The Bliss of a Small Cozy Home vs. Grand Mansion: A Personal Perspective
When faced with the choice between a small, cozy home and a grand, luxurious mansion, the question is not merely about size but also about the essence of living. Throughout my journey as a property enthusiast and a seasoned widow, I have navigated both opulent and modest living spaces, and my preference has invariably leaned towards the former.
Grand Mansions – The Showcases of Luxury
As a professional property manager, I have had the privilege of overseeing some of London’s most expensive and exclusive properties. These apartments often come with a price tag exceeding ￡40 million. They are magnificent, spacious, and packed with lavish amenities—private pools, gyms, saunas, chauffeur areas, and rare rugs and carpets. However, my experience with these opulent living spaces has been disheartening. Despite the stunning aesthetics and extravagant features, they often lack the homely essence that truly makes a home.
Take, for instance, Apartment A in Knightsbridge, nestled near the famous Harrods store. It boasts a private swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, and a grand area for staff, including chauffeurs. Yet, it feels more like a hotel suite than a home. The clinical atmosphere and vastness make it feel impersonal. Despite the expensive wallpaper and finishes, some rooms remain unused to protect the rare rugs and carpets from damage. As a property expert, these features are admired, but the lack of a cozy, homely atmosphere makes such living spaces less appealing.
Preferences for a Medium-Sized Home
Even in my younger years, when my children were growing up and entertaining was frequent, I had a preference for a medium-sized home. A four-bedroom home with a study and a spacious backyard offered a comfortable living space. However, now that I am 73 and my children are settled in their homes, my preference has shifted to a smaller, more manageable space. A small cozy house allows me to maintain and take care of my home and garden without much hassle, and quarterly deep cleans are sufficient to keep it in excellent condition.
Minimalist Living: A Growing Preference
I would much rather live in a smaller place and focus on what matters. I don’t enjoy spending time tidying up my living space; I just want to live in it. I am not picky about how it looks, and I barely decorate. A well-built and well-insulated small space with good structural integrity would suit me just fine. I have no desire for a large house; they are nice to visit but not ideal to maintain. Over 1000 square feet feels excessive for my needs, given that I am a single person with a rabbit and two guinea pigs.
My last move was a downsizing from a 2-bedroom apartment with a large attic to a 1-bedroom apartment with just one spacious closet. I have donated or thrown away at least 60% of my belongings, and even with this reduction, my closet resembles a game of Tetris to fit everything in. The idea of minimalist living appeals to me, and I am seriously considering the tiny house trend. A company near me offers beautifully constructed tiny houses at reasonable prices. A 70000 model, which I could customize, would offer a main floor of about 250 square feet with a master bedroom and an additional loft for guests or storage. They even provide a deck. If I could find a suitable plot, this would be the ideal home for me, and my adult children would be happy with it too.
Considering the cost and potential mobility of a tiny house, it could be relocated if needed. This model aligns perfectly with my growing preference for minimalist living. A mansion would be redundant and a waste of space and money for someone like me. It would just be a luxurious burden with too much room to fill with unnecessary items.
In conclusion, while grand mansions offer luxury and opulence, the small, cozy home offers a homely and manageable living space. The choice is not just about the size but about the essence of a home that suits one's lifestyle and preferences.