We have a relatively short answer to that question, although the more we think about the “short” answer, the longer it gets. Actually, we have a really short answer – “we know it when we see it” – but that probably doesn’t help you at all.
A “Modest” mansion isn’t about cost. We’ve seen more than a few million-dollar modest mansions, mostly because of where they’re located. The same $300,000 cottage in Iowa might be $1,500,000 in Washington’s San Juan Islands or $3m in the Chicago suburbs. “Modest” is mostly about the house, less about the location or price.
A “Modest” mansion isn’t about size, although we often find that “modest” mansions are less than 3,000 square feet – sometimes a lot less. But sometimes more; a house that’s bigger for reasons other than vanity could still be a Modest Mansion.
Modest Mansions aren’t restricted to one style, either. The Modest Mansion is filled with homes that fit “traditional” styles, “contemporary” styles, and everything in between.
Most importantly, “modest” mansions are homes that serve the needs of their owners with style, with quality, and the kind of character that makes a house feel like a home. Modest Mansions aren’t about showing off.
There are examples of these homes everywhere, and we look forward to sharing them with you when we find them. What’s your definition of a “Modest Mansion”? We’d love to hear from you!