I decided it was time to report my personal findings with my Stewards and Housecarls. These are only from the Hearthfire homes, and I don't expect that everyone will have the same issues, though quite likely. These are for my 3 characters.

Heljarchen Hall:

Gregor: does a good job as Housecarl, though he wanders to the other properties every now and then. He is a lousy follower, and I say that because for someone that wears heavy armor and wields a 2H greatsword, I expect him to mix it up good in fights, NOT stand back and snipe as an archer, which he does most of the darn time! My first character made him Steward before I knew better, and he performed pretty well at that position, and stayed there, unlike his wandering as Housecarl.

Golldir: starts out as a good Steward, he will furnish fairly quickly. (though I have only had him furnish the entryway) He devolves to kind of surly after a time though, and wanders to other properties and who knows where. He's gone at least half the time, if not more. He also only sleeps about 1 night out of 7, IF he is home. He wanders the house at times with a torch like he's in a cave or something. He is Steward for 2 of my characters at this house, I wanted to see if the first time was glitching on me. I waited too long, and felt I didn't want to go to a previous save to get a new Steward. I will never choose him again. He IS a good fighter/follower though.

Lakeview Manor:

Rayya: Performs very well as both Housecarl and Steward, and is a good follower. She's tough and gets right in there with you fighting. She does NOT wander away from Lakeview.

Faendal: He is my favorite as Steward so far, and I wish I had him at Heljarchen Hall. He furnished the entryway quickly, is always pleasant even though he talks about Camilla and Riverwood a lot. He is always where he is supposed to be. As a follower he is pretty good, though I like someone with skills that balance with mine a bit more, so I only take him with me when I don't need a good 'get in there and hack 'em' type. I kept him in Lakeview as it seemed right for his character, being he is used to the type of terrain around Riverwood.

One character has no Steward at Lakeview, soon to be corrected if I can find one suitable.

Winstad Manor:

Valdimar: Performs well as Housecarl most of the time, but again, he wanders to other properties now and then, I have found him at Lakeview with Golldir! He's good as a follower, I like his mix of skills, and he's tough

Roggi Knotbeard: He's a good Steward, again furnished the entryway pretty fast. He doesn't wander. (so far, maybe because I built the mead barrels in the cellar for him ) He's always happy, and is surprisingly good in a fight if you kit him out with good gear. He still talks about Kynesgrove.

One character has no Steward at Winstad as she only has the small house there so far.

All 3 Housecarls work well as Stewards, as I mentioned, my first character made them all stewards before I knew better. They stay where they are supposed to be in that position. I only have 3 characters so far.


OK, so this is not a huge comprehensive report, but if you all will add your thoughts and housecarl/steward observations, it will help me and others in choosing in the future, and maybe prevent others from having issues with their choices. I'd appreciate any and all knowledge you all want to share!