11 amazing fairytale castles you can actually live in

Residences fit for royalty across the USA

Though many of the world's finest castles are scattered across Europe, North America is home to plenty of enchanting estates that appear plucked straight out of a fairytale.

From a Bavarian castle originally designed by King Ludwig II of Germany, to a 10,000-square-foot Disney castle in California, read on to discover the most amazing castles across the US and Canada...

Hollywood Hills castle, Los Angeles, California

The epitome of storybook architecture, this Hollywood Hills castle is positioned in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, and surrounded by ancient oak trees and flowering bougainvillaea.

Dating back to the 1920s, the remarkable home isn’t just beautiful – it’s bursting with luxury amenities and stunning interior design.

Hollywood Hills castle, Los Angeles, California

Available to rent on Airbnb, this recently restored home exudes charm but is also wonderfully modern. Think authentic brickwork, thick stucco walls, reclaimed woods, original stained concrete floors, Moroccan rugs and antique furnishings, pared with heated toilets, an electronic driveway and a wonderfully contemporary kitchen.

Hollywood Hills castle, Los Angeles, California

The castle has a spacious living room, topped by a vaulted ceiling, a formal dining room, a sitting room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

This suite has to be the finest in the house, with its incredible ceiling, rotund walls and in-room soaking tub.

Hollywood Hills castle, Los Angeles, California

It even comes complete with a pool, a spa, a firepit, exclusive gardens and courtyards, as well as this stunning marble steam shower, which looks like the ultimate spot for bathing. You can even enjoy the view outside while you bathe.

Highlands Castle, Warren County, New York

With its fairytale looks and a name like Highlands Castle, you'd be forgiven for assuming this property lies in the dreamy wilds of Scotland. However, it can actually be found in Warren County, New York, overlooking the waters of Lake George.

Not only is the residence incredible, with striking brickwork, soaring towers and battlements, but it has a fascinating origin story, too.

Highlands Castle, Warren County, New York

At the age of 23, John A. Lavender went through a divorce and began renting a room in a shared house with five other men.

However, with a three-year-old son to take care of, he knew this living situation could only be temporary and promised his son that one day, he would build him a castle. Almost five years later, in 1983, John bought the plot at Bolton Landing and began constructing his dream home.

Highlands Castle, Warren County, New York

In 1986, John met his future wife, Yvonne, who "turned a pile of rocks into a home". By the time John's son was a teenager, he was helping with the build, focusing on the exterior stonework. "Naturally resourceful, he recruited his High School football teammates to lend some muscle over the summer months," John explains.

A slow process, laying more than 1,000 tons of local granite took decades. In fact, the house was 42 years in the making. Today, there are three castles turned into holiday homes on the estate, which also functions as a wedding venue.

Highlands Castle, Warren County, New York

Available to rent on Airbnb, Highlands Castle can accommodate up to eight people and features gorgeous, traditionally styled rooms with plush fabrics, fine woods, decorative tin ceilings and antique furnishings throughout.

There’s a Great Hall with a 25-foot-high cathedral ceiling and 21 windows overlooking Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. There are also plenty of exterior terraces, where guests can step outside to soak up the scenery.

Victorian castle, Hamilton, Ontario

Over in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Ontario, you'll find this striking, Victorian castle.

Bursting with kerb appeal and offering plenty of Gothic drama, the building is known as Ravenscliffe Castle and was built in 1881, on a nine-acre estate.

Victorian castle, Hamilton, Ontario

Sprawling 12,000 square feet across three floors, the castle is said to have been designed by architect James Balfour, who was responsible for curating many of Hamilton’s most iconic historic buildings.

Elements of Romanesque and Gothic architecture meet in this property which was finished in Scottish stone and features dramatic rooflines, windows and turrets.

Victorian castle, Hamilton, Ontario

Inside, there's a striking main living room, a kitchen, a formal dining room, a large entrance hall, 12 bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Many rooms have 12- or 17-foot ceilings, elaborate fireplaces, carved woodwork, wainscoting, elegant mouldings and ceiling medallions.

Victorian castle, Hamilton, Ontario

There's even a five-storey tower known as the castle keep. Today, the house serves as a private residence, with one of the bedrooms available to rent via Airbnb. Guests can experience life as a royal and enjoy access to all of the home's elegant living spaces.

Falkenstein Castle, Burnet County, Texas

No, we haven't made a mistake and accidentally included a German castle in our rundown. This amazing Bavarian residence is actually in Texas Hill Country, surrounded by lush woodlands and highland lakes.

Named Falkenstein Castle, the enchanting property was constructed by a local couple following an inspiring vacation in Germany.

Falkenstein Castle, Burnet County, Texas

According to The Daily Mail, the castle was the brainchild of architect and developer Terry Young and his wife Kim. The couple travelled to Bavaria in 1995, during which they came across plans for an unfinished castle that had been designed by King Ludwig II – who commissioned the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle in 1868.

So impressed by the plans, the Youngs decided to bring them to life in Texas. Amazingly, they spent a decade constructing the home from granite and limestone.

Falkenstein Castle, Burnet County, Texas

At 14,000 square feet, the property is by no means modest or simple. In fact, it can accommodate 14 people and is bursting with impressive design details, from exposed timber beams to arched doorways, stone alcoves and statement ceilings.

The castle interior also boasts over 100 pieces of artwork, including ancient cultural art, glass and other artefacts, some of which date back thousands of years.

Falkenstein Castle, Burnet County, Texas

Not your typical traditional castle, the property is kitted out with plenty of luxuries, including jacuzzi tubs, a ping pong table, games consoles and various arcade-style machines.

There are endless living spaces for guests to utilise, as well as six bedrooms and four bathrooms. Plus, there's a gorgeous garden with a 40,000-gallon koi pond and waterfall, a bubbling stream "with hidden gems and crystals" and a gazebo, where guests can dine alfresco.

If you fancy spending the night, you can book the place via Airbnb.

Bavarian-style castle, Orleans County, Vermont

Grand and imposing, this Bavarian-style castle is situated in Irasburg, in Vermont's Orleans County.

Nestled on 20 private acres and enclosed by manicured grounds, a lake and stunning mountain vistas, this is one seriously dazzling residence.

Bavarian-style castle, Orleans County, Vermont

Available to rent on Airbnb, the castle is ideal for seven guests. There are six bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as sprawling living spaces with soaring ceilings.

This sitting room, for example, is the ultimate spot for unwinding, with its fireplace, piano and sweeping landscape views.

Bavarian-style castle, Orleans County, Vermont

Thanks to exposed timber beams, glossy hardwood floors, antique light fixtures and quirky alcoves, every room is beautiful and impressive,

The kitchen, pictured here, features rustic wood cabinets with traditional iron-effect brackets, a large Viking stove and organically shaped domed windows.

Bavarian-style castle, Orleans County, Vermont

Plus, the grounds are overflowing with treats, from the serenity of a private pond to idyllic woodland trails, guests can spend their days exploring all this part of Vermont has to offer.

There are also a few patios – one with a firepit and one with a hot tub – perfect for relaxing after a long day.

Chateau De Melusine, Bonner County, Idaho

Pretty and petite, Chateau De Melusine might not be as large as some American castles, but it certainly makes a big impression.

Located in Sandpoint, Idaho, the castle is perched on Schweitzer Mountain and as such, enjoys unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys.

Chateau De Melusine, Bonner County, Idaho

The Airbnb rental could definitely be described as unusual. Sadly, we don’t know when the property was constructed, but it is likely a modern addition, made to look like it was built long ago.

Fun and quirky, every room is themed, with characterful castle décor and everything from armoured guards to stone statues and decorative swords. From hand-laid stone flooring and walls to stained-glass windows and wall lanterns, every space is incredibly inviting.

Chateau De Melusine, Bonner County, Idaho

As for rooms, there's an open-plan living room with a sitting area, dining zone and kitchen, all topped by a stunning vaulted and beamed ceiling.

There's also a staircase in the tower, which leads upstairs. Here, you'll find two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Chateau De Melusine, Bonner County, Idaho

The bedrooms all benefit from amazing views and there’s also a private hot tub room, with walls of glass that allow for breathtaking mountain scenery while you soak.

Plus, with Schweitzer – the largest resort in Idaho – just down the road, guests can enjoy access to 2,900 acres of renowned ski slopes and hiking trails in the Selkirk Mountains.

Christina Lake castle, Boundary Country, British Columbia

This one-of-a-kind property is unlike any you might have seen before. Known as The Castle in the Forest, it lies in scenic Christina Lake, British Columbia, on an enchanting mountainside plot.

The custom-made property was built in 1976 and boasts a storybook façade that makes it totally irresistible. Let's take a closer look...

Christina Lake castle, Boundary Country, British Columbia

The idyllic mountain home was created using multiple layers of steel mesh and reinforced concrete plaster, much like classic bubble homes that were also built during the 1970s.

Designed to last for centuries, this traditional building technique renders the house resistant to fire, rot and insects. Plus, it allowed the builder to shape the home in a highly unusual and organic shape.

Christina Lake castle, Boundary Country, British Columbia

The 2,314-square-foot castle has plenty of charm and character inside, too. From its coloured concrete floors to its pretty arched doors and windows, vaulted ceilings and stained-glass elements, the unusual home is certainly eye catching.

As for rooms, there's a lounge, an open kitchen, a music room and a mezzanine office. Yet the home's best feature is arguably its impressive three-storey tower, which houses all three of the property's bedrooms, connected via a spiral staircase.

Christina Lake castle, Boundary Country, British Columbia

The fabulous fairytale home also boasts a wood-fired sauna, a three-bed guest house and a huge workshop with an artist’s studio. Outside, there are patios for dining and relaxing, as well as a swimming pool, a greenhouse, numerous gardens and orchards.

Even better, the remote home sits on almost 22 acres of land and is enclosed by towering trees, with the shoreline of Christina Lake within touching distance. For sale in May 2024 for just under CAD$1.5 million ($1.1m/£862k), we're sure it would be worth every penny!

Faux-medieval castle, Oakland County, Michigan

Anyone searching for a characterful home that offers architectural wow factor and all the modern conveniences of a newly-built mansion will fall head over heels for this property.

The faux-medieval castle lies in Oakland County, Michigan, and despite its historic-looking façade, it was actually only constructed in 1990. Yet there's nothing '90s about this pad. Let's head inside...

Faux-medieval castle, Oakland County, Michigan

The property is nestled on six acres of land and surrounded by a wrought-iron fence and two gated towers, for total privacy and security. According to Signature Sotheby's International Realty, the house took over six years to build and was constructed by the finest artisans from around the world at a cost of around $10 million (£7.9m).

Standing 60 feet tall, it boasts a moat, waterfall, drawbridge, 26 rooms, an elevator and one seriously amazing entrance hall, complete with a knight in shining armour...

Faux-medieval castle, Oakland County, Michigan

The 6,106-square-foot property has plenty of elegant living areas, with soaring coffered ceilings, ornate fireplaces, panelled walls and stained glass elements. There are also five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

This home comes with plenty of surprising extras, too, including secret rooms, hidden doors, passageways and staircases – not to mention a cellar and a Tudor-style saloon, both of which are tucked away in the basement. But that isn't all...

Faux-medieval castle, Oakland County, Michigan

That's right, the house has its very own tiny town, concealed in the basement. The space doubles as a garage and boasts a nightclub-esque dancefloor, as well as a cobbled street with faux storefronts and lamp posts.

On the market in May 2024 for $2.2 million (£1.7m), with Dylan Tent of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, this incredible home could never be described as ordinary.

The Castle, Mississauga, Ontario

Aptly named, The Castle is situated on approximately half an acre of land in Lorne Park, an idyllic residential neighbourhood in Mississauga, Ontario. On the market in January 2023 for CAD$5.8 million, which equates to $4.2 million (£3.3m), the impressive property sold for just shy of CAD$3.5 million ($2.6m/£2m).

And it really isn't surprising, when you consider its seriously stunning exterior, complete with a soaring, fairytale tower, battlements and other dreamy storybook design details.

The Castle, Mississauga, Ontario

Yet inside, it's all about luxury. Constructed in 1976, the house measures 2,620 square feet and offers sprawling living spaces, finished with high-end materials and designer furnishings.

The entrance hall, pictured here, would certainly provide a warm welcome for any important guests.

The Castle, Mississauga, Ontario

Other highlights include the home’s koi pond, swimming pool, hot tub and custom kitchen.

But the master bedroom has to be one of the finer parts of this property. Just look at that ceiling and stained-glass window!

The Castle, Mississauga, Ontario

The amazing Canadian home has numerous formal living rooms, a dining room, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two home offices and a laundry room. In addition, there's a huge attic and a fully-finished basement currently used as a lounge.

There are unique design touches throughout including coffered ceilings, stone floors, luxe fireplaces and hand-painted murals.

The Burbank Castle, Los Angeles County, California

Known as 'The Burbank Castle' (and sometimes 'The Harry Potter House'), this regal property was custom-built in 2002. It lies at the top of a hill, with unobstructed panoramic city and mountain views.

It’s also considered the most recognisable home in all of Burbank, California. Let's head inside...

The Burbank Castle, Los Angeles County, California

In January 2023, it landed on the market for the first time in 20 years and the Tudor-style home went viral almost immediately. Measuring 5,317 square feet, it has four bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus gorgeous living spaces with jaw-dropping vistas.

There's a lovely entrance hall, a living room, a dining room topped by a hand-painted fresco and a magnificent kitchen that's four times the size of most.

The Burbank Castle, Los Angeles County, California

Every room is overflowing with unique design elements, including exposed timber beams, copper stamped ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, domed ceilings, stained glass, wrought-iron accents and brick fireplaces.

The master suite showcases many of these details and even comes with its own private balcony, while many of the bathrooms are kitted out with marble columns and surfaces.

The Burbank Castle, Los Angeles County, California

As for the garden, there’s a saltwater swimming pool with a charming bridge, a spa with city views, an outdoor kitchen and a four-car garage.

For sale in May 2024 for just under $4 million (£3.1m), the new owner will gain plenty of bang for their buck.

The Castle in the Forest, Bernardino County, California

Surrounded by a dense forest, this majestic mansion is reminiscent of a Disney castle. Offering 10,000 square feet of inside space, the dramatic façade features endless gothic windows, mock-Tudor detailing and no end of turrets.

Known as The Castle in the Forest, the residence sits in a deep canyon close to Lake Arrowhead in Skyforest, California.

The Castle in the Forest, Bernardino County, California

While the exterior is grand and almost too big to take in properly, the interior is beautifully styled, with 20 spacious rooms, cathedral ceilings, glittering chandeliers, grand fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows with forest views and bespoke details.

This exquisite sitting room boasts regal wood panelling and a marble hearth, not to mention an entire wall of windows.

The Castle in the Forest, Bernardino County, California

There's also a formal dining room, seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, while the state-of-the-art kitchen is home to an array of luxury appliances and a coffered ceiling.

There are also multiple themed rooms, including a library, movie theatre, games room, cellar and a Bavarian-style biergarten.

The Castle in the Forest, Bernardino County, California

Each of the castle's seven luxurious suites come with a private patio, so guests can head outside and take in their surroundings in style. Finally, there are lower and upper terraces, where lucky occupants can sit back and unwind.