If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the enchanting life of a fairytale prince or princess, then these charming deserted castles that are up for sale might just be the perfect match for your desires. Just imagine strolling through castle walls adorned with majestic towers, elegant marble columns, vibrant gardens, and intricate medieval craftsmanship. Continue reading or simply scroll down to discover the most captivating castle restoration projects currently available. You’ll find everything from a weathered, custom-built castle in Idaho to a dreamlike residence in Lower Normandy that will transport you into a world of fantasy.
14th-century palace, Lugo, Spain: £199,800 ($241k)
If you’ve got deep pockets, boundless creativity, and a whole lot of patience, then this magnificent 14th-century palace could be the ultimate project of your dreams. Nestled within the breathtaking El Ancares National Park in Lugo, Spain, this historic property offers a world of possibilities. With its expansive size, secluded location, and abundant potential, this remarkable apartment is truly a steal at just €225,000 or £199,800 ($241k). It’s an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re up for the challenge!
14th-century palace, Lugo, Spain: £199,800 ($241k)
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a project for inexperienced home renovators. The grand mansion spans an impressive 46,500 square feet and is slowly being reclaimed by nature. Despite its prolonged abandonment, the roof has been renovated and the overall condition is quite good.
Although the castle’s interior is in a state of disrepair, there are numerous advantages to consider. The stunning exposed beam ceilings, sturdy stone walls, elegant arched windows, ancient arrow slits, intricate coat of arms, and historic ironwork present an incredible opportunity for transformation. It could be turned into something truly remarkable, perhaps a luxurious hotel or even multiple family homes.
The property’s location is undeniably its most valuable feature. It is nestled in the heart of the Los Ancares Natural Reserve, surrounded by picturesque mountains, valleys, rivers, enchanting forests, and charming historic villages. The vast grounds even include some prehistoric dwellings. Additionally, a ski resort is just a 45-minute drive away, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
13th-century schloss, Brandenburg, Germany: £707,000 ($858k)
You have a fantastic opportunity to purchase a remarkable 13th-century castle in the picturesque German state of Brandenburg, and the best part is, it’s available at a surprisingly affordable price of £707,000 ($855k) or €800,000 in local currency. This means that you don’t have to be a millionaire to own a truly magnificent piece of real estate.
This ancient mansion, listed with Vermittlung historischer Immobilien, spans an impressive 15,000 square feet and is adorned with exquisite details that make a bold statement. Not only is the castle spacious, but it is also visually stunning. It is surrounded by a charming moat, exuding a sense of Renaissance romanticism from the outside. Inside, you’ll find 39 rooms, each boasting remarkable architectural features such as grand European fireplaces, intricate plasterwork, beautiful tiled and checkerboard floors, gracefully arched ceilings, and majestic pillars.
Over the years, the castle was expanded during the baroque period, adding short side wings and a tower. This means that some parts of the house are newer than others. Unfortunately, due to long periods of vacancy, every room will require refurbishment. In fact, there are currently no sanitary facilities, and the existing electrical system is considered “defective” by the listing agency. Consequently, extensive renovations are necessary to bring this opulent residence up to modern standards.
In addition to the castle itself, the property comes with over 30 acres of land that offer exciting development possibilities. Moreover, the castle’s location is quite advantageous, with Dresden only about a 40-minute drive away and Berlin reachable in approximately two hours. If you’re seeking a secluded retreat with immense potential, this historic residence might just be the perfect fit for you.
15th-century château, Occitanie, France: £777,000 ($940k)
This beautiful 15th-century castle is eagerly awaiting restoration in the charming region of Tarn-et-Garonne, France. Nestled in a serene location, it offers breathtaking views of the countryside and is just a short 45-minute drive from Toulouse. This grand home boasts a rich and storied history, spanning several centuries, and offers a generous 11,000 square feet of interior space.
Originally constructed between 1401 and 1600 by a member of Louis XI’s court, one of history’s infamous rulers, the château is officially recognized as a Historique Monument by the Supplemental Inventory of Historical Monuments (ISMH). However, even before its construction, the area was home to an earlier structure, which was completed in the late 14th century.
Over the years, the historic fortress underwent extensive renovations in the 16th century and served as a residence for various monarchs and bishops. The château is divided into two wings that embrace a central courtyard, adorned with four ancient towers at each corner. The castle’s enchanting grounds feature a moat encircling the property, a magnificent bridge, and remnants of the ancient fortifications.
Inside the castle, you’ll discover numerous remarkable period features, including stone stairs, 16th-century ceiling paintings, antique fireplaces, and beautiful cloister-style areas with domed ceilings. Additionally, there’s a cozy three-bedroom caretaker’s home where you can reside while restoration work is underway, as well as a charming chapel adorned with 15th-century murals. This exquisite estate is available for purchase through Prestige Property Group at a price of €880,000, which is approximately £777,000 ($940k).
17th-century chateau, Basse-Normandie, France: £1.7 million ($2.1m)
If you happen to have £1.7 million ($2.1 million) or €1.9 million to spare, you could become the proud owner of this charming rural home. Nestled in France’s picturesque Lower Normandy region, this 17th-century chateau offers a tranquil setting just an hour away from Mont St-Michel and three hours from Paris. Additionally, the famous D-Day Landing beaches are just a short drive away.
Listed for sale with Patrice Besse, this estate is a dream come true for anyone aspiring to be a lord or lady. Alongside the main castle, it includes a range of other buildings such as an abandoned chapel, a dovecote, several outbuildings, a caretaker’s cottage, and even a fully restored tiny home. The property spans 42 acres and boasts breathtaking gardens and ornamental ponds fed by natural springs.
Built during the reign of King Henri IV, this château was constructed using locally sourced quarry stone blocks. Inside, you’ll find two kitchens, a dining room, an entry hall, a lounge, and more than five bedrooms in the old residence. There’s also a spacious attic area with high ceilings that could easily be converted into an additional bedroom.
Each room is adorned with stunning historical features like fireplaces, French windows, terracotta tiles, parquet flooring, and impressive coffered ceilings. Although the castle requires some restoration work to regain its former grandeur, its structural integrity remains remarkably solid.
Mirna Castle, Mirna, Slovenia: £1.7 million ($2.1m)
If you’re looking for a truly impressive home that offers both peace and stunning vistas, you might be intrigued by this extraordinary property located in the Slovenian town of Mirna. Known as Mirna Castle, this magnificent building has a rich history and has been officially recognized as a significant landmark since 1996.
Dating all the way back to 1165, this charmingly weathered residence is affectionately referred to as “The Sleeping Beauty.” It is currently on the market through Slovenia Estates for just under €1.9 million, which is approximately £1.7 million ($2.1 million). Among Slovenia’s oldest castles, this abandoned structure is considered one of the most breathtaking examples of medieval architecture in the country. The property, cherished by locals, showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles across its expansive 26,000-square-foot area.
Over the years, the site has undergone several renovations, notably after World War II when the castle was intentionally burned down and nearly demolished. Thankfully, in 1965, a generous local professor financed the restoration efforts. To access the residence, you cross a bridge leading into an indoor courtyard, which happens to be the oldest part of the palace. Mirna Castle was fortified during the time of Turkish invasions, resulting in the construction of defensive walls and towers that still stand today.
This incredible castle spans three levels, and its square footage is divided between arcade galleries, a granary, multiple towers, and the main building itself. However, it’s important to note that every area needs extensive rebuilding, so this project requires a considerable amount of dedication. The castle’s rustic stone walls, impressive staircases, beautiful windows, and high ceilings with exposed beams are all appealing features. Additionally, its proximity to the local community and the breathtaking views it offers make it an excellent investment opportunity.
19th-century hunting estate, Centre-Val de Loire, France: £1.8 million ($2.1m)
If you happen to have €1.9 million (£1.8 million) or more available, you could become the proud owner of a breathtaking hunting estate located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. This estate, built in the nineteenth century, boasts a magnificent castle, a tennis court, a swimming pool, several additional buildings, and a guest house.
The mansion itself spans 7,534 square feet and features two square towers. To reach it, you’ll stroll along a picturesque gravel path surrounded by woodlands, enhancing its overall charm. Inside, you’ll find that each room maintains its original decor and large windows, although some have received partial updates recently. Noteworthy features include a grand hallway with a wooden staircase, a cozy sitting room adorned with a striking brick fireplace and beamed ceiling, a formal dining room, and a neo-Gothic, wood-paneled office.
Additionally, there are two kitchens, a small drawing room, a library, and a cellar—perfect for storing and preserving local wines! On the first level, you’ll discover four bedrooms, including a master suite with triple exposure to the park below, as well as a bedroom located in one of the castle’s towers. Two fireplaces can be found in the two bathrooms on this level. The upper level boasts three expansive bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom and walk-in closet.
The property spans an impressive 173 acres and is described as being “teeming with game.” Moreover, the guest house is a true masterpiece, while the additional buildings offer the potential to be transformed into residences or company premises. Situated less than two hours from Paris, the estate enjoys the best of both worlds, with a serene forested setting interlaced with rivers. Currently listed by Patrice Besse, this castle is expected to find a buyer in the near future.
Pink castle, Umbria, Italy: £6.1 million ($7.4m)
This luxurious residence in Umbria was built in the early 1800s and was later purchased by one of the region’s most influential families. They transformed it into a magnificent villa, styled like a neo-Gothic castle. It’s now available for purchase at a price of approximately €6.9 million, which is equivalent to £6.1 million ($7.4 million).
The impressive pink structure spans across four levels and incorporates elements of English romanticism. The basement can be accessed from both the ground floor and the garden, adding to its charm. The main entrance boasts an antique front door that has been carefully preserved and is adorned with plaster paintings.
While the castle itself is structurally sound, the interior requires significant renovation to make it suitable for living. However, it still retains many beautiful historical features that would undoubtedly captivate any history enthusiast. The tapestry room showcases ornate bay windows, the kitchen boasts a hand-painted cooker hood displaying a coat of arms, and the living room boasts stunning coffered ceilings.
Currently, there are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but there is ample potential for expanding the accommodation options. The castle’s tower offers an octagonal terrace with medieval battlements and breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the castle is surrounded by a nearly 15-acre park, which is divided by a wide avenue lined with pine trees—perfect for leisurely evening walks before dinner.
50-bedroom castle, Pichincha, Ecuador: £6.6 million ($8m)
This majestic castle located in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador, looks just like an abandoned estate that once belonged to a billionaire. Spread across 70 acres of beautiful land adorned with mature cypress and eucalyptus trees, it’s a massive project waiting to be fixed up, both inside and out. Currently, it’s up for sale at a price of approximately £6.6 million ($8m).
When viewed from above, you can appreciate how this grand residence stands amidst its surroundings, which consist of both natural forests and landscaped areas. Throughout the property, you’ll find statues depicting figures from Greek and Roman mythology, as well as monarchs from around the world, offering glimpses into the life of Ecuadoreans.
This impressive castle in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador, gives off the impression of an abandoned estate once owned by a billionaire. It occupies a vast area of 70 acres filled with lush vegetation, including mature cypress and eucalyptus trees. It’s a truly remarkable restoration project that requires significant improvements both inside and outside, and it’s currently on the market for approximately £6.6 million ($8m).
The expansive grounds feature a church, two Roman-style pools, several pavilions, and even 50 parking spaces in addition to the main castle. So, what’s the price tag for this magnificent property? The castle demands extensive renovations, estimated to cost around £1.6 million ($2 million).
