How Big is a Mansion?

Do you have your sights set on purchasing a large and impressive home?

When you look at property listings, you will notice that they are often referred to by the type of home. Popular options include townhouses, apartments, condominiums, semi-detached houses, and tiny homes.

But if a Mansion is more your style…

And if you believe that bigger is better and have a fortune to spend, you may be in the market for a mansion. While this type of home can vary widely, one of the most defining features is the overall size. 

So, let’s find out… exactly how big is a mansion?

Size Matters

The traditional size of this palatial home is at least five thousand square feet. However, in recent years, the average size of all types of homes has been increasing. As a result, most real estate agents don’t consider a property to be a mansion unless it’s over seven thousand square feet. However, there are no strict definitions in terms of size. 

So you get tiny mansions?

Well, even the smallest mansion is much, much larger than a typical house. The average house size varies from state to state and is between 1,600 and 2,000 square feet. However, the average size of houses built in the last few years is more than 2,700 square feet. 

Other Typical Features of Mansions

This type of housing is defined by much more than simply size. In fact, there are several features that real estate agents look for when defining this type of home. Here are some of the key features that a home needs to have in order to qualify as a mansion. 

The number of rooms

These huge homes have a lot more rooms than the average house. Plus, there are usually two or three full-sized kitchens to cater to Mansion residents, guests, and staff. There are usually at least six bedrooms, each of which comes with its own adjoining bathroom. Most of these homes also feature several large living areas, complete with entertainment systems and seating areas. 

High-end materials

Older homes are typically built from high-quality and very lavish materials, such as Italian marble. They are likely to feature decorative granite mantle pieces and wood herringbone floors. They often boast huge and very eye-catching chandeliers as well as other decadent features. 

Lavish landscaping

The surrounding grounds of a mansion are another key feature of these gigantic homes. These grounds are usually designed by a professional landscaper and maintained by a team of gardeners. Mansion grounds also often come with huge swimming pools, leafy walkways, and other lavish outdoor features. 

Leisure rooms

One of the things that set these homes apart is that there is plenty of dedicated space in which to unwind. Some mansions come with full cinemas or viewing rooms, as well as libraries and in-home office spaces. They also often feature fitness centers, spas, and maybe even an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. 

Space to entertain

Most people who choose these types of homes enjoy entertaining and showing off their wealth. Therefore, several areas are usually dedicated to entertaining and making guests comfortable. Older mansions may come with huge ballrooms and banquet halls, while modern versions tend to feature games rooms and decadent dining rooms. 

Design

Attention to detail and opulence is one of the key features of this type of home. Most come with very eye-catching elements such as columns, balconies, and large windows. The facades are generally very elaborate and feature striking stonework or brickwork. 

Types of Mansions

Mansions come in four main styles. The main differences between the styles are mainly the designs and structures.

Let’s take a closer look at the four main styles of these impressive homes. 

McMansions 

This is the most common style of mansion in the United States, and these homes were built after the 1070s. The name of this style comes from the fact that most of these huge homes are mass-produced. So, instead of featuring unique architectural features, most of these homes look quite similar.

Plus, instead of design, size is usually the main concern when it comes to these homes. They often feature cheaper materials than many of their older counterparts. McMansions can often be found in the suburbs of newer wealthy neighborhoods in the United States. 

Classical style

This style of huge home was particularly popular in the United States in the 1920s. And a large number of famous examples can still be found to this day. The key difference between Classical style mansion homes and McMansions is that they are carefully designed by a professional architect.

Luxurious details…

Every detail counts when it comes to these homes, and they look particularly luxurious. Many of the largest options come with huge hallways, ballrooms, and banquet halls. Other classic features include patios, towering ceilings, columns, and winding staircases. 

Colonial style 

While these homes are very fashionable in many parts of the world, they are not particularly popular in the US. They can most commonly be found in parts of South America, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The design of a Colonial-style mansion is very elegant and is distinguished by wide and expansive features. 

Victorian style

This type of home is very elaborate and boasts a number of details that are carefully selected. As the name suggests, these mansions are created in the style of homes from the Victorian era in Europe. Classic features include huge halls, jutting towers, and wrap-around decks. Other distinctive features include unique roof designs, large gates, and remarkably impressive entrances. 

Famous Mansions

Of course, the cost of running and maintaining mansion homes is very high. As a result, many people have chosen to open their stately homes to the public. Here are some of the top mansions that you can visit while exploring the United States. 

Mystery Castle 

Located in the city of Phoenix, this 18-room mansion was built in the 1930s. It was constructed entirely from recycled materials and is something truly special. This unique home was built by Boyce Luther Gulley from recycled textiles, raw materials, and stones collected from the surrounding area.

Wrigley Mansion 

This is another Phoenix landmark that should not be missed. This Italian-style mansion was built in the early 1930s by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley. This palatial home is a monument to style and opulence, and visitors to Phoenix can take a guided tour. 

Harweldon 

This four-story mansion was built in 1926 and can be found in the city of Tulsa. The magnificent residence is home to the Harweldon family and features limestone gargoyles and a goldfish pond. The residence is also noted for its unique interior designs and decorations representing the Harwelden family’s coat of arms.

Marston House 

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, make sure you check out this impressive home. Marston House was built in 1905 and features iconic prairie-style architecture blended with luxurious touches. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this home is also notable for its stunning interior woodwork. 

Pittock Mansion

Once home to Henry Louis Pittock, this huge home is one of the most notable landmarks in Portland. The mansion was completed in 1914 and combines a number of French and British architectural styles. Particularly of note is the collection of antique furnishings, and the gardens command stunning views of the Cascade Mountain range. 

Belmont Mansion 

Completed in 1850, this stunning home can be found in Nashville. The façade has been created to represent a palatial Italian villa, and the grounds are particularly impressive.

Pabst Mansion 

Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths, and 14 fireplaces, the Pabst Mansion is considered the jewel of Milwaukee’s famous avenue of mansions.

It was built in 1892 for Captain Frederick Pabst, the world-famous beer baron and accomplished sea captain. The building boasts stunning interiors, elegant original furnishings, elaborate wall coverings, the finest wood craftsmanship, and intricate ironwork. Visitors travel here from all over the United States to admire the collection of brilliant stained glass and rare art. 

Turnblad Mansion 

Dating back to 1908, this mighty home includes an impressive 33 rooms and features a distinctive Romanesque style. Once home to newspaper publisher Swan J. Turnblad, it can be found in the city of Minneapolis. Features of note include the collection of Swedish porcelain stoves and beautifully carved woodwork. 

Miramont Castle

Located in the Colorado city of Manitou Springs, this stunning home was created by a French priest. Miramont Castle dates back to 1895 and combines a number of notable architectural styles. There is also a small museum on the site, which showcases the blueprints for the home and its numerous additions.

Now that we’ve fully answered, how big is a mansion…

Are You Attracted to Impressive Things?

If so, you might also be interested in checking out the Biggest McDonald’s in the World, the Biggest Amazon Warehouses, or the Biggest Ikea Stores in the World!

Or maybe you’re asking yourself…

What do I need to do to own a mansion?

Make tons of hard cash, of course! Check out What Percentage of Americans Are Millionaires, the Richest Neighborhoods in America, and Jeff Bezos Companies, to get a better idea of what kind of wealth we’re talking about. And if you still think you want to try and make this kind of money yourself, you might start with our comprehensive guide to Careers That Make You Rich and the Best 6 Figure Jobs to have in 2023!

Not so young anymore? No problem! Find out everything you need to know about a Midlife Career Change in Your 40s. Or feel free to search our site for any money-making query on your mind!

OK, back to today’s sizing up…

Final Thoughts

If your home measures at least five thousand square feet, you can happily call it a mansion. However, in some parts of the United States, this type of housing is much smaller. And while the size is one of the primary determining factors, there are several other factors to consider.

This type of home is often considered to be a status symbol among the rich and famous. So, in addition to the building itself, the surrounding grounds are usually very large and luxurious. These homes also feature opulent creature comforts such as huge swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and tennis courts.

Happy mansion exploring!