If you love period dramas like The Crown or Downton Abbey, you may be wondering what it's like to live in an actual castle — and thankfully, it’s easier to do so with vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Castles have a remarkable way of bringing our childhood dreams to life. From the classic fortresses of Great Britain to a lakeview château in Switzerland, these are our top picks for the most stunning castles for rent. Most of them won’t cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you decide to split the cost with other travellers.
1. This historic Gothic fortress in Adare, Ireland
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Historical Fanningstown Castle Adare in Ireland
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 10
No. of bedrooms: 5
With floral arrangements around the halls and plenty of wood in the fireplace, Fanningstown Castle is highly sought after on Airbnb for its warm hospitality. Guests are treated to fresh fruits and a traditional Irish breakfast by the owner Mary, who likes to make people feel welcome here. This Airbnb castle is decked out with a kitchen, a dining room, a sitting room with a piano, soft couches, and five bedrooms that can host up to ten people. Luckily, it’s only two and a half hours southwest of Dublin, making it an idyllic stop for anyone road-tripping through Ireland. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
2. This storybook castle in California, United States
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: Castle in the Forest
Listing type: House
Max. no. of guests: 20
No. of bedrooms: 7
Known as the “Castle in the Forest,” this spectacular estate in Southern California can blow even the best European castles out of the water. Inside, it boasts seven luxurious bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a game room, a grand ballroom with a balcony, and a Bavarian-style pub with a sunken bar. With its Gothic architectural influences and chandeliers, the property creates a magical backdrop for special events, whether you’re hosting a family reunion or throwing a show-stopping wedding. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
3. This former palace in Vienna, Austria
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: Imperial Condo in Vienna
Listing type: Apartment
Max. no. of guests: 9
No. of bedrooms: 5
The next time you want to wake up in a European period drama, you won’t find a better place than this former castle-turned-condominium in Vienna, Austria. Full of colour and history, it reflects the artistic energy of the city itself. Plus, it’s hard not to feel like Austrian royalty as you climb the marble staircase to your bed chambers or enter the ornate salon, where the fresco paintings lend the impression of a private gallery. As luck would have it, this regal property is just a short walk from Gustav Klimt’s exhibit at the Belvedere. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
Also read: 10 Dazzling German Castles That Are Straight Out Of A Storybook
4. This elegant castle in the Loire Valley of France
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Castel in the Loire Valley
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 16+
No. of bedrooms: 7
Before you can say “let them eat cake” with conviction, you should probably try saying it from a terrace at this Airbnb castle in the Loire Valley of France. Certainly, you’ll feel like a king or queen when you step into these halls with a gallery, a living room, a dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and seven bedrooms that are large enough for sixteen people. If you want to immerse yourself in the French countryside without abandoning essential amenities, you can’t go wrong with this palatial home. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
5. This lakeside castle in Galway, Ireland
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: 13th Century Lakeside Castle in 7 Acres of Park and Woodland
Listing type: Castle
Max. no. of guests: 12
No. of bedrooms: 7
Among the best castles for rent in Ireland is Carraigin Castle, a 13th-century lakeside castle that wouldn’t look out of place in Game of Thrones. Sitting near the shores of Lough Corrib, this Irish castle is surrounded by seven acres of manicured lawns and verdant woodland. Inside, it’s easy to be swept up in the ambience of the Great Hall, from the stone fireplace with its aroma of wood smoke to the tapestries depicting ancient kings. Outside, you can roam the impressive gardens, admire the views from the castle parapets, or take boating or fishing trips in the lake nearby. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
6. This chateau with a library in Třebešice, Czech Republic
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Chateau Třebešice
Listing type: Private room in a castle
Max. no. of guests: 15
No. of bedrooms: 9
Picture a historic building and a bohemian art gallery rolled into one — and that’s pretty much Château Třebešice in a nutshell. This Renaissance-era château features nine themed rooms with large beds, sunken claw-foot bathtubs, artworks, and a curated library with thousands of books. Going for a stroll through the sprawling rose gardens, walking around the cobblestones, and playing with the owner’s adorable dogs are some of the exciting activities you can do at this castle Airbnb. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Prague That Definitely Deserve Your Attention
7. This sprawling estate with lemon trees in Tuscany, Italy
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: Montegufoni 27 - Apartment in Castello di Montegufoni in Tuscany
Listing type: Castle
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 2
Restored by a noble family in the 17th century, Castello di Montegufoni is an incredible base for exploring the Italian wine region of Tuscany. Two bedrooms are available at this exclusive castle for rent, but we doubt anyone can resist heading outdoors to enjoy the vast courtyard, swimming pool, maze gardens, ancient library, and the fragrant lemon trees surrounding the estate. Cap off your day with a classic Italian aperitivo at the castle’s restaurant, where you can bask in the fading glow of a Tuscan sunset. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
8. This Venetian castle in Crete, Greece
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: ★ Venetian Castle 540M2 Classified as Historical Monument Beach 3km 5Bedrooms ★
Listing type: Castle
Max. no. of guests: 12
No. of bedrooms: 5
We adore the whitewashed cave houses of Santorini and Mykonos. But we’ll take any excuse to widen our horizons in Greece, starting with this historic stone castle in Crete. Tucked away in the village of Maroulas, this Venetian castle greets you with stunning views of the sea. Here, the exposed stone walls, graceful arches, and rooftop terrace work together to achieve the laid-back elegance of a European villa. Whether you choose to dine alfresco or swim in the exquisite pool, you’ll find no shortage of postcard-worthy moments at this castle for rent on Airbnb and Vrbo. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
Also read: Top 17 Airbnbs in Greece for Your Dream Getaway
9. This pretty-in-pink castle in Dolnyslask, Poland
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Nice Stay in a Castle Near Wroclaw
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 10
No. of bedrooms: 5
Full of character and charm, this rosy palace looks like it came straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Set in the countryside near Wroclaw, this Polish castle can accommodate up to ten guests in five spacious bedrooms. Outside, a fairytale moat and a private forest provide the perfect scenery for leisurely strolls. You might even spot peacocks in the trees and fallow deer grazing in the backyard. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
10. This 12th-century castle with old-world charm in Fife, Scotland
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Dairsie Castle
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 14
No. of bedrooms: 6
Revel in the unique ambience of a 12th-century castle in Scotland, which just so happens to be one of the most wishlisted Airbnb rentals in the United Kingdom. Most popular for weddings and anniversaries, Dairsie Castle takes up four floors with six lavish bedrooms, a well-stocked kitchen, a breakfast room, a spiral staircase, a watchtower, a garden, and a Great Hall. From this medieval sanctum in Fife, you can also take a fifteen-minute drive to St. Andrews, the town where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) went to university together. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
11. This castle with a heated pool in Monselice, Italy
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Granaio- Stunning ancient castle with heated pool
Listing type: Castle
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 1
How does a castle with its own heated pool sound to you? Found in the picturesque town of Monselice, which is located in the Veneto region of Italy, this 19th-century manor known as the Castello di Lispida is one of the most jaw-dropping castles for rent on Airbnb. Like an elegant country house, it features a private courtyard, vintage wooden furniture, a massive garden with plum trees, and thermal baths. There are countless sights to discover from this hidden gem in Italy, but the wine bar in the cellar is a good place to start. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Venice for the Perfect Italian Escape
12. This hilltop castle with its own winery in Rions, France
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: La Bastane
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 11
No. of bedrooms: 3
La Bastane might look like a fortress from the distant past, but it’s really a wine-making estate with organic vineyards. Perched on a hill in Rions, nearly every room in this French château — the three bedrooms, the private terrace, and the living room with a fireplace — flaunts exceptional views of the surrounding valley. Don’t forget to taste the rosé, white, and red wines from the family-run winery of your hosts Anaïs and Bastien. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
13. This rustic castle in Kilmartin, Scotland
Image credit: Vrbo
Image credit: VrboListing name: Luxury Romantic 16th Century Scottish Castle
Listing type: Castle
Max. no. of guests: 10
No. of bedrooms: 5
Experience life as a Scottish laird or lady in Kilmartin Castle, a rustic and comfortable retreat around two hours from Glasgow. This 16th-century stone castle rental is what we imagine a traditional Scottish abode must look like: cosy blankets piled high on the bed, antique treasures, a fireplace, and a whiskey room for guests. Wind down with music from the owner’s stellar vinyl collection or ask the local chef to prepare dinner in the castle’s private dining room; either way, this castle in Scotland is the closest you can get to living in an Outlander episode — minus all the grisly bits. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
14. This castle with unbeatable views in Tuscany, Italy
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Suite in a Castle | Breakfast & Swimming Pool
Listing type: Private room in a castle
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
Situated in the small town of Monteroni dʼArbia, the San Fabiano Castle is a family-run property that offers a sumptuous taste of country living. Standout elements of this Italian castle on Airbnb include its teeming olive gardens, chandeliered suites, antique furnishings, and swimming pool with a hydromassage lounge. Expect homemade delicacies such as fresh ricotta cheese, tarts, and marmalades, which were made using fresh produce from the vegetable garden. Wine-tasting sessions and cooking classes can also be requested in advance. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
15. This Swiss château with a view of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland
Image credit: Airbnb
Image credit: AirbnbListing name: Châtelard Castle – Montreux Castle
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 2
We can’t guarantee that you’ll crash into anyone by paragliding here, but this lakeside château is one of the few things in Switzerland that won’t give you a run for your money. Looming in the hills of Montreux, Château du Châtelard comes with two clean and spacious bedrooms, a studio couch, fine paintings, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an indoor fireplace. But the views are the real treat here, offering astonishing lookouts over Lake Geneva, the vineyards of Lavaux, and the Swiss Alps. From this castle, you’re only a train ride away from the resort town of Zermatt and the cheese-making capital of Gruyere! Learn more about this vacation rental here.
Also read: 12 Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Switzerland
If we have a bit of stardust in our eyes, it’s because of all the bookmarking we’re about to do. Whether it’s a Downton Abbey-style getaway or a fairytale wedding you’re after, you'll find some of the best Airbnbs on cozycozy.com and Vrbo.
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