Spoiler Alert: You’ll want to stay at them all!
True confession: Since I was a little girl, I’ve always thought it would be the coolest thing to spend the night in a castle. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, right? Ideally, it would be the Dream Suite in Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World but since us mere mortals can’t book that, I guess it’ll be out of the question for now. And I’m totally okay with that after searching on AirBnB and VRBO: I found ten amazing castles in the United States that give the full castle experience! Plus, there are romantic getaways, family friendly options, gourmet dining, and even spa experiences. Prices start at $179, so what are we waiting for? Now’s the time to channel your inner Rapunzel and “Go live your dream”!
Twin Turret Farm and Castle
Located in Saint Mary, Missouri, this turreted Old World-style dwelling boasts seven bedrooms and sleeps sixteen guests. Situated on 100 acres with a 20 acre lake, this castle is a nature lover’s dream! Amenities include multiple outdoor grills, a fire pit, canoes, a kayak, paddleboat, and an indoor pool. The Twin Turret Farm is located near Missouri’s Route du Vin Trail that features multiple vineyards, wineries, and restaurants. Other area attractions include the Flexi Valle House historic site, Hawn State Park, hiking along waterfalls and cliffs at Pickle Springs Natural Area, and even a non-profit big cat rescue (eat your heart out, Carol Baskin!). See more photos of this beautiful home along with rental details here. Rates start at $1,000 per night, but if you have a larger family or multiple families splitting the cost, this could be a great value for what you get!
Smithmore Castle
Nestled in the mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, the “Castle in the Sky” sleeps 14 in it’s 6 bedrooms. Guests enjoy mountain views at every turn from the courtyard complete with fountain and from the portico. You’ll also enjoy a five star private chef for gourmet breakfasts and French, Italian, or Japanese-inspired dinners complete with wine pairings. Or enjoy a charcuterie board in the wine cellar. Unwind by the Victorian-styled fireplace in the great room which also features a Swarovski crystal chandelier, fine paintings, and marble flooring. Other unique features include a vintage “starlight” bar, a Tuscan lounge, and painted fresco ceilings. Guests will also be treated to concierge services, as well. Such a great venue for a wedding or other special occasion! Rates start at $2,400 per night including gourmet dining.
If you can bring yourself to venture outside of this gorgeous castle for a trip to the town of Spruce Pine, you’ll find quaint antique shops, a golf course, and several gem and mineral mines.
Highlands Castle
A castle located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains along picturesque Lake George? Yes, please! Highlands Castle will accommodate up to 8 guests in it’s 3 bedrooms. Need more room for additional guests? You can nearly double occupancy if you also rent the adjacent Castle Cottage or nearby Castle Gatehouse. There are two outdoor terraces (one screened in) for you to soak up the beautiful scenery. Stained glass windows, a grand staircase, and suit of armor make for a regal entry into the foyer. The property also features a music room/library, Great Hall, dining hall, and family room. The fairytale can be yours for $5,795 per night.
Highland Castle is located just a few minutes away from downtown Bolton Landing. Activities in Bolton Landing include miniature golf, hiking, boat rentals, scenic boat cruises, kayaking, public parks, local breweries and dining.
Serenity Castle
Located in historic Acworth, Georgia, Serenity Castle is a family friendly and budget friendly option that sleeps up to ten guests and starts at $179 per night! This Bavarian-style mini-castle in the woods features stained glass windows, cedar tongue & groove ceilings, sunroom, and finished basement with labyrinth (how cool is that?!). The family will have ample room to stretch out in the home’s 8,000 square feet. Those interested in mediation, yoga, and massage can also arrange sessions for an additional fee.
Serenity Castle is near the LakePoint Sports Community complex if you want to catch a ballgame while in town. LakePoint Station is also nearby and as 17 different climbing walls, 45 holes of mini golf, and laser tag. There’s also the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum and Etowah Indian Mounts State Park for family fun. Looking for even more cultural, entertainment and sightseeing options? Atlanta is about 40 minutes away–close enough for day trips but outside of the metropolitan rush of the city.
Williamswood Castle
Situated along 500 feet of riverfront and 300 acres of the Ijams Nature Center, it’s easy to see why Williamswood Castle is one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s most unique vacation rentals. According to their description on the AirBnB website, the castle is modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge and even has it’s own very own pub! Other majestic details include 42 stained glass windows, a replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painting in the master bedroom, towers, armor, swords, and multilevel balcony with views overlooking the Tennessee River. Oh, and I did I mention the sliding bookcase the reveals a hidden passageway? Yep, this property delivers all the magic! Rentals start at $457 per night for up to 6 guests.
Looking to explore the Knoxville area? There’s no shortage of things to do with Market Square, World’s Fair Park, Zoo Knoxville, the Knoxville Museum of Art, botanical gardens, and many other historical sites. Plus, the Great Smoky Mountains are under an hour away with even more entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
Redwall Castle
Redwall Castle is located about 30 miles outside of Washington, DC in Germantown, Maryland and sleeps up to 10 guests with it’s five bedrooms. Even though this home was built in the 1930s, it features many modern amenities such as a home theater and fire pit. Two fun bits of trivia about Redwall Castle: 1. It gets its name from the Redwall children’s fantasy novel series by British author Brian Jacques. 2. Redwall Castle was built by the first female architect in the United States! Redwall can be rented starting at $495 per night.
If venturing out into Germantown, you’ll find parks, an orchard, golf, and even a kangaroo park! Plus, there’s even more cultural experiences, dining, and museums in nearby Washington, DC.
Falkenstein Castle
This popular wedding venue located in Burnet County, Texas, is also available for overnight rentals through VRBO. In addition to having it’s own on-property wedding chapel, this 14,000 square foot castle also features a koi pond and bubbling stream with hidden gems and crystals. According to the property description on VRBO, the panoramic views from the castle are the best in central Texas. Inside the castle, you’ll find over 100 pieces of artwork and artifacts. Family friendly amenities include a game room with pool table and an Oculus Quest VR game system. Falkenstein Castle sleeps up to 12 guests and starts at $1979 per night. The castle is also about an hour away from Austin, Texas.
The Idaho Castle
This idyllic castle in the mountains overlooks beautiful Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho. With over 6,000 square feet and 5 bedrooms, this gorgeous vacation home sleeps up to 16 guests. The price tag for sunsets overlooking the lake while you have the run of the castle? It starts at only $400 per night. On VRBO, the owner notes that there isn’t any WiFi available at their remote mountain location, but I think this is a bonus for those times you really need to get away and “unplug” from the stress of daily life (I’m sure my teenager disagrees, but I digress).
Castle by the Lake
Looking for the castle vibes without the remote setting? This 4 bedroom abode sleeps 12 guests and is just a 10 minute walk to Lake Peekskill, New York and one hour north of New York City! Sounds like having the best of both worlds, if you ask me. The Castle by the Lake features beautiful stone and woodwork along with stained glass windows. There are also three outdoor decks to bask in the natural surroundings as well as a hammock for kicking back. Area attractions include Bear Mountain State Park, as well as hiking along Breakneck Ridge and the Appalachian trail, and the antique shops of Cold Springs. Wouldn’t this be the perfect place for viewing the autumn colors? Rates start at $400 per night.
Hunt Castle
This 11,000 square foot Gothic castle is located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire on 500 acres of land. Inside, you’ll find a marble and granite fireplace, Wedgwood-style dining room, a grand piano, and a secret passageway. The home itself is stunning, but the recreation options on property are also quite remarkable: walking and cross-country skiing trails, an outdoor hot tub, 5,000 gallon pool, not to mention views of Mt. Monadnock from the north and lake views and access from the south. Recreation at the lake includes fishing, boating, paddle boarding, volleyball, and swimming. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy with a cedar playground, trampoline, and a playroom. A stay in this luxurious rental starts at $1,600 per night and sleeps up to 22 guests!
Have you ever rented a castle on AirBnB or VRBO? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Disclaimer: No compensation was provided by AirBnB or VRBO and this article is for informational and educational purposes. All opinions and research are the author’s own.
The Disney Digital Nomad Blog 
welbjr69@gmail.com
LikeLike