Turrets and drawbridges needn’t be confined to storybooks. Live like royalty at these majestic castles
Scotland: Torosay Castle
Situated just off the west coast of Scotland on the Isle of Mull, Torosay Castle is an example of Scottish baronial design at its finest. The estate, spread across 190ha, has been in the seller’s family since 1865. Throughout its three generations of ownership, the castle has hosted a wealth of prominent visitors, including King George ii of Greece and, more frequently, Winston Churchill, who was related to the current owner’s great-grandmother by marriage. The property enjoys mountain and sea views, extensive parkland, diverse woodland and a manicured landscape of formal gardens. Priced at around US$2.6M. Knight Frank, tel: +44 131 222 9600
www.knightfrank.co.uk
www.knightfrank.co.uk
Italy: Montegualandro Castle
In the words of renowned poet Giosuè Carducci, Montegualandro Castle is perched on a hilltop “like a falcon surveying its prey”. The property dates back to ad800, when it was owned by Emperor Charlemagne – founder of the Carolingian Empire. The estate comprises five edifices, including the main castle, an old chapel and a prison, set amid 14ha of picturesque olive groves, woodland, pasture and vines. In 1954, during repair work, the existence of a possible treasure trove came to light. When a minor castle wall was demolished, it revealed a stone plaque engraved with instructions as to where hidden gold and silver could be found. Priced at US$6.7M. Cluttons Italy, tel: +39 075 845 0100
www.cluttonsitaly.com
www.cluttonsitaly.com
Spain: Castillo de Santa Florentina
The work of architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Castillo de Santa Florentina is truly fit for a king – King Alfonso XIII, to be precise. The royal was a guest of the castle’s former owner during the 1900s. While suitably armed for 21st-century living, the property is a historian’s dream, built on ancient Roman ruins and with evidence of habitation during the Middle Ages. For those who want it all – sun, city and snow – Canet de Mar, where the castle is situated in north-eastern Spain, offers proximity to the Costa Brava’s scenic coastline, Barcelona and the Pyrenees’ extensive ski resorts. Priced at US$18.8M. Christie’s International Real Estate, tel: +44 207 389 2478
www.christiesrealestate.com
www.christiesrealestate.com
Germany: Hutten-Castle
A true fairy-tale castle set in 14ha of sprawling parkland not far from Frankfurt, Hutten-Castle comprises the 15th-century Old Hutten-Castle and the 19th-century Castle Steckel, the latter of which was one of the first masterpieces created by renowned architect Emanuel von Seidl. Together they boast 120 ornately adorned rooms, including multiple libraries, banquet halls, a tea parlour and a hunting room. The exterior features an opulent roof with a medieval-inspired castle tower, baroque Tudor gables and many windows to illuminate the building. The extensive parkland plays host to greenhouses, an orangery and even a family tomb. Priced at US$8.8M. GLM Properties & Consulting, tel: +49 8105 378714
www.glmic.de
www.glmic.de
Switzerland: Château El Masr
Situated in the village of Cologny, Château El Masr was acquired in late 18th century by Jean-Paul Demierre. He oversaw the building of the original tower, which is identical to Geneva’s Champel Tower. A century later, Scotsman Charles Floods purchased the property and built the neo-Elizabethan chateau. Inspired by Floods’ travels in the Middle East, the castle is rich with extravagances, including hand-painted ceilings, custom-made chandeliers from Murano, and Venetian marble statues. The eight-bedroom residence also features a terrace in the high turrets, with views across Lake Geneva. Price on request. Christie’s International Real Estate, tel: +44 207 389 2478
www.christiesrealestate.com
www.christiesrealestate.com
France: Bordeaux
The former residence of the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, this unnamed chateau in Bordeaux is of neo-romantic design. The property has retained many of its original features, such as the double-arched bridge, marble fireplaces with copper mantles, Carrara marble floors and a baronial staircase of white stone. Encircling the chateau is a moat stocked with carp and pike. There are 10 bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and guests can be entertained in any of four reception rooms. A swimming pool is one of the many modern features. Priced at US$2.9M. Knight Frank, tel: +44 207 629 8171
www.knightfrank.co.uk
www.knightfrank.co.uk