We usually think of castles as inaccessible places which you could probably see only as a visitor if one had been converted into a museum. But it turns out Europe (and, to a lesser extent, a few other parts of the world) is filled with countless palaces, villas, and old manors. They were built and used to be inhabited by the aristocracy of olden days, but now many of them are available on the market just like any mansion completed in the past few years. Provided you have the funds, here are some of the countries you could go to and have a good chance of finding this kind of home:
10. Sweden
The peaceful and egalitarian (and rather cold) nation of Sweden is considered one of the best in the world when it comes to economic competitiveness, good governance, and quality of life – a state of affairs built on solid historical foundations.
The Nordic country is not known for its excesses, and its charming castles are no exception. Like the Bryngenäs Palace seen here (which was on the market for about $3.5 million not long ago), luxurious edifices here have a certain understated elegance about them. Add to this the fact that you’d be living in one of the best run countries in the world and you have yourself a really enticing prospect.
9. Belgium
Other than hosting the capital of the European Union, there isn’t much Belgium is famous for. But while there isn’t any other event, landmark, or stereotype of note related to the Western European nation, nor was it particularly prominent throughout history, it is nevertheless a quietly powerful and dynamic country with a rich and proud history.
Like other places on the Old Continent, Belgium too has maintained part of its heritage in the form of picturesque castles, whether they are fortresses, aristocratic palaces, or simply manor houses. Some of them, like the 18th century Wannegem Castle, are available for purchase today and are perfectly suited to serve as luxurious secluded retreats.`
8. Russia
When you hear of Russia, you usually think of dreary,” communists-style” buildings, which are grand in scale but otherwise kind of grey and unattractive. But like all European powers, it too had a powerful and extremely rich aristocratic class, who pretty much enjoyed living in opulent palaces. After the Bolsheviks seized power in 1917, tens of thousands of large properties were nationalized as their former owners fled the country. Nowadays, many of these estates have been snapped up by the new nobility, the so-called ‘oligarchs’. Roman Abramovich, for example, has bought Tenisheva’s Palace, on the English Embankment, one of St. Petersburg’s most fashionable areas – ostensibly for the government of Chukotka, where he was governor.
Also on the English Embankment is the stunning 18th century palace you can see below.
7. Romania
In the spring of 2014, a rumor emerged that Bran, one of Romania’s most striking castles, was to be sold by its owners. Bran is a site closely associated with Vlad the Impaler, which you might recognize as the inspiration for the legendary Count Dracula, since he was imprisoned there for a short time during the 15th century. While the owners have since denied the rumors, it’s not inconceivable that a deal might happen, even though potential buyers would have to dig deep into their pockets to meet the estimated $80 million asking price, and also hope the Romanian government doesn’t exercise its right of first refusal.
6. Japan
With its long history of conflict between feudal warlords and their samurai armies, Japan is probably more like medieval Europe than any other place in the world. And just like in Europe, many of these powerful local rulers built imposing fortifications as a show of prestige and to keep their enemies out.
Once, there were thousands of castles and forts scattered throughout Japan, but today only a handful remain which are more than 150 years old – and most of them are owned by the national and local government. There are, however, some exceptions, like the 400-year-old Nakatsu Castle (see below), sold in 2010 for about $400,000. There are also plenty of replicas, built in the past few decades, but just as impressive as their older counterparts.
5. Poland
Poland’s location, sandwiched between very powerful neighbors, in the way of countless invasions from every direction, has made its lands very contested over the centuries. Many grandiose residences are thus scattered around the country, some designed as fortresses, other as opulent mansions for the powerful and wealthy aristocracy which to a certain extent ruled over and protected the lands.
Quite a number of these castles fell into disrepair after the communists took over in Poland and nationalized them, a situation which worsened after the collapse of the system in 1989. Now, however, the Polish government has decided to sell the old buildings to people with the desire and the resources to properly use and preserve them.
The charming residences, like the Staniszow Palace seen below (which is now a hotel), usually come with six-figure price tags.
4. Germany
Nowadays one of the biggest countries in Europe and one of the most influential in the world, Germany was once divided into a ridiculous number of small fiefdoms, principalities, free cities, duchies, and kingdoms. And like in many parts of Europe, these local lords liked to rule from a castle, which was sometimes fortified, but always much more comfortable than the average dwelling of the day.
Once renovated according to 21st century standards, these centuries-old homes, like the Waldorf Castle seen here (which was placed on the market a couple of years ago with a price tag exceeding $20 million), become impressive residences, offering privacy, awesome views, and the stately atmosphere you’d expected in a place with such a history.
3. Italy
The birthplace of the Renaissance and the home of many great architects and artists, as well as a thriving aristocracy, Italy has a rich cultural heritage which includes myriad old villas and castles. Many of them are now museums or resorts, but some have maintained their old use as extravagant homes for the wealthy.
A great example, among countless others scattered all across the country, is the luxurious mansion displayed here, set in the picturesque town of Lucca in Central Italy, near the Tyrrhenian Sea.
2. England
Perhaps no country is more in tune with its heritage, its past culture, traditions, and institutions, as is England. A big part of that its old aristocracy, who used to rule their lands from the castles scattered across the countryside. Few countries have preserved their nobility like the English and many Lords and Ladies still live in palaces which have been in their families for centuries. However nothing lasts forever, no matter how conservative a nation is, and some of these old homes are now available for purchase. Like Thurland Castle, these residences are now open to all who can afford to buy or rent them, regardless of name and lineage.
1. France
France is so closely associated with charming castles that their word for this kind of edifice, chateau, has even made its way into English and is sometimes used to describe particularly elegant residences wherever they may be situated. The south of the country is famous for the many such estates it is home to, with the Loire Valley, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site, being particularly well-endowed in this regard.
This fairy-tale castle overlooking the Dordogne River, called Château de la Treyne, is a perfect illustration of France’s fabulous landmarks.
