11 fairy-tale castles that are also real homes

Fairy-tale castles that are dream homes

From reading fairy tales as a child to dreaming of restoring a historic French chateau, most of us have longed to live in a palatial palace at some point in our lives.

From a rustic New York castle in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains to an enchanting self-build in Adelaide, Australia, these remarkable properties are what dreams are made of.

Grab your crown or tiara and read on to explore the majestic castles we'd love to call home...

Le Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

Le Château de Vaumarcus, or Vaumarcus Castle, is one of the finest we've ever seen.

Situated on an elevated plot in Neuchatel, Switzerland, the structure is a beautiful example of refined Middle Ages architecture, with its pretty turrets and decorative window shutters, to name just a few remarkable details.

Le Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

The castle is enclosed by more than seven acres (2.8ha) of land and boasts a sprawling, 17,577-square-foot (1,632sqm) interior.

There are 200 rooms in total, across six buildings, including a château with a dungeon and two apartments, a Palais with seven luxury apartments, a shepherd's house, numerous offices and a reception hall.

Le Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

Of course, every single room is incredible, kitted out with the finest materials, furnishings and fabrics.

There's a formal dining room with a stunning wooden ceiling, exposed stonework, glossy parquet floor and medieval-inspired details, while this romantic bedroom features a gorgeous arched window and four-poster bed.

Le Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

Plus, thanks to the home's location and elevated position, it enjoys stunning views of nearby Lake Neuchatel from almost every window.

For sale in August 2024, via Cardis Immobilier Sotheby's International Realty, this remarkable Swiss castle had a secret price tag, which only adds to its allure. No matter how much it costs, Le Château de Vaumarcus would be worth every penny.

Casa Arka, Tulum, Mexico

A cross between a contemporary castle, a majestic church and a luxurious holiday villa, Casa Arka is unlike anything you might have seen before.

Located in Tulum, a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the modern marvel benefits from more than just incredible architecture.

Casa Arka, Tulum, Mexico

Described by Airbnb as “the perfect palace for a large group”, the striking residence is akin to a resort, with a full staff, numerous indoor and outdoor entertainment areas and some truly stunning communal living spaces.

This is the main lounge and it is utterly enchanting, with its double-height ceiling, sunken sitting area, arched details and gorgeous furnishings.

Casa Arka, Tulum, Mexico

The property can sleep 17 people, thanks to eight stunning bedrooms. The ground-floor suites benefit from king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers, while the poolside suite provides direct access to the water.

Yet the best room in the house has to be the second-floor suite, which comes with a queen bed on rollers, enabling it to be rolled out onto the balcony for nights under the stars.

Casa Arka, Tulum, Mexico

There’s also a home theatre and an amazing rooftop, complete with a sheltered living space, a firepit and a pool with a waterfall. Just imagine the view you'd be able to enjoy while soaking in those turquoise waters.

Plus, with a personal butler service, private chef, premium concierge services and a private driver, guests of this enchanting Airbnb will want for nothing.

Thorngrove Manor, South Australia, Australia

Australia isn't exactly known for its historic castles, but if you know where to look you can find some truly amazing properties. Thorngrove Manor lies in Australia’s Adelaide Hills and has been operating as a luxury hotel for almost three decades.

The unique building was designed and built by owner, Kenneth Lehmann, who began envisioning the design for a niche hotel in 1977.

Thorngrove Manor, South Australia, Australia

Kenneth and his wife, Nydia Lehmann, saw all hotels as standard, “cookie-cutter" buildings that lacked charm and individuality. So, at the age of 35, in 1984, Kenneth began designing a Gothic-style castle that would become one of Adelaide's most unique and impressive hotels.

Despite its storybook looks – pretty turrets, rough stone walls and delicate windows – Kenneth and Nydia were not looking to build a fairy-tale castle. In fact, they told boutique hotel booking site Tablet Hotels that "‘fairy-tale’ is a tad cringeworthy for us".

Thorngrove Manor, South Australia, Australia

Instead, the pair were attempting to create an “expression in architecture”, with their neighbouring buildings, a Scottish baronial tower and a stone belltower, helping them to choose an “imposing, baronial and gothic-influenced residence”.

Inside, the property is bursting with stunning details, from elaborate fireplaces and decorative plasterwork, to antique furnishings and artworks. Every single room is exquisite and romantic, with many providing enchanting views across the surrounding estate.

Thorngrove Manor, South Australia, Australia

There are plenty of treasures to be found, too, including a four-panel, 1860s leadlight artwork that was originally commissioned by the House of Lords. There are endless bedrooms for guests to choose from, as well, including The Queens Chamber, The Tower Room and the Observatory, which benefits from a ceiling of golden painted stars, set above a circular, semi-sunken bath tub.

There are no communal spaces, save for the formal dining room, but guests can spend their days exploring the castle's striking grounds. Thorngrove Manor Hotel has been listed on the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels for the past 20-plus years and it really isn't difficult to understand why.

Hill Country Castle, Texas, USA

We don't know about you, but we think contemporary castles can be just as enticing as historic ones. Enter this Hill Country castle. The gorgeous property lies in Marble Falls, Texas, and offers everything you could need for a seriously luxurious way of life.

Hill Country Castle, Texas, USA

Available to rent on Airbnb, the estate is known as Tournament Ranch and comes complete with a modern castle, a smaller house (called La Casita), a swimmable creek, a pond, a hot tub and a swimming pool.

Designed to accommodate 16 guests at a time, the property offers eight bedrooms and six bathrooms.

Hill Country Castle, Texas, USA

Of course, there are plenty of communal spaces for relaxing and entertaining too, including a living room, an eat-in kitchen and a super-cool games room, with vintage arcade machines and a pool table.

Hill Country Castle, Texas, USA

Sadly, we don't know when the castle was built, but we do know that it underwent a major renovation a few years ago. Today, it's modern, bright and filled with statement furnishings that bring it right into the present day.

But with decorative ceiling coving, quirky corner fireplaces and glossy timber floors, there's also plenty of character.

Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, UK

Scotland is known for its amazing architecture and ancient fortresses and Dollarbeg Castle is just one of them. Located in Clackmannanshire, the property was designed by local architect, Ebenezer Simpson, and finished in 1889.

It was crafted for then-owner, Major William Henry Dobie J.P, and his wife Mamie Eva Louise Wilson. Simpson was influenced by the baronial style of Balmoral Castle and it really shows in the home's design.

Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, UK

During World War II, Scotland was under RAF 13 group and in 1941, the no.72 Wing of the RAF was formed and stationed at Dollarbeg Castle. A radio mast was erected by the RAF to control all radar stations, from the Tees in northern England to the Forth in Scotland.

Following years of decline, the castle was restored in 2007 and today it serves as a remarkable Airbnb.

Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, UK

It was during the renovation that this luxurious apartment was created. It has three themed bedrooms and a cinema room.

The Tower Apartment is kitted out with the finest antique furnishings, as well as plush fabrics and wallpapers. Plus, guests can enjoy outstanding views from every window.

Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, UK

There's even a tower room, which provides access to a private rooftop terrace. From here, lucky guests can take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Ochil Hills. With scenery like this, we doubt we'd want to ever leave Dollarbeg Castle.

The Castle, Ontario, Canada

Aptly named, The Castle finds itself on half an acre (0.2ha) of land in Lorne Park, an idyllic neighbourhood in Mississauga, Ontario.

With its impressive and imposing exterior, complete with a soaring tower, battlements and other dreamy storybook design details, this property is what fairy-tale homes are made of.

The Castle, Ontario, Canada

The amazing Canadian home has an equally remarkable interior. Constructed in 1976, the pad stretches 2,620 square feet (243sqm) and comes complete with sprawling living spaces, finished with high-end materials and designer furnishings.

The Castle, Ontario, Canada

There's an entrance hall, several formal living rooms, a dining room, five bedrooms, six bathrooms and two home offices.

The huge attic would make for a dreamy master suite, while the fully-finished basement is currently the ultimate man cave, with a luxe games room.

The Castle, Ontario, Canada

Yet the finest space in the house has to be this exquisite bedroom. Just look at that cathedral ceiling and stained-glass window. There are plenty of other amazing design elements throughout, too, from coffered ceilings and stone floors to expansive fireplaces and hand-painted murals.

Other highlights include the home’s swimming pool, koi pond, hot tub and custom kitchen. For sale in January 2023 for CAD$5.8 million, which equates to £3.3 million ($4.2m), the impressive property sold for just shy of CAD$3.5 million (£2m/$2.6m), via The Papousek Team.

Highlands Castle, New York, USA

You might not expect to find a fairy-tale castle in the USA, but Highlands Castle proves they do exist.

The property lies in Warren County, New York, and has amazing views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains – and that's just for starters!

Highlands Castle, New York, USA

Of course, the amazing American castle boasts suitably grand features, both inside and out, with stained-glass doors, a sweeping staircase, hanging tapestries, pitched ceilings finished with exposed beams and suits of armour standing guard.

There's a dramatic foyer, a Great Hall, a music room, a library, a kitchen, a dining room, a family room, a coat room and much more.

Highlands Castle, New York, USA

It might appear like the property was constructed centuries ago, but this historic home isn't all it seems. In fact, it wasn’t built until the 1980s. It was designed by the original owner, John A. Lavender II, who wanted to create the perfect home for his family.

At the age of 23, John 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 care for, he knew this living situation could only be temporary. He 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, New York, USA

In 1986, John met his future wife, Yvonne, who helped him turn "a pile of rocks into a home". By the time John's son was a teenager, he was helping with the build. Together, they laid more than 1,000 tons of local granite, which took decades. In fact, the house was 42 years in the making.

Today, there are three holiday home castles on the estate, which also function as a wedding venue. If you fancy playing prince or princess, then the castle is available to rent via Airbnb.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, UK

Thornbury Castle is the epitome of the classic English castle. In fact, it was here that infamous King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, honeymooned in 1535.

The ill-fated couple spent 10 days at the property as part of their belated honeymoon tour, and we can certainly see what drew them to the place.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, UK

The Tudor castle can be found in Bristol, Gloucestershire, and dates back to the 1520s. It was constructed by Edward Stafford, the "only man to rival King Henry VIII’s wealth and status at that time", according to the castle's official website.

Of course, the fiery king saw this display of status and wealth as a direct insult and Edward Stafford was soon found guilty of treason. Henry VIII took control of the castle and it became a beloved retreat for him and his future wives.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, UK

The royal home later passed through the hands of Henry VIII's children, Edward VI and Queen Mary Tudor. Today, it's a lavish hotel and wedding venue. Of course, there are plenty of majestic rooms where guests can relax and soak up the splendour of 16th-century luxury.

Every single room is gorgeously presented, with some featuring decorative ceilings, stone fireplaces, four-poster beds and dramatic chandeliers. There's also a grand ballroom and a dungeon dining room.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, UK

As for bedrooms, guests can choose to stay in the Henry VII Suite, the Jane Seymour Suite, or this enchanting room – the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite (among others).

This room sits at the top of a 77-step spiral staircase and features 24-carat gilding and the largest four-poster bed in any UK hotel. We don't mind if we do!

34-bedroom chateau, Franche-Comte, France

Located in Jura, in the French region of Franche-Comte, this incredible 34-bedroom castle sits inside an almost 200-acre (81ha) walled park and, as well as the five-storey castle itself, there's also a square tower and six outbuildings.

34-bedroom chateau, Franche-Comte, France

The huge castle was listed for sale in 2018 for around £25.5 million ($33m) and was back on the market with Prestige Property in August 2024, for an undisclosed sum.

But we're sure the price is still eye-watering, especially considering the chateau provides 75,347 square feet (6,999sqm) of interior space.

34-bedroom chateau, Franche-Comte, France

Fit for a monarch, there's a grand entrance hall with a Gothic staircase, a Napoleonic drawing room, a billiard room, a library and a summer dining room that opens onto a courtyard garden.

Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg!

34-bedroom chateau, Franche-Comte, France

It isn’t just the interior that’s overflowing with features, either. Outside, you’ll find a huge equestrian centre with 40 stables, an indoor riding school and a tack room, as well as a gardener’s house and a 19th-century forge that’s still operational.

There's even an old bakery with original ovens, a swimming pool, a walled vegetable garden, numerous canals, two lakes and an English river. Talk about fancy!

Castel Valer, Trentino, Italy

This dreamy European castle is just as spectacular as the landscape that surrounds it. Set in the heart of the Italian Alps, at the base of the mighty Brenta Dolomites, Castel Valer was constructed on the foundations of a Roman castle, built between the 12th and 17th centuries.

The property had belonged to the aristocratic Spaur family since 1368, until they decided to sell it in 2016. They placed the beautiful building for sale, via auction, and at the time it was valued at £31.2 million ($40m).

Castel Valer, Trentino, Italy

As spacious as it is enchanting, the castle has 80 rooms across a staggering 35,520-square-foot (3,299sqm) interior.

The family of Count Spaur zu Flavon und Valer spent the last 20 years restoring the property and it's now in pristine condition, with every single room exquisitely decorated with Romanesque, Baroque and gothic architectural features.

Castel Valer, Trentino, Italy

From plush fabrics and antique furnishings to rustic ceiling beams, full-height stone fireplaces, wood inlay floors and 16th-century frescoes painted by Marcello Fogolino, every single room is brimming with gorgeous and one-of-a-kind details.

This dining space is cosy and elegant, with its rich wood décor and highly decorative doors.

Castel Valer, Trentino, Italy

Plus, the property has almost too many selling points. There are 18.5 acres (7.5ha) of land surrounding it, 15 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, an octagonal granite tower, a Knights’ Hall, five kitchens and not one, but two chapels.

This particular one is utterly incredible, with its colourful, well-preserved frescoes that were curated by famous painters of the age. Who wouldn't want to make this dreamy castle their own?

Loire Château, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Nestled in Cher, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, this incredible home is a total dream come true.

The listed Neo-Gothic and Renaissance-style château dates back to the 19th century and is enclosed by forests and ponds that, for centuries, served as royal hunting grounds for the kings of France.

Loire Château, Centre-Val de Loire, France

The pad was inspired by late 15th- and early 17th-century châteaux and was designed by French architect, collector and art historian, Hippolyte Alexandre Gabriel Walter Destailleur.

Unsurprisingly, it took years to build – six to be precise – and it was listed as a French Historical Monument in 1995. Then, a decade ago, the property underwent a museum-quality restoration and is now a refined and near-perfect fairy-tale home.

Loire Château, Centre-Val de Loire, France

The estate is made up of multiple buildings – Le Grand Château, the Le Petit Château and several ancillary structures, set within 126-acre (51ha) grounds. There are formal gardens, a pond with a private island and even a deer park.

The main property, Le Grand Château, sprawls 32,292 square feet (3,000sqm) and features five floors. There are stately reception rooms, including a grand entrance hall, a drawing room, a banquet-style dining room and an orangery. There’s a beautiful kitchen with its own carved-stone fireplace and 21 bedrooms in total.

Loire Château, Centre-Val de Loire, France

As for features, the home boasts everything from harlequin floors to limestone walls, hand-carved wood-panelling, painted frescoes and high ceilings embellished with decorative mouldings and crystal chandeliers.

As well as all the usual rooms, there’s also a music salon with a grand piano, a billiards room with antique blue baize tables, a dedicated chess room and even a private chapel. The master bedroom is finished with gilded wallpaper, while the basement is home to a wine cellar and gym.

It's no wonder this remarkable home was for sale in August 2024, with David Mercier of Christie’s International Real Estate, for an undisclosed sum.