15 Stunning Castles to Rent for Your Next Family Vacation
Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a castle? Well now is your chance! These castles to rent around the world are not only for visiting, some allow guests to rent the entire castle for their own royal vacation.
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Where can I stay in a castle?
You might be surprised to find there are several properties in the United States that fit the castle description, and there are plenty overseas, especially in Europe.
Many of these magnificent estates are surrounded by acres of forests, lavish gardens, and come completely decked out with opulent furniture, antiques, and sometimes, even family heirlooms. Others have more modern decor, but we think you will still feel like royalty.
Here are some of the coolest castles to rent for your next vacation.
1. Royal Apartment at a Seaside Estate – Portpatrick, Scotland
Who wouldn’t want to rent a castle in Scotland? This is a self-contained apartment inside an Edwardian historic castle. It has been lovingly restored, but still maintains all of the charming original details. The property has all of the modern comforts (wifi, Smart TV, biomass heating), plus 2000 acres of glen walks, forests, beaches, lochs, gardens & waterfalls to explore.
There’s even a giant lawn for games and a courtyard for BBQ. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it sleeps 8 comfortably. Who’s ready to go?
2. Castle Llaés – Llaés, Catalonia, Spain
Perched high above the clouds in the Spanish countryside, this stunning medieval castle sleeps 16. Dating to the 10th century, this property is an oasis of peace and serenity. The castle features 8 spacious bedrooms and 4 baths, and is perfect for creating the trip of a lifetime!
3. Complex of Castles – Lake George, New York
This castle in miniature has two cozy bedrooms with spectacular views of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains! It’s part of an extensive complex that includes Highlands Castle and the Castle Gatehouse.
The Castle Cottage is a hidden jewel in a private setting, just 3-minutes from downtown Bolton Landing with conveniences of a supermarket, restaurants, shops, beaches, and more. Come with a large group and you can rent out the entire complex.
4. Portuguese Castle in Santa Marta de Portuzelo, Portugal
Just forty minutes outside of Porto you will find the majestic Santa Marta de Portuzelo Castle, a Manueline style house that has elements from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The place is massive at over 20,000 square feet, spread out over two floors and a tower.
There are nine bedrooms for guests, each with an en-suite bathroom, and two of them have fireplaces. Spacious is an understatement as there are three living rooms, two dining rooms, a huge kitchen, and a chapel. Good luck not getting lost!
The estates gardens cover 4.2 acres, and feature a Manuelino-style watchtower, a dovecote, a swimming pool, and a 16th century fountain. There is a large variety of ornamental trees, including orange, lemon, olive, chestnut, palm, cypress, walnut and fig. Enjoy views of the Lima River and Atlantic Ocean while relaxing at this majestic estate.
5. Montalto Castle – Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
Tucked away in 700 acres of land, the Montalto Castle in Tuscany is the perfect cross between a fairytale castle and the backdrop of a romance movie set in Italy.
Explore the vineyards and walk through the magnificent hill towns and back roads while you take in the fresh air and sun. The castle features a swimming pool, a small playground, bicycles, tennis court, and a multi-lingual library.
Italian lessons are available upon request, as are cooking classes, and horseback riding. Be sure to purchase a few bottles of local wine from the family-owned vineyard, or snack on organic veggies and fruits from the estate’s own garden.
6. Swiss castle apartment – Flims, Switzerland
This lovely flat inside an 18th century castle is perfect for your next mountain getaway. The space has two bedrooms, a large well equipped kitchen, and a balcony for taking in the mountain views.
Shops and restaurants are minutes away. Lake Cauma (Caumasee) is a 30 minute walk. It’s a must-see alpine lake, with incredible vivid colors year round.
7. German castle manor house – Unsleben, Bavaria, Germany
This romantic moated castle dates to the early Middle Ages and guests will enjoy the adjacent apartment that is comfortable and well-furnished. Unique features include a wood burning stove and a tower room (available for sleeping in the summer, but too cold in winter).
The front of the house has an outdoor sitting area and there is plenty to explore within walking distance. Stay here and imagine you’re living as royalty.
8. Stonehaven Castle – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This contemporary castle has all of the modern bells and whistles (Tuft and Needle mattresses, a karaoke machine, and even a Keurig coffee maker). It comes with its own art gallery that includes original paintings, photography and sculptures.
Kids will love climbing the castle’s three story turret. Be sure to climb to the top and take in the beautiful views.
Guests can take hikes and explore the property’s 52 acres, where they might find old remnants of a 1950s vehicle, fossils, and stones from around the world (the previous owner was a master stonemason).
9. Borgia castle – Passignano Sul Trasimeno, Umbria, Italy
This fairytale castle has the perfect location for a relaxing holiday in Italy and is the former home of the Borgia family. Open only to the public since 1993, you will find the castle has many of its original charms including frescoes and decorative furniture.
Situated on 22 acres of park land, there is a large swimming pool and tennis court on site. Take a look at the photos, and you’ll see why this would be an amazing spot for a family reunion or even a wedding.
10. Pink Castle – Wroclaw, Poland
Live out your wildest childhood dreams and stay a few nights in this fabulous pink castle. This historic castle features a giant meeting room with a terrace, a billiard room, 8 beds, and a beautiful private forest.
The castle grounds have tons of lovely birds, fallow deer, dogs, cats, and local fauna roaming the gardens.
11. Modern Castle – Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Located in prestigious Mont du Lac development, this modern castle offers stunning lake views and access to all of the luxury Mont Tremblant has to offer.
This majestic estate has four bedrooms and will sleep 12. If anyone has mobility issues, not to worry, the home has an elevator. The lower floor has a game room, a wet bar, and sauna and guests can walk out to a large hot tub and stone patio for evening relaxation and views that will take your breath away.
12. Irish tower house – Kilkenny, Ireland
Tubbrid Castle is a unique 15th-century tower house, uninhabited for the last century and now restored to its former glory. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time and indulge your inner prince or princess.
Staying in this authentic Irish tower house doesn’t mean foregoing the finer things in life. Start your day under a powerful rainforest shower or in a deep, bubbly bath. Sip your morning coffee while taking in views of the surround forest and fields while perched on velvet cushions in the tower’s original window seats.
In the evening you can dine at the grand oak banqueting table before curling up with a book or a board game in front of a roaring log fire. However you choose to spend your day, you can look forward to coming home to spend the night under a goose down duvet in a super king four-poster bed. This property is located in Ireland’s stunning Ancient East, close to Kilkenny.
13. Castle in the Forest – Skyforest, California
Nestled in a deep canyon near Lake Arrowhead is this secret gem: the Castle In the Forest. Surrounded by towering pine and dogwood trees, this secluded 10,000 square foot chateau provides an unforgettable intimate setting for your stay.
Inside the castle, you will find stunning architectural details including cathedral ceilings, glittering chandeliers, fireplaces, and floor to ceiling windows (with forest views). The castle has several dozen rooms, including seven luxurious suites, an acoustically perfect great room with balcony, custom kitchen, a formal dining room and several salons.
There are also multiple themed rooms: study, game room, and even a Bavarian-style pub with a sunken bar. It’s truly a sight to behold and the perfect spot for a getaway with family and friends.
14. Family castle – Lakonia, Mani, Greece
Built around two hundred years ago in the Southern Peloponnese, enjoy this newly renovated castle with stunning views. Built by the owners’ grandparents, this stone house has it all, situated in olive groves with views of the surrounding countryside.
The renovation kept the original character of the castle, while adding some modern touches. There’s wood beam ceilings throughout, stone walls, and a large terrace for relaxing just off the kitchen. I can’t think of a better place to relax, sitting in the warm Grecian sun.
15. 12th century Dutch castle – Vorden, Netherlands
Know that at this castle you are staying at a family home, and you have access to many common areas, but your own guest floor.
Make yourself at home in this 12th century castle! A stay at Castle Vorden includes an entire floor with 3 large guest rooms, each with stunning views of the gardens, forest, and meadow. Your stay comes with breakfast, but you can also enjoy a meal at the castle’s restaurant or grab a drink and sit on the lovely terrace.
Looking for more vacation ideas? Don’t miss these beach houses to rent in the US and our favorite castle hotels in Europe.
All photo credits to Airbnb unless otherwise noted.
