Living in a mansion vs a small cozy home [what to expect]
Does having a mansion make you a better person or change who you really are?
And do you agree that a mansion is just something to enjoy and be grateful for?
There comes a certain stage of affluence and one is able to afford lots of things at insane prices.
A diamond-studded phone cover, long luxury recreational boats, a garage full of luxury cars, and a mansion.
Having lived in a small house for quite some time, most of my hours were spent daydreaming about my ideal house.
Everything was cramped up in the same room.
For instance, the living room was my bedroom and the kitchen as well. With a long ceiling to floor curtain as a subdivider.
It was almost as if I couldn’t breathe.
I also felt so small having to see everything I owned with just one glance. It is quite overwhelming.
So by the time I was moving into a mansion, I knew exactly what I wanted in fine detail.
Changes after moving to a mansion
How the library would have floor to ceiling stacking shelves with a staircase in the middle.
The types of wine that would form my collection in the cellar.
My ensuite bathroom with a marble tub where I will no longer have to share.
A kitchen with a wide working area and plenty of cabinets for storage.
My idea was to be able to have different rooms for different activities.
And let me tell you I am not looking back. I love every bit of living in a mansion.\
Having the garden in the backyard with fresh veggies and tons of activities to engage in at the front yard.
You know the idea is to have a few spacious rooms rather than many small rooms.
Something that is very paramount to consider is the location of the bigger house. It has to be an area that erects the same type of houses with neighbors who have the same vision as you. Otherwise, the comparison to others can be unbalancing mentally. You would never be satiated.
Wealth and even happiness are not measured by how big a house or mansion you have. But by how it compares to those around you.
Expectations when living in a mansion
So what do you expect while living in a mansion?
Luxury, luxury, and more luxury
There is so much space available that allows room for privacy.
Unlike being in a small house where when you walk in almost all your possessions are visible in a glance.
Amenities in one place
Everything you need is available at your convenience.
You literally bring the activities done outside to you. Be it games like basketball, trampoline, or swimming. You have a cinema room instead of going to the movies, a massage room, the gym, even pool slides at the tip of your fingers.
Top-notch interior design
The interior design is also breathtakingly beautiful.
You can tell that a designer came in and picked out all items of furniture and artwork. From the huge patios, football-size bedrooms, high ceiling walls, and walk-in closets. To the waterfalls or maybe the aquarium if you are an aqua person.
Embrace the space
You come to appreciate the amount of land that surrounds your mansion.
Having no neighbors close by, it is incredibly peaceful to walk around the grounds in your bathing suit.
Moreover, you can only live in so much interior space before it feels like a big waste.
The space grows on to you.
There is the notion that a massive house can be cold and wasteful. However, after moving from a small house to a mansion, you get used to the space. Like a goldfish growing into its aquarium environment. Provided step by step you increase its utilization.
Eventually, the 20-foot high ceilings, fancy washlet toilets, and 8-inch thick doors become the norm.
Live with your large family, still have privacy
One of the ways to utilize the mansion is to have a massive family.
With so much space you can’t help yourself from daydreaming about kids running around the grounds. Playing in the pool and all the giggles that would come from them while sitting at the massive dining table during meals.
If not children then your loved ones should be around to enjoy the property. It might get a little sad walking by empty room after empty room while going to your grandmaster suit.
The privacy that comes with having a mansion is priceless.
With all the hustling to make a living nothing beats coming home to a property where only your loved ones can disturb you. Even then, you still have the option of your private space to be alone if need be.
You can have loved ones living in the same single house with you, while they have their own space. It is becoming increasingly common to have your parents living with you when they become older.
Hence, having a mansion eliminates unnecessary interactions. While you get to house multiple generations.
Work from home
Apart from having a home office, which comes through especially now with the pandemic, and the whole vibe of working from home.
You still get extra space that can be used as storage for running your business from home. The goal is to have multiple streams of income, right?
You are not limited. When you have more space available, you can use it for diverse purposes. Maybe create a playroom for the kids or a craft room and workshop for yourself. Or even make room for holding meetings for welfare.
Good ambiance
The general atmosphere of a luxurious mansion is exceptionally good. The environment does leave a positive impact on your mind and on the people visiting you. You almost feel happier, more satisfied, and comfortable.
It is custom-built. You can run wild with your imagination while designing. Because you are given the opportunity to choose home features that contour to your and your family’s lifestyle.
Spectacular views
This is such a definitive feature for mansions to expect. It completely depends on the location you choose. But as for me, I get a view of the mountains and the rolling foothills. It is very serene.
You can easily indulge in new projects due to the availability of space. Whether it is learning to play the piano, to draw, or sow.
Learn how to cook and host parties.
Even your loved ones can indulge as well without getting into each other’s space.
Pros of living in a mansion
With such great expectations. What would be the advantages of living in a mansion?
- Mansions are a great investment in real estate. They could later be turned into an air bed and breakfast.
- Due to its size, it is great for hosting guests, family, and friends comfortably during the holidays.
- It is very convenient. You do not have to go elsewhere for entertainment.
- Keeps you fairly fit with all the walking you have to do while walking from one room to the other.
- You have more storage space for your stuff. Which gives you more breathing room without feeling like the walls are closing in on you due to clutter around you.
- Your children will be able to grow more socially by being able to host their friends over whenever circumstances allow it.
- Unforgettable barbecue evenings with close friends.
Cons of living in a mansion
Everything good comes at a price. However, I think with proper planning these disadvantages would hit different while living in a mansion.
The cost of living is high
The maintenance, utilities, and property taxes are expensive. But if you schedule when the maintenance is to be done rather than doing it impromptu when needed saves you some coins. Also saving up for your new lifestyle before is a bonus tip.
Loneliness
Sometimes you can not hear someone in the other room. This is easily solved by putting home telephones in every room.
Challenge in decorating all the spaces
It is quite a challenge to decorate due to size and keeping things proportional to scale. If you are doing it yourself. However professional interior designers do a great job in furnishing and creating the mood you want.
You just do not get on a ladder to install anything with the high ceilings. It is very dangerous unless you are qualified.
Clashing schedules
Can be difficult to work from home when all the cleaning is being done. In my house, there is harmony when it comes to cleaning.
I am usually informed the day before this way I have the option of working outside by the pool, at the guest house, or giving myself a vacation day.
Security concern
A mansion being a sign of wealth attracts greed. Therefore you will need to invest in a security system to keep out thieves. No argument here, you have to feel safe in your own home.
Growing desire
After a while, you will start looking for a bigger mansion. Why? The desire for more is never-ending. This is relative because if you live in a neighborhood with like-minded people you are as content as you choose to be.
Space can be too big
It is quite annoying if you forget something in another room. This gets on my nerves every single time. So if I don’t really need it I forgo it for later.
When is it time to move to a bigger house?
Here are a few good reasons.
Space and privacy
If there is barely enough room for those of you who live there let alone the occasional guest. Then you need more space. So that every person can have their own bedrooms and you get more storage for your clutter.
Growing family
Your family is growing. Whether adding babies or puppies, you want your growing family to have the space to happily co-exist both inside and outside your home.
Low interest in real estate
The market is right with low-interest rates on housing.
Have access to amenities
You are ready to have your favorite amenities right in your home or yard. I am talking about the pool, the gym or a tennis court. This way you don’t have to go out to enjoy yourself.
Cost efficiency
The cost of maintaining your current home is no longer reasonable. It’s costing you more than it would if you just moved to a new house.
Changing lifestyle
Your lifestyle, preference, and needs have changed and you desire a community that better suits you. Maybe you have kids now and you need an area that has good schools with a community that is raising children as well.
Increased wealth
You have had a boost in your income. More money in the bank could mean it’s time for a bigger house. If you can afford it, why not?
You want an income apartment where you can rent out part of your home. This helps in subsidizing the mortgage and living in areas you otherwise could not afford.
Need for a home office
Your work is different now and you lack a home office. With the pandemic and the whole idea of working from home, which I think many will still opt for even when it is over. Having a serene working environment is vital for productivity.
This brings us to the question.
Will a bigger house make you happy?
Well, there is less clutter to fight about. More places to hide when disagreements inevitably occur and you need space. There are a lot of activities to engage in. And you can always host family and friends gatherings.
A house has a heart and many argue that a big house is an empty house while a small house has emotions.
I beg to differ because you make your own home.
You have the power to decide and create the mood and ambiance you desire.
It is true, you don’t realize how on top of each other you are until you experience mansion living.
The level of space we expect or aspire to can depend on what we were used to.
Happiness should first come from within you before it comes from material things.
Otherwise, nothing would ever make you smile.
It’s hard to deny that mansions have a lot of appeals. For they are grand, majestic even and radiate a satisfying sense of spaciousness. It is good though to keep in mind that there will always be a bigger house than yours and a smaller one.
Spend time with your loved ones to increase happiness in your home. Because the size of the house has zero to do with the size of happiness. The house is just luxurious and more convenient. It is the people living in it that make it a home.