Enchanting Castles Fit for Royalty
Have you ever wanted to live like a fairytale prince or princess? Well, now you can in one of these palatial properties. Picture towering turrets, dramatic Renaissance interiors and spectacular landscaped gardens, because these homes were definitely designed with royalty in mind. From a modern castle in the heart of San Francisco, to a 13th-century estate in rural France, let's take a look at the fairytale residences that even Elsa and Jasmine would be proud to call home.
Bonnes Castle, Vienne, France: $8.8 million
Beautiful and extensive, Bonnes Castle is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Now a designated Historic Monument, the property can be found in the Vienne area of France and has been meticulously renovated over the last 45 years. If you like the look of the exterior, just wait until you see inside...
On the market for Le Figaro Properties for a cool $8.8 million, the fairytale home certainly doesn't come cheap. Yet every penny would be worthwhile, considering the home's scale and attention to detail. Covering almost 22,000 square feet, the palace offers 50 rooms, all exceptionally decorated. The castle's construction spans from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and you can see this in its many unique period details.
As well as superb reception rooms, a huge kitchen and formal dining room, the pad boasts 24 bedrooms to accommodate everyone you know. Key architectural features include large stone fireplaces, parquet floors, beamed ceilings and a magnificent spiral stone staircase. There's also a caretaker's cottage, a housekeeper's house and numerous outbuildings offering over 8,600 square feet of additional space.
Of course, the grounds of Bonnes Castle are equally as impressive. Totaling 151 acres, there are three labelled gardens, each created by renowned landscapers, a lovely swimming pool, woodland and meadows. Plus, with endless scenery and the Vienne River just steps from your front door, you may never want to leave this majestic mansion.
Corona Heights Castle, California, USA: $1.9 million
We know you've seen your fair share of unique homes, but we guarantee you've never seen any quite like this. Modern and meticulous, this romantic castle is an architectural masterpiece, both inside and out. Yours for just shy of $1.9 million, this remarkable property has to be seen to be believed.
Built in 1902, the turn-of-the-century home sits on a tree-lined street in the heart of San Francisco, California. A short walk from Corona Heights Park, it is perfectly placed for city commuters. An attractive exterior turret provides the home with wow-factor curb appeal and gives the interior unusual, curving walls. Spanning 1,687 square feet, the property offers 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom.
Every single room is light-filled and ultra-chic, complemented by extraordinary period features. Inside, you'll find wide plank oak hardwood floors, incredible leaded stained glass windows, box beamed ceilings, arched doors and a steel spiral staircase. This cozy library space also benefits from an original fireplace that is ornate and elegant in equal measure.
There's also a sunken living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen and two walk-out decks with city views. We adore the master bedroom's delicate dentil moldings, which decorate its stylish statement ceiling. The ultimate sanctuary for a sound night's sleep, this suite is definitely taken straight from a fairytale. If you're in love, then Sotheby's International Realty has all the information you need.
16th century castle, Livorno, Italy: $7.1 Million
If you're more of a purist and fancy something truly authentic, then this spectacular European castle could well be your dream home. Spanning a staggering 26,909 square feet, this imposing property dates back to the 16th century and offers all the magic of a true fairytale estate. From its characterful battlements to its imposing tower, this historic home is truly one-of-a-kind.
With a rich history, the period palace was once home to the grand duke of Tuscany, Leopoldo II, and the interior doesn't seem to have changed much since his day. Although overflowing with period fixtures, it's clear the house has been lovingly preserved. Key architectural features include its glided timber ceilings, sleek marble floors, ornate European fireplaces and elaborate wall frescoes. This dramatic entrance hall would offer anyone an imposing welcome.
For sale with Sotheby's International Realty for $7.1 million, the property spans three floors and boasts 26 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms and plenty of formal living spaces for entertaining and relaxing. The home's tower also happens to be home to two bedrooms that truly capture the essence of fairytale living. Elsewhere you'll find a library, a dining room, a laundry room, staff quarters and a cellar.
Outside, you'll find a tranquil oasis where you can really make the most of the Italian climate. Sitting on almost 10 acres of land, the house benefits from Mediterranean gardens, olive groves, a secluded swimming pool and a shaded solarium. Plus, thanks to its hilltop setting, the property enjoys a spectacular view of the ocean and the romantic island of Elba. Utter bliss!
Castle Creek, Colorado, USA: $39.9 million
Not all fairytale castles need to be historic, as this spectacular modern estate proves. If you’re seeking a contemporary home with plenty of Old World charm, then your search is almost certainly over. Castle Creek could well be one of the most spectacular American estates on the market right now and once you see inside, you’ll understand why.
Secluded on 11 private acres of land in skiing paradise Aspen, Colorado, this massive American mansion was constructed in 2013 and no expense was spared. Inspired by the historic estates of Europe, the property offers 6,700 square feet of living space. Every room is decked out with replica period fixtures, such as hand-painted ceilings, decorative fireplaces and parquet floors.
On the market with Sotheby's International Realty, for the first time in 30 years, the palatial house boasts 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, a formal living room, spacious kitchen and cozy timber-lined library. There’s even a standalone garage that replicates a miniature chateau. Far from an abandoned fairytale castle, this pristine property is almost too immaculate to be true.
That’s not all though. There are two additional homes on the Castle Creek estate. These rustic cabins are very in keeping with the architecture of the area and boast exposed ceiling beams, brick fireplaces and antler chandeliers. Yet such luxury doesn’t come cheap. If you’re keen to snap up Castle Creek, you’ll need a whopping $39.9 million in the bank. Yet with the slopes of Aspen just minutes away, we’re sure every single penny would be well spent.
Seton Castle, Scotland, UK: $11.1 million
This castle in East Lothian, Scotland has been restored to make the ideal family home. Built in the late medieval period, the castle was once said to be Mary Queen of Scots preferred royal retreat, but today has been completely modernized. Located in over 13 acres of private land with a stream, it's the ultimate in luxury with a helicopter pad in the grounds.
On the market with Rettie for a staggering $11.1 million, the interior has been decorated in a Georgian style with designer materials and fittings including in this living space with its decorative fireplace and arched sash windows.
Unsurprisingly, this castle is filled with luxury homewares and features. The main castle has three reception rooms, a kitchen, billiards room, playroom, wine cellar, library and office just to name a few of the luxury amenities. There are also two wings, which house the guest bedrooms, a staff cottage, cinema room, bar, and a gym with a mezzanine level.
Overall the castle has 13 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 8 living spaces. All hidden behind electric gates, the home is the ultimate private space for a regal owner.
Fairytale Castle, Mallorca, Spain: $3.5 million
This unique castle, which is listed with First Mallorca for $3.5 million sits in an elevated position with panoramic views over the village of Sóller, the surrounding countryside and mountains. Built in 1890, the home is set on a plot of just under half an acre and with its pretty stone façade, looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale.
Inside, the ancient castle features arched doorways, tiles floors and domed ceilings. This living space leads through to a smaller reception room with a traditional green-tiled fireplace with a decorative mantel.
In need of some renovation, the castle has 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms plus an additional guesthouse. With its abundance of natural light and white walls, this bedroom is a stark contrast to the darker communal living spaces.
With over 1,000 square feet of terraces, there's no shortage of private outside space. The new buyer can sit and look out over the crenels to the town below.
Wijer Castle, Wijer, Belgium: $2.3 million
Surrounded by a picturesque fish pond and sitting next to the church of Wijer, is this castle in Belgium. Hidden behind huge oak gates the current residents have lived in the castle since 1995 and renovated the interior to a modern standard. With its crenels and towers, it's on the market for $2.3 million and could make the ideal private retreat.
Inside, the home has over 5,000 square feet of interior space and may look traditional in style, but is full of modern features. Residents are greeted by a grand double-height entrance hall that leads off to an office, bathroom with an original hand basin, an orangery and a living room.
The kitchen and dining room are also on the ground floor. Separated by double-height doors, the custom-made kitchen features a Lacanche range cooker and has been fitted with modern appliances. Just next door, the spacious eating space is bathed in light and overlooks the terraces and beyond.
Almost every room in the castle overlooks the pond and surrounding seven acres of greenery, while the private back garden features a paved patio with a rectangular swimming pool and manicured hedges.
Medieval Castle, Savoie, France: $4.8 million
This medieval fortified castle dates back to the 11th century and is sure to have an amazing history. Currently listed for $4.8 million, it sits perched high above the valley between Chambery and Albertville, in the Savoie region of France.
Inside, the home has over 6,500 square feet of interior space, spread over three floors. Restored in the 19th century the preserved castle features original stone walls and many features you wouldn't find in a regular home including a dungeon, stables and a chapel. The grand hallway features a carved wood staircase and wood-clad ceilings for the ultimate medieval style.
With 10 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as 4 reception rooms, the huge castle is full of grand spaces. This bedroom features a domed, frescoed ceiling and dark wood-paneled walls; as if the four-post bed wasn't lavish enough!
Classified as a historical monument, the fortress sits in nearly two and a half acres of land with uninterrupted south-facing views across the Alps. Surrounded by manicured gardens, there's always an outside space to enjoy in this castle. For sale with Sifex, this dramatic home won't be around for long.
Castle of Caprarica, Tricase, Italy: $4.6 million
Built in the 1500s, the Castle of Caprarica, which is on the market for $4.6 million (£3.3m), sits in the historic town of Tricase in south-east Italy. With its original rectangular floor plan with four towers in the corners, it's been perfectly restored and preserved. Inside, the four walls hide the delights of the castle including a private garden.
Inside, the main part of the castle has 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Divided into two floors it has three large bedrooms on the first floor, as well as many bathrooms. This reception room features a domed ceiling and very little natural light, making it the ideal cozy space.
The rustic-style kitchen features a beamed ceiling, an abundance of tiles and a center island. A single door leads outside to the large patio and the swimming pool, making it the ideal space for entertaining.
Protected by its 20-foot-high walls, the home's super stylish garden spans just over two and a half acres and houses two large outbuildings and a dovecote. If the weather gets too hot, there's an infinity swimming pool and covered patios to cool off while you relax.
Cornod Castle, Jura, France: $18 million
Should you be lucky enough to have millions of dollars going spare, then this magnificent 13th-century castle could soon be yours. Sitting on over 320 acres of spectacular land in the Cornod area of Jura, France, the royal residence is sandwiched between Geneva and Lyon and offers a truly exceptional aesthetic. From its towering turrets to its pretty moat, this magical mansion is almost too good to be true.
Perfectly preserved, the house has been lovingly restored several times over the years, including in 1882 and 2007. The main castle features 24 elegant rooms, kitted out with cloistered ceilings, Renaissance artworks, decorative European fireplaces and antique furnishings from centuries gone by. The entrance hall is one of the finest we've ever seen, thanks to its stunning statement floor and dramatic plasterwork.
Spanning four floors, the castle boasts plenty of formal living spaces for hosting extravagant parties, or reclining with a loved one. This remarkable space is finished with a breathtaking timber ceiling and dramatic tiled floor, while the bedrooms are each decorated with hand-painted murals. Light-filled and refined, every single room appears untouched since it was first designed.
We can't get over the home's spectacular grounds, which benefit from formal gardens, a keep, tennis courts, a gardener's house, several workshop buildings, plus 16 apartments within an impressive equestrian facility. How's that for bang for your buck? For sale with Sotheby's International Realty for approximately $18 million, this age-old property is more than a castle – it's a work of art!
**Post and Images from loveproperty.com 3/22/21
