Dreams do come true: 7 fairytale-worthy castles you can actually rent on Airbnb

AIRBNB revealed in December last year that the home the Irish were lusting over the most was, in fact, not your average home.

Although not as pristine as a hotel, for EUR130 (US$160), visitors can rent the master bedroom (the highest room in the castle) in a medieval building filled with winding staircases, log fireplaces and perhaps some cobwebs as well. Making for the perfect Game of Thrones-esque experience.

Peter’s castle in Ireland. Source: Airbnb.

And Peter’s castle isn’t the only one available in Airbnb’s listings.

If you’ve always dreamt of living like the kings and queens of the past, Airbnb has some pretty amazing royal digs in a variety of prices. From centuries-old castles with acres and acres of grounds to refurbished places with historical stories to tell, there’s something for everyone. And you’d be surprised at how affordable they can be.

Don’t stop believing. Put these majestic beauties on your bucket list:

Melville Castle

Set within a 50-acre estate of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks North Esk, the luxurious Melville Castle offers the tranquility of a country setting just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh’s city center.

The castle’s 32 bedrooms and suites, ranging from classic doubles to grand four-poster suites, are classically furnished complete with crisp linen sheets, fluffy white towels, and enchanting views of the grounds. It operates like a B&B, so be sure to grab a wholesome Scottish or Continental breakfast before you leave.

Source: Airbnb.

Fun fact: Mary, Queen of Scots, the first cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth I of England, used to do her hunting at the castle until she was beheaded on Feb 8, 1587.

Price: US$170 per night.

Nazarbagh Palace

Traveling through India and searching for the perfect royal escapade? Make at pitstop at Jaipur’s Nazarbagh Palace for a night or two. Situated in the pristine surroundings of Jaipur, this royal retreat embodies true Rajputana and Mughal style of architecture.

The property has 12 majestic rooms with ultra luxurious bathrooms to match, and plenty of sitting areas for guests. Fancy a cup of Masala chai on the terrace? Do you feel like enjoying a traditional music or cooking demo? Go for it. Put in your request and let the hosts spoil you like a Maharaja and Maharani.

Source: Airbnb.

Price: US$1,186 per night.

Très beau Chateau en Aquitaine

If you love wine, what better place to detox and find your center than at a beautiful castle that’s surrounded by its own vineyard? Located in the Fronsac region in Gironde, Frace, a place that is often referred to as “the Tuscany of the Gironde”, this castle-like Très beau Chateau en Aquitaine can accommodate up to 12 guests at a time.

Its ideal location in the gorgeous French countryside means you’ll be able to really get some peace and quiet as it is surrounded by acres and acres of vineyards.

Inside, each corner of the manor carries different eye-catching themes and colors: minimal with gold accents, sunshine yellow with wood finishings, bright fuchsia with geometric patterns, and many more. So you’ve got all your photo spots covered.

Source: Airbnb.

Price: US$595 per night.

3 bedroom Palace in Ubud’s rice terraces

In Indonesia, palaces are prominent but also humble, with emphasis on the architecture rather than the grandeur of the place. Located amongst the rice terraces of Ubud in Bali is a 3,000 sq ft villa that has been styled after a typical Balinese palace.

All three bedrooms in the villa are air-conditioned so you can relax even in the humid Indonesian tropical weather. But if you’d rather be outside because you’re neither a TV nor nap kind of person, then take a dip in the villa’s private pool, flanked by Hindu Balinese statues. The host also offers free shuttle transportation to the center of Ubud if you feel like going to town for a bit.

Source: Airbnb.

Price: US$124 per night.

Castello Dal Pozzo, Piedmont, Italy

Got a bunch of likeminded, luxury-loving friends who are all seeking a dreamy holiday? Look no further than Piedmont’s Castello Dal Pozzo. Time stands still in this luxurious Italian castle located just a stone’s throw away from Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in the country.

Celebrate life’s simplest pleasures as you sip your glass of Rosso di Montalcino while enjoying the breathtaking view of the surrounding park overlooking the lake.

Play pretend as you take an evening stroll on the castle grounds with your consort and your imaginary ladies in waiting and gentlemen of the bedchamber. The booking will be exclusively yours, so you don’t have to worry about other guests or tourists intruding your personal, royal space.

Source: Airbnb.

Price: US$3,836 per night.

Balvaird Wing at Scone Palace

Escape from reality at Balvaird Wing at Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most important stately homes with an exciting and colorful history. The apartment features a comfortable sitting room with magnificent views, a fully equipped and spacious dining kitchen, as well as a TV, DVDs, and even board games to provide hours of entertainment. Guests wouldn’t even need to feel disconnected as there are WiFi facilities.

Feeling a little royal? A cook and maid service can also be arranged on request. And if you’d like, you can head out to the gardens to enjoy your breakfast, your afternoon tea, or a drink before dinner in a relaxing and private outdoor space. Don’t forget to request for a complimentary guided tour of the palace while you’re there.

Source: Airbnb.

Fun fact: It was once the seat of parliaments, as well as the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth (not the Shakespeare one) and Robert the Bruce.

Price: Less than US$141 per guest per night.

Kilcolgan Castle

For complete privacy but with a homely atmosphere, consider a staycation at Kilcolgan Castle in Galway, Ireland. The tranquil estate boasts beautiful water views, with exclusive fishing facilities out the back. The only disturbances you may encounter are the champion Greyhounds, horses, cats, and hens that live on the castle grounds.

Bedrooms are located at the top of the tower, so you can grab a cup of hot chocolate in the morning and stare out at the sprawling lawn. The hosts are very respectful of their guests if they just want to be left alone but if you’ve got time to spare on your stay, ask if you can take a peek at the library full of old books to look for literary treasures or request for a historical tour of the castle.

Source: Airbnb.

Price: Less than US$329 per guest per night.

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