Found 10 properties matching your criteria
Glamis, United Kingdom
Glamis Castle rises from the mist-shrouded glens of Angus like an embodiment of Scottish legend, its distinctive fairy-tale silhouette featuring conical turrets, crow-stepped gables, and circular towers that seem drawn directly from ancient highland lore. Home to the Lyon family since the 14th century and the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, this historic castle holds profound royal connections as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. The castle's current appearance largely results from extensive 17th-century remodeling that transformed the original medieval fortress into a magnificent example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Beyond its royal heritage, Glamis is steeped in folklore and literary significance, famously appearing in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as the protagonist's castle and inspiring numerous ghost stories, including the legendary tale of the "Monster of Glamis," a deformed heir supposedly hidden away in secret chambers. Inside, the castle's opulent state rooms and drawing rooms display remarkable period furnishings, including the spectacular Dining Room with its 17th-century plasterwork ceiling, family portraits by renowned artists, and unique historical artifacts such as royal correspondence and the ancient "Lion Cup." The surrounding estate encompasses formal Italian gardens, nature trails through ancient woodlands, and a stunning arboretum featuring trees planted by notable historical visitors. The castle's medieval roots are evident in its substantial stone walls and the central tower house, while the chapel, restored in the 1950s, contains painstakingly preserved medieval painted ceilings. As one of Scotland's most historically layered and architecturally distinctive castles, Glamis offers visitors a journey through Scottish aristocratic life within an atmospheric setting that genuinely evokes the romantic spirit of the highlands.
York, United Kingdom
Castle Howard stands as a testament to aristocratic ambition and architectural brilliance, rising majestically from the undulating Yorkshire countryside as one of England's most magnificent stately homes. Built over more than a century beginning in 1699, this palace-like country house was commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh with assistance from Nicholas Hawksmoor—a collaboration that created one of Britain's finest examples of English Baroque architecture. Despite its name, Castle Howard is not a defensive castle but rather a palatial residence designed to showcase the Howard family's wealth, taste, and status. The house's dramatic silhouette is immediately recognizable, crowned by the magnificent central dome—the first of its kind on an English country house and a feature that would influence stately home design for generations. The dome rises 70 feet above the Great Hall, creating a breathtaking interior space flooded with light from the painted oculus above. The façade presents a harmonious composition of Corinthian columns, symmetrical wings, and ornamental urns, while dramatic statuary adorns the roofline—all executed with exceptional craftsmanship in honey-colored limestone that glows golden in the evening light. Inside, Castle Howard houses one of Europe's finest private collections of art and antiquities, assembled by generations of the Howard family. Highlights include the breathtaking dome room with its trompe l'oeil ceiling painted by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, the spectacular Long Gallery displaying classical sculpture, and the intricate plasterwork and craftsmanship throughout the state rooms. The house is surrounded by 1,000 acres of landscaped gardens featuring formal parterres, woodland paths, temples, fountains, and the iconic Atlas Fountain with its 40-foot water jet. Made famous to modern audiences as "Brideshead" in both television and film adaptations of Evelyn Waugh's novel, Castle Howard continues to be owned and maintained by the Howard family after more than 300 years, offering visitors a living connection to three centuries of British aristocratic life and artistic patronage.
Highclere, United Kingdom
Highclere Castle rises majestically from the rolling Hampshire countryside, embodying the pinnacle of Victorian aristocratic splendor and architectural ambition. Built between 1839 and 1842, this imposing country house was transformed into its current magnificent form by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon. The castle's distinctive honey-colored Bath stone façade showcases the Italianate style that Barry popularized, featuring elegant symmetry, ornate cornices, and soaring towers that create a romantic silhouette against the English sky. The interiors are equally impressive, with the spectacular three-story entrance hall and grand staircase leading to sumptuously decorated state rooms adorned with fine furnishings, ancestral portraits, and one of Europe's most significant private Egyptian artifact collections—a testament to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's partnership with Howard Carter in discovering Tutankhamun's tomb. The castle is surrounded by 1,000 acres of parkland designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, featuring manicured gardens, ancient cedars of Lebanon, and picturesque follies. While Highclere's architectural and historical significance would alone make it worthy of admiration, the castle has gained worldwide fame as the primary filming location for the beloved television series and film "Downton Abbey," bringing its Victorian grandeur to global audiences. Today, visitors can explore the rooms familiar from the screen while learning about the real aristocratic family—the Carnarvons—who have called this remarkable estate home for over 300 years.
Ballater, United Kingdom
Balmoral Castle stands majestically amid the rugged splendor of the Scottish Highlands, embodying the romantic Gothic Revival style that captivated Victorian Britain. Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, the estate was transformed when they commissioned Aberdeen architect William Smith to design a new castle in the fashionable Scottish Baronial style, a distinctive branch of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1856, the castle's exterior is crafted from local gray granite, giving it a silvery sheen in the Highland light, while its asymmetrical composition features a prominent tower with a crown-shaped turret, crow-stepped gables, corbelled battlements, and pointed-arch windows that create a silhouette both imposing and picturesque against the backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains. The interior spaces blend traditional Highland elements with Victorian sensibilities, featuring tartan fabrics, hunting trophies, intricate wooden paneling, and locally sourced furniture that Prince Albert personally helped design. The castle is surrounded by 50,000 acres of breathtaking grounds, including formal gardens, ancient Caledonian pine forests, heather-covered moorlands, and the flowing waters of the River Dee, all harmoniously integrated through landscaping that enhances rather than tames the natural Highland beauty. For over 170 years, Balmoral has served as the private Scottish home of the British Royal Family, who traditionally spend their summer holidays here, continuing traditions established by Queen Victoria, who famously declared it her "dear paradise in the Highlands." While the castle itself has limited public opening periods, visitors can explore the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions that showcase this magnificent example of Scottish Baronial architecture and its enduring connection to British royal heritage.
Hever, United Kingdom
Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, Hever Castle stands as one of England's most romantic and historically significant Tudor mansions. Dating back to the 13th century, this double-moated castle is renowned as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother to Queen Elizabeth I. The castle showcases magnificent Tudor architecture with its distinctive timber framing, ornate chimney stacks, and lead-paned windows. Inside, visitors discover rooms filled with fine tapestries, antique furniture, and one of the best collections of Tudor portraits outside the National Portrait Gallery. The castle houses personal artifacts belonging to Anne Boleyn, including prayer books bearing her signature. Beyond its historical significance, Hever Castle is surrounded by 125 acres of spectacular gardens, including an Italian Garden with classical statuary, a Tudor Herb Garden, and a 38-acre lake. The property's remarkable preservation offers an immersive glimpse into Tudor aristocratic life while its connection to the dramatic story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's tumultuous marriage adds an extra layer of historical intrigue to this architectural gem.
Dornie, United Kingdom
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most recognized landmarks, situated on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands. Originally built in the 13th century as a defense against Viking raids, the castle served as a stronghold for the Mackenzie clan. After being partially destroyed during the Jacobite risings in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for nearly 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap purchased the island in 1911 and spent the next 20 years reconstructing the castle to its former glory. Today, the restored castle offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland's feudal past, with period furniture, Jacobean artifacts, and historic weapons on display. The castle's dramatic setting against the backdrop of the Isle of Skye and the surrounding mountains has made it a favorite location for filmmakers, appearing in movies like "Highlander" and "The World Is Not Enough." As evening falls and floodlights illuminate the castle, its reflection in the still waters of Loch Duich creates one of Scotland's most enchanting scenes.
Wick, United Kingdom
This 15th-century castle offers five-star luxury on the rugged coast of Caithness in the Scottish Highlands. Set in 3,000 acres of beautiful grounds with its own private beach, Ackergill Tower combines medieval grandeur with contemporary comfort to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Innerleithen, United Kingdom
Stay in Scotland's oldest inhabited house, dating back to 1107 and visited by 27 Scottish monarchs. This fortified mansion offers luxury accommodation within its historic walls, surrounded by magnificent grounds including a maze, woodland walks, and a famous brewery producing traditional ales.
Pitlochry, United Kingdom
Experience Scottish baronial splendor at this majestic castle hotel set within 48 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the picturesque town of Pitlochry and the stunning Highland scenery. With its turrets and towers, this Victorian castle offers a truly royal experience.
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Stay in the historic heart of "the loveliest castle in the world" as it was described by Lord Conway. This medieval gem is set on two islands in a magnificent lake.