Top 5 quirky castles

There is an old English proverb that a man’s house is his castle, but what if you had the opportunity to stay in a real castle? If you’re thinking ghosts and cold, empty rooms then think again – there are some seriously quirky castles out there which have been adapted, modernised and transformed into fabulous places to stay for a short break or a holiday.

The Tiny Castle (Devon)

If you’re going to book a castle for a weekend or a holiday then you’re probably thinking big. Most castles are equipped with banqueting halls and extensive grounds - perfect for large family reunions and parties of friends, but not so ideal for a romantic break a deux.

Lawrence Castle, however, is the perfect escape for two. A grade two-listed triangular tower, it was originally built in 1788 as centrepiece to a vast estate. Now, the top floor has been converted into a one bedroom apartment.

From its vantage point - high on Haldon Hill ¬- panoramic views extending to Dartmoor, Exmoor, the South Hams, the River Exe valley and its estuary can be seen. On a really clear day, the Isles of Purbeck and Portland Bill in Dorset are visible. The 360 degree views at this level are truly stunning but can’t match those from the roof terrace where guests have unrestricted access to during their stay. The main room has a king sized bed, seating and dining area, whilst the turret rooms off the main living area boast a fitted kitchen complete with a fridge, freezer, oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave and coffee maker while the bathroom has a bath with shower facility.

Prices start at £325 for a three night stay.

The Fairytale Castle (Scotland)

Aldourie, the only habitable castle on the shores of Loch Ness, has all the fairytale grandeur and glamour you could ask for from an authentic grade A-listed Highland castle. It blazes warmth and hospitality, and there are turrets and towers, nooks and crannies aplenty. The castle has been beautifully restored, from the tip of its spires to the deepest wine cellar.

Aldourie is utterly enchanting, oozing with tradition and opulence, yet its warmth and intimacy dispels any sense of formality. Furnishings throughout the castle are of the highest quality, with elegant furniture, fine antiques and rich fabrics.

There are fifteen bedrooms at Aldourie Castle, ranging from grand four-posters, swathed in sumptuous velvets and brocades, to the cosiest little single rooms, with a charm all of their own. The castle has occupied this site for hundreds of years – it is just five miles from Inverness, but feels like it’s in a world of its own, with an all pervading sense of calm and tranquillity. A winding, tree-lined drive leads to the Castle and a broad lawn slopes gently down to Loch Ness itself – where you can while away some time in search of the infamous Loch Ness monster....

Prices from £10,500 (2 nights) / £21,000 (7 nights).

The Designer Castle (France)

If the big house party is what you’re after, then there’s no doubt that this French chateau will surprise and entertain you in equal measure. Chateau de la Couronne is a trendy oasis of urban chic in a traditional ancient French chateau and can sleep up to 25 guests at any one time. From the outside, what you see is a stunningly restored chateau, complete with turrets, set in five acres of private land. But head through the doors and prepare to be amazed. Ornate antiques rub shoulders with abstract modern art, 60s and 70s design icons and commissioned pieces, all framed by the Chateau’s immaculately restored original features.

There is accommodation for up to 26 in individually designed and furnished bedrooms, and the bathrooms are completely over the top – some with two baths, some utilising the Chateau Turrets. There are three voluminous salons for guest use, one with a bar, one with a baby grand piano. And if that’s not enough, there is also a Private Cinema, a Billiard Room, a Music Area with guitars, amps and keyboards and a games room. Outside in the five acres of private grounds are two terraces with tables and parasols, and a 14.5m heated swimming pool nestled amongst the mature trees.

Prices from €2000 per night / €12000 per week for use of the whole chateau.

The Medieval Castle (Ireland)

The last remaining seat of the powerful Comerford Clan, Ballybur Castle is a five storey 16th century towerhouse just 8km from Kilkenny. Built in 1588, the castle has been restored to its former authentic glory using the same techniques as the original 16th century builders.

Ballybur Castle is typical of the single family castles of that period, built primarily for protection against warring groups travelling the countryside. The rooms are larger and the stairs wider than in most of the known square towerhouses, and the castle comfortably sleeps eight people in four bedrooms.

Everywhere you look, you get a glimpse of what castle life was like in the 1500s; the second floor living room has deep niches in the walls which were once used as beds, the third floor was once the family chapel (now a bedroom) and on the fourth floor is a magnificent baronial drawing room and a secret room, once used as a priests’ hole or to keep prisoners. Climb the stairs to the ramparts and on a fine day you can see Mount Leinster.

Prices from €1200 (3 night stay) / €1800 (7 nights).

The Bishop’s Castle (Spain)

Castel d’Escales (The Castle of Ladders) once served as a home for the Bishop of Barcelona and is on Spain’s register of historic monuments. Lovingly restored by a Catalan architect, it comprises a round tower dating from the 11th century, and is surrounded by a more conventional rectangular fortification added in the 14th century.

Sleeping up to fourteen people in seven bedrooms, Castel d’Escales is perfectly situated - within close proximity to the best of the Costa Brava and Catalunya. From the lookout on top of the medieval tower, a panoramic view stretches from the Pyrenees Mountains all the way to where they blend with the Mediterranean coast and the French border. Here you can relax by the private pool, nap in the hammock, eat tapas and drink wine on the terrace....all at your own pace.

Enjoy the fabulous experience of staying in a private castle whilst enjoying a gourmet cook and surroundings which are second to none. Stargazing, the call of the cuckoo, and the nightingale’s midnight serenade all add a magical element to your stay.

From £3913 to £4348 per week.

By Tabitha Symonds

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