common.
While the definitions of a butler and a house manager have changed over time, the roles do maintain overlap in responsibilities and duties. Many families elect to hire a butler to act as a house manager for this reason.
What are regular butler duties?
A butler is a trained domestic staffing employee for high-end households and estates. A butler is trained to provide white glove service at its best. Common duties for a butler are:
- Care for a gentlemen鈥檚 closet
- Proper care of all guests
- Wine sommelier
- Meal preparation and presentation
- Implementation of manners and etiquette in the household
- Hiring and training domestic staff
- Personal assistance for the gentleman of the house
A butler employed as a house manager will also take on the following duties:
- Supervise all contractors and vendors
- Hire, train, and manage household staff
- Receive and look after guests
- Plan and execute events
- Craft and manage a household manual
- Manage household budgets and bookkeeping
- Prepare property ahead of a Principal鈥檚 arrival
- Maintain automobiles, private jets, and/or private yachts
- Cooking, cleaning and laundry duties as needed