Previously erected from feudal lands, this rustic, ancient castle portrays the true charm of 11th-century France. It’s complete with wrought-iron gates, towers, mullioned windows, and simple architecture that you wouldn’t find in any modern home. With a bit of elbow grease, you can rework the interior so it becomes liveable. Best of all, you’ll have gorgeous views of Mont Pilat, all for a whopping 749,000 Euros ($790k) (Bobvila).
If you want a sprawling castle to retire to in the evening, you might want to invest in this castle in Southampton, UK. This can be a fun DIY project that’s worth all the effort. With so many different rooms, you can decorate each room with a different theme, color, or whatever your imagination wants. According to the seller, “The New Forest manor house sits on grounds of approximately 3.8 acres and dates back to the early 19th century. There’s a small area in the center that may have been a Tudor hunting lodge. We love the multi-paneled windows that proliferate throughout, throwing natural light into each room.” It might look a little abandoned, but that’s where your hands come in. It comes at a hefty price of $2.3 million but is worth the price (Love Property).
This is one of the more expensive properties on this list, but once you see these ruins and their potential, you’ll understand why. Since the gorgeous renovations in the early 1900s, this Spanish castle looks like it’s straight out of a movie. It dates back to the 13th century when it was previously an outpost for the military. You’ll get the aged abode, with 50 living spaces, a pasture with Iberian pigs, and a museum for 14.5 million euros (Bobvila).
This historic Romanian castle, priced at €400k ($424k), is a unique opportunity to own the country’s oldest documented fortified house. The castle is part of the National Heritage and the Măldărești Museum Complex, with a rich history featured in Romanian films. The exterior pillars, dating back to the 16th century, were designed for defense against Ottoman incursions. The castle’s backstory is equally captivating, starting in 1516 when Nan the Cupbearer built a defense tower. It’s an unchanged piece of history with a massive oak door, arches, and a defense tower accessible by a ladder and rope. (Castleist).
There’s nothing better than a quirky property with a lot of personality. This is a unique opportunity to buy a piece of historic Ireland. This castle spans three stories and was built in 1840 by a man named Johnny Roche. It’s spread across 2.5 acres. The structure sits alongside the river but needs serious completion to live up to modern standards. It flanks the gorgeous River Awbeg, and includes square-headed window openings, limestone eaves, and bowed turrets (Castleist).
Perched on top of a knoll, this castle gazes at the banks of the Ain. The river gushes down the Jura Mountains, and flows onto the plains, giving you fast access to the city of Lyon. The nearest village is only a few miles away, so you feel like you’re secluded but have enough access to groceries and restaurants so you don’t feel completely isolated (Castleist).
If you tend to err on the good side of luck, then you might want to invest in this gorgeous, derelict castle. Nothing screams medieval more than this castle, with its four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and Celtic architecture. No sound will penetrate its thick walls or oak ceiling beams. Wander up and down the stone staircase and worn flagstone floors to make it known that you’re royalty (Bobvila).
If you want to go all in and spend 3.5 million euros, then this 16th-century dwelling is all yours. It’s as authentic as castles can get and has a centuries-old charm that emphasizes its architecture. Even though it needs quite a bit of renovation, at the very least, it’s set up for modern luxuries with its two-car garage and heated pool, all spread out across 5,000 square feet. This grand estate offers a remarkable opportunity to restore and transform a genuine historical gem into a luxurious modern residence, combining the best of both worlds for those seeking a unique and opulent lifestyle. (Bobvila).