Fairytale Castle Stays

Your Kingdom Awaits!

Five Fairytale Castle Stays

BY: JUNE DAGNALL

How wonderful to realize that don’t have to be actual royalty to live out your fairy tale fantasies within the castle of your dreams. Nowadays, there are countless castles around the world where one can walk in the footsteps of royalty and historical legends. Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella were able to sleep in castles and now you can live your own fairy tale by staying in one of these historic mansions that have been converted into incredible hospitality venues.

Manors and castle hotels provide the perfect opportunity to absorb the history of a region while being surrounded by lavish furnishings and royal treasures, offering the perfect venue for royal aficionados, architectural lovers, and those of us wanting to live like kings and queens.

Here are a few selections to start you dreaming about your own regal stay.

If you’re looking for a castle that pays homage to its roots, then Lothian Castle has plenty of tales to tell within the confines of its walls. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Scottish countryside, located 30 minutes from Edinburgh lies this 600 year old Castle. Steeped in history and built in the 15th century, this incredible fortress sleeps up to 24 people and has spacious sitting rooms and dining areas. The bedrooms at Lothian Castle are all named after historical figures, some of which may have stayed there themselves. Many key personalities from British history have graced this castle including Mary Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. Tremendous care has been taken to maintain the buildings genuine historical style while adding a splash of 21st century luxury for today’s visitors.

For a once in a lifetime experience in a romantic, elegant and ancient hill top castle, visit Castle Nardelli, This ancient hilltop castle dates back to the 11th century, and can accommodate 16 guests to providing a truly mystical stay among the clouds. Stroll through the castle forest and take in the silent surroundings. Guests may even come across a kestrel (a large bird of prey) which is often found surveying the lands from the castle’s tower. The inner Courtyard and the Tower, the highest point of the castle, offer the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or even breakfast. After breakfast take an adventure through the colors and fragrances of the medicinal herb garden.

Have you ever fantasized about sleeping in a 17th century defense tower? This incredible Chateau in the Pays de Loire is over 900 years old and provides luxury accommodation set on stunning grounds. Chateau Des Poetes Keep is a remarkable castle situated in the picturesque village of Pays de Loire. The owners live in the main part of the manor and rent two historical wings of the enchanting medieval castle which date back to the time of Louis XIII. Both wings of this unbelievable castle have been listed as historical monuments, and have their own independent entrance as well as a private garden and terrace.

The Castle in Clarens, South Africa

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, that I may climb the golden stair.” Nestled in the heart of the Maluti Mountains, Rapunzel’s Tower lets you experience the magnificence of castle living. The castle is every bit as magical as what you would expect it to be. Inspired by the fairy tale, Rapunzel’s Tower, it offers picturesque views of the Maluti Mountains and the flourishing vegetable garden with rampion below. The castle's interior features decor and treasures from across the world including cornerstones from Windsor Castle. Your eyes can feast on the décor and objet d’art that have been carefully handpicked from all over the world to tantalize the senses. No details has been spared, so enjoy a true fantasy experience, only fit for royalty.

Château Herálec in Herálec, Czech Republic

Chateau Heralec, located in the Czech Republic is said to be one of the top ten Castle hotels in the world. Residing outside of Prague, Château Herálec offers a glamorous respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The castle which was built in the 13th century was once home to several Czech aristocrats. It also became a textile factory and was a special education school before it was eventually converted into a hotel. The L'Occitane spa draws people from around the world for its Finnish sauna and Jacuzzi which are located in the castle’s tower. Accompanied by an English park from the 18th century, Chateau Herálec is located in the Vysocina region that has the highest amount of World Heritage sites in the country and is dominated by pristine and beautiful nature filled with deep forests, blooming pastures and breathtaking panoramas.

Thornbury Castle, England

Built in 1511, Thornbury Castle in southwest England is a castle straight out of a fairy tale with a chunky octagonal tower, bay windows, walled courtyards, and turrets. The castle hosted King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, on their honeymoon in 1535. The royal couple spent ten days at Thornbury after their wedding, sleeping in what is now called the Henry VIII’s Bedchamber. This historical sanctuary is accessed by an ancient spiral staircase that is still used today. This Tudor style castle offers modern excellence with all the beautiful comforts you would expect such as four poster beds, magnificent open fireplaces, a grand hall and even a dungeon dining room! This castle is not a true military fortress but rather an early example of a Tudor country house.

Chateau Crystal, France

Chateau Crystal is a truly unique blend of history, location, architecture and grounds which has kept the original construction intact while adding all of the classic comforts of the 20th century. This castle was originally constructed during “The Hundred Years War” and required a moat and slots for archers instead of windows. The castle was rebuilt from the bottom up in the 1860s by a vast selection of artisans who carefully completed the undertaking. The Chateau is situated on a private lake and offers guests 105 acres to explore. History exudes everywhere in this castle with beautiful antiques as well as a dramatic double carved stone stairway in the entrance hall.