From reading fairytales as a child to dreaming of restoring a historic French chateau, most of us have longed to live in a palatial castle at some point in our lives. While many of these properties are homes of the super-rich, each one is privately owned and has been on the market at some point, meaning they are all within reach should the funds become available.

From a rustic New York castle in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains to an enchanting hillside Castello in the Italian Alps, these remarkable properties are what dreams are made of. Grab your tiara and let's explore some majestic castles we'd love to call home...

You'd never run out of space again if you owned Fonmon Castle. This sprawling estate is situated in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, and occupies nearly 950 acres of land. Dating back to the 12th century, the Grade I-listed Norman castle no doubt once belonged to a prestigious family. However, in recent years it has been used as a wedding and events venue. 

While the castle's pretty façade is decorated with ivy, the interior is colourful and eclectic. It measures 12,000 square feet and boasts an impressive entrance hall, endless reception rooms and countless bedrooms. Plus, everywhere you look you'll spot incredible features, such as herringbone timber floors, soaring ceilings, vintage light fixtures and full-height bay windows that flood the rooms with natural light.

As well as the sprawling main castle, the estate also benefits from eight houses and cottages, several farm buildings and outbuildings, all of which could be converted into additional accommodation. Last for sale with Savills, the remarkable British home was listed for a cool £11.5 million ($14.6m).

Germany is jam-packed with gorgeous castles and Sauerburg is just one of them. Positioned in the heart of the Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting fortress features a soaring, weathered tower and a main brick castle decorated with pretty pitched roofs.

Enclosed by towering trees, the property sits on almost two-and-a-half acres of land and comes with a quaint courtyard garden that offers the perfect welcome. It's thought the castle was built sometime between 1355 and 1361 by Count Ruprecht, who sought permission from Archbishop Gerlach of Mainz.

Over the years, it has been used as a hunting lodge and as a defensive fortress. Today, it's a unique home in the midst of one of Germany's most impressive regions.

As for the interior, it stretches 7,965 square feet and encompasses 19 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, as well as a banqueting hall, a vaulted stone cellar and plenty of living rooms decorated with European fireplaces and built-in bookcases.

Thanks to a recent renovation, the interior is fresh and modern, but there are plenty of authentic period features throughout, too, including stained-glass windows depicting coats of arms, wood-panelled walls, ornate metalwork, intricate chandeliers and statement ceilings.

Positioned on a mountainside above Salt Lake Valley, this majestic modern castle is also minutes from seven world-class ski resorts. Providing incredible views from almost every window, it was built in 2005 and no expense was spared in its design or construction.

Outside, there's almost an acre of land, while inside you'll find 10,000 square feet of space. As soon as you step through the front door, you'll be blown away. Every bit as impressive as its façade, the interior offers exposed stone walls, arched doorways, wrought-iron work and medieval-style light fixtures, which make the house appears older than it is.

As for rooms, you'll find an impressive entrance foyer, an enormous kitchen with a never-ending ceiling, a grand living room, a formal dining room, five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Plus, there are plenty of amazing extras you might not expect, including a movie theatre, storage cellar, indoor pool and spa, games room, fitness centre and observatory, where you can take in the night's sky. It was recently for sale for £2.9 million ($3.7m).

Thornbury Castle is the epitome of the classic English castle. In fact, it was here that infamous King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, honeymooned in 1535. The ill-fated couple spent 10 days at the property as part of their belated honeymoon tour, and we can certainly see what drew them to the place.

The Tudor castle can be found in Bristol, Gloucestershire, and dates back to the 1520s. It was constructed by Edward Stafford, the "only man to rival King Henry VIII’s wealth and status at that time", according to the castle's official website. Of course, the fiery king saw this display of status and wealth as a direct insult and Edward Stafford was soon found guilty of treason. Henry VIII took control of the castle and it became a beloved retreat for him and his future wives.

The royal home later passed through the hands of Henry VIII's children, Edward VI and Queen Mary Tudor. Today, it's a successful hotel and wedding venue. Of course, there are plenty of majestic rooms where guests can relax and soak up the splendour of 16th-century luxury. Every single room is gorgeously presented, with some featuring decorative ceilings, stone fireplaces, four-poster beds and dramatic chandeliers. There's also a grand ballroom and a dungeon dining room.

If you're not one for traditional, then The Castle in the Forest is sure to appeal to you. Located in scenic Christina Lake, British Columbia, on an enchanting mountainside plot, the property was constructed in 1976 and boasts a storybook façade that makes it totally one of a kind.

The eye-catching home gets its unique shape thanks to multiple layers of steel mesh and reinforced concrete plaster. In fact, it's very similar to classic bubble homes that were built during the 1970s, only this property was designed to resemble a modern castle. It was also crafted to last for centuries and this traditional building technique renders it resistant to fire, rot and even insects.

Measuring 2,620 square feet, the wonderful white house features coloured concrete floors, pretty arched doors and windows, vaulted ceilings and stained-glass elements. As for rooms, there's a lounge, a kitchen, a music room and a mezzanine office. Yet the home's best feature is likely its three-storey tower, where you'll find all of the property's three bedrooms, which are connected via a spiral staircase.

Earlshall Castle was built in the 16th century and has lost none of its grandeur. The castle is enclosed by 53 acres of parkland near St. Andrews in Fife and has a rich and fascinating history. For starters, it once played host to the infamous monarch, Mary Queen of Scots. Plus, it’s got plenty of space: six reception rooms, 10 bedrooms, six bathrooms and even three cottages for guests. It's no wonder the pad comes with an eye-watering price tag of £8 million ($10.1m).

Undeniably one of the UK's most remarkable homes, the castle was devised by Sir William Bruce, a "gentleman architect" who's said to have effectively founded classical architecture in Scotland. Work began in 1546 and he added plenty of defensive elements, like musket loops and small, strategically placed windows as insurance against future invasions. He named the stately home after the hunting lodge of The Erlishall, which was owned by the Earls of Fife, who were relatives of King Robert de Bruce. 

The interior is overflowing with incredible period features and historic elements that have stood the test of time. For one, Alexander Bruce’s marriage is commemorated on the granite fireplace in the Great Hall, while the painted ceiling in the Long Gallery features the coats of arms of European royalty and Scottish noble families.

As for the grounds, they boast magnificent listed walled gardens that were laid out by Robert Lorimer, a bowling green, an orchard, a 125-year-old topiary lawn and what has been called the "secret garden".

Located on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the peaks and troughs of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, Montestrutto Castle was built in neo-Gothic style, around a 9th-century tower. Truly one of the most romantic castles in the world, the historic gem can be reached via a panoramic staircase that leads to the castle's enchanting gardens.

Stretching just over 8,600 square feet, the dreamy residence has a large entrance gallery, a living room, a formal dining room, an adjacent kitchen, a stateroom, a studio room, eight bedrooms and three bathrooms. Of course, every single space is decorated beautifully, from painted frescoes that reflect the history of the building, to parquet floors, stained-glass details and huge European fireplaces.

As for the grounds, they’re remarkable! Filled with native flowers and fruit trees, it's the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll. Plus, the view from the castle's walls is truly unforgettable. The property recently sold for an undisclosed sum. We're sure it was worth every single penny!

With a very apt name, The Castle lies on half an acre of land in the Canadian city of Mississauga, Ontario. Truly impressive, it boasts a seriously dramatic façade, with a fairytale tower, battlements and other dreamy storybook design details. And that's just the exterior!

The amazing Canadian home has an equally remarkable interior. Constructed in 1976, the pad stretches 2,620 square feet and comes complete with sprawling living spaces, finished with high-end materials and designer furnishings. There's an entrance hall, several formal living rooms, a dining room, five bedrooms, six bathrooms and two home offices. The huge attic is also waiting to be transformed into a dreamy master suite, while the fully-finished basement is currently the ultimate man cave.

Yet the finest space in the house has to be this exquisite bedroom. Just look at that cathedral ceiling and stained-glass window. There are plenty of other amazing design elements throughout, too, from coffered ceilings and stone floors to expansive fireplaces and hand-painted murals. Other highlights include the home’s swimming pool, koi pond, hot tub and custom kitchen. 

Fit for a king or queen, Glenborrodale Castle is situated in the Scottish Highlands and was built using red Dumfriesshire sandstone in 1902. A fine example of a Scots Baronial mansion, the property soars up five storeys and boasts everything a VIP could ever need – and much more!

The pad hit the market in summer 2020 for a snip under £3.8 million ($4.7m), but the lucky buyer didn't just gain a new castle. The listing included 133 acres of land and a private island known as the Isle of Risga. They also gained more than 15,000 square feet of interior space, including 16 bedrooms, three reception rooms and a games room, all kitted out with refined period details. Think marble floors, oak panelling, arched windows and ornate cornicing.

Outside is just as remarkable. There are several stone terraces and walled gardens, as well as sections that overlook Loch Sunart and the Morven Hills. There’s even a gate lodge, a detached coach house, a gym, a boathouse and a jetty. We'd say that's pretty good bang for your buck!

Located in Jura, in the French region of Franche-Comte, this incredible 34-bedroom castle sits inside an almost 200-acre walled park and, as well as the five-storey castle itself, there's also a square tower and six outbuildings.

The huge castle was listed in 2018 for around £25.5 million ($32.3m), but is now back on the market with Prestige Property for an undisclosed sum. But we're sure the price is still eye-watering, especially considering the chateau provides 75,347 square feet of interior space. Fit for a monarch, there's a grand entrance hall with a Gothic staircase, a Napoleonic drawing room, a billiard room, a library and a summer dining room that opens onto a courtyard garden. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg!

It isn’t just the interior that’s overflowing with features, either. Outside, you’ll find a huge equestrian centre with 40 stables, an indoor riding school and a tack room, as well as a gardener’s house, a 19th-century forge that’s still operational, an old bakery with period ovens, a swimming pool, a walled vegetable garden, numerous canals, two lakes and an English river. Talk about fancy!

This beautiful Gothic castle was built in 1833 and can be found on the coast of Douglas on the Isle of Man. Known as Harold Tower, the remarkable residences has everything you could ask for  a private setting within walled grounds, plenty of bedrooms, a separate coach house, a cottage for VIP guests and, of course, wonderful sea views. 

Positioned on an elevated plot overlooking the bay at Douglas Head, the castle is said to be named after King Harold and it isn't hard to understand why – it's certainly fit for a royal family. The property was once owned by English painter and engraver, John Martin, who created The Plains of Heaven and The Great Day of His Wrath. It was later used as a hotel. 

Since then, it has been lovingly restored and now benefits from a classical yet high-end interior, brimming with gold detailing and plush fabrics. The renovation was inspired by the work of interior designer, Jean-Louis Mainguy, who advised on the project and even sourced some of the furnishings, fabrics and carpets on display throughout the home. The house was listed for sale in 2018 and sold for around £4 million ($5.1m).

Once hosting the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, the incredible 18th-century Knockdrin Castle is located in County Westmeath in Ireland. The Gothic Revival property is situated within a scenic parkland estate, stretching more than 1,000 acres. Let's take a closer look...

The huge castle was built by Sir Richard Levinge, who commissioned Sir Richard Morrison to design the imposing structure in 1810. However, neither of Morrison's two designs were built and the castle we see today has been credited to James Shiel, assistant to Francis Johnston, one of Ireland's best-known architects. However, according to the listing, the exterior of the castle was influenced by Morrison’s discarded designs.

Knockdrin spans 19,375 square feet and boasts rooms decorated with striking features. From a staircase made of carved oak to a central glazed dome and an elaborate first-floor gallery, this castle was clearly designed to impress. There are countless reception rooms, a drawing room,a dining room, a ballroom and a library, as well as 12 bedrooms – the Crown Bedroom is where Winston Churchill stayed during the War of Independence! 

In the village of Oud-Valkenburg, part of the Limburg province of the Netherlands, the enormous Schaloen Castle finds itself on an island, surrounded by a moat. Sitting on a 19-acre plot, consisting of beautifully maintained grounds and several outbuildings that could be converted to make smaller homes, this property is what dream chateaus are made of.

As for the property's history, it's thought that the castle was originally built in the 12th century and was expanded in the following century. However, it almost completely burned down in 1575. Johan Reinier Hoen van Cartils restored the castle in 1656, after years of vacancy. After the French occupation in 1814, the castle became the property of the De Villers Masbourg d'Eclaye family and in 1894, they restored it once again, with help from architect Pierre Cuypers. 

The impressive chateau has a 8,073-square-foot interior, with 37 bedrooms. While the exterior is defined by its stone walls, turreted roofs and pretty fairytale towers, the interior is all about period drama. There are gilded fireplaces, beamed ceilings and tiled floors, not to mention endless antiques. The property has been on the market for over a year and is currently priced at £3.4 million ($4.3m). So, what are you waiting for?

You might not expect to find a fairytale castle in the USA, but Highlands Castle proves they do exist. The property lies in Warren County, New York, and has amazing views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains – and that's just for starters!

Of course, the castle boasts suitably grand features both outside and inside, with stained-glass doors, a sweeping staircase, hanging tapestries, pitched ceilings finished with exposed beams and suits of armour standing guard. There's a dramatic foyer, a Great Hall, a music room, a library, a kitchen, a dining room, a family room, a coat room and much more! 

It might appear like the property was constructed centuries ago, but this historic home isn't all it seems. In fact, it wasn’t built until the 1980s. However, the then-owner did their best to create a jaw-dropping estate that would instantly transport people to a bygone era. If you fancy playing prince or princess, then the castle is available to rent via Airbnb. You could even host your wedding here!

Located in the beautiful Bergerac region of France, this sprawling chateau has 64 acres of grounds, complete with parkland, gardens, an orchard, wells and even a box hedge labyrinth. With 17th- and 19th-century origins, it was last restored in the 1990s but has retained many of its original features. 

The 15,069-square-foot property enjoys dominating views over the beautiful surrounding countryside. Inside, there are 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two dining rooms, two reception rooms, two offices, two kitchens and a library, so it’s more than big enough for you and your entire entourage.

The castle also boasts a charming 'Cour d'Honneur', which is an inner courtyard, and comes with plenty of outbuildings including stables, a tack room and a workshop with a salt swimming pool in the centre. There’s also a two-bedroom guardian's cottage and a three-bedroom guest cottage with a garage. That makes this the ultimate home for anyone seeking a stylish and secluded estate. If you've fallen in love, then it's currently for sale for just shy of €3 million, which equates to £2.6 million ($3.2m).

With a history dating over 1,000 years, this beautiful castle can be found between Florence and Siena in Italy's iconic Tuscany region. The property’s 232-acre grounds benefit from a swimming pool, woodland and olive groves, as well as working vineyards (it is Castle Chianti, after all!).

Remarkably, the historic castle comes complete with 53,819 square feet of interior space, including two dominant fairytale towers. The castle is centred around a charming courtyard and its main body has been fully restored, with 19 ensuite bedrooms, grand state rooms, extensive cellars and staff accommodation.

There are plenty of amazing features throughout, too. From the curving brick ceilings of the cellars to panelled walls and marble floors. Plus, according to the listing, the estate's vines produce between 70,000 and 90,000 bottles a year, so this property comes with a job thrown in! If you fancy snapping it up, it's for sale via Prestige Property for an undisclosed sum.

This incredible 70-bedroom castle in Lombardy, Italy, dates back to 1149 but was reconstructed by the powerful Visconti family in 1345. They renamed it The Citadel and today, it functions as a high-end hotel. In addition to its many rooms, it also has a spa, a large banquet hall, a restaurant, a swimming pool and three tennis courts. There's even a billionaire-friendly helipad to boot!

Space certainly isn't an issue with this property. The Castello occupies an incredible 130,000 square feet and features a wealth of original features, such as a drawbridge and observation towers. Plus, the interior rooms are decorated with gorgeous painted frescoes, stone floors and vaulted ceilings.

As well as gorgeous period details and surprising extras, the property has a rich history, too. The castle's lavish bedrooms have hosted many important guests, including Ludovico the Moor and Emperor Maximilian I of Hapsburg. Plus, many of the rooms have lovely views over a spectacular park. Bliss!

One of only four 12th-century castles still standing in France, living in this chateau would be a dream for anyone with an interest in history: it's said that Richard the Lionheart passed away here and was buried in the grounds. 

Known as Chateau de Montbrun, the medieval property was finished in 1179 and lies in Limousin on a private, 415-acre estate. Enclosed by a moated lake, it has everything a VIP could want and need, including a chapel, dungeons, a drawbridge, a princess' bedroom and even a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi.

Stretching almost 37,000 square feet, the castle has a dreamy interior filled with authentic details, such as medieval-inspired light fixtures, brick walls, four-poster beds and timber floors. The fully renovated interior benefits from a great hall, 16 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, so you could easily get lost in its endless corridors. It's no wonder it last sold for an estimated €30 million, or £26 million ($32m).

This enchanting castle is just as spectacular as the landscape that surrounds it. Set in the heart of the Italian Alps, at the base of the mighty Brenta Dolomites, Castel Valer was constructed on the foundations of a Roman castle, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, and has belonged to the aristocratic Spaur family since 1368. That is, however, until they decided to sell it in 2016. They sold the beautiful building via auction and at the time it was valued at £31.5 million ($40m).

As spacious as it is enchanting, the castle has 80 rooms across 35,520 square feet of space. Every single room is exquisitely decorated with Romanesque, Baroque and gothic architectural features, plush fabrics and antique furnishings – think rustic ceiling beams, full-height stone fireplaces, wood inlay floors and 16th-century frescoes painted by Marcello Fogolino.

Plus, the property has almost too many selling points. There are 18 acres of land surrounding it, 15 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, an octagonal granite tower, a Knights’ Hall, five kitchens and not one, but two chapels. This particular one is utterly incredible, with its colourful, well-preserved frescoes that were curated by famous painters of the age. Who wouldn't want to make this dreamy castle their own?

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