If you want to experience life as a fairytale prince or princess, then these dreamy abandoned castles for sale could be just what you're looking for. Picture towering turrets, marbled columns, landscaped gardens and amazing historic details within fortified walls. From a crumbling celebrity's property in New York State to a fairytale residence in rural France, click or scroll on to discover the best fixer-upper castles on the market right now...

If you have deep pockets, great imagination and a lot of patience, this incredible 14th-century palace might just be your dream conversion project. The historic property is located inside the national park of Los Ancares in Lugo, Spain. Sprawling, secluded and brimming with opportunity, the pad is also an absolute steal at €225,000, or £192,600 ($249k).

But any potential new owners should remember that this project is not one for the inexperienced renovator. The prominent palace stretches a staggering 46,500 square feet and is slowly being overtaken by Mother Nature. However, it does boast a restored roof and is generally in excellent condition, despite having sat vacant for some time.

Inside, the castle is pretty rundown, but there are many positives, too. From its stunning beamed ceilings and stone walls to its arched windows, authentic arrowslits, in-laid coat of arms and original ironwork, we're sure this property could be turned into something really special. Perhaps a high-end hotel, or several family homes?

The property’s location might be its best asset, however. Located in the heart of the Los Ancares Nature Reserve, it’s surrounded by idyllic mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and historic towns. The property sits on a large plot and even has some prehistoric dwellings on it. There’s also a ski resort 45 minutes away, perfect for any winter sports enthusiasts.

With a history stretching back 1,000 years, this hilltop castle was no doubt once an important defence system for the surrounding region. Positioned on almost an acre of land above France's Olt Valley, the property stretches 6,243 square feet and comes equipped with endless rooms that are waiting to be rescued – all for a mere €650,000. That's just £556,700 ($720k).

For sale via Patrice Besse, the palatial palace is truly the stuff of fairytales. Sitting at an altitude of 2,296 feet, on a volcanic outcrop, the castle rises high above the hamlet below, which was built around the castle. Dating back to the 11th century, the fortress stands in a strategic position, which has the added benefit of allowing for incredible views of the Causses and Aubrac mountains.

The property has been altered several times over the centuries, but its current layout is the result of a 17th century remodel. It was later saved from ruin by a remarkable reconstruction in the early 1970s, which was awarded the "Chefs-d'oeuvre en péril” (Masterpieces in Danger) prize. Today, the property is in need of another renovation, to bring it up to modern standards. With its rustic stone walls, exposed beams and pretty mullioned windows that frame unbelievable scenery, we're sure the challenge would be well worthwhile.

As for rooms, there's a a cross-vaulted room that once served as a kitchen, a former scullery with a domed ceiling, five bedrooms and numerous living rooms that are waiting to be transformed. Key period elements include its fluted pilasters, botanical motifs, slender columns, oversized fireplaces, pointed-arch openings and flagstone floors. The estate also boasts an abandoned church. Formed from sandstone, the chapel boats an apse with finely crafted modillions. 

Proving that you don't need to be a millionaire in order to own a truly amazing piece of real estate, this staggering 13th-century schloss in the German state of Brandenburg is up for grabs for just £685,100 ($885k), or €800,000 in the local currency. Listed with Vermittlung historischer Immobilien, the historic home measures almost 15,000 square feet and is overflowing with stunning statement details.

The abandoned stately home isn't just sprawling, it's gorgeous, too! Outside, the castle is surrounded by a moat and offers plenty of Renaissance romance. Inside, there are 39 rooms, all with grand architectural features such as oversized European fireplaces, decorative plasterwork, tiled and checkerboard floors, curving ceilings and grand pillars. 

In the baroque period, the castle was extended with short side wings and a tower, so some sections of the home are newer than others. However, every room will need to be renovated as the building has sat empty for several years. In fact, there are no sanitary facilities and the current electrical installation is described by the listing agents as “defective”. Therefore, much work is needed to bring this awesome property up to scratch.

As for land, the German schloss comes with almost 30 acres primed and ready to be put to good use. What's more, the city of Dresden can be reached in about 40 minutes and Berlin in under two hours. If you're seeking a secluded sanctuary with plenty of promise, then this ancient abode could well be for you. 

Occupying two acres of land in rural Toulouse, this gorgeous French chateau is waiting to start a new chapter. Constructed between1870 and 1875, the property is not short on dramatic architectural flourishes. For starters, the entrance gates are flanked by two Roman columns, adorned with antique terracotta vases, while the sweeping driveway is lined with yew trees. Laid out in a unique U-shape, with two identical wings and four prominent watchtowers, the castle was clearly designed to impress.

Featuring both classical and neo-Gothic decorative elements, the main building soars up four storeys and boasts wrought iron details, monk-and-nun tile roofs, pediments crowned with terracotta pine cones and endless windows, finished with pretty blue shutters. The interior is no less enticing, either. Measuring more than 10,000 square feet, there are seemingly endless rooms to renovate. 

The ground floor houses a conservatory, a kitchen, a billiard room and the main reception rooms, while the first floor comprises five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study and two cloakrooms. The top two floors contain private apartments, both of which are in need of work. Many of the rooms open up to balconies, too, allowing for lovely views. As for architectural details, you’ll find wood-burning stoves, marble fireplaces, decorative ceiling mouldings, carved and painted wooden panels, and floors decorated with yellow and red flagstones or mahogany parquet. 

As for the grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a stately park. Filled with ancient holm oaks, poplars and cedars, the estate also boasts an indoor swimming pool, a former sheep barn, a dovecote, a pond, an artificial grotto and a wooden hut with three balconies. There’s also a track that leads down to a beach. Yours for £1.1 million ($1.4m), or €1.3 million in the local currency, we think this dreamy European home is a bit of a bargain!

If you're looking for a wow-factor home that will provide seclusion as well as spell-binding views, then perhaps this striking property in the village of Mirna, Slovenia, will pique your interest. Known as Mirna Castle, the building has a long history and has been registered as a monument of local importance since 1996.

For sale with Slovenia Estates for €1.6 million, or £1.4 million ($1.8m), the derelict dwelling dates back to 1165 and has been fondly nicknamed "The Sleeping Beauty". Indeed, the abandoned building is said to be one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in Slovenia, and is among the oldest castles in the country. A local landmark, the property boasts Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features across its almost 26,000-square-foot structure.

Over the years, the property has been restored numerous times, most notably after the Second World War, when the castle was intentionally burned down and almost completely destroyed. Luckily, a local professor financed the renovation efforts in 1965. Access to the home is via a bridge that leads into an internal courtyard – the oldest part of the palace. During the Turkish invasions, Mirna Castle became fortified and its owners built defensive walls and towers, which still stand today.

The amazing castle is laid out over three floors and its square footage is split across arcade galleries, a granary, several towers, and the main structure itself. Every area needs to be fully restored, so this job isn’t for the faint of heart. However, plus points include the castle's rustic stone walls, dramatic staircases, pretty windows and vaulted ceilings decorated with exposed beams. What's more, the home's proximity to the local village and its enchanting views make it a fantastic investment opportunity.

If you've got €1.9 million – that's £1.7 million ($2.2m) – going spare, then you could get your hands on this elegant hunting estate in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The property dates back to the 19th century and comes complete with a dramatic castle, a tennis court, a swimming pool, numerous outbuildings and a guest house.

The residence has two square towers and measures 7,534 square feet. It can be accessed via a long gravel driveway framed by woods, which only adds to its charms. Inside, every room still boasts its original décor and high windows, although some of the spaces look to have been partially upgraded recently. There’s a large hallway with a wooden staircase, a bright sitting room with a statement brick fireplace and beamed ceiling, a formal dining room and a neo-Gothic, wood-panelled office.

There are also two kitchens, a small drawing room and a library, as well as a cellar – perfect for storing local wines! The first floor is home to four bedrooms, including a master suite with triple exposure to the park below, and one that’s located in the castle’s tower. There are two bathrooms with fireplaces, too. The top floor benefits from three large bedrooms with their own ensuites and walk-in closets. 

The estate also includes 173 acres of private land, which, according to the listing, is "teeming with game". Plus, the guest house is a real beauty, while the outbuildings are waiting to be converted into homes or business premises. The property can be reached from Paris in less than two hours and the surrounding area is covered in forests, interspersed with rivers, meaning this place offers the best of both worlds. On the market with Patrice Besse, this castle is sure to get snapped up quickly.

America isn't home to many castles, but occasionally one crops up that's too good to ignore. Nestled on almost 50 acres of woodland in New York's Westchester County, this vast stone mansion was designed and built in the late 1920s by Abercrombie and Fitch co-founder, David Thomas Abercombie, and his wife Lucy Abbott Cate.

The fascinating stately home is known as Elda Castle, a name that was created by putting together the first letter of each of the couple's four children, in order of their birth. Once upon a time, the remote home must've been the perfect country retreat for the Abercrombie family, but it was sadly vacated following the death of David Thomas Abercrombie in 1931, just a few years after it was completed.

Today, the 4,337-square-foot home has lost the fight with the elements, but it's still undeniably enchanting. Spread across numerous floors, the residence has a total of 25 rooms and features arched doorways, a cast-iron spiral staircase, bespoke leaded windows and an outdoor fireplace. 

Over the years, several people have tried to bring the crumbling castle back to life, but sadly none have succeeded, creating somewhat of a lore around the seemingly irreparable property. The estate has been on and off the market since 2017 and is now available through Sotheby's International Realty for £2.2 million ($2.9m). However, the buyer will need deep pockets in order to bring the castle back from the brink.

Nowhere else in the world has quite as many stunning castles as Germany. In a country so replete with gorgeous architecture, it's almost easy to pick up a beautiful historic residence. This particular one has 16th century origins but was rebuilt and extended several times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it's a majestic gem that's waiting for its new prince or princess.

Located in Brandenburg an der Havel, a town west of Berlin, the Neo-Renaissance castle measures more than 11,600 square feet, so there's endless space to play with. In the mid-2000s, the castle underwent renovations and while the exterior is almost complete, the interior is largely still in a structural condition, so the buyer will need to be willing to roll up their sleeves and finish the job.

As for rooms, there are 18 in total and it's clear from the photos that each is generous in terms of its proportions. There are plenty of windows and numerous period details, like arched doorways, domed ceilings, exposed brickwork and even rustic beams. While some of the rooms have been replastered, others are missing their floors. Plus, currently no electrical or sanitary connections are in place.

As well as ample inside space, the property benefits from 49 acres of land, most of which is a former park. The castle also boarders one of the most beautiful 18-hole golf courses in Germany, so there's scope here for the buyer to create a luxury hotel. If you've fallen in love, then the dazzling German home is for sale via Vermittlung historischer Immobilien for €2.9 million, which equates to £2.5 million ($3.2m).

If you're looking to live the fairytale dream in the spectacular Piedmont region of Italy, then this enchanting estate could well tick all the right boxes. For sale with Prestige Property Group for £2.5 million ($3.2m), or €2.9 million, the ancient castle dates back to 900 AD and was reportedly completed around 1200.

Over the centuries, the historic property has been modified numerous times, but its regal façade and impressive C-shaped courtyard, which was designed in typical Piedmontese Baroque style, remain very much intact. Sitting on an elevated plot in the heart of Alessandria, the picture-perfect fortress enjoys spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.

Offering plenty of bang for your buck, the 12th-century property comes with almost nine acres of land and an impressive 25,564 square feet of inside space. Distributed over three floors, the castle features a basement, a spacious main level and a large attic with exposed beams. There are 10 bedrooms and plenty of roomy living areas with exquisite period features. From domed ceilings to hand-painted frescoes, every room is wonderfully unique.

While plenty of impressive interior spaces are in need of restoration, the unique fortress was recently rendered secure by essential remedial works to its ancient structure. From supporting its exterior walls to repairing the roof, some of the hard – and expensive – work has already been taken care of. Outside, the medieval castle comes with spectacular terraced gardens and picturesque parklands worthy of the most regal estate.

Known as Castle Von Frandsen, this majestic retreat might look like it belongs in the Black Forest, but it can actually be found on a rocky bluff overlooking the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, USA. Listed with Coldwell Banker for a cool £3.5 million ($4.5m), the abandoned mansion has been significantly reduced, having first hit the market for £5.4 million ($7m). In need of major works, construction began in 2022 but was seemingly never finished. 

The medieval-inspired home was built from granite, quarried in British Columbia and hand-chiselled on site. Inside, it benefits from plenty of exposed timber beams, which were harvested and honed from the forest that surrounds the home. Architecturally, there's plenty of exposed stone, timber, and glass throughout the incredible self-build.

The whimsical castle stretches some 8,000 square feet and features two bedrooms and three bathrooms, although there’s ample space for adding a few sleeping quarters! The master suite is utterly enormous and boasts faux tower walls and arched windows and doors. As for living spaces, you’ll find multi-level lounges, a kitchen and even an interior plunge pool across the home’s three floors. Of course, many of the rooms enjoy captivating views across the lake outside, too.

The American castle sits on 10 acres of Frandsen Forest land and is within touching distance of the lake, making it ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. Of course, there's a private dock and jetty, ready for when the new owner wants to make a quick escape. Fancy taking on the job of finishing this one-of-a-kind masterpiece? Then what are you waiting for?

The origins of this Barbie-ready home in Umbria date back to the first half of the 19th century. Shortly after completion, it was sold to one of the most powerful families in the area, who transformed the building into a prestigious villa in the architectural style of a neo-Gothic castle. It's now listed for sale for around €6.9 million, or £5.9 million ($7.6m).

Displaying elements of English romanticism, the pink fort is spread out over four floors, including a basement level that can be accessed from both the ground floor and the garden. The main entrance features an original front door, which has been perfectly preserved and framed with stucco paintwork.

While structurally sound, the interior needs a serious overhaul in order to make it liveable, yet the castle is still full of amazing period details that will surely delight any history lover. As well as the decorative bay windows in the tapestry room, the kitchen features a hand-painted cooker hood that bears a coat of arms, while the living room boasts truly eye-catching coffered ceilings.

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but plenty of potential to extend the accommodation offering. You'll also find an octagonal terrace positioned at the top of the castle's tower, which features traditional battlements and provides 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. A beautiful park of nearly 15 acres surrounds the castle and has been split by a wide avenue lined with pine trees – perfect for an evening stroll before supper. 

Looking for all the world like an abandoned billionaire's mansion, this majestic castle in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador, sits on 70 acres of lush grounds filled with mature cypress and eucalyptus trees. In need of some updating both inside and out, it's the mother of all fixer-upper projects and is currently on the market for an eye-watering £6.2 million ($8m).

From the air, you can see how the grand house sits within the grounds, which have both wooded and landscaped areas. Around the estate you'll find sculptures of figures from Greek and Roman mythology, monarchs from all over the world and scenes that depict the lives of Ecuadoreans.

Inside, the huge property has over 200,000 square feet of floor space decked out in a mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Renaissance and Rococo. The castle may be empty but it doesn't go without some luxury touches: there are more stone and marble sculptures dotted around the house, as well as carved balustrades and intricate stucco work across the ceilings.

In addition to the main castle, the grounds are also home to a cathedral, two Roman-style pools, multiple pavilions, and 50 parking spaces. So, what's the trade-off for this enormous property? The castle needs major renovation work, which has a projected cost of around £1.5 million ($2m). 

For a cool €20 million (£17.2m/$22.2m) you could buy an entire hamlet in Tuscany, Italy. Known as Borgo, the ancient village and the castle that protects it date back to the 12th century and were once owned by a local noble family, the Pannocchieschi d'Elci. Even more amazingly, the property was also once owned by Cosimo de Medici, a politician who established the Medici family as effective rulers of Florence during much of the Italian Renaissance.

Today, Borgo is made up of an impressive castle and 10 country houses that are just waiting to be renovated and put to use, all enclosed by fortified walls. There’s also a medieval church, an astronomical observatory and a large vineyard where Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow, so this property comes with plenty of opportunities to generate some income.

Inside, the main castle is beautifully decorative, with arched windows and doorways, carved timber staircases, tiled floors, pretty window shutters, fireplaces and built-ins. Of course, much work would be needed to bring the castle back to its original splendour. 

The 1,687-acre hamlet is split into woodlands and arable farmland, the former of which offers excellent hunting and mushroom-picking opportunities and the latter of which is ideal for horses or cattle. The listing suggests that there’s potential here to create a luxury boutique hotel of up to 90 bedrooms. So whether you want to be the mayor of your own town or create a private holiday retreat like no other, this listing is for you.

Located on the cusp of the romantic Italian town of Stresa, a stone's throw from the waters of Lake Maggiore, this remarkable 19th-century estate is a dream home in the making. Left to decay, the property is in need of rescuing and features a dusty interior and an overgrown garden that could make taking a look around a tricky task. But with space, style and scenery in abundance, any renovation efforts would be well worthwhile. Let's take a look around...

Spread over three floors, the castle boasts a symmetrical floor plan, two circular corner turrets and a central square tower for added fairytale magic. Described by the listing agents as "one of the most beautiful residences on Lake Maggiore", the pad sprawls over 10,000 square feet, so there's plenty of room for visiting guests. Much like the exterior, the inside of the home clearly needs repair work, but there are countless eye-catching features that would be worth rescuing...

From the stunning wrought iron and white Carrara marble staircase that sits in the entrance hall to the home's decorative door surrounds, gilded details, arched windows, beamed ceilings and traditional fireplaces, there's much to love. As for rooms, there are three large ground floor living spaces, five bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a balcony facing Lake Maggiore and a lift that connects each level. The top floor is also home to a huge space that would make for a celebrity-worthy bedroom.

What’s more, the pad sits on almost three acres of land and benefits from two private beaches and two separate buildings that are rundown and in need of extensive repairs – holiday homes, anyone? Even better, the castle already comes with all the necessary permits approved for the renovation. If you've fallen head over heels, then Sotheby's International Realty has all the information you need, including the price!

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