So, I just worked out I also have Hearthfire, and I bought the plot at Lakeside. I built the foundation and side things. Then I figured you have to get a follower there to ask them to be the steward. I decided (for no apparent reason but having someone else who does magic) to ask the chap back at the college to follow me, but he said I already have a follower, which is true: Lydia who is resting up back in Whiterun. I decided instead to try the carl given me in Falkreath, and she said the same thing.

Do I have to tell poor Lydia to bugger off in order to get a steward?

Can I just hire one from somewhere?

Who do you think would be the best steward?

The Falkreath Housecarl should be an option without being a follower if she's close enough to the property. But that may require not having a follower at all. You might just have to dismiss Lydia, hire your new Steward, and then tell Lydia it's time for more adventures.

As for the best Stewards, I like to get people who aren't wearing armor as their everyday fashion choices. Illia would be good if she wasn't so bugged. I like to get a mage to balance the home bodies with a Warrior (Housecarl), Mage (Steward), and Thief (Bard).

My biggest problem with Stewards is that they don't have new idle dialogue that fits their station/location, so you'll hear about how this place (the college) is the only place to get a good education in magic in Skyrim... when you're in Falkreath.

Thanks, that's brilliant. I'll tell Lydia to take a holiday. And I was thinking the same re choice. I don't want everyone clunking round in armour when I'm sipping wine of an evening. Seems it might be a good time to recycle my legendary smithing and gain advantage from making all those nuts and bolts.