Where does the McMansion end and a true Mansion begin?

[ThomasCrown]

Appreciate the responses, some interesting opinions here.

I find it's a highly subjective topic, for me, a custom home that is large enough to stand out is the basis of creating a mansion, then high end finishes are required. But on the same token, I've seen some mansions that are so overdone as to seem tacky and gaudy, even though the finish out is extremely expensive. I've also seen some minimalist designs that are also very high end, but ultra modern, so in comparison to some ornate interior designs, they look rather plain and cheap in comparison, even though they are not.

But, I am sad to learn that my home (even though a custom build) would probably register as a McMansion to most of you, ha!

[Walter Benjamin]

I haven't read the whole thread, so apologies if this has been cited already, but:

This entire blog is entertaining, and this post is relevant:

McMansions 101 Special Edition: Mansion vs... | McMansion Hell

also
Houston, TX | McMansion Hell

[Stevehanrahan41]

Like seriously, OH M GEE, could you imagine having to live in one of those McMansions!! So degrading!!!

Please, 85% of the people that post on this board live in some sort of Collin County McMansion!

[serger]

Stick construction - no mansion.

[GrandviewGloria]

Originally Posted by Walter Benjamin

I haven't read the whole thread, so apologies if this has been cited already, but:

This entire blog is entertaining, and this post is relevant:

McMansions 101 Special Edition: Mansion vs... | McMansion Hell

also
Houston, TX | McMansion Hell

That guy doesn't know very much. He offers little, if any, insight.

[rosscountry]

If you don't have land let's say an acre or 2 and you build a large home taking up your .25 acre lot that's a McMansion or very large condo

If you can look over your fence and see inside your neighbor's home without binoculars then that is a McMansion.... jmo

[triciaandpat]

With all this mansion talk I am reminded of a trip to Vegas in which I went into a high end fine jewelry store in the Bellagio and for fun the sales clerk had me try on their biggest diamond ring (knowing I was just window shopping and couldn't afford anything there). The diamond was so large, before thinking I said, "It's so gaudy". She looked at me with a smile and said, "Oh honey, it's only gaudy until you own it!"

[Wittgenstein's Ghost]

When I see a house that is over 8-10,000 square feet, I honestly think less of the people living there. Perhaps my attitude is unjustified, but I can't imagine living a life where I want to be that far away from the other people I live with. I also think of the terrible waste of money it represents. I'm quite certain that amount of money could do a great deal of good in the world, and to waste it on a 10k square foot house seems silly.

What's a mansion and what's a mcmansion? It's sort of like what is porn or what is art: I know it when I see it.

And I agree with an above poster: most of the houses in Collin County are the epitome of the mcmansion.

Btw, I participate on several city forums, and this board is, by far, more concerned and consumed by discussions of wealth, money and economics than any other forum I frequent.