If you want to experience life as a fairytale prince or princess, then these dreamy abandoned castles for sale could be just what you're looking for. Picture towering turrets, marbled columns, landscaped gardens and amazing historic details within fortified walls. From a crumbling custom-built castle in Idaho to a rundown palace overlooking the waters of Lake Maggiore, click or scroll on to discover the best fixer-upper forts on the market right now...

If you have deep pockets, great imagination and a lot of patience, this incredible 14th-century palace might just be your dream conversion project. The historic property is located inside the national park of Los Ancares in Lugo, Spain. Sprawling, secluded and brimming with opportunity, the pad is also an absolute steal at €225,000, or £197,700 ($218k).

But any potential new owners should remember that this project is not one for the inexperienced renovator. The prominent palace stretches a staggering 46,500 square feet and is slowly being overtaken by Mother Nature. However, it does boast a restored roof and is generally in excellent condition, despite sitting vacant for some time.

Inside, the castle is pretty rundown, but there are many positives, too. From its stunning beamed ceilings and stone walls to its arched windows, authentic arrowslits, in-laid coat of arms, and original ironwork, we're sure this property could be turned into something really special —perhaps a high-end hotel, or several family homes?

The property’s location might just be its best asset. Located in the heart of the Los Ancares Nature Reserve, it’s surrounded by idyllic mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and historic towns. The property sits on a large plot and even has some prehistoric dwellings on it. There’s also a ski resort 45 minutes away for any winter sports enthusiasts.

Another fantastic fixer-upper project is this rural château in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France. Yours for a mere £414,400 ($457.5k), or €471,700 in the local currency, the property sits on more than 160 acres of land and lies just down the road from a Medieval village. Plus, Bergerac airport is just 55 minutes away.

The pad is slightly more manageable than most castles and spans just 1,625 square feet, making this a fantastic opportunity for someone seeking a unique renovation project. It dates back to the 17th century, though, so some hard graft would be required to bring it up to scratch.

Constructed from stone, the historic property is in need of a complete overhaul, but the interior is in a fairly decent state. From its vaulted beamed ceilings to its rustic stone walls, vintage radiators, and original fireplaces, there's much to love here. Plus, there's a retro kitchen we can't help but fall for.

What’s more, the estate itself comes with an abundance of outbuildings that are all waiting to be restored. As well as the main castle, there are two hangars, a large stone barn and several other properties that you can use as you see fit. Plus, this area is known for its equestrian activities and campsites, meaning creating a hospitality business here isn’t out of the question.

Offering the best of both worlds, this ancient château can be found just 20 minutes from central Toulouse, yet it sits within almost 15 acres of peaceful, rural land. Dating back to the 18th century, the charming property sits behind large gates and boasts an elegant driveway that imparts all the magic of a real-life fairytale castle.

On the market with Immobilier Chavanne à Lavaur Sotheby's International Realty for just €550,000, or £483,200 ($533k), the historic home is a real bargain considering its size. However, with such a landmark building comes great responsibility and the restoration work is likely to be extensive. 

The majestic mansion comes complete with almost 12,000 square feet of interior space spread across four grand floors. The ground floor has been converted into four apartments, all of which require refurbishment—or perhaps the new owner will turn the building back into a single residence? All in all, the main château has good bones but is in need of some TLC in order to bring back its sparkle.

Yet there are plenty of historic elements inside that would be well worth preserving. From beamed ceilings to delicate glass windows, elaborate fireplaces, French doors, stone floors, and wooden built-ins, there's much to admire about this abandoned mansion. Outside in the grounds, you’ll also find a small caretaker’s cottage and another 969-square-foot home with its own garden. How's that for bang for your buck?

Proving that you don't need to be a millionaire in order to own a truly amazing piece of real estate, this staggering 13th-century Schloss in the German state of Brandenburg is up for grabs for just £703,000 ($76k), or €800,000 in the local currency. Listed with Vermittlung historischer Immobilien, the historic home measures almost 26,000 square feet and is overflowing with stunning statement details.

The abandoned stately home isn't just sprawling, it's gorgeous, too! Outside, the castle is surrounded by a moat and offers plenty of Renaissance romance. Inside, there are 39 rooms, all with grand architectural features, such as oversized European fireplaces, decorative plasterwork, tiled and checkerboard floors, curving ceilings, and grand pillars. 

In the baroque period, the castle was extended with short side wings and a tower, so some sections of the home are newer. However, every room needs to be renovated since the building has sat empty for several years. In fact, there are no sanitary facilities and the current electrical installation is described by the listing agents as “defective”. Therefore, much work is needed to bring this palatial property up to scratch.

As for land, the German Schloss comes with almost 30 acres that's primed and ready to be put to good use. What's more, the city of Dresden can be reached in about 40 minutes and Berlin in under two hours. If you're seeking a secluded sanctuary with plenty of promise, then this ancient abode could well be for you. 

Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Tarn-et-Garonne, France, this 15th-century château is waiting to be rescued. The secluded estate lies just 45 minutes from Toulouse and benefits from an elevated position and unobstructed landscape vistas. As well as boasting almost 11,000 square feet of interior space, the palatial property also has a rich and significant history.

The château is listed as a Historique Monument by the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments (ISMH) and was originally built between 1401 and 1600 by a member of the court of Louis XI, one of the most infamous kings in history. Yet the plot was once home to an even older structure, completed towards the end of the 14th century. 

The ancient castle was largely rebuilt during the 16th century and throughout history, numerous kings and bishops stayed at the palace. With endless interior space, the château consists of two wings set around a courtyard, with four historic towers decorating each corner. The castle also comes with beautiful grounds, a moat that encircles the property, plus an impressive bridge and ruins of the original fortress.

Throughout the property, you’ll find plenty of dramatic period features, including stone staircases, 16th-century ceiling murals, ancient fireplaces and vaulted cloister-style spaces. There’s even a three-bedroom caretaker's house, where you could reside while renovations take place, and a chapel with 15th-century frescoes. Available through Jonathan Charles for €880,000, that's £773,300 ($853.7k), this enchanting estate could soon be yours.

If you're looking for a wow-factor home that will provide seclusion as well as spell-binding views, then perhaps this striking property in the village of Mirna, Slovenia, will pique your interest. Known as Mirna Castle, the building has a long history and has been registered as a monument of local importance since 1996.

For sale with Slovenia Estates for just under €1.9 million or £1.6 million ($1.8m), the derelict dwelling dates back to 1165 and has been fondly nicknamed 'The Sleeping Beauty'. Thought to be one of the oldest castles in the country, the abandoned building is said to be among the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in Slovenia. A local landmark, the property boasts Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features across its 8,288-square-foot structure.

Over the years, the property has been restored numerous times, most notably after the Second World War, during which the castle was intentionally burned down and almost completely destroyed. Luckily, a local professor financed the renovation efforts in 1965. Access to the home is via a bridge that leads into an internal courtyard—the oldest part of the palace. During the Turkish invasions, Mirna Castle became fortified and its owners built defensive walls and towers, which still stand today.

The amazing castle is laid out over three floors and its square footage is split across arcade galleries, a granary, several towers, and the main structure itself. Every area needs to be fully restored, so this job isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet plus points include the castle's rustic stone walls, dramatic staircases, pretty windows, and vaulted ceilings decorated with exposed beams. What's more, the home's proximity to the local village and its enchanting views make it a fantastic investment opportunity.

If you've got €1.9 million, that's £1.7 million ($1.9m), going spare, then you could get your hands on this elegant hunting estate in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The property dates back to the 19th century and comes complete with a dramatic castle, a tennis court, a swimming pool, numerous outbuildings, and a guest house.

The residence has two square towers and measures 8,611 square feet. It can be accessed via a long, gravel driveway framed by woods, which only adds to its charms. Inside, every room still boasts its original décor and high windows, although some of the spaces look to have been part-upgraded recently. There’s a large hallway with a wooden staircase, a bright sitting room with a statement brick fireplace and beamed ceiling, a formal dining room, and a neo-Gothic, wood-panelled office.

There are also two kitchens, a small drawing room, and a library, as well as a cellar—perfect for storing local wines! The first floor is home to four bedrooms, including a master suite with triple exposure to the park below, and one that’s located in the castle’s tower. There are two bathrooms with fireplaces, too. The top floor benefits from three large bedrooms with their own ensuites and walk-in closets. 

The estate also includes 173 acres of private land, which, according to the listing, is "teeming with game". Plus, the guest house is a real beauty, while the outbuildings are waiting to be converted into homes or business premises. The property can be reached from Paris in less than two hours and the surrounding area is covered in forests, interspersed with rivers, meaning this place offers the best of both worlds. On the market with Patrice Besse, this castle is sure to get snapped up quickly.

If you're looking to live the fairytale dream in the spectacular Piedmont region of Italy, then this enchanting estate could well tick all the right boxes. For sale with Prestige Property, the ancient castle dates back to 900 AD and was reportedly completed around 1200.

Over the centuries, the historic property has been modified numerous times, but its regal façade and impressive C-shaped courtyard, which was designed in typical Piedmontese Baroque style, remain very much intact. Sitting on an elevated plot in the heart of Alessandria, the picture-perfect fortress enjoys spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.

Offering plenty of bang for your buck, the 12th-century property comes with almost nine acres of land and an impressive 25,564 square feet of inside space. Distributed over three floors, the castle features a basement, a spacious main level, and a large attic with exposed beams. There are 10 bedrooms and plenty of roomy living areas with exquisite period features. From domed ceilings to hand-painted frescoes, every room is wonderfully unique.

As well as plenty of impressive interior spaces that are in need of restoration, the unique fortress was recently rendered secure by essential remedial works to its ancient structure. From supporting its exterior walls to repairing the roof, some of the hard—and expensive—work has already been taken care of. Outside, the medieval castle comes with spectacular terraced gardens and picturesque parklands worthy of the most regal estate.

This dramatic 16th-century castle can be found in the village of Kounice in the Nymburk district of Czechia, formerly Czech Republic. Spacious, stylish and full of potential, it's on the market with Luxent for CZK 75 million, which equates to £2.7 million ($3m). It was previously listed with Adam Schnack for €6.8 million, or £5.9 million ($6.6m), so someone could bag themselves (a bit of) a bargain.

The huge fairytale castle has been left to decay, both inside and out, but boasts more than 107,000 square feet of interior space that's waiting to be rescued. The estate is made up of several buildings, with the historic castle sitting in the centre. Built in 1567, the property has a chequered history and was once attacked by rebel farmers. From its smashed windows to its crumbling walls, it's clear the castle has been empty for many years.

The Baroque building still has a Renaissance layout, with four wings, two floors, and an irregular square plan, which has a spacious courtyard garden at its heart. Despite being in a serious state of decay, the castle recently received a new roof and has good supporting structures and foundations, which would aid with the renovation. Inside, many of the rooms have been stripped, with exposed timber floors, debris, and exposed ceiling beams defining most of the spaces.

Yet there are plenty of plus points, too. The property boasts an arcaded gallery with glazed lunette arches, lovely decorative doors, and dramatic staircases that are all worthy of being rescued. There are also stone stables, a vaulted cellar, and a two-storey Baroque granary, all of which are ripe for restoration. The castle is also a 30-minute drive from the centre of glorious Prague. It previously had planning permission for 52 residential homes, so this is a larger project than most.

Regal, majestic, and unique, this heritage palace epitomises what a fairytale castle should look like. Situated on 148 acres of land on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, the period property was constructed in 1800 and retains many of its striking original features. With 17 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the palace boasts almost 22,000 square feet of inside space that's just waiting to be rescued.

Known as Quinta da Torre de Santo António, the abandoned castle has become an important local landmark and sits on a scenic plateau in the countryside, allowing for stunning panoramic views from almost every room. A fine example of classic neo-Manueline architecture, the castle comes with its own chapel, as well as numerous covered balconies, a prominent tower, stone arcades, and elegant turrets.

A grand atrium opens up to a great hall with edged neo-Mudéjar tiles and walls decorated with tapestries. There are bespoke coffered ceilings with painted murals, marble and bronze fireplaces, and refined marble columns. A staircase leads to the upper floors and features bronze balustrades and baroque tile panels from the first half of the 18th century, as well as Manueline mullion windows. Elsewhere, you’ll find golden bronze lamps, stained-glass windows, and gilded details.

The palace is surrounded by gardens and woods, and comes with stables, coach houses, and numerous servants’ quarters. The Jardim Velho (Old Garden), was created by the famous French gardener, Pedro Maurier, and features highly decorative hedges, lawns, and beds. For sale with Portugal Property and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices for €6.5 million, that's £5.7 million ($6.3m) this royal residence is just waiting to be snapped up.

The origins of this luxurious home in Umbria date back to the first half of the 19th century. Shortly after completion, it was sold to one of the most powerful families in the area, who transformed the building into a prestigious villa in the architectural style of a neo-Gothic castle. It's now listed for sale at €6.9 million, or £6 million ($6.7m).

Displaying elements of English romanticism, the pink fort is spread out over four floors, including a basement level that can be accessed from both the ground floor and the garden. The main entrance features an original front door, which has been perfectly preserved and framed with stucco paintwork.

While structurally sound, the interior needs a serious overhaul in order to make it liveable, yet the castle is still full of amazing period details that will surely delight any history lover. As well as the decorative bay windows in the tapestry room, the kitchen features a hand-painted cooker hood that bears a coat of arms, while the living room boasts truly eye-catching coffered ceilings.

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but plenty of potential to extend the accommodation offering. You'll also find an octagonal terrace positioned at the top of the castle's tower, which features traditional battlements and provides 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. A beautiful park of nearly 15 acres surrounds the castle and has been split by a wide avenue lined with pine trees—perfect for an evening stroll before supper. 

Known as Castle Von Frandsen, this majestic retreat might look like it belongs in the Black Forest, but it can actually be found on a rocky bluff overlooking the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, USA. Listed with Coldwell Banker for a cool £6.3 million ($7m), the abandoned mansion is in need of major works. Construction began in 2022, but was seemingly never finished.

The medieval-inspired home was built from granite, quarried in British Columbia and hand-chiselled on site. Inside, it benefits from plenty of exposed timber beams, which were harvested and honed from the forest that surrounds the home. Architecturally, there's plenty of exposed stone, timber, and glass throughout the incredible self-build.

The whimsical castle stretches some 8,000 square feet and features two bedrooms and three bathrooms, although there’s ample space for adding a few sleeping quarters! The master suite is utterly enormous and boasts faux tower walls and arched windows and doors. As for living spaces, you’ll find multi-level lounges, a kitchen, and even an interior plunge pool across the home’s three floors. Of course, many of the rooms enjoy captivating views across the lake outside, too.

The American castle sits on 10 acres of Frandsen Forest land and is within touching distance of the lake, making it ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. Of course, there's a private dock and jetty, ready for when the new owner wants to make a quick escape. Fancy taking on the job of finishing this one-of-a-kind masterpiece? Then what are you waiting for?

Looking for all the world like an abandoned billionaire's mansion, this majestic castle in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador, sits on 70 acres of lush grounds filled with mature cypress and eucalyptus trees. In need of some updating both inside and out, it's the mother of all fixer-upper projects and is currently on the market for €8.1 million, which is around £7 million ($8m).

From the air, you can see how the grand house sits within the grounds, which have both wooded and landscaped areas. Around the estate, you'll find sculptures of figures from Greek and Roman mythology, monarchs from all over the world, and scenes that depict the lives of Ecuadoreans.

Inside, the huge property has over 100,000 square feet of floor space decked out in a mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Renaissance, and Rococo. The castle may be empty but it doesn't go without some luxury touches: there are more stone and marble sculptures dotted around the house, as well as carved balustrades, and intricate stucco work across the ceilings.

As well as the main castle, the grounds are also home to a cathedral, two Roman-style pools, multiple pavilions, and 50 parking spaces. So, what's the trade-off for this enormous property? The castle needs major renovation work, which has a projected cost of around £1.8 million ($2m). 

Located on the cusp of the romantic Italian town of Stresa, a stone's throw from the waters of Lake Maggiore, this remarkable 19th-century estate is a dream home in the making. Left to decay, the property is in need of rescuing and features a dusty interior and an overgrown garden that could make taking a look around a tricky task. But with space, style, and scenery in abundance, any renovation efforts would be well worthwhile. Let's take a look around...

Spread over three floors, the castle boasts a symmetrical floor plan, two circular corner turrets and a central square tower for added fairytale magic. Described by the listing agents as "one of the most beautiful residences on Lake Maggiore", the pad sprawls almost 6,600 square feet, so there's plenty of room for visiting guests. Much like the exterior, the inside of the home clearly needs repair work, but there are countless eye-catching features that would be worth rescuing...

From the stunning wrought iron and white Carrara marble staircase that sits in the entrance hall, to the home's decorative door surrounds, gilded details, arched windows, beamed ceilings, and traditional fireplaces, there's much to love. As for rooms, there are three large ground floor living spaces, five bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a balcony facing Lake Maggiore, and a lift that connects each level. The top floor is also home to a huge space that would make for a celebrity-worthy bedroom.

What’s more, the pad sits on almost three acres of land and benefits from two private beaches, and two separate buildings that are rundown and in need of extensive repairs—holiday homes, anyone? Even better, the castle already comes with all the necessary permits approved for the renovation. If you've fallen head over heels, then Sotheby's International Realty has all the information you need—including the price!

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