Thanks to new services like the HomeAway Castle Collection (yes, it’s real), you can now enjoy the royal experience without the endless hassles of actual castle ownership. From a perfectly rustic 16th century castle in Scotland to a glittering Disney-like palace in France, we’ve rounded up something for every type of fantasy lover. And while most of these castles don’t have dungeons and moats, they’re fully equipped with all the defenses any modern day princess might need (re: wifi, hairdryer.) Scroll down to discover the details on our 8 favorite real castles you can actually stay in and admit it: there’s really never been a better time to be a commoner.
featured image by Sarah Falugo
Château de Challain
location: Challain-la-Potherie, France
built: 1847
architectural style: néo gothic
sleeps: 55 (23 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms)
Fanningstown Castle
location: Adare, Ireland
built: 1285
architectural style: gothic
sleeps: 10 (5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths)
Kilmartin Castle
location: Argyll, Scotland
built: 1550
architectural style: z frame
sleeps: 10 (5 bedrooms, 5 baths)
Augill Castle
location: Cumbria, England
built: 1841
architectural style: victorian
Sleeps: 34 (10 bedrooms, 8 baths)
Château De Sedaiges
location: Marmanhac, France
built: 1461
architectural style: néo gothic
sleeps: 25 (14 rooms)
Ashford Castle
location: Cong, Ireland
built: 1228 (and expanded later)
architectural style: medieval and victorian
sleeps: 160 (83 bedrooms)
Château de Mirambeau
location: Bordeaux, France
built: 1601
architectural style: néo Louis XIII
sleeps: 80 (40 bedrooms)
Castillo Santa Cecilia
location: Guanajuato, Mexico
built: 1951
architectural style: medeival
sleeps: 200+ (110 bedrooms)
