Castle & Villa Rentals
181 properties found
Ravenscrag - The Ship Baron's Mansion with a Dark History
Montreal, Canada
This massive mansion, built in 1863 for shipping magnate Sir Hugh Allan, was once considered among Canada's grandest homes. Its history took a dark turn when, as part of the Allan Memorial Institute (a psychiatric hospital affiliated with McGill University), it became a site for the CIA's controversial MKUltra mind-control experiments during the 1950s and 60s. Today, it remains part of McGill, a reminder of the complex and sometimes unsettling histories hidden within stately architecture.
Place Viger - Montreal's Châteauesque Railway Station
Montreal, Canada
This imposing Châteauesque building in Old Montreal opened in 1898 as a unique combination: a grand railway station and a luxury hotel, both operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. A landmark representing the peak of railway influence on Canadian urban development and architecture, it has undergone various transformations over the decades and has recently been part of major redevelopment projects, breathing new life into the historic structure.
The Fairmont Empress - Victoria's Grande Dame
Victoria, Canada
Another jewel in the Canadian Pacific Railway's crown, this grand Edwardian Châteauesque hotel opened in 1908 and commands Victoria's Inner Harbour. Renowned for its majestic architecture, stunning waterfront location, legendary afternoon tea service, and a history of hosting royalty and celebrities, The Empress embodies the elegance and strong British heritage that characterizes Victoria.
Castle Kilbride - The Flax King's Italianate Mansion
Wilmot, Canada
Built in 1877 by James Livingston, the "Flax and Linseed Oil King of Canada," this Italianate mansion is a National Historic Site. Its fame rests on its extraordinarily well-preserved High Victorian interior, particularly the stunning and rare trompe-l'oeil wall and ceiling paintings that create illusions of depth and dimension throughout the house.
Rideau Hall - Canada's Ceremonial Home
Ottawa, Canada
While perhaps not a "castle" in the fairytale sense, Rideau Hall in Ottawa holds a unique and central place in Canada's identity. It serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the Governor General of Canada, the monarch's representative. Often referred to as "Canada's House," this historic site is a hub of national ceremony, diplomacy, and Canadian heritage.
Dundurn Castle - Neoclassical Estate of a Premier
Hamilton, Canada
In Hamilton, Ontario, overlooking Burlington Bay, stands Dundurn Castle. Not a medieval fortress of knights and battles, but a magnificent 40-room villa built in the 1830s in the elegant Italianate and Neoclassical styles. This grand home was the power base and residence of one of the most influential figures in pre-Confederation Canada, Sir Allan Napier MacNab.
Hatley Park Castle - The X-Men Mansion
Colwood, Canada
For legions of movie fans, Hatley Castle is instantly recognizable as the iconic exterior for Professor Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in the popular X-Men and Deadpool film series. Beyond its Hollywood fame lies the real story of another magnificent Dunsmuir family creation – a stunning Edwardian estate built as a private sanctuary, which later served the military, and now houses a university.
Craigdarroch Castle - A Coal Baron's Victorian Mansion
Victoria, Canada
On Canada's west coast, perched atop a hill in Victoria's historic Rockland neighborhood, stands Craigdarroch Castle – a quintessential example of a Victorian "bonanza castle". Built during the Gilded Age, this imposing mansion showcases intricate Scottish Baronial architecture and exquisitely preserved interiors.
Casa Loma - Toronto's Gothic Revival Castle
Toronto, Canada
Rising dramatically on a hill overlooking downtown Toronto stands Casa Loma, Canada's most famous castle, a majestic monument to early 20th-century ambition. Spanish for "Hill House," its story is one of a grand dream realized against the odds, only to be lost, leaving behind an architectural marvel filled with opulent details and secret passages.
Fairmont Banff Springs - The Castle in the Rockies
Banff, Canada
Nestled deep within the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a majestic icon, famously dubbed the "Castle in the Rockies". Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its stunning Scottish Baronial architecture seems perfectly suited to the rugged mountain landscape. However, beneath the fairytale exterior lies a reputation as one of Canada's most haunted destinations, adding a layer of chilling intrigue to its luxurious appeal.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Quebec City, Canada
Dominating the Quebec City skyline like a scene from a fairytale, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is more than just a hotel; it is the defining landmark of Old Quebec and arguably Canada's most recognizable hospitality icon. Its claim as the "world's most photographed hotel" speaks volumes about its visual impact. Perched dramatically atop Cape Diamond, it overlooks the majestic St. Lawrence River from within the historic walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
White Villa - Historic Winery Estate
Pyrgos Kallistis, Greece
High above Santorini's shores, White Villa is a labyrinth of sun-drenched terraces, secret courtyards, and cool vaulted suites—all within the bones of a 15th-century village winery. The estate artfully fuses past and present: massive stone presses and vintage machinery stand as rustic sculptures against sleek white walls and modern comforts.