Airbnb
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Beyond prominent celebrities and remnants of European nobility, living in a castle is the kind of fantasy most of us leave behind in childhood. Once you’re old enough to understand how much it costs to own a modest home, the idea of claiming such an imposing dwelling with towers and turrets seems downright insane. I mean, can you even imagine the heating bill ?! Of course, this does not mean that in the depths of your imagination the dream is completely dead. Come on, somewhere deep inside you know you’d do some regrettable things in exchange for the keys to your own castle.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do anything crazy to have one for yourself for a few days. In fact, there are some truly amazing castles tucked away across the United States just begging to be booked on Airbnb. From a palace stacked on balconies in Texas (with too many towers to count) to a secluded mountain retreat in North Carolina with stunning views, we’ve unearthed some of the most gorgeous getaways for groups you can book. right now. So get your best friends together, ask for that PTO, and get ready to relax like royalty (short term).
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
13 guests, $ 341 per night
Set on 52 wooded acres (which you are free to roam and explore), this contemporary “chateau” has plenty of room to relax for a few days. Inside there is a large room with 15 foot ceilings and a huge built-in fireplace, two master bedrooms and even an art gallery inside the turret. Meanwhile, outside, you have access to a huge back patio, a charcoal barbecue and a real sitting area with fireplace built into the stone patio.
What the guests are saying: “This place is amazing !! So much space, and the tower is the BEST thing ever! The fall colors were stunning, and we had a blast! Normally when we visit Eureka Springs we spend a lot of time in town. But this castle house is so fantastic we didn’t want to leave! “
San Luis Obispo, California
10 guests, $ 721 per night
Built over the past 25 years and evoking as much as possible the vibe of the Loire Valley in the American West, this sprawling property, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is an opulent retreat with many unique features. Inside, it has three separate main suites and is fully decorated with murals, hand-painted domed ceilings, and some antique furniture imported from Europe. And while it’s perfect for hosting large events (it can accommodate up to 200 people, for an additional fee), it’s a great place to scamper down with a small group, especially if you want to explore the trails of nearby hiking, beaches, and vineyards.
What the guests are saying: “One of the most unique places we have to stay. If you don’t have the opportunity to visit a castle in Europe this is the best thing to do. Huge space and lots of fun to spend some time in. nights. “
Lake Wales, Florida
16 guests, $ 392 per night
Originally built in the 1920s by a Minneapolis banker, this sprawling stucco-clad property blends Spanish, Italian and Gothic architecture and offers a number of incredible spaces for hanging both indoors and out. outside. It has eight bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, a ballroom-like bar, a corner tower, vaulted ceilings, beautiful gardens and a lovely swimming pool at the rear accessible from several rooms.
What the guests are saying: “We loved spending Christmas at Josefina Castle. It’s a truly remarkable place. OMG. It’s huge. Lots of space – we ran from room to room laughing the first time around. A great hall. . The gardens are amazing !!! (almost) fountains and ancient statues A huge private swimming pool A real bar which could be a dance hall but which is comfortable for sipping scotch or wine It’s magic. Strongly recommended. “
Arlington, Washington
16 guests, $ 1,402 per night
Completed in 2018, this massive 20,000 square foot modern chateau is packed with just about all the amenities you could want in a vacation home for you and your 15 closest friends. There are seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a cinema room, a ballroom, a chef’s kitchen, a pool table and poker rooms, an arcade room, and several (yes, various) dining rooms, living rooms and terraces. The fun doesn’t end there, however. Outside you have a five acre lawn to explore and a lovely fire pit.
What the guests are saying: “Graystone Castle is definitely a place you must see and stay! Tucked away at the back of a private neighborhood, the castle has its own private gate, a long driveway through the grounds of the castle, where you can view lots of deer! Once you get to the castle you are just stunned by the size of the place and blown away by the amazing architecture. You think the place looks great in the photos … wait a minute. see it in person! “
Burnet County, Texas
12 guests, $ 1,950 per night
Located northwest of Austin, Foot Castle has 14,000 square feet of upper level accommodation that will give you a true feel for what castle life is like. While the art-filled house itself looks amazing inside (the bedrooms are huge, there’s a game room, and even a chapel), the gardens are where this property really shines. . Set on 113 acres, there’s a 40,000 gallon koi pond (with a waterfall, of course), a bubbling 9,000 gallon per hour stream containing hidden gems and crystals from around the world, and even a gazebo. theme that serves as a designated grill station. Beyond that, there are incredible panoramic views of central Texas from just about every balcony, and on a clear day you can see up to 80 miles.
What the guests are saying: “This place is magical !! Words cannot do it justice. It is such an amazing experience! The castle itself is impressive. The living spaces are huge and comfortable with a fully equipped kitchen, super comfy beds and amazing bathrooms (even most bathrooms have a view). The balconies have such a beautiful view that you will want to spend time there watching the beautiful sunsets. The property itself is fun to explore ( hike, feed the koi carp). We also had fun playing pool, playing the Oculus Quest VR games and browsing the huge collection of movies. “
Sullivan Island, South Carolina
14 guests, $ 660 per night
Are you looking for a chateau that combines touches of yesteryear with modern amenities? Castle Mugdock is here for you. The property, which sits on a quiet island, is adorned with period features such as a wooden spiral staircase, stone walls, wooden beams, and a huge fireplace in the huge living room. Elsewhere you’ll find a totally modern kitchen, six bedrooms, four large bathrooms, and a pretty turret roof terrace with a suitable bar setup where you can take in incredible panoramic views (and sunsets). And if that is not enough to seduce you, the estate also has a superb swimming pool and beautiful olive groves.
Spruce pine, North Carolina
14 guests, $ 2,500 per night
Otherwise known as Castle in the Sky, Smithmore is a private estate nestled on over 100 acres in the mountains of North Carolina that offers a true five-star experience, hence the steep price tag. Your stay includes an on-site private chef, who will offer you a variety of gourmet dishes while enjoying the sprawling property. Inside, you can hang out in the Great Room (which features marble floors, beautiful paintings and a Swarovski chandelier), visit the vintage “Starlight” bar, explore the wine cellar, and relax by a huge stone fire in three story place. To be fair, however, you’ll probably be most fascinated by the view of the surrounding area, which you can take in from the huge open deck that sits right above the portico.
What the guests are saying: “This is the most amazing place! We had 11 family members together for a safe getaway from Covid and the castle was perfect. The views are wonderful. Our kids loved exploring the grounds and hunting for caves. We had an incredible experience and we will always have fond family memories. “
Bolton, New York
8 guests, $ 7,749 per night
While this is certainly an expensive option, Highlands Castle offers the whole experience. Overlooking Lake George and the Adirondacks, the Stone Masterpiece is an exceptional estate with a ton of space to relax and rejuvenate for a few days. It is just minutes from downtown Bolton Landing (flush with shops, restaurants and more), two parks and two beaches. However, there is plenty on site to keep you busy, from the Great Hall and Dining Room (each with stunning views of the beautiful area), a music / library room, huge kitchen, and incredibly well-maintained grounds. and several terraces to explore and enjoy.
What the guests are saying: “The castle and the view are beyond words. The memory of being in the castle will be forever precious. Come and build your own memory … you won’t believe how amazing it is.”
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
16 guests, $ 3,125 per night
Curious about what $ 3,125 a night is in for you and your 15 closest friends? For starters, Middle River Castle has 1,400 square feet of concrete dock space for hanging outside, a swimming pool, multiple decks overlooking the water, and an eight-person hot tub. Inside, there are 35-foot ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, a huge family room with an entertainment center, a living / dining room with a wet bar and fireplace, as well as plenty of relaxation nooks, a grand piano and eight bedrooms with private bathrooms.
What the guests are saying: “I don’t even know where to start to explain how perfect our experience was from start to finish with this rental. To begin with, Michael was incredibly quick to contact. Our party was 17 guys, (bachelorette party). boy) and everyone had their own bed. Due to the size of the house and the layout, we never felt like we were on top of each other. “
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