Yesterday it was anything but, with phones ringing off the hook and people running around taking expressions of interest for the publican's job at the historic pub.
Applications co-ordinator Ray Kean said about 20 people had applied for the job already, and he expected more to register expressions of interest over the coming week.
The Macraes Community Trust is keen to sign someone up to keep the pub open after failing to attract a lessee over the past year.
Trust member Mat O'Connell said the perks were the opportunity of a free lease with a hotel business, a manager's residence, 2.2ha of land, tourism business opportunities and plenty of hunting on your doorstep.
Stanley's was given to the trust by previous owner Oceana Gold, which runs the country's largest gold mine nearby.
The trust was set up for community sustainability and an important part of it was keeping the hotel open.
Mr O'Connell said there was the opportunity for the right person to make some good money.
Patrons included locals, tourists and miners, and he expected the mine to be in operation for the next five to 10 years.
Mr Kean was delighted with the response to the article in Saturday's Otago Daily Times.
''It's certainly created a lot of interest. We did do some advertising a wee while ago, and it's fair to say the interest has been a lot more after the [ODT] article.
''We've had a heap of calls already today. I'm out in the field at the moment and I'm just heading back to the office now to see if there's any more expressions of interest.''
Mr Kean said the applicants he had spoken to so far sounded ''very good'', and he encouraged anyone else with an interest in the position to make their interest known as soon as possible.
He said applications would close on October 19 and interviews would be conducted in front of a selection panel soon after.
''It's important for the community that we have someone run it, and run it well.
''It's a great opportunity. How often do you get something like that? People can wait a lifetime for an opportunity like that.''
