Amazing abandoned castles, forts and mansions ready for rescue

Renovation projects with serious wow-factor

From crumbling castles and faded forts to abandoned mansions and decommissioned churches, there are thousands of palatial structures out there in need of restoration.

We've scoured the world to bring you the most magnificent fixer-uppers on the market right now. Could you return these masterpieces back to their former glory?

Old brick school, Missouri, USA: £66,500 ($85k)

Proving that you don't always need endless money in your bank to purchase a sprawling and special property, this 100-year-old brick school is a true architectural gem.

Situated in the city of Essex, Missouri, the historic building is up for grabs with Young Real Estate for a mere £66,500 ($85k).

Old brick school, Missouri, USA: £66,500 ($85k)

The school dates back to 1920 and was once used as both a high school and an elementary school. Inside, the property is in a fairly rundown state, but there's plenty to love.

For starters, there's around 4,550 square feet of space and all of the rooms are of a very generous size.

Old brick school, Missouri, USA: £66,500 ($85k)

The interior spaces have high ceilings and big sash windows, too – although many of these will need to be repaired or replaced. Plus, the building still boasts the original bell tower and bell, which is still fully functional.

Old brick school, Missouri, USA: £66,500 ($85k)

What's more, the former school sits on more than an acre of land, so there's room here for further expansion.

The listing agents suggest that after a renovation, it would make a great bed and breakfast, home or events venue and we can't help but agree. Are you up to the challenge of rescuing this cool property?

Smith Point Lighthouse, Virginia, USA: £352,100 ($450k)

If you're looking for something altogether different, then Smith Point Lighthouse is sure to entice.

Located about 2.5 miles offshore from Reedville, at the mouth of the Potomac River in Virginia, this incredible piece of history would make for one seriously unique home. Let's find out a little more about this local landmark...

Smith Point Lighthouse, Virginia, USA: £352,100 ($450k)

According to Lighthouse Friends, four lighthouses and multiple floating lightships have been situated at Smith Point and the shoals nearby. The first was an iron frame tower, built in 1802 by Elzy Burroughs. Just five years after, erosion forced the structure to be moved farther inland, but the relocated tower proved ineffective at lighting the area.

In 1828, a replacement tower was constructed but it was described as being “badly built”, with the filling between the tower’s inner and outer walls appearing to be “nothing more than sand and loose stone”.

Smith Point Lighthouse, Virginia, USA: £352,100 ($450k)

In 1854, a screw-pile lighthouse was installed until the “first significant ice damage” occurred in 1895 and the keepers were so frightened that they abandoned it.

The lighthouse was repaired, but just two years later, a more powerful sheet of floating ice uprooted the structure and carried it out to sea. After this, a sturdier version with a caisson foundation was built and installed – and this is the lighthouse you see today. The property is listed on the National Historic Registry and the Coast Guard maintains its lamp, which is still used as "an active aid to navigation", Washingtonian explains.

Smith Point Lighthouse, Virginia, USA: £352,100 ($450k)

A two-storey, octagonal lighthouse was built from bricks and topped with a tower and lantern room. Eventually, it was decommissioned and then sold in 2005 to the current owner, Dave McNally. He turned the first floor into a kitchen, dining room and living room. The second level is home to three bedrooms, all of which are in liveable condition but could definitely be modernised.

There's also an amazing watch room at the top that provides incredible views and an old generator room, equipped with historic mechanisms and machinery. If you fancy taking on this fixer-upper, then it's up for grabs for £352,100 ($450k) with Keller Williams Fairfax Gateway.

16th-century fortress, Province of Ourense, Spain: £493,800 ($630k)

If you'd rather buy in the glorious Spanish countryside, then this dreamy 16th-century fortress could well be your dream renovation project.

Situated close to the historic city of Ourense, the pazo was built in the baroque style and comes complete with a defensive tower and gorgeous exterior brickwork.

16th-century fortress, Province of Ourense, Spain: £493,800 ($630k)

Marketed through Galician Country Homes for just £493,800 ($630k), which is €580,000 locally, the ancient fortress no doubt has a long and rich history, but sadly we don't know too much about why it was built or how it was used.

However, at some point, it was converted into a manor house, which means it already features living spaces – although every room will need to be renovated before anyone can move in.

16th-century fortress, Province of Ourense, Spain: £493,800 ($630k)

Nestled on an acre of land, the building soars up three floors and currently features three bedrooms, two living rooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. There’s also a large basement that’s waiting to be converted into additional accommodation.

The entrance hall boasts a magnificent granite staircase and other amazing details include the fort’s stone balconies, iron balustrades, exposed timber ceilings and pretty tiled floors.

16th-century fortress, Province of Ourense, Spain: £493,800 ($630k)

The tower still has the battlements from which archers would once have aimed their arrows – according to the listing – and there’s also an amazing cellar and a derelict barn that could easily be converted into an apartment or holiday home.

Plus, with such gorgeous scenery all around, you'll want for nothing when living here.

Listed Georgian rectory, Cambridgeshire, UK: £1.3 million ($1.7m)

This listing offers an extraordinary opportunity to invest in and revive an elegant family home with a long history.

The huge grade II listed Georgian rectory can be found just outside the English city of Cambridge and was completed around 1830 – although, according to the listing, parts of the building dates back even further.

Listed Georgian rectory, Cambridgeshire, UK: £1.3 million ($1.7m)

The Old Rectory was originally part of the Glebe Estate and has been owned by the same family since the 1960s. However, after falling into neglect from the mid '90s, it's now ready for an ambitious buyer to snap it up and return it to its former glory.

Inside, there are almost 10,000 square feet of space and 30 amazing rooms, all brimming with striking period details.

Listed Georgian rectory, Cambridgeshire, UK: £1.3 million ($1.7m)

There are four floors in total, including a cellar, and all of them can be accessed via a wonderfully preserved open staircase.

Each floor is beautifully proportioned with many original features still intact, including brick fireplaces, arched doorways, tiled floors and even vintage light fixtures.

Listed Georgian rectory, Cambridgeshire, UK: £1.3 million ($1.7m)

Still, a lot of work is needed to bring the property up to standard and many of the rooms feature exposed stud walls and damaged ceilings. Yet with the right imagination and cash injection, we just know this remarkable home could be wonderful once again.

For sale with Unique Property Company for just under £1.3 million ($1.7m), it's also a bit of a bargain, considering the sheer scale of the building!

Ancient castle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

For the same price, you could pick up this grand European palace. This ancient castle can be found on almost 23 acres of land in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, with the historic structure originating from the second half of the 18th century.

Ancient castle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

The regal castle has already been partially refurbished, but there’s plenty more work to be done to render this palatial home liveable. It's laid out over three wings that cover a staggering 13,185 square feet.

During the mid-2000s, two of the wings were turned into four fairly modern apartments. The new owner could choose to keep them as they are or undertake a restoration project to return them to their former glory.

Ancient castle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

However, the main wing of the abandoned castle hasn’t been touched, so there are plenty of original 18th-century elements inside.

From huge arched windows to stone floors, ornate woodwork, vintage light fixtures and pretty fireplaces, the main wing is overflowing with charm. Plus, the castle's reception rooms are incredibly large, offering plenty of scope for development.

Ancient castle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

There are also numerous outbuildings with plenty of additional space – perhaps these could be converted into characterful homes, or used as guest lodgings.

There’s even an old stable block, making this an ideal property for equestrian fans. If you fancy your chances, it's currently on the market with Vermittlung Historischer Immobilien for £1.3 million ($1.6m), or €1.5 million in the local currency.

Elda Castle, New York, USA: £1.5 million ($2m)

Positioned on almost 23 acres of woodland in New York's Westchester County, this vast stone mansion was designed and built in 1927 by Abercrombie and Fitch co-founder David Thomas Abercombie and his wife Lucy Abbott Cate.

The couple named the property Elda Castle, after putting together the first letter of each of their four children's names, in order of their birth.

Elda Castle, New York, USA: £1.5 million ($2m)

The remote home would once have been the perfect country retreat for the Abercrombie family, who no doubt spent many days and nights here, escaping the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Sadly though, the castle was vacated following the death of David Thomas Abercrombie in 1931, just a few years after it was completed.

Elda Castle, New York, USA: £1.5 million ($2m)

Today, the 4,850-square-foot residence is definitely in need of some TLC, but it's still undeniably enchanting. Spread across numerous floors, the castle has a total of 25 rooms, including four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

It features plenty of gorgeous historic details throughout, such as arched doorways, a cast-iron spiral staircase, bespoke leaded windows and an outdoor fireplace.

Elda Castle, New York, USA: £1.5 million ($2m)

Over the years, several people have tried to rescue the castle, but sadly none have succeeded. The estate has been on and off the market since 2017 and is now available through Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty for £1.5 million ($2m).

Are you up to the task of bringing this stunning historic home back to its former glory?

Villa Castello Pellegrini, Piedmont, Italy: indicative price £1.7 million ($2.2m)

Now, how about an Italian villa that comes with not one but two private beaches? Villa Castello Pellegrini is located in the resort town of Lake Maggiore and boasts stunning views out across the lake itself – the second-largest lake in the country.

Alongside your very own beaches, you also get the castle itself, an annexe and a small cottage to boot.

Villa Castello Pellegrini, Piedmont, Italy: indicative price £1.7 million ($2.2m)

Built in the late 19th century, the castle spans over 129,000 square feet of living space and boasts three levels, including service rooms and two cellars.

A large foyer greets you upon entry with a sumptuous marble staircase, while an elevator can transport you from floor to floor if you were to tire of the castle's many stairs.

Villa Castello Pellegrini, Piedmont, Italy: indicative price £1.7 million ($2.2m)

In need of major renovations throughout, Villa Castello Pellegrini was once owned by renowned fashion designer Gianfranco Ferrè, who passed away before completing renovations on the neoclassical estate.

The epic job could now lie with you, should you have a few spare millions, that is. While we don't know the exact asking price, the property has an indicative price of between €2 million and €3 million, which is between £1.7 million ($2.2m) and £2.6 million ($3.3m).

Villa Castello Pellegrini, Piedmont, Italy: indicative price £1.7 million ($2.2m)

With stunning views and plentiful festivals and music events occurring in the city, Stresa is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and has been awarded as one of the best places to live in Europe.

From your new pad, you could retire from the hustle and bustle, admiring the lake from a large wraparound balcony.

Xabregas Palace, Lisbon, Portugal: £12.8 million ($16.3m)

If you happen to have €15 million, or £12.8 million ($16.3m), in the bank, then this spectacular Portuguese palace could soon be yours.

Located in the Lisbon neighbourhood of Xabregas, the house was once a large farm belonging to the nobility. With more than five centuries of history, Xabregas Palace was first owned by the world-famous explorer, Tristão da Cunha.

Xabregas Palace, Lisbon, Portugal: £12.8 million ($16.3m)

Partially restored about 15 years ago, the historic home needs a little work to bring it up to scratch for modern living.

However, there's no end of elegant period features and one-of-a-kind interior touches, from panelled ceilings to frescoes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Xabregas Palace, Lisbon, Portugal: £12.8 million ($16.3m)

Built in 1510, the house features 30 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a huge formal dining hall, a ballroom and almost an acre of surrounding land.

Every room benefits from exquisite flooring, including stone, hardwood, and parquet, while some spaces boast towering barrel ceilings, oversized doors, dramatic chandeliers and decorative plasterwork.

Xabregas Palace, Lisbon, Portugal: £12.8 million ($16.3m)

For sale with Portugal Sotheby's International Realty, this opulent palace has lots of development potential – it could be broken down into multiple residences or even transformed into a five-star hotel.

Multi-structure estate, California, USA: £39 million ($50m)

So sprawling and grand is this property that it's almost hard to know where to begin. The multi-structure estate is situated in Santa Barbara, California, and measures a staggering 123,764 square feet.

Described by the listing agents as “one of the most breathtaking trophy properties in all of Southern California”, the estate is a designated historic landmark and was once part of the original Santa Barbara Mission.

Multi-structure estate, California, USA: £39 million ($50m)

It previously served as a theological college and as various private schools. The site comes equipped with six buildings, as well as a multi-purpose sports field, a tennis court and landscaped gardens.

The grounds stretch more than 11 acres and the listing suggests the estate has numerous potential uses, including a Spanish-Colonial boutique hotel, a holistic wellness centre or “the family compound of your dreams”.

Multi-structure estate, California, USA: £39 million ($50m)

Dating back to 1899, the multi-building compound features a grand main building, a gymnasium, an arts and sciences building, a workshop, a library and a huge dining hall. Yet one of the finest spaces has to be this incredible chapel. It comes with a stunning barrel ceiling and a bell tower.

Overflowing with Spanish-style architecture and original fixtures, such as sandstone walls, stained-glass elements, decorative wooden doors and sculptures, this one-of-a-kind property is certainly unlike anything we’ve come across before.

Multi-structure estate, California, USA: £39 million ($50m)

Some of the rooms are still set up as classrooms, so a lot of work would be needed to transform the buildings into an amazing home. Plus, many of the rooms benefit from 360-degree Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountain views.

If you've fallen in love, then the property will be going to auction with AKG Christie's International Real Estate and has a guide price of £39 million ($50m).

Mansion with private island, Montana, USA: £56 million ($72m)

If you have the budget, the determination and the imagination, then this incredible tumbledown mansion in Lake County, Montana, could well be the home of your dreams.

In need of more than just a coat of paint, the extreme fixer-upper is on the market for a whopping £56 million ($72m). While it may not be for the faint-hearted, it does have plenty of promise, plus it comes with its very own private island.

Mansion with private island, Montana, USA: £56 million ($72m)

Despite the hefty listing price, it's still fairly easy to imagine how impressive the home will be once it's completed.

From the large windows to the double-height ceilings and twin, symmetrical suspended staircases, there's plenty to admire already.

Mansion with private island, Montana, USA: £56 million ($72m)

Inside, there are an abundance of living areas for entertaining and relaxing, and though it was originally designed to have four bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the floorplan is flexible and the new owner could choose to transform the rooms as they see fit.

The house was built from concrete and reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar. According to the listing, the construction materials and methods used were chosen to ensure that the structure lasts over a thousand years.

Mansion with private island, Montana, USA: £56 million ($72m)

Yet the main mansion isn't the only draw of this listing, as the price tag includes a second home, too. This characterful guest villa is positioned a short distance away from the main house and could be rented out as a holiday let, or even flipped and sold off.

Luckily, this property is pretty much complete, but there are a few finishing touches still to be made. The listing also includes a custom-built barge from the 1960s, which could be turned into a luxurious houseboat for seafaring adventures. Sign us up!

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