VACATION LIKE ROYALTY: 5 MAGNIFICENT CASTLES YOU CAN RENT ON AIRBNB & VRBO
If you love period dramas like The Crown or Downton Abbey, you may be wondering what it's like to live in an actual castle — and thanks to platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, you now can.
Castles have a remarkable way of bringing our childhood dreams to life. From the classic estates of Italy to a former palace in Austria, these are our top picks for the most stunning castles for rent. Most of them won’t cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you decide to split the cost with other travelers. What's more? These sophisticated estates make great venues for weddings and vow renewals!
1. A sprawling estate with lemon trees in Tuscany, Italy
Source: Verbo.com
Listing name: Montegufoni 27 - Apartment in Castello di Montegufoni in Tuscany Listing type: Castle Max. no. of guests: 6 No. of bedrooms: 2
Restored by a noble family in the 17th century, Castello di Montegufoni is an incredible base for exploring the Italian wine region of Tuscany. Two bedrooms are available at this exclusive castle for rent, but we doubt anyone can resist heading outdoors to enjoy the vast courtyard, swimming pool, maze gardens, ancient library, and the fragrant lemon trees surrounding the estate. Cap off your day with a classic Italian aperitivo at the castle’s restaurant, where you can bask in the fading glow of a Tuscan sunset. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
2. A Venetian castle in Crete, Greece
Source: Verbo.com
Listing name: ★ Venetian Castle 540M2 Classified as Historical Monument Beach 3km 5Bedrooms ★ Listing type: Castle Max. no. of guests: 12 No. of bedrooms: 5
We adore the whitewashed cave houses of Santorini and Mykonos. But we’ll take any excuse to widen our horizons in Greece, starting with this historic stone castle in Crete. Tucked away in the village of Maroulas, this Venetian castle greets you with stunning views of the sea. Here, the exposed stone walls, graceful arches, and rooftop terrace work together to achieve the laid-back elegance of a European villa. Whether you choose to dine alfresco or swim in the exquisite pool, you’ll find no shortage of postcard-worthy moments at this castle for rent on Airbnb and Vrbo. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
3. A chateau with a library in Třebešice, Czech Republic
Source: Airbnb.com
Listing name: Chateau Třebešice Listing type: Private room in a castle Max. no. of guests: 15 No. of bedrooms: 9
Picture a historic building and a bohemian art gallery rolled into one — and that’s pretty much Château Třebešice in a nutshell. This Renaissance-era château features nine themed rooms with large beds, sunken claw-foot bathtubs, artworks, and a curated library with thousands of books. Going for a stroll through the sprawling rose gardens, walking around the cobblestones, and playing with the owner’s adorable dogs are some of the exciting activities you can do at this castle Airbnb. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
4. A former palace in Vienna, Austria
Source: Verbo.com
Listing name: Imperial Condo in Vienna Listing type: Apartment Max. no. of guests: 9 No. of bedrooms: 5
The next time you want to wake up in a European period drama, you won’t find a better place than this former castle-turned-condominium in Vienna, Austria. Full of colour and history, it reflects the artistic energy of the city itself. Plus, it’s hard not to feel like Austrian royalty as you climb the marble staircase to your bed chambers or enter the ornate salon, where the fresco paintings lend the impression of a private gallery. As luck would have it, this regal property is just a short walk from Gustav Klimt’s exhibit at the Belvedere. Learn more about this vacation rental here.
5. A storybook castle in California, United States
Source: Verbo.com
Listing name: Castle in the Forest Listing type: House Max. no. of guests: 20 No. of bedrooms: 7
Known as the “Castle in the Forest,” this spectacular estate in Southern California can blow even the best European castles out of the water. Inside, it boasts seven luxurious bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a game room, a grand ballroom with a balcony, and a Bavarian-style pub with a sunken bar. With its Gothic architectural influences and chandeliers, the property creates a magical backdrop for special events, whether you’re hosting a family reunion or throwing a show-stopping wedding. Learn more about this vacation rental here.