The Starkey School home is on the market as the school changes it's focus to a more modern approach in service training…
After 36 years of running Starkey International Institute at 1350 N. Logan St. to train household help, Starkey is ready to downsize and shift into a different phase of life.
“The industry has changed drastically,” she said. “The old guard who are of money and who have hired over the years have moved into assisted living or have passed on … Most have downsized and are no longer living in their homes.”
That’s partly why Starkey is selling the mansion where students lived and studied how to serve the wealthy. It’s listed for $3.5 million. Starkey purchased it for $605,000 in 1994, according to property records.
“I do not need the cost of the 13,000-square-foot Georgian mansion anymore,” she said. She currently lives there with her husband.
Starkey said she poured $2 million in renovations, including a new HVAC system, sewer system, roof and kitchen. The four-floor mansion includes a wine cellar, full butler kitchen and outdoor garden and courtyard.
Mary Starkey
Her last class graduated from the program in June. Now students can take the institute’s courses remotely, paying $2,945 or $5,250 in tuition. Starkey also teaches private lessons in clients’ homes.
Starkey said the next generation of the ultra-wealthy is looking for something different in household help. Wearing a uniform, knowing how to stand or how to serve a formal dinner is out of favor. Instead, employers want employees who are tech savvy and capable of managing people and properties, Starkey said.
Source: Cap Hill mansion that hosted ‘the Harvard of butler schools' hits market for $3.5M – BusinessDen