After packing food bags at my church, I decide to get in my daily 5-mile walk in the neighborhoods next to the church since it is now cooler in the morning in Texas than it is in the afternoon. There are some extremely wealthy people who live in the neighborhoods near my church. All the houses look like multimillion-dollar mansions. There are private tennis courts, swimming pools, six-car garages, luxuriant landscaping, grand entrances and front yard fountains. In the driveways, BMWs, Porsches and Lexuses are parked. These are sturdy fortresses made of brick, stucco and/or limestone. Most all are surrounded by wrought iron fences with 12-foot gates. One home, at the end of a dead-end street, has a large sign on the giant gate: Armed Guards on Duty. There is a police car parked behind the gate. I walk by quickly so as not to distract the police in the car, but I do catch a glimpse of an enormous home in the distance with what looks like the metal dome of a planetarium. This is how the other half lives. Let’s find out more about mansions.
According to Wikipedia, a mansion is a large dwelling house. The word itself derives through Old French from the Latin word mansion or "dwelling," an abstract noun derived from the verb manere or "to dwell." The English word manse originally defined a property large enough for the parish priest to maintain himself, but a mansion is no longer self-sustaining in this way — compare a Roman or medieval villa. Manor comes from the same root — territorial holdings granted to a lord who would "remain" there.
Following the fall of Rome, the practice of building unfortified villas ceased. Today, the oldest inhabited mansions around the world usually began their existence as fortified houses in the Middle Ages. As social conditions slowly changed and stabilized, fortifications were able to be reduced, and over the centuries, gave way to comfort. It became fashionable and possible for homes to be beautiful rather than grim and forbidding allowing for the development of the modern mansion.
In British English, a mansion block refers to a block of flats or apartments designed for the appearance of grandeur. In many parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Japan, the word mansion also refers to a block of apartments. In modern Japan, a "manshon" — stemming from the English word "mansion" — is used to refer to a multiunit apartment complex or condominium.
15th – 18th century development
In Europe, from the 15th century onward, a combination of politics and advancements in modern weaponry negated the need for the aristocracy to live in fortified castles. As a result, many were transformed into mansions without defenses or demolished and rebuilt in a more modern, undefended style. Due to intermarriage and primogeniture inheritance amongst the aristocracy, it became common for one noble to often own several country houses. These would be visited rotationally throughout the year as their owner pursued the social and sporting circuit from country home to country home. Many owners of a country house would also own a town mansion in their country's capital city. These town mansions were referred to as “houses” in London, “hôtels particuliers” in Paris and “palaces” in most European cities elsewhere. It might be noted that sometimes the house of a clergyman was called a "mansion house" e.g., by the Reverend James Blair, Commissary in Virginia for the Bishop of London, 1689–1745, a term related to the word "manse" was commonly used in the Church of Scotland, non-conformist churches, The Church of England and the American Episcopal Church.
As the 16th century progressed and the Renaissance style slowly spread across Europe, the last vestiges of castle architecture and life changed; the central points of these great houses became redundant as owners wished to live separately from their servants, and no longer ate with them in a great hall. All evidence and odors of cooking and staff were banished from the principal parts of the house into distant wings, while the owners began to live in airy rooms above the ground floor with privacy from their servants, who were now confined, unless required, to their specifically delegated areas — often the ground and uppermost attic floors. This was a period of great social change, as the educated prided themselves on enlightenment.
The uses of these edifices paralleled that of the Roman villas. It was vital for powerful people and families to keep in social contact with each other as they were the primary molders of society. The rounds of visits and entertainments were an essential part of the societal process, as painted in the novels of Jane Austen. State business was often discussed and determined in informal settings. Times of revolution reversed this value. During July/August 1789, a significant number of French country mansions or chateaux were destroyed by the rural population as part of the Great Fear — a general panic that took place from July 22 to August 6, 1789, at the start of the French Revolution. It was a symbolic rejection of the feudal rights and restraints in effect under the Ancien Régime.
Until World War I it was not unusual for a moderately sized mansion in England such as Cliveden to have an indoor staff of 20 and an outside staff of the same size, and in ducal mansions such as Chatsworth House the numbers could be far higher. In the great houses of Italy, the number of retainers was often even greater than in England; whole families plus extended relations would often inhabit warrens of rooms in basements and attics. Most European mansions were also the hub of vast estates.
19th century development
The 19th century saw the continuation of the building of mansions in the United States and Europe. Built by self-made men, these were often smaller than those built by the old European aristocracy. These new builders of mansions did not confine themselves to just the then-fashionable Gothic tastes in architecture, but also experimented with 19th-century versions of older Renaissance and Tudoresque styles; The Breakers in Rhode Island is a fine example of American Renaissance revivalism.
During the 19th century, like the major thoroughfares of all important cities, Fifth Avenue in New York City was lined with mansions. Many of these were designed by the leading architects of the day — often in European Gothic Revival style — and were built by families who were making their fortunes, and thus achieving their social aspirations. However, nearly all of these have now been demolished, thus depriving New York of a boulevard to rival, in the architectural sense, those in Paris, London or Rome — where the many large mansions and palazzi built or remodeled during this era still survive. Mansions built in the countryside were not spared either. One of the most spectacular estates of the U.S., Whitemarsh Hall, was demolished in 1980, along with its extensive gardens, to make way for suburban developments.
Grand Federal-style mansions designed by Samuel McIntire inhabit an area that, in 2012, is the largest collection of 17th- and 18th-century structures in the United States of America. This district in Salem, Massachusetts, is called the McIntire Historic District with the center being Chestnut Street. McIntire's training came from his father and from books. He and his brothers, Joseph and Angler, began their careers as housewrights and carpenters while in their teens but, early on, Samuel's work caught the eye of Salem's pre-eminent merchant, Elias Hasket Derby. Over the next quarter century, McIntire built or remodeled a number of homes for Derby and members of his extended family. McIntire also worked occasionally on Derby's vessels and wasn't averse to fixing a wagon or building a birdhouse if his patron so desired. Hamilton Hall is a National Historic Landmark at 9 Chestnut Street in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built in 1805 by Samuel McIntire and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. "King" Derby's stamp of approval opened many other doors for McIntire, who went on to design and build mansions for John Gardner, Jerethmiel Peirce, Simon Forrester and other wealthy Salem shipowners. He also built — on elegant Chestnut Street — a function hall named for Alexander Hamilton and church for the town's merchant class. McIntire also designed the former Salem Court House and Registry of Deeds.
After 1793, Samuel McIntire worked exclusively in the architectural style developed by Robert Adam in Great Britain and brought to America by the great Boston architect, Charles Bulfinch. The delicate Adam style, which emphasized decorative elements and ornamentation, was tailor-made for McIntire, whose unerring sense of design and proportion was exceeded only by his skill as a woodcarver. Carved swags, rosettes, garlands, and his signature sheaths of wheat dominate wood surfaces in McIntire homes built between 1793 and his death in 1811.
Even in Europe, some 19th-century mansions were often built as replicas of older houses, the Château de Ferrières in France was inspired by Mentmore Towers, which in turn is a copy of Wollaton Hall. Other mansions were built in the new and innovative styles of the new era such as the arts and crafts style: The Breakers is a pastiche of an Italian Renaissance palazzo; Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is a faithful mixture of various French châteaux. One of the most enduring and most frequently copied styles for a mansion is the Palladian — particularly so in the 18th century. However, the Gothic style was probably the most popular choice of design in the 19th century. The most bizarre example of this was probably Fonthill Abbey which actually set out to imitate the mansions which had truly evolved from medieval Gothic abbeys following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.
Mansions built during and after the 19th century were seldom supported by the large estates of their predecessors. These new mansions were often built as the weekend retreats of businessmen who commuted to their offices by the new railways, which enabled them to leave the city more easily.
Latin America
In Latin America, the grand rural estate, the Hacienda, Estancia, in Portuguese-speaking Brazil Fazenda or Estância with the mansion as its stately center is a characteristic feature.
Mansions tended to follow European architectural styles. Whereas until the second half of the 19th century, Portugal and Spain as the colonial — or former colonial — powers were the eminent models for architecture and upper-class lifestyle, towards the end of the 19th century, they were sometimes replaced by then more dominant powers like France or England.
In comparably developed, densely populated countries like Mexico, feudal estates and their mansions were as grand and stately as in the Mediterranean old world, whereas estates were founded in the sparsely populated remote areas like the Pampa of Argentina or Uruguay, where iron pillars, doors, windows and furniture had to be brought from Europe by ship and afterwards oxcart, buildings were smaller, but normally still aspiring to evoke a stately impression, often featuring — like their earlier Italian counterparts — a morador or belvedere, an architectural structure sited to take advantage of a fine or scenic view.
In the photo, the Quinta Gameros is a Porfirian-era mansion located in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. The building, designed in a French style, is testimony to an era when France asserted greater soft power in the region than either Spain or Portugal. Porfirian is a term given to the period when General Porfirio Díaz ruled Mexico as president in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In Venezuela, the traditional Spanish mansions with a garden in the center of the property are usually referred as "Quinta."
Size
Some realtors in the U.S. term mansions as houses that have a minimum of 8,000 square-feet of floor space. Others claim a viable minimum could instead be 5,000 square-feet of floor space, especially in a city environment.
Magnificent U.S. mansions
According to Lauren Kilberg’s June 8, 2016 article “The Bucket List: 8 Magnificent U.S. Mansions to Tour” in Paste magazine, the U.S. may not have the fairytale castles common throughout parts of Europe, but we do have some stately mansions that can be just as impressive. Occupied by names like Rockefeller, Versace and Vanderbilt, the eight estates in this gallery were once home to some of our country’s most prominent businessmen, a world-class fashion designer and a famous heiress. Today, all remain open to the public and waiting for a spot on your bucket list.
Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina
As the largest privately owned home in America, there's truly no grander a mansion than the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This nearly 180,000-square-foot chateau-style home was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, and the Gilded Age beauty remains in the family today. It continues to occupy 8,000 acres with expansive gardens and pristine landscaping. Many of the original buildings on the estate have been converted to appeal to visitors, including a former barn that now serves as the Biltmore Winery. Not only is the mansion and its grounds open to the public for a $50 entrance fee, but visitors can stay at one of three accommodations there, including the 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate or the Cottage on Biltmore Estate.
The Mount
Lenox, Massachusetts
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton's former home sits on nearly 50 acres around Laurel Lake in the Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts. Named the Mount, Wharton called the house home from 1902 until 1911. The estate includes a magnificent main house built with classic Italian- and French-inspired architecture, as well as a stable and gardens. The Mount went on to serve other purposes after Wharton moved out, including a girl's dormitory for a nearby school and the site of a theater company. Today it remains open May through October as a cultural center and museum, offering daily tours for around $18. Having penned several scary stories throughout her career, it's only fitting a ghost tour is offered at her former estate.
Hearst Castle
San Simeon, California
Originally owned by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the Hearst Castle — formally La Cuesta Encantada — is a National Historical Landmark overlooking San Simeon, California. Construction of the 165-room mansion completed in 1947 and included a main building, guesthouses, fountains, gardens and pools on 127 acres. The hilltop estate is open to the public and several tours are offered starting at $25.
The Breakers
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is famous for its Gilded Age mansions, and none is more famous than the Vanderbilt family's 125,339-square-foot summer estate known as The Breakers. Construction of the 70-room mansion began in 1893 and was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It was inspired by 16th-century Italian palaces and features Renaissance-inspired architecture. This National Historic Landmark is open to the public, and a variety of tours are available through the Preservation Society of Newport County, which includes an array of other Gilded Age mansions in the area.
Shangri La
Honolulu, Hawaii
American heiress Doris Duke's Hawaiian estate is architecturally unique compared to the other mansions in this gallery. The Islamic-style Shangri La sits on nearly five acres and was built between 1936 and 1938 near Honolulu. Duke's inspiration for the oceanfront home's design came after her honeymoon travels took her through Africa and the Middle East. While living in the mansion, she collected some 2,500 Islamic artifacts from countries like Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Syria and Turkey. They remain on display within the home today, which is maintained as the Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures through the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Kykuit
Sleepy Hollow, New York
The 40-room Kykuit overlooks the Hudson Valley and once served as home to four generations of Rockefellers. The Westchester County, New York estate was originally built for patriarch John D. Rockefeller, who moved in with his family in 1913. The stone house features Colonial and Classic Revival architecture and sits on nearly 250 acres. Among Kykuit's other occupants was Nelson Rockefeller, governor of New York and U.S. vice president, who added noteworthy art collections to the estate, including work by Pablo Picasso. Today the estate is maintained as a National Trust house and is open to the public. A variety of tours are available and range from around $25 to $40.
Versace Mansion
Miami, Florida
Known most famously as the Versace Mansion, this Mediterranean Revival-style estate in Miami was designed in 1930 and occupied by Adlen Freeman, who inherited his wealth from his father who served as treasurer of Standard Oil Co. Originally and formally known as Casa Casuarina, the mansion has undergone several reincarnations, including as an apartment complex and later as private residence of famed Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. He lived there from 1992 until 1997 when he was shot and killed on its front steps. Versace expanded the mansion and commissioned $32 million in renovations. Today, it's open to the public as the Villa Casa Casuarina hotel.
Vanderbilt Mansion
Hyde Park, New York
The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a true American palace. The 54-room mansion was built by Frederick William Vanderbilt between 1896 and 1899 to serve as a country home. This Gilded Age beauty features Beaux Arts architecture and sits on 211 acres along the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York. The property includes Italian gardens, a formal garden with 2,000 rose bushes, a natural woods and views of the Catskill Mountains. The Vanderbilt Mansion is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. Entrance passes are $10.
Magnificent mansions outside the U.S.
According to the Dec. 2, 2020 article “James’ Choice: The 10 Most Sought-After Mansions in 2021” at jamesedition.com, below are some magnificent mansions outside the U.S.
Théoule-sur-Mer - $107,616,111
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
This house looks as if it flew right off the pages of Architectural Digest – and for good reason. The ultra-modern estate reportedly was created by one of the world’s leading architects Jean Nouvel and features four separate villas in four design themes e.g., “The Water and Light Reflection” and “Lights and Inside Garden” built around an amazing, oval swimming pool with a 240-degree sea view.
Enjoying an exclusive prime location on the top of a hill, the property is literally meters from another iconic Riviera masterpiece: Pierre Cardin’s Bubble Palace located slightly down the hill. Another strong suit of the property is its majestic, landscaped park designed by Jean Mus.
Avenue Road - $99,959,749
St John’s Wood
London, England
Set on a spacious, tree-lined avenue in St. John’s Wood lies one of London’s most exceptional private residences, positioned behind a secure, gated, landscaped front.
This house has been meticulously designed and built in a contemporary style yet provides a country lifestyle in the heart of London. It is located just over two and a half miles north of Mayfair and borders the Royal Parks of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill.
The property itself is a perfect example of a high-class, English-style mansion. Upon entering the house, you find a grandeur double-height entrance hall flooded with an abundance of light. At the heart of the house, the grand hall features a beautiful stone staircase and a striking floor-to-ceiling chandelier. Other features include a spacious indoor pool, luxury home bar/ movie theater, a landscaped garden and a sunken courtyard.
Villa in Son Vida - $77,509,396
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Son Vida is a prestigious residential area west of Palma set in an elevated position with panoramic views over mountains, countryside and the Bay of Palma. The location is renowned for its golf courses, world-famous hotels and architect-designed villas.
The facade of the villa is designed as a dynamic representation of boat sails floating above the ground floor. The building stretches along the length of the site to create maximum frontage, exploit the wonderful views and create unique, “infinity” open-space interiors. Transparent glass walls on the ground floor extend the huge living room into the garden, doubling the living space in the summer. The terrace provides an impression of limitless spacing, surrounded by natural landscape.
Facing south with complete privacy, the interior is also full of light. Unforgettable sunsets come as a bonus.
7 Hidden Island Road - $12,984,041
Jack’s Point, New Zealand
Another surprising destination on our top list is New Zealand. Set within the exclusive Jack’s Point Preserve, this powerful setting offers the all-day sun coupled with spectacular lake and mountain views.
Designed by award-winning architects, Mason and Wales, and recently completed by preeminent local builder Triple Star, this modern mansion offers the best of the best in design, construction and engineering.
The architecture provides a direct response both to the topography of the landscape and to the incredible elevated vistas. To achieve this effect, the mansion consists of two distinct buildings linked by a translucent entry gallery. While strong in form, the house melds quietly into the landscape, providing an unbeatable outlook and privacy.
Villa in Alcuzcuz - $11,881,228
Marbella, Spain
This is Marbella’s first upscale property designed and built under Passive House regulations and standards. Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of the Passive House concept; it guarantees more than a 75% saving on energy costs, while keeping the house warm in winter/cool in summer and providing fresh air throughout the house. And this villa masterfully combines sustainability with sheer, unadulterated luxury.
The property is located in higher altitudes, five minutes from the coast and ten minutes from Marbella, within an exclusive gated community. The villa’s open space design benefits from the breathtaking vistas and provides probably the best views in the neighborhood from its great room and the pool. The interior combines contemporary style and modern artworks with a hint of eco-chic.
Royal-style mansion - $254,877,470
Haifa, Israel
One of the surprises that the end of 2020 brought us was that a house from Israel put up online in October quickly became one of the most popular listings on JamesEdition. It’s the first time for this destination to share a top ten position with anticipated leaders from California, the French Riviera and Costa del Sol.
The 4-bedroom, 7-bathroom mansion truly lives up to its name, from its palace-style exterior to baroque interiors ornate with natural marble and onyx mosaics, monumental columns and 14-carat gold moldings. Two fountains with golden sculptures and a luxurious indoor pool give it a certain Late-Roman-Empire vibe.
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