Introduction
When you see the word “mansion”, you might imagine an enormous, grand dwelling on a spacious plot of land with countless amenities. But what exactly qualifies a property to be a mansion? To get closer to the answer, we’re going to have to look at the characteristics of a mansion; even the history of mansions.
Size
The first thing most people think about the word mansion is the size. Mansions are much larger than the average home at more than 5000 sq ft of living space. Usually, they have more than 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms with additional spaces like theatres, bowling alleys, terraces, and more. The gigantic living space of these homes are designed to meet the needs of homeowners that require space. Furthermore, even the land that mansions are built on are very spacious. They often lay on 1 acre+ lots of land. This also applies to the amenities. Even the tennis courts, pools, gyms, and other amenities must be larger than normal to accommodate the users and groups that a mansion will have.
Architecture and Materials
The architectural design of a mansion is usually complex and impressive. They have intricate details, high-quality finish materials, and a nice overall style. Although the styles can range from class Victorian to modern, the craftsmanship and luxury finish always seem to be a common factor. Some of these materials might include high vaulted ceilings, marble floors and walls, expensive intricate staircases, and enormous windows.
Location
Mansions are usually located in prestigious or wealth neighborhoods/areas. These include exclusive places, prime urban spots, or scenic countryside areas. It only makes sense that a mansion’s location must match it’s economic level of build and quality.
History
According to Wikipedia, mansions are defined as a large dwelling house with the word’s origins in Old French from the Latin word “mansio”. Furthermore, it states that one of the earliest developments of mansions was in 15th century Europe. At the time, the need for aristocrats to live in fortified castles rose from the political and weaponry advances.
Present Day Examples
Today, one can find many different types of mansions for rent on platforms like Airbnb. When taking a closer look, all of the characteristics described above can be seen: large size and scale (land, amenities, etc.), high-end material and design, prime location, and much more. One of the best ways to learn more about mansions and their requirements is to experience staying in one. Reading and seeing pictures can be informative, but nothing beats seeing the real thing. We recommend that everyone visit or plan an event at a mansion at least once in their lifetime.
