On May 6, King Charles III will be crowned exactly 70 years after the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned as Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Charles’ day will be filled with ritual, ceremony, splendor—and celebration throughout the British Commonwealth.
In honor of this royal occasion, Luxury Defined proffers a collection of charming castles and grand estates from across Europe. Consider Castle Bolenstein, a knight’s manor—by decree—built on the banks of Amsterdam’s River Vecht. Or look to Blackwater Castle, a Norman castle besieged by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1580 and Oliver Cromwell in 1649; Castello de’Medici, a defensive fortress built in the 12th century by the First Florentine Republic; or a Renaissance château listed as a French historic monument.
1. Heaton House in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, England
Heaton House has a picturesque setting just outside of the North Yorkshire market town of Boroughbridge, between the historic cities of Harrogate and York. The stately country house is elegantly proportioned and luxuriously appointed throughout. Ancillary structures include a guest cottage and several traditional outbuildings arranged around a courtyard. The gardens are a particular feature of the estate and include a range of specimen trees and shrubs, wide lawns, and a grass tennis court. Further delights include a grand terrace, a lovely water garden flowing to a balustraded lower terrace, and a secret garden graced with exotic plants and a figure of eight rockery.
>2. Castello de’ Medici in Bucine, Tuscany, Italy
Located in a small hamlet in the hills of the Chianti countryside, this 12th-century castle has been fully renovated. Offering modern-day conveniences amid a wealth of medieval and antique furnishings and finishes, the property has enormous potential as a vacation retreat, a business venue, or a sumptuous private residence. As well as a total of 12 luxurious apartments, the magnificent estate also takes in a beautiful park, a sparkling swimming pool, a gym, and its own olive grove, and it is just an hour away from Florence Airport.
3. Magnificent Listed Château in Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this listed monument has been completely renovated over the past 45 years. With abundant living space, including 24 bedrooms and suites, the château exudes majesty from its position overlooking landscaped gardens and the beautiful Vienne River.
Related: Learn More About Castle Renovation and How to Live in a Modern Fairy Tale
4. Castle Bolenstein in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Next to the Vecht, one of the most enchanting rivers in the Netherlands, the Bolenstein estate takes in a beautiful main house, a coach house, gym, teahouse, and tennis court, as well as its own mooring. Wonderfully preserved on a verdant plot of 2.47 acres (1 ha), all the buildings are stylishly furnished and sit in the heart of the charming old village of Maarssen.
5. Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche, County Cork, Ireland
Blackwater Castle was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient promontory fort on the banks of the River Awbeg in County Cork. Much of its history is set down in the Book of Fermoy, a 15th-century manuscript in Dublin’s Royal Irish Academy. It documents the Roche family, who occupied the castle from 1100 to 1666. Sir Walter Raleigh captured the castle in 1580, and Oliver Cromwell laid siege to Blackwater in 1649. Today, the castle and its picturesque 60-acre (24 ha) grounds are a private home and an exclusive hospitality venue.
6. 19th-Century Château and Vineyard Estate in Montpellier, France
Fully restored and elegantly furnished, this 19th-century castle is a wine lover’s dream. Comprising 242 acres (98 ha), the property includes 148 acres (60 ha) of irrigated vineyards, with all the equipment necessary for wine production, an olive grove, a pine-filled park, and a gorgeous pool. Inside the manor, 10 beautiful en suite bedrooms are joined by generous living spaces and a convenient cellar. Located in a charming town, the estate is just 40 minutes from the city of Montpellier.
Related: 8 Castles That Blend the Medieval with the Modern
Find your fairy tale and explore of our collection of available castles and grand estates on the market, or check out our latest magazine to read more castle content.
