About as eccentric as homes get, this surreal residence is situated on an enchanting mountainside lot in the heart of Christina Lake, British Columbia. Available via Century 21 for just under CAD$1.7 million – that's $1.2 million – the custom-built pad dates back to 1976 and boasts a storybook exterior like no other.

Affectionately known as the Castle in the Forest, the fairytale home was constructed from multiple layers of steel mesh and reinforced concrete plaster, allowing it to take an organic and free-flowing shape. This is the same technique used to create the brilliant bubble homes that can be found around the world. It's a traditional building method and it means the property will last for centuries and is resistant to "fire, rot and insects", according to the listing.

Inside, the home boasts plenty of charm. From colored concrete floors to impressive arched doors and windows, vaulted ceilings and stained-glass accents, there’s so much to fall in love with. The property offers five bathrooms, a snug lounge, a country-style kitchen, a music room and a mezzanine office. 

Perhaps the best feature is the home’s impressive three-story tower, which houses all three bedrooms, connected via a stunning spiral staircase. We love the timber ceiling and gorgeous glass element that acts like an ultra-cool headboard. Other features include a wood-fired sauna and a 1,450-square-foot workshop, complete with an artist’s studio, both of which are said to be in a great state of repair.

Outside, the 22-acre estate is home to various patios for dining and relaxing, as well as a swimming pool, a greenhouse, numerous gardens and orchards. There’s even a standalone, three-bedroom cottage that could be turned into the ultimate holiday home.

Read on for more enchanting storybook homes...

If you've ever dreamt of sleeping in Rapunzel's tower or living in a characterful woodland cottage like Hansel and Gretel (minus the evil witch, of course), then these enchanting properties are sure to delight. From turreted retreats to storybook homes that appear plucked from the pages of classic fables, turn the page to explore the best fairytale homes on the market right now. Click or scroll on for a little taste of magic...

It isn't often you see a detached property in London on the market for £350,000 – that's $443,000, but The Mushroom House is no ordinary real estate listing. Located in the Wood Green area of north London, this adorable and unique home spans just 714 square feet, but packs a punch when it comes to peculiar design.

Listed with the Unique Property Company, the aptly named residence resembles an organic mushroom and appears to be growing straight from the leafy plot on which it sits. However, the building was actually once a lodging house for the gatekeeper and staff of the Chilts House Estate, giving us an insight into what Georgian Wood Green would have looked like. It's now Grade II listed by Historic England, which described the building as having the appearance of a "19th-century Ornamental Dairy".

Built in the early 1800s, the property would have once been the entrance to the estate and all visitors would have passed it on their way to the manor, which was sadly demolished in 1895. Nestled on a huge plot – which is incredibly rare in London – the residence is bursting with character, both inside and out. Spread across three floors, the main living areas are built around a central, double-sided brick chimney, which decorates the middle of the ground floor.

The ground floor features a kitchen, a dining area and a lounge, as well as a front and back door that provide access from all sides of the house. Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms, one with the original brick fireplace taking center stage. Other key period features include exposed ceiling beams, parquet floors and curving walls.

There’s also a unique bathroom that’s been stripped back to its beams and plastered in a really lovely way. There’s even a loft space that could be converted into additional accommodation – although the ceiling height could prove to be a challenge! Despite being historic, the house boasts underfloor heating that keeps it warm all year round.

Wonderfully named, Fantasy Glades Estate is positioned moments from Shelly Beach in the Australian city of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, and is far more than it might first seem. Yes, there's a modern castle built in the heart of the grounds, but that's really just the tip of the iceberg!

But let's start with the castle. The rustic-looking building features a spacious and light-filled interior with tiled floors, dark timber details and high ceilings. Considered an "iconic local landmark" by the listing agents, McGrath, the property was originally part of a fantasy theme park that was in operation from 1968 to 2002. The current owner purchased it in 2015 and undertook a thorough renovation, according to the Australian Daily Telegraph.

What's even better, is planning consent has already been given for further development. Essentially, the buyer has the go-ahead to build nine more self-contained cottages on the four-acre estate. There’s currently already an array of themed buildings in the backyard, so the new owner will be able to add more and create an amazing, fantasy-themed Airbnb retreat. This is a home with a job thrown in!

The estate also benefits from an adorable miniature church, which we think could be the crown jewel of the listing. Sadly, we can’t step inside the building, but from the looks of the outside, the interior will be brimming with character.

The estate is also home to pristine, park-like grounds, gentle streams, rustic bridges and bushland walks. Plus, it overlooks a beautiful native rainforest. The castle has also been granted approval to be turned into a café – so the buyer better bring their wallet as well as their imagination. Currently asking between $2.4m - $2.6m ($1.5 - $1.7m) those keen to snap the property up can get in touch with McGrath Estate Agents.

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