Make like a king or queen with panoramic views from the turrets, luxe interiors, swimming pools – and even the odd moat, writes Aimee Dawson
Perugia, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
They say an Englishman’s home is his castle. Certainly that has been the case for the Howard family who’ve called Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, England, home for more than 300 years. The 17th-century country house—set in 8,800 acres of parkland, woods and farmland—took more than 100 years to complete, spanning the lifetimes of three earls. The house and gardens opened to the public in 1952 and has become a much-loved attraction. This April saw the grand reveal of the house’s latest phase of repair, including the restored Tapestry Drawing Room.
Confusingly, Castle Howard isn’t strictly a castle at all, but a large stately home erected on the ruins of one: the medieval Henderskelfe Castle. The site therefore boasts many of the unique features that castles can offer. “Historically, castles were built in elevated settings to protect their owners from attack. While this is no longer a consideration, it does mean that you are likely to benefit from amazing, far-reaching views,” says Andrew Barnes, a senior director for United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty.
Warwickshire, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Constructed as recently as 2020 and currently listed by Barnes, Oversley Castle in Alcester, England follows Castle Howard’s tradition of being built on historic castle grounds in an elevated position. The setting is best known as the estate that was the home to King Henry VIII’s chief minister and advisor, Thomas Cromwell, according to Barnes, but it was also the site of a ‘folly castle’ originally created around the turn of the 18th century.
Unlike Castle Howard, Oversley Castle has a modern but recognisably castle-style aesthetic on the outside, including rustic stone walls and a turret, with a very contemporary interior. “The views from the terrace on top of the turret are probably the best that I have ever come across,” Barnes says. The recent construction means it also boasts excellent energy credentials, incorporating solar tiles and a vertical wind turbine to provide sustainable power sources and woodcrete blocks that offer great insulation.
Perugia, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
For those who prefer their castles a little more traditional, there are still opportunities to buy such unique homes, particularly in continental Europe. This renovated 14th-century castle in Umbria, Italy—offered by Italy Sotheby’s International Realty—retains many of its historic architectural details, such as battlements, protective bastions, surrounding walls, and even dungeons in the basement. “Castles have cavernous rooms with high ceilings, not often found in modern homes,” says Barnes. That is certainly the case in this castello, with the interior space measuring almost 26,000 square feet, plus 126 acres of grounds that house a swimming pool with panoramic views, a tennis court and a tree-house perfect for dinner or small events.
Europe is also home to later castles built in more classicist styles, usually with larger windows that drench rooms in light and connect interiors to the expansive grounds in which they sit. An 18th-century castle in Lanaken, Belgium—offered by Belgium Sotheby’s International Realty—is set in 25 acres that includes an English-style landscaped park, woodlands, meadows, a pond, an orangery with an orchard, herb and vegetable garden, and stables. The interiors feel fresh and bright, and include both an artist’s studio and space for exhibitions.
Limburg, Belgium | Belgium Sotheby’s International Realty
The current owners of Kåseholm Castle in Skane, Sweden, have gone one step further, taking advantage of the property’s almost 100 acres to transform it into a cultural complex. Offered by Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty, the U-shaped, 17th-century Scandinavian castle is the hub around which several outbuildings have been built or renovated, including a studio kitchen created with two-star Michelin chef Daniel Berlin; a historic building that houses an antiques shop, workshop and stables; and a hay barn that accommodates 200 guests for dinners and events.
Skane, Sweden | Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty
“The romantic style and image of a castle gives a sense of grandeur and opulence without being overtly ostentatious, which most country house buyers are keen to avoid,” says Barnes. “They are perfect for buyers with an appreciation for heritage, history and those who enjoy living in a unique home that looks completely different to neighbouring properties.”
