Live like royalty: 11 fairytale castles you can actually buy

Enchanting castles fit for royalty

Have you ever wanted to live like a fairytale prince or princess? Well, now you can thanks to these palatial properties. With towering turrets, dramatic Renaissance interiors and spectacular landscaped gardens, these homes were definitely designed with royalty in mind.

From modern masterpieces to historical gems, read on to take a look at the most beautiful castles that have hit the market...

Versace Castle, Victoria, Australia: £700,000 ($892k)

This remarkable medieval-inspired home was listed for sale in October 2024 with Australian realtor Ray White Foster with a guide price of more than AU$1.4 million (£700k/$892k). While the property may look like it was built centuries ago, construction only began in 2004.

Located in South Gippsland in Victoria, Australia, the charming house sits on 68 acres (28ha) of rolling land. The approach to the property is via a meandering driveway lined with ferns, pine trees and an ornamental dam.

Versace Castle, Victoria, Australia: £700,000 ($892k)

The unique property is known as Versace Castle, named after its builder and owner Fabio Versace and not the famous Italian fashion designer. Inspired by the ornate castles of Europe, he designed an elaborate two-bedroom home in the style of a miniature fortress.

The home's interior is just as faithful to its medieval inspiration as the exterior. The grand dining room is framed by arched windows and doorways, while rendered, plaster-effect walls and stone floors add to the authentic feel.

Versace Castle, Victoria, Australia: £700,000 ($892k)

The property may celebrate an era long gone, but it's packed with all the amenities you'd need for comfortable modern living. The kitchen includes state-of-the-art appliances and a range cooker, while an additional kitchenette offers plenty of extra space for entertaining.

Elsewhere, there are two split heating and cooling systems, as well as a new wall-mounted heater and a wood-burning hearth in the home's entrance.

Versace Castle, Victoria, Australia: £700,000 ($892k)

Carefully selected heritage furnishings adorn the rooms. Two large bedrooms feature hand-carved timber bed frames that date back to the 18th century, along with French antique side tables.

Outside, a cobblestone courtyard offers an ideal vantage point to admire the views across the rural landscapes. As well as the miniature castle, the property comes with a standalone workshop and a wood storage shed.

16th-century castle, Midi-Pyrénées, France: £1.2 million ($1.5m)

Sandwiched between ancient wheatlands and the Olt valley, this pretty castle sits on a prominent hillside lot above Rouergat in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France.

This remarkable piece of real estate was on the market in December 2024 with Patrice Besse for just under €1.4 million, which equates to £1.2 million ($1.5m)

16th-century castle, Midi-Pyrénées, France: £1.2 million ($1.5m)

Built over several centuries, the castle features an imposing keep, a circular stair tower and a secondary building with a pepperpot turret. It has plenty of surprising extras too: the three buildings that make up the estate are all connected via private passageways.

As well as 37 acres (15ha) of land, the 16th-century castle also benefits from an enchanting 4,327-square-foot (402sqm) interior that's truly breathtaking.

16th-century castle, Midi-Pyrénées, France: £1.2 million ($1.5m)

The living space is packed with stunning design features. From hardwood floors to herringbone parquet, every room tells a story. Beautiful features and finishes include terracotta tiles, beamed ceilings, lattice windows, cast-iron radiators, huge stone fireplaces and hand-painted wall motifs.

Overall, the sprawling floor plan offers a formal living room, kitchen, dining room, cellar and countless bedrooms.

16th-century castle, Midi-Pyrénées, France: £1.2 million ($1.5m)

Outside, the estate is home to a barn and a 'secadou' – a building that was originally used to dry chestnuts. The two-storey, red sandstone barn boasts a vaulted ceiling and could be utilised as a stable block or storage area, or even renovated into a separate home.

Plus, just look at the surrounding landscape. Not a bad view to have on your doorstep!

Wesselstorf estate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: £1.8 million ($2.3m)

Shrouded in overgrowth, this enchanting castle in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the north of Germany is like something out of a storybook. While its turret and façade have been reclaimed by nature, the home's regal architecture still shines through.

The estate was listed for sale for €2.2 million in December 2024 – the equivalent of £1.8 million ($2.3m) – with international real estate agency Dahler & Company.

Wesselstorf estate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: £1.8 million ($2.3m)

Offering a total of 26,910 square feet (2,500sqm) of living space across the estate, there's no shortage of room to utilise.

The castle itself is partially renovated – the perfect project for someone with a passion for history and preservation. Even in its current state, there's something undeniably charming about the dappled plaster across the walls of the lower reception rooms, which contrasts with the grand moulded archways and beautiful timber floors.

Wesselstorf estate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: £1.8 million ($2.3m)

Other areas of the castle including the dining room and bedrooms have already been extensively renovated. This cosy bedroom sequestered in the home's turret has been sensitively updated with panels of striped wallpaper, soft chinoiserie-inspired fabrics and vintage furnishings.

Wesselstorf estate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: £1.8 million ($2.3m)

Beyond the castle, the property includes 21 acres (8.5ha) of idyllic parkland, gardens and outbuildings. Wandering around the grounds you will also find a coach house, a community centre and a guest house.

Steeped in development potential, the estate has a total of six separate apartments for long-term tenants and seven holiday rentals, plus there's more living spaces that could be renovated for commercial use.

Castle Eden, County Durham, UK: £3 million ($3.8m)

Nestled in the English countryside, this exceptional Grade II-listed estate was put up for sale with NestSeekers International for £3 million ($3.8m).

Known as Castle Eden, the property is located in the heart of County Durham in the North East of England and comes complete with 14 acres (6ha) of perfectly landscaped grounds enclosed by Castle Eden Nature Reserve.

Castle Eden, County Durham, UK: £3 million ($3.8m)

Encompassing 15,102 square feet (1,403sqm), the Palladian-style historic home dates back to the early 1700s but thanks to a recent renovation, the interior is immaculately presented.

Inside, you'll find a grand entrance hall, numerous reception rooms, a large kitchen, a formal dining room that doubles as a games room, 11 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

Castle Eden, County Durham, UK: £3 million ($3.8m)

Each room is overflowing with amazing design details. From hand-painted wall murals to delicate crown mouldings, elaborate chandeliers and hardwood floors, there's plenty to love about this house.

Meanwhile, upstairs you can take in a truly mesmerising domed skylight, which lets natural light flood down into the home's living areas.

Castle Eden, County Durham, UK: £3 million ($3.8m)

The bedrooms are elegantly decorated too – this beautiful space features swathes of windows that frame incredible views across the surrounding landscape.

The estate also benefits from a wraparound courtyard, an orangery, an outdoor bar and an amazing brick cellar beneath the house. The underground space is accessed via stone steps from the ground floor and includes a maze of rooms that span the entire footprint of the castle. Talk about development potential!

Château d'Hatley, Quebec, Canada: £3.6 million ($4.6m)

Overlooking the shores of Lake Massawippi in Quebec, Canada lies this magnificent French Renaissance-inspired castle. From its turrets and ornate window surrounds to the fountains and landscaped grounds, it's a slice of old-world Europe transplanted to North America.

While it harks back to the architecture of centuries ago, the mansion was built in 2009 and employs modern construction materials such as prefabricated concrete.

Château d'Hatley, Quebec, Canada: £3.6 million ($4.6m)

Château d'Hatley sprawls across 23 acres (9.3ha) of land and offers no end of intricately designed living spaces. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, along with lots of light-filled reception rooms.

This elegant lounge is filled with historic-inspired design details, including the pressed tin ceiling and magnificent stone fireplace, which stretches from the floor to the ceiling and features carved gargoyles.

Château d'Hatley, Quebec, Canada: £3.6 million ($4.6m)

Meanwhile, the kitchen is steeped in medieval charm. Arched recesses in the walls clad in plaster and exposed stonework house the fridge and pantry. The preparation island in the centre of the room is a work of art, with its intricately carved timber design and tin bath sink.

Perfect for dinner parties, there's also a formal dining room lined with glass doors that opens out onto a terrace overlooking the lake.

Château d'Hatley, Quebec, Canada: £3.6 million ($4.6m)

The castle's bedrooms offer the utmost in luxury, with silk brocade wall panels, gilded mouldings, chandeliers and carved mahogany fireplaces.

Nestled in one of the turrets is this magnificent home office. Exquisite bookcases have been built into the walls and inset with beautiful stained-glass panels. An incredible pendant light in marbled green glass adds a show-stopping flourish to the space.

This spectacular estate was on the market in December 2024 for £3.6 million ($4.6m) with Le Figaro Properties.

Castle Dromborg, Arkansas, USA: £3.8 million ($4.8m)

If you're looking for a unique home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, then this one-of-a-kind residence might be to your liking. Despite its rustic, European-inspired façade, the property was constructed in 2007.

Designed by an acclaimed architect, it's reportedly formed from more than 4,000 tonnes of native rock, with each piece hand-hewn and intricately fitted into place.

Castle Dromborg, Arkansas, USA: £3.8 million ($4.8m)

On the market in December 2024 with Keller Williams Fayetteville for £3.8 million ($4.8m), the American castle spans 8,825 square feet (820sqm) and boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and dozens of incredible living rooms.

Elegant and refined, every room has been meticulously crafted, decked out with coffered ceilings, maple and walnut woodwork, structural columns, elegant light fixtures, hand-carved mouldings and open fireplaces.

Castle Dromborg, Arkansas, USA: £3.8 million ($4.8m)

Among the home's finest spaces are the 2,200-square-foot (204sqm) great room that's made for entertaining and the stunning cherry library, which would be the perfect place to lose yourself in a good book. Elsewhere, the master suite dazzles with a vaulted beamed ceiling and Grecian-inspired columns.

The home has no shortage of incredible views and the fourth floor benefits from a 70-foot (21m) observation deck, providing uninterrupted vistas across the Ozarks.

Castle Dromborg, Arkansas, USA: £3.8 million ($4.8m)

Step outside and you'll find a gorgeous backyard. The picturesque estate stretches 34 acres (14ha) and features ponds, lawns and flowerbeds, as well as a putting green, a glistening swimming pool and a dining patio.

Ideally located, the castle is just a mile (1.6km) away from the private airport at Drake Field, so you can jet off whenever the need arises.

The Parsons Castle, Texas, USA: £3.9 million ($4.9m)

Perched on a cliff above the glittering waters of Lake Whitney in the US state of Texas, this whimsical structure is a spectacular sight. Known as the Parsons Castle, it's the archetypal fairytale home, complete with turrets, castellations and a drawbridge.

Brought to the market for £3.9 million ($4.9m) with the Hacker Property Group as of December 2024, this enchanting local landmark could make a one-of-a-kind home or a remarkable events venue.

The Parsons Castle, Texas, USA: £3.9 million ($4.9m)

The castle's floor plan encompasses 11,134 square feet (1,034sqm) and includes an array of incredible entertaining spaces. The most impressive room has to be the 3,000-square-foot (279sqm) ballroom, which comes with its own commercial kitchen.

Reminders of the home's historic architectural influences are found throughout the interior, including the pressed tin ceiling, stone columns and arched, brick-lined windows.

The Parsons Castle, Texas, USA: £3.9 million ($4.9m)

Offering plenty of space to accommodate friends and family in style, there are 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms in total, including a luxurious bridal suite and a groom's dressing room.

However, the crowning glory has to be the penthouse on the third floor. Accessed via an elevator, the self-contained living space has its own kitchen, living area and dining room. Meanwhile, there's also an additional three-bedroom guesthouse that's perfect for families.

The Parsons Castle, Texas, USA: £3.9 million ($4.9m)

Up on the fourth floor, you'll find a terrace featuring a pavilion crowned with a turreted, clay-tile roof that's designed for outdoor events and entertaining.

Outside, the grounds hold more luxury amenities. There's a resort-style swimming pool and spa for unwinding beneath the Texan sun, as well as landscaped gardens overlooking the lakefront.

Neo-Renaissance castle, Catalonia, Spain: £4.5 million ($5.8m)

Expanded from a humble 1600s farmhouse in the 19th century, this characterful castle in Spain combines agricultural architecture with neo-Renaissance flourishes. Across the exterior, you'll find spectacular design details including turrets, a stately tower, neo-Gothic windows and a roof clad in Arabic tiles.

The unique estate is located in Catalonia in the northeast of the country and was listed for sale for €5.5 million (£4.5m/$5.8m) with RE/MAX Jumbo Mar.

Neo-Renaissance castle, Catalonia, Spain: £4.5 million ($5.8m)

The property is currently an operational farm and the lot also includes annexes, stables and 79 acres (32ha) of rolling land, consisting of manicured gardens, fields and ancient trees.

In total, the estate has 52,743 square feet (4,900sqm) of usable space across the castle and its various outbuildings. While some of these spaces are more modest than others, the castle itself is no typical farmer's home. For example, beautiful barrel-vaulted ceilings and stonework extend throughout this magnificent hallway.

Neo-Renaissance castle, Catalonia, Spain: £4.5 million ($5.8m)

Despite the castle's age, the interior is in remarkably good condition. Many of the living areas are overflowing with beautifully preserved period features, from parquet floors and timber ceilings to coffered wood doors.

In this stately sitting room, an elaborate landscape frieze encircles the walls. A vast gilded mirror towers over the space, perched just above a spectacular black marble hearth, which from the looks of the blackened brickwork has had plenty of use over the centuries.

Neo-Renaissance castle, Catalonia, Spain: £4.5 million ($5.8m)

The numerous bedrooms are equally as spectacular – many benefit from airy vaulted ceilings and beautiful stone or wood floors. In this space, a regal headboard gives a nod to the castle's Renaissance inspiration.

Elsewhere, the castle's square tower houses an upper gallery, which sits adjacent to a chapel with a nave. How's that for a historic home?

Mandl Castle, Córdoba, Argentina: POA

Sited on top of a hill in Punilla Valley, a rugged region of Córdoba, a province in the north of Argentina, is the enigmatic Mandl Castle.

The stately home dates back to the 1920s when it was built for a surgeon, who enlisted eminent architects of the era to create an extraordinary home some 3,900 feet (1,189m) above sea level.

Mandl Castle, Córdoba, Argentina: POA

The property consists of five plots of land totalling 24 acres (9.7ha). The castle and second lot are situated on the hilltop, while the three other lots lie elsewhere in the surrounding region and offer a guest house, caretaker's house, coach house and stables.

In the 1940s, Austrian businessman Friedrich 'Fritz' Mandl bought the castle, giving it its iconic name. At the time of the purchase, he's said to have been the 17th wealthiest man in the world.

Mandl Castle, Córdoba, Argentina: POA

The castle underwent a thorough renovation in the mid-1940s in the hands of famed Hungarian architect Jorge Kalnay. The home was reimagined as a stately European-style manor, befitting the high-profile guests Mandl would entertain here, from heads of state and ambassadors to business tycoons and celebrities.

The craftsmanship throughout the castle is clear to see – just look at the sweeping timber bannister that lines this spiral staircase connecting the ground floor to the first-floor landing.

Mandl Castle, Córdoba, Argentina: POA

There's a total of 16 bedrooms spread across the castle's three levels. Each space has its own unique character thanks to an array of heritage features, from original wood floors and tilework to grand fireplaces and balconies.

Outside, elevated slightly above the house, is the swimming pool, which is accessed via a stone bridge from the first floor of the castle and benefits from breathtaking views across the valley.

As of December 2024, Mandl Castle was on the market with Christie’s International Real Estate for an undisclosed price tag, seeking a new owner to continue its legacy.

Castle of Caprarica, Lecce, Italy: POA

Built in the 1500s, the stately Castle of Caprarica sits in the historic town of Tricase in Lecce, a province in southeast Italy.

With its original rectangular floor plan featuring four towers, it's been perfectly restored and preserved. Inside, the four walls hide the delights of the fairytale castle, including a private garden.

Castle of Caprarica, Lecce, Italy: POA

On the market for an undisclosed sum with Sotheby's International Realty in December 2024, the castle has 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Divided across two floors, there are three large bedrooms on the first floor as well as an array of bathrooms.

There's no shortage of grand living spaces either. This reception room features a domed ceiling and very little natural light, making it the ideal cosy snug or family den.

Castle of Caprarica, Lecce, Italy: POA

The country-style kitchen features exposed beams across the ceiling, beautiful patterned tiles across the walls and cabinetry and a marble-topped dining table.

French doors lead outside to the large patio and the swimming pool, making the layout ideally suited for alfresco living.

Castle of Caprarica, Lecce, Italy: POA

Protected by its 20-foot-high (6m) walls, the home's garden spans just over 2.5 acres (1ha) and houses two large outbuildings and a dovecote. If the weather gets too hot, there's an infinity-edge swimming pool and covered patios to cool off while you relax.

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchâtel, Switzerland: POA

Known as Château de Vaumarcus, this gorgeous home lies in Neuchâtel, Switzerland and was on the market with Sotheby's International Realty in 2024 for an undisclosed amount.

Situated on more than 63 acres (25ha) of land, realtors have described the unique property as "one of the most beautiful vestiges of the Middle Ages in Switzerland" and we can't help but agree. Let's take a closer look...

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchâtel, Switzerland: POA

Positioned on a rocky lot that offers panoramic views of Lake Neuchâtel, the estate is split into six separate structures and boasts a staggering 200 rooms.

There’s the main castle, which has its very own dungeon, a former palace that’s been transformed into seven luxury apartments and a historic house. Talk about value for money!

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchâtel, Switzerland: POA

The main castle spans 17,577 square feet (1,633sqm) and each space is sumptuously decorated. There are countless reception rooms, bedrooms and lounges for hosting and relaxing, plus plenty of amazing original features. From statement ceilings to exposed brick accents, gorgeous European fireplaces, tiled elements and hardwood floors, the château is a work of art.

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchâtel, Switzerland: POA

What's more, the estate boasts numerous offices and a lovely wedding reception room, so the next owner can host ceremonies and other events to make some additional income. There's even enough rooms and apartments on the estate to accommodate a steady stream of guests.