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π Sections: Mansion, defined | McMansions | Effect on property values | Mansions as an investment | FAQs
There isn’t a hard and fast definition for how big a mansion is. The size range is generally between 5,000 and 8,000 square feet, but there’s no consensus among builders or realtors.
Mansions are commonly defined as a large home with luxury elements and features.
Key Takeaways
- Mansions are typically considered bigger-than-average luxury homes β sometimes over 5,000 square feet of floor space.
- Calling a house a “mansion” doesn’t affect its value.
- Their large size and premium materials are a double-edged sword β especially when it comes to hefty maintenance costs.
What makes a house a mansion?
While there’s no official consensus, mansions are generally considered to be of above-average size, with an above-average number of rooms, and on an above-average plot of land.
As a point of comparison, the typical U.S. home size has at most:
- 2,500 square feet
- 4 bedrooms
- 2.5 baths
A mansion is a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind home. It’s made of high-quality building materials β fine woods, stones, finishes, and fabrics. It has top-of-the-line appliances, and high-end home security features.
Mansions can also have high-end amenities, for example:
- Bowling alley
- Indoor theater
- Swimming pool
- Wine cellar
π Famous U.S. mansions:
The Breakers, Newport, RI
Summer “cottage” of Cornelius Vanderbilt II
- Built in 1895
- 62,482 square feet
- 70 rooms
What’s bigger, a mansion or a manor?
Mansions and manors are both big houses, and they sound similar. So what’s the difference?
A manor house is typically surrounded by acres of land, while a mansion is on a comparatively smaller piece of land to accommodate just the home and maybe a few additional amenities.
Traditional manors are part of a bygone era. In the U.S., Neoclassical and Greek-revival styles of manors were popular with rich plantation owners during the Antebellum (1820β60). Manors were also favored by the super wealthy during the Gilded Age (1870β1900).
Today’s closest equivalent to a manor might be an estate: a very large property on which a mansion or country house might be located, as well as gardens, woods, farms and other types of property.
π Famous U.S. mansions:
The White House, Washington, DC
Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, and home to every U.S. sitting president since John Adams
- Built in 1800
- 54,900 square feet
- 132 rooms
Β» READ: How much should you spend on a house?
What are McMansions?
A McMansion is a derogatory term for a mansion “wannabe” that became popular in the ’80s and ’90s.
McMansions have a bigger-than-average amount of interior floor space, they’re typically mass-produced using poor quality building materials, and with poor architectural design.
Bad design includes:
- Odd, nonstandard, or disproportionate sizing and placement of windows, porticos, porches, and doors
- Excessive amount of gabled roofs
- Mismatched roofing styles
These “unique” details donβt add much, if any, value to the property. The design elements don’t coordinate well with each other, and appear to be thrown together instead of being part of a recognized style of architecture.
Considering a McMansion?
If you are considering buying a large home, pay particular attention to its construction quality β and get a complete home inspection from a reputable professional.
And remember: odd architectural details may not hold up well over the years that you own the home. They may already be outdated!
π Famous U.S. mansions:
Oheka Castle, Long Island, NY
Built by financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn, currently a hotel owned by Gary Melius
- Built in 1919
- 109,000 square feetΒ
- 127 rooms
Does a mansion affect property values?
Just listing a house as a mansion doesn’t affect its property value. As with any home, buyers will mainly care about the condition of the house and its estimated fair value compared with other homes in the area
While you might get more eyeballs on your home if you call it a mansion, you’re not likely to get more or higher offers.
Β» READ: How to Choose a Realtor: Expert Secrets
Should I buy a house on the same block as a mansion?
Having one mansion in the neighborhood isn’t likely to affect the value of surrounding homes. A comparative market analysis
of other homes in the area wouldn’t apply, since the mansion wouldn’t be a comparable home.Still, some buyers might find a neighborhood appealing if there’s a mansion nearby.
π Famous U.S. mansions:
Xanadu 2.0, Medina, WA
Owned by Bill Gates
- Built in 1994
- 66,000 square feetΒ
- 7 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, 6 kitchens
Is buying a mansion a good investment?
As a rental property that will earn you extra income, a mansion probably won’t work as an investment. The rent you can charge is unlikely to cover your expenses given the high purchase and maintenance costs.
If you can buy a mansion below fair market value, and you’re okay with taking on the risks of having a negative cash-flow
property (potentially thousands of dollars a month), a mansion might be worth considering as a home.FAQs about mansions
Can I sell my house for more by listing it as a mansion?
What's the biggest mansion in the U.S.?
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, is the largest home in the U.S.: 178,926 square feet and 250 rooms. It was commissioned by railroad magnate George Vanderbilt in 1895.
What's a micro mansion?
A micro mansion is a tiny home (400β1,000 square feet) that's custom-made with high-end, luxury finishes.
How much does a mansion cost?
The average starting price for a luxury home across all markets is about $2 million, though they can range from $750,000 to $8 million.
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