Extraordinary Heights | 6 Castles to Call Home

East Flanders, Belgium | Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty

Is there anything grander than a castle? While often the stuff of fairy tales and history books, there are real castles across the globe waiting to be called home—you just have to know where to look. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a castle, these six properties can turn that aspiration into a modern-day reality.

An Enchanted Castle in Granite Bay, California

Tricia Rossi, Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty

It doesn’t get more magical than this 15,440-square-foot estate in Northern California, close to Sacramento. Swan Lakes Castle boasts the traditional designs elements familiar to castle enthusiasts, including cathedral windows, a sweeping staircase—perfect for making an entrance—bridges over the property’s waterways, and an elegant fireplace. With 10 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and over four acres of manicured gardens, this contemporary castle can make any gathering an occasion.

A Belgian Estate in East Flanders, Belgium

Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty

While this estate outside of Ghent, Belgium appears to be plucked from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, it offers plenty of modern amenities. Restored in 2013 and located on 37 acres, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom castle welcomes residents with a pool, sauna and jacuzzi, heated floors, state-of-the-art surveillance, and a home cinema. The castle is equally magnificent from the outside—with its moat bridge, car lift, spacious terrace, pavilions, and partially renovated farm, even a leisurely stroll of grounds becomes a leap into rich European history.

The Château of Aubiry, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Catherine Jousselin, Terres d’Oc Immobilier Sotheby’s International Realty

It doesn’t get more luxurious and impressive than Castle of Aubiry, found in Perpignan in Southwest France. Host the ultimate dinner party in this 26,909-square-foot Art Nouveau masterpiece that stands tall on a base of pink marble from the Pyrenees. While the grounds delight with charming ponds, an orange grove, and greenhouses, it’s the inside that has stood the test of time—just one step into the foyer reveals intricate frescoes, gold mosaics, marquetry, and elegant fireplaces, all illuminated through the glass roof. With 14 impeccably decorated bedrooms, a music room, pool room, and multiple reception areas, no detail is overlooked.

A Lakeside Estate in Kansas City, Missouri

Andrew W. Dielmann, Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty

For a taste of European flair in the American South, visit this custom Kansas City masterpiece located lakeside. Inspired by Ashford Castle in Ireland, this property features all the beauty of a historical property, including 100-year-old Carthage marble, soaring 18-foot ceilings, oak floors, and original stained glass. Enjoy five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, 350 feet of shoreline, and at the end of the day, gather in the dining room in view of a 200-year-old hand-sculpted fireplace mantle.

Sauerburg Castle, Wiesbaden, Germany

Jennifer Peters, Peters & Peters Sotheby’s International Realty

This regal, mountainside property located in Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Erected in the 14th century, the medieval exterior tells of this 7,965-square-foot castle’s stately history, but the interior was renovated in 2004. With 23 bedrooms and TV and LAN connections installed, this property is fully functional and is a wonderful space for conferences, weddings, business events, and other special occasions. But step into the vaulted cellar, chapel, great hall, courtyard, or tower room and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Oceanfront Fortress, Melbourne, Florida

Dave Settgast, Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty

A beachfront castle? In sunny Melbourne, Florida, it’s a reality. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom brightly hued castle complements the vibrant white sand and turquoise water of Melbourne Beach. Custom built in 2004, it might have less history than more traditional listings, but it exudes contemporary flair: amenities include a pool, hot tub, bar, beach access, and a rooftop deck perfect for stargazing—and perhaps even seeing rockets launch from Cape Canaveral.

Whether you’re looking for a property that exemplifies the established definition of a castle or are open to the unique benefits of a more contemporary take on royal living, there are a plethora of stately options available to you. From France to Florida, Kansas City to Belgium, the storybook appeal of classic castles awaits.

Inspired to make your next home a turreted one? Search for more fantastic castles from among Sotheby’s International Realty’s luxury listings.