These historic homes aren’t quite what they seem
These bygone mansions are hiding a big secret

Maison des Jardins, New York, USA

Maison des Jardins, New York, USA

Nestled in eight acres of grounds, the jaw-dropping new mansion perfectly recreates the grandeur of 17th-century French classicism, from the ornate façade to the intricate mouldings and panelling that adorn the interior living spaces. The foyer is even home to a gold-leaf staircase, said to resemble the one in Marie Antoniette's former residence.
Maison des Jardins, New York, USA

The Great Hill Plantation, Georgia, USA

The Great Hill Plantation, Georgia, USA

The Great Hill Plantation, Georgia, USA

Elsewhere in the seven-bedroom, 11-bathroom mansion, there's also a two-storey dining room, a luxurious master suite complete with a Baroque-style hand-painted mural, and this handsome panelled library. Talk about attention to detail! This magnificent Georgian replica is currently listed with Sotheby's International Realty for $15.3 million (£11m).
Venetian-style palace, Surrey, UK

This Venetian-style palace in Surrey in the UK was once a drab bungalow. However, thanks to the efforts of property developer Trevor Wynne-Jones, it's been transformed into a dreamy house that resembles an opulent Italian villa.
Venetian-style palace, Surrey, UK

After spending 30 years renovating the mansion, Trevor listed it back in 2017 for a staggering $5.5 million (£4m) – a significant step up from the meagre $18,600 (£13.5k) he originally paid for it. Inside, the palatial property has six bathrooms, four reception rooms, and seven bedrooms.
Venetian-style palace, Surrey, UK

The grounds contain multiple waterfalls and even a stunning recreation of the ruined Monmouthshire monastery of Tintern Abbey in Wales, dedicated to the memory of Trevor's late wife. What an incredible achievement!
French château, North Carolina, USA

French château, North Carolina, USA

French château, North Carolina, USA

In the library, warming cherry woodwork channels the Renaissance, while the regal finishes continue throughout the home's five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The 10,791-square-foot masterpiece is currently up for grabs via Sotheby's International Realty for $6.8 million (£4.9m).
English Medieval castle, East Sussex, UK

English Medieval castle, East Sussex, UK

To create a faithful replica, the Mews family learned how to carve wood to make gargoyles, mastered traditional masonry techniques and repurposed Gothic stained glass windows so that their modern-day castle was as authentic as possible.
English Medieval castle, East Sussex, UK

From the moat and drawbridge to battlements and even a dungeon, the property is packed with jaw-dropping features befitting of a grand castle estate. The impressive project has picked up plenty of national awards over the years, including a Channel 4 Best Home accolade.
Pink château, Texas, USA

Pink château, Texas, USA

Listed with Sotheby's International Realty for $30 million (£21.7m), the neo-classical-style estate extends across more than 27,000 square feet of living space. Stepping inside the property is like entering a European palace: the entrance features a 33-foot-high domed ceiling and exquisite sculptures and artworks, while the Versaille Room, pictured here, is adorned with mouldings and gold-inlaid panelling.
Pink château, Texas, USA

Currently Texas's most expensive home for sale, the property features no less than five kitchens, eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a tiered movie theatre, offering residents the full royal experience. Outside, the backyard channels the Mediterannean with Cypress trees, a saltwater pool and a columned pavilion. How's that for luxury?
Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár, Hungary

Hungary's Taj Mahal, Bory Castle was built almost single-handedly by architect and sculptor Jenő Bory over a period of 36 years and finished in 1959. The visionary creative dedicated the concrete castle to his wife, who provided a wealth of decorative artworks for the property.
Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár, Hungary

Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár, Hungary

By the 80s, the fairytale castle had fallen into disrepair and Bory's grandchildren set about restoring the property to its former glory. The work was completed in 2014 and Bory Castle now functions as a museum, which is open to the public all year round.
Fairytale farmhouse, Suffolk, UK

Nick Fisher and Jo Jordan built this remarkable farmhouse in Suffolk, England entirely from scratch without the help of an architect. Finished in 2011, beautiful Belle Grove Farmhouse, aka the 'Dragon House', was just under four years in the making.
Fairytale farmhouse, Suffolk, UK

Impressively, the couple sourced all the building materials themselves, from fine French oak to quality marble from India. Once complete, they then filled the incredible self build house with fabulous antiques from around the world.
Fairytale farmhouse, Suffolk, UK

Needless to say, this most unique of homes has won several prestigious awards to date, and in December 2011, the farmhouse was declared the overall winner of The Daily Telegraph Building Awards, and it's not hard to see why!
Castelo de Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Castelo de Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Castelo de Itaipava is located on the mountains outside of Rio de Janeiro and was conceived as a medieval manor with classic Norman accents. It was built with stone and construction materials from Europe, which help impart a historic feel to this 20th-century residence.
Castelo de Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gothic castle, Connecticut, USA

Gothic castle, Connecticut, USA

Gothic castle, Connecticut, USA

Encompassing a vast 35,000 square feet, it's hard to believe that this sprawling estate was completed in the 21st century. The Chris Mark Castle, as it's known, is available to rent out for private events and filming if you fancy experiencing this modern Gothic wonder for yourself.
Elizabethan Tudor, Ohio, USA

It may look like it belongs in the 15th century, but this historic mansion in Cleveland Heights, Ohio was designed in 1910 by renowned architect Frank Meade. Known as Harcourt Manor, this Elizabethan Tudor home exudes kerb appeal with its handsome stone façade and parapets.
Elizabethan Tudor, Ohio, USA

Harcourt Manor has made something of a name for itself over the years and was even used as a key set for Hollywood blockbuster Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Encompassing 7,422 square feet, the impressive property boasts no end of characterful heritage-inspired features, from dazzling wooden floors to the magnificent central staircase with its intricately carved balustrades.
Elizabethan Tudor, Ohio, USA

Moussa Castle, Deir el Qamar, Lebanon

Moussa Castle, Deir el Qamar, Lebanon

Moussa Castle, Deir el Qamar, Lebanon

Baronial castle, Scottish Highlands, UK

Baronial castle, Scottish Highlands, UK

Baronial castle, Scottish Highlands, UK

Stylishly decked out, the interior is packed with period features and antiques, adding to the olde worlde illusion. All you need is a crown and sceptre and you'll be monarch of the glen!
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