Who hasn’t dreamed of living in a castle far, far away? Well apparently, your whimsical wish is more realistic than, say, a one bedroom in New York City, these days, and here’s the proof.
Downton Abbey’s manor house is on the market, and cheaper than some Manhattan (and Brooklyn) luxury apartments here. Ya know, the ones without stables or 18 acres of land. So for those of you in the market to finally bite the bullet and live like a queen (or a duchess, or whatever) check out these these cheaper, chicer abodes, turrets and all.
The Downton Abbey Manor (aka Byfleet Manor)
Surrey, England
$6m
Most of us know this gorgeous estate as Lady Violet Crawley’s abode, but really it has been around since before 1086! The 7th century manor has (obviously) since then been renovated and boasts eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, four reception rooms, and 18 acres of land. Throw in Maggie Smith in a big hat, and we’re sold!
Carlowrie Castle Kirkliston near Edinburgh, England
Retails at $4.2m
This 7 bedroom beauty hasn’t been on the market since 1852, and now it can be yours. Welcome guests in your reception hall, and impress them with your circular study, your many reception rooms, and your library. Then relax and sip cocktails in the drawing room before lounging over to your extensive dining room for that five-course meal. And don’t worry, there is a butler’s pantry for all of your servants needs, conveniently located near your turreted bedroom so you won’t have to wait long when calling for your breakfast in bed!
Inchdrewer Castle
Scotland
Retails at $45,7350
This one’s a fixer-upper, but just think of its potential. Now your dream of living in a 16th century castle filled with the ghosts of previous owners can finally come true. Sure, there is roof damage, and those stones may need some leveraging, but move fast because this historical gem won’t be on the market long!
Midmar Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Retails at $4m
This castle was built for William Wallace, as in “Freedoooommmm!” Yeah, that William Wallace. SOLD. Stroll amongst the shrubbery in the gardens, or enjoy the 185 acres surrounding the estate, on horseback preferably.
Llanerchydol
Welshtown, Wales
Retails $2m
This beautiful English property was built in 1776 by a wealthy tea trader. It meets all of your castle-criteria: stables, game room, hunting lodge, coach houses, a clock tower, and a separate two bedroom apartment for when you have already filled the other 13 bedrooms. Whether you’re finding your zen in the Japanese style gardens, or having tea and crumpets in your Victorian landscaped gardens, you’ll still feel like yelling, “Off with their heads!”
Rainthorpe
Norfolk, England
$3m
This historic 9 bedroom boasts all your “modest” amenities, like stables, a wine cellar, gun rooms, 5 reception rooms, 5 bathrooms, scullery room, and butler’s pantry. Still not impressed? Those with a green thumb may be intrigued by the greenhouse and the 18 acres of land that are in dire need of some landscaping!
Images via prestige property, savilles, hubpages, country insider, collider
