Visiting a historic castle is one thing, but what if you could spend the night? A number of the world’s oldest and most interesting castles have been converted into overnight accommodation. Sleep in rooms built for royalty and walk in the footsteps of famous historical figures. Whether you’re keen to rent a room or – if you can muster a large enough group – the whole fortress, here are some of the coolest castles you can rent around the world.
Château de Chissay, France
Located in the heart of France’s Loire Valley, the Château de Chissay looks like something out of a fairytale. The building you see today took shape in the 15th century when an older structure was lavishly rebuilt for the Chancellor of France during the reign of Charles VII. The elegant round towers, graceful arched supports, and manicured grounds were fit for royalty. Indeed, the monarch – and his successor Louis XI – both came to stay. The château was transformed into a hotel in the 1980s. Splurge on the duplex suite occupying the 13th-century dungeon, split by a glass floor with fabulous wooden detailing.
Pousada Castelo de Óbidos, Portugal
There’s been a fortification in Óbidos, a Portuguese town up the coast from Lisbon, since Roman times, but the current castle dates back to the 14th century. Each July, the people of Óbidos celebrate this period in their history with a medieval fair. Together with era-inspired food, drink and music, visitors can rent costumes, attend a jousting tournament and watch falconry displays. The castle itself is considered one of the “seven wonders of Portugal” and in the 1950s, it became one of the country’s luxurious pousadas, or government-operated hotel. Three of the eleven rooms are located in the castle keep, the most authentic of which is the Special Suite, which features exposed stone walls and a four-poster bed.
Castello di Meleto, Italy
Castello di Meleto is a charming property in the Tuscan hills, right in the heart of Italy's famed wine country. Meleto’s story begins in the 11th century when the monks of nearby Coltibuono Abbey owned it. These days, it's open to a wider range of visitors as the place is now a winery and hotel. Taste the estate’s Chianti which is produced on site, or take a yoga session or cooking class. You’ll be well-rested, as the castle rooms boast comfortable four-poster beds, exposed beams, and terracotta floors.
Hever Castle, England
Hever Castle was built in the 14th century and was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second of Henry VIII’s six wives. Boasting crenellations, a moat, and – some say – several ghosts, it’s exactly what you’d imagine an English castle should look like. Located around an hour and a half from London, it receives many day visitors. However, if you wish to stay overnight, part of the castle has been converted into a characterful bed and breakfast accommodation. The Astor and Anne Boleyn wings, added as extensions in the Edwardian period, contain 27 beautifully appointed rooms that you can rent.
Kentucky Castle, USA
Construction on Kentucky Castle began in 1969 after Rex Martin and his new wife returned from their honeymoon in Europe inspired to build their own castle. It was an ambitious idea that ultimately cost them their marriage. After they divorced in 1975, the unfinished property sat empty for three decades. But fortunately, that’s not the end of the story. The project was eventually completed and today is a luxury hotel in Versailles, Kentucky where you can experience warm Southern hospitality. Reserve one of the Tower Suites, which make use of the corner walls. Guests can also arrange a tour of the castle, which includes access to the rooftop to take in the view.
Ballyportry Castle, Ireland
Ballyportry Castle in County Clare is a sympathetically restored Gaelic tower house that dates back to the 15th century, when it was the home of the O’Brien family. Even in the early days, it was never a defensive structure and then, as now, it was intended for social gatherings. Sleeping eight, this place is ideal as an exclusive rental for friends or families. Hunker down in front of an open fire in the Great Hall or enjoy convivial meals around a large kitchen table. Beyond the castle’s thick limestone walls, the landscape has changed little over the years. Horses and cattle graze in fields enclosed by blackthorn and hazel hedges, and at the foot of the hill, wild irises line a small stream.
Auf Schönburg in Oberwesel, Germany
Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site littered with castles, some preserved and others in ruins. One castle, the Auf Schönburg, sits on a hilltop above the village of Oberwesel. It dates back to the Middle Ages but burned down in 1689. A couple of centuries later a German-American named Rhinelander restored it at a cost of 2 million gold marks. His son later sold it to the town and since 1957, they’ve leased it to the Hüttl family who manage the hotel. Book a castle stay; it’s worth it for the view alone, which includes vineyards, forests, and riverside paths that are a treat to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Parador de Alarcón, Spain
In Spain, midway between Madrid and Valencia, the Moors created a citadel where an ancient fortification once stood. Today, a restored Renaissance keep and Gothic architecture make this a regional landmark and the Parador de Alarcón is now one of Castilla-La Mancha’s top hotels. Elegant and luxurious throughout, rich textiles and colorful works of art enhance the stonework creating a sumptuous place to stay. Set within the Picos de los Hidalgos gorge, partially surrounded by a meander of the River Júcar, the views from this castle are as magnificent as its interiors.
