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What’s the Biggest House in Skyrim? Settling Down in Tamriel

So, you’re looking to stake your claim in Skyrim, eh? Tired of sleeping in bandit caves and want a proper place to hang your dragon bones? You’re probably wondering which homestead offers the most bang for your Septim. Well, the answer to the question, “What is the biggest house in Skyrim?” is Proudspire Manor, located in the city of Solitude. Boasting multiple floors and a grand layout, it’s the largest pre-built player home available in the game. Now, while it’s the biggest, is it necessarily the best? That depends on your priorities, which we’ll delve into.

Proudspire Manor: Size Isn’t Everything

Let’s break down why Proudspire Manor holds the “biggest” title. Firstly, it offers the most floor space of any purchasable home. It spans multiple floors, giving you ample room for storage, displays, and crafting stations. You can purchase upgrades that include:

Living Room: A space for relaxation and display of smaller items.
Bedrooms: A spacious Master Bedroom and smaller bedrooms if you have adopted children.
Kitchen: For preparing meals.
Alchemy Lab: A dedicated space for potion brewing.
Enchanting Room: A place to create enchanted weapons and armor.

However, “biggest” doesn’t always translate to “best.” Some players find Proudspire Manor’s layout a bit cumbersome. It can take a while to navigate between rooms, and the sheer size can feel a bit empty if you don’t have enough items to fill it. It’s also the most expensive at 25,000 Septims before any upgrades, so it represents a significant investment.

Build Your Own Empire: Hearthfire Homes

If customization is your jam, the Hearthfire DLC offers a different path to homeownership. With Hearthfire, you can acquire land and build your own houses from the ground up. While these homes might not rival Proudspire Manor in sheer size initially, the ability to add multiple wings and tailor the layout to your exact specifications means you can create a sprawling estate that suits your needs perfectly.

The three buildable homes are:

Lakeview Manor (Falkreath Hold): Scenic views and proximity to the wilderness make it great for hunters and nature lovers.
Windstad Manor (Hjaalmarch Hold): Located in the marshlands, it’s perfect for aspiring alchemists due to its unique fish hatchery.
Heljarchen Hall (The Pale Hold): Strategically positioned near Whiterun and Dawnstar, offering convenient access to both cities.

Other Contenders: Houses with Unique Perks

Beyond Proudspire Manor and the Hearthfire homes, other player homes offer unique benefits that might make them a better choice for certain playstyles. For instance:

Honeyside (Riften): A cozy home with a convenient backdoor leading directly to the city’s canals.
Severin Manor (Raven Rock – Dragonborn DLC): A grand manor with a unique location on Solstheim.
Arch-Mage’s Quarters (College of Winterhold): If you become the Arch-Mage, you gain access to a spacious and magically-charged living space.

Ultimately, the “best” house in Skyrim is the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Do you value size above all else? Then Proudspire Manor is your answer. Do you prefer customization and the ability to build your dream home from scratch? Then the Hearthfire homes are the way to go.

Skyrim Housing FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about housing in Skyrim, to help you make the best decision for your Dragonborn:

1. Can I own multiple houses in Skyrim?

Yes! You can own every purchasable and buildable property in Skyrim. There is no limit on the number of houses you can own, so feel free to become a real estate mogul.

2. How do I purchase Proudspire Manor?

To purchase Proudspire Manor, you must complete the “The Man Who Cried Wolf” quest for the Jarl of Solitude and have 25,000 Septims. You’ll then need to speak to Falk Firebeard, the steward, to buy the house.

3. How do I start building a Hearthfire home?

First, you need to purchase a plot of land from the Jarl or Steward of Falkreath, Hjaalmarch, or The Pale. Once you have the land, you can use the drafting table and workbench to start building your house.

4. What are the benefits of building a Hearthfire home?

The primary benefit is customization. You can design the layout of your home, choose which rooms to build, and add features like gardens, stables, and smithing areas.

5. How much does it cost to build a Hearthfire home?

The cost depends on the materials you use. You’ll need wood, stone, iron, and other resources to construct your home and furniture. You can gather these resources yourself or purchase them from merchants.

6. Can I move my spouse and children into any house?

Yes, you can move your spouse and adopted children into any of your owned homes that have a bed and a chest.

7. What is the best Hearthfire home location?

“Best” is subjective, but Heljarchen Hall is often considered the most strategically located due to its central position and proximity to Whiterun and Dawnstar.

8. Can I hire a steward for my Hearthfire home?

Yes, you can hire a follower to act as your steward. They can manage your property, purchase resources, and protect your home from bandits and wild animals.

9. How do I furnish my house in Skyrim?

You can purchase furniture from general goods merchants or craft it yourself at the workbench using various materials.

10. Are there any houses in Skyrim that are free?

Technically, no. All player homes require some investment, whether it’s gold to purchase them or resources to build them. However, you can obtain some homes through completing quests.

11. What are the benefits of owning a house in Skyrim?

Owning a house provides a safe place to store your belongings, sleep, and craft items. It also offers a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

12. Can I be attacked in my house?

Yes, your house can be attacked by bandits, giants, or wild animals, especially if it’s located in a remote area. This is more common with Hearthfire homes.

13. How do I protect my house from attacks?

Hiring a steward and equipping them with good armor and weapons can help protect your home. You can also recruit housecarls to defend your property.

14. Which city has the most expensive houses?

Solitude, home of Proudspire Manor, generally has the most expensive properties due to its status as the capital of Skyrim.

15. Can I build a basement in my Hearthfire home?

Yes, you can add a basement to your Hearthfire home, which can be used for storage, crafting, or even as a dungeon!

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: The Real Value of Home

Ultimately, owning a home in Skyrim is about more than just square footage or location. It’s about creating a space that reflects your character, your accomplishments, and your playstyle. Whether you choose the grandeur of Proudspire Manor or the customizable freedom of a Hearthfire home, make it your own. And if you are interested in learning more about gaming and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. After all, even Dragonborn need a place to relax after a long day of saving the world.