The Butler Did It

Fink decided to freelance and has been successfully doing so for nearly three decades. He now works as needed for four different families. "I knew there were enough people who wanted help in running their homes," he says.

In 2002, prompted by a former employer's suggestion, Fink opened the Butler-Valet School in Oxfordshire.

In a 40-bedroom Georgian mansion, he uses his considerable experience to conduct a six-week training course. Under Fink's tutelage, aspiring butler-valets learn to perform duties such as caring for fine clothes, properly serving food and wine, organizing shooting weekends, announcing meals and introducing guests.

"I'm trying to train people to be more like me. Some of these guys don't know about things like laying out clothes, taking a cup of tea to the boss in the morning or how to clean shoes. This is what makes a man much more elegant, because he's got someone at home looking after him," explains Fink.

Fink has worked as a butler-valet for high-profile clientele including ambassadors and embassy personnel. The benefit of his experience is landing Butler-Valet School alumni into some rather notable households. "One of my students started at Buckingham Palace last week ... the ultimate house to work in," he proudly shares.

Finding Good Help

The title of butler is derived from the old French word bouteillier, which was the name for the servant entrusted with the care of the wine cellar. Over several centuries, the position evolved to become the senior servant in the household.

Today, butler-valets are known by several titles, including major-domo, house manager and estate manager. They are employed in private homes, hotels, yachts and corporate settings, and they often live outside of their workplace.

So how does one find a good butler-valet these days?