When you think of the word mansion, you probably envision a large house with lush gardens, a four-car garage, and amenities such as a cinema room or indoor pool. It might be surprising to learn that there is no real consensus on what the square footage of a home should be to qualify it as a mansion.
Throughout the years, there have been many different architectural styles of mansions. These older buildings inspire even modern mansions built in the last fifty years. Modern mansions are among the most popular luxury homes for sale, like an emblem of comfort, status, and success.
Here are the seven popular types of mansions you can find worldwide today.
Type #1: Colonial Mansions
Colonial architecture originated in the 1600s. Some of the most recognizable aspects of this building style are dormers, columns, evenly spaced shuttered windows and formal-looking chimneys. The front door is always centred, and colonial mansions will have two or three stories.
There are a few different styles of estates that fall under the colonial umbrella. British Colonial homes are the most common. Built by the original British settlers who came to North America, they are recognizable by their simple design. They usually had diamond-shaped windows and a steep roof.
Other colonial styles include Ditch Colonial, German Colonial, Spanish Colonial and French Colonial.
Type #2: Gothic Mansions
Gothic-style mansions evoke the gothic style of European cathedrals built during the Middle Ages. These mansions are known for their ornate style, characterized by arched windows, vaulted ceilings, decorative trim work, stone facades, and steep roof pitches.
These types of mansions are typically two stories and may have large chimneys or even towers. Gothic mansions built after the turn of the twentieth century were usually constructed from brick or wood. They are typically smaller than their stone counterparts but can still make quite a statement.
Type #3: Victorian Mansions
These beautiful mansions were all built during Queen Victoria’s reign, becoming popular in the mid to late eighteen hundreds. Victorian mansions are large and imposing two or three-story homes. They typically contain large rooms full of intricate detailing in the finishes. The floor plans were elaborate, with many different rooms, all designed for specific purposes.
Commonly constructed of stone and wood, Victorian mansions have many recognizable features. These include ornate gingerbread trim, hand-carved railings, steep, gabled roofs, towers, and turrets. They are commonly painted in bright and bold colours, as this was the fashion when these homes were first being built.
Type #4: Craftsman Mansions
Craftsman mansions came about during the Industrial Revolution. This building style originated as a response to mass production, and mansions built in this style feature hand-worked materials emphasizing local production. A Craftsman Mansion will be constructed of natural wood, stucco, or stone.
These types of mansions typically have low-pitched roofs and overhanging eaves that cover large porches from the elements. These spacious porches often feature thick, tapered columns along the perimeter. The interiors of these mansions are well-designed, emphasizing built-in aspects designed to increase the home’s functionality.
Type #5: Mediterranean Mansions
There is no mistaking the unique look of a Mediterranean mansion. Influenced by European architecture from countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece, these sophisticated homes are popular in warm climates. They often feature elements like stucco walls, clay roof tiles, wrought iron detailing, arches, and enclosed outdoor spaces.
Some elements, like roof tiles and stucco building materials, were used to keep these mansions cool in the hot weather where they originated. Outdoor living spaces play a meaningful role in the floor plan of a Mediterranean home. Vibrantly landscaped patios, terraces, and courtyards are used to entertain, gather with family and friends, and relax.
Type #6: English Country Mansions
English Country Mansions are found in the countryside on large plots of land. They typically have many indoor and outdoor amenities, rooms, and intricate floor plans. Usually, the style of these estates is that of symmetry, with wide arches and many windows on all levels. They are constructed from quality materials like stone and brick. Many mansions today are still built in this style.
Type #7: Modern Mansion
Modern mansions can look strikingly different from any of the other, more old-fashioned styles mentioned in this article. They are often constructed from less-traditional materials like metal, marble, concrete and glass. Wide-open spaces, oversized windows, and angular lines are typical features of a modern mansion. However, no two will be the same. You won’t find arched windows, columns, or ornate woodwork in a contemporary mansion; simple, clean lines, geometric shapes and symmetry are the hallmarks of this architectural style.
Mansions tend to be one-of-a-kind, custom-designed homes. The size of the house and the number of rooms certainly is only one part of determining whether or not a home qualifies as a mansion. But there are other features that you will generally find inside these lavish homes, such as top-of-the-line finishes, elaborate specialty rooms and extensive landscaping.