What Is the Difference Between an Estate and a Mansion? It’s a great question, though it might sound like one from a trivia game. Distinguishing between an estate and a mansion actually is an exercise in size. And for buyers of new custom Florida homes, both an estate and a mansion can be considered residential real estate properties.
Both also are usually large in acreage and square footage, and both traditionally highlight owners’ accomplishments and interests. Perhaps the most direct definition is that today’s mansions and estates can be whatever prospective customers want them to be. That’s the fun of modern residential construction.
Join us at ICI Homes as we tackle the difference between an estate and a mansion.
Mansion
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a mansion as, “a large imposing residence.” There are no formal square-footage designations, but google the term “mansion” enough and you’ll generally find 5,000 square feet as the demarcation attributed to some industry professionals.
That’s definitely a large residence. A mansion also can be smaller, particularly if it’s set into a property surrounded by outdoor living spaces, landscaping and perhaps a gated entrance.
Which leads us to…
Estate
Back to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which offers several definitions of the noun “estate,” a versatile word with different meanings, depending on how it’s used.
For residential real-estate purposes, Merriam-Webster defines an estate as, “a landed property usually with a large house on it.” Anyone who’s toured the Biltmore Estate in Nashville, North Carolina, or another significant property open to the public will recognize those parameters.
The large house on any landed property can be a mansion. Or, a smaller abode surrounded by other structures such as a barn or pool house. Other components can include anything from a kitchen garden, to a personal putting green, or perhaps a small pasture for the kids’ pony.
How ICI Homes can help
We’re been known as Florida’s Custom Home Builder for more than four decades. Helping folks make their dream-home dreams come true is a particular passion of ours, whether it’s George W. Vanderbilt II-sized, or a beach house near one of the Sunshine State’s watery shores.
We offer two great ways to accomplish this. Our ICI Custom Homes division is dedicated to helping customers build custom luxury and estate homes of any size. Our Build on Your Lot program does the same, only with land or homesites you might already own.
Our vast, award-winning floor plan library offers numerous plans from 2,500 to more than 5,000 square feet. And we regularly design and build estate-size homes as large as 10,000 square feet.
Our Build on Your Lot program is available all over Florida — near our Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Tampa-area divisions.
Just make an appointment for a complimentary customization meeting and bring your ideas, wish lists and property survey if you own your lot. And if you need a lot, we can help with that too!
Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.