These Castles Are Cheaper To Buy Than a NYC Apartment
Castle ownership sounds unrealistic until you look at the numbers. Across parts of the United States and Europe, historic and castle-style properties regularly list for less than a modest New York City apartment. What varies isn’t just price, but how these places actually work as homes, venues, or long-term projects.
$899,000 — Alden, Michigan
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This Alden castle spans nearly 5,000 square feet, with thick stone walls and ceilings high enough to transform the way the kitchen and living areas feel. It looks medieval from the circular drive to the courtyard entry, but inside it functions like a large, insulated family home.
$679,000 — Jasper, Georgia
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Designed in 2004 by a retired Disney World architect, this Georgia mountain castle leans imaginative without crossing into theme-park territory. Its five fireplaces warm three bedrooms, and a spiral staircase leads to a tower room often used for reading or quiet time. The proximity to Atlanta keeps it practical, while wooded views and elevation give it a retreat appeal.
$975,000 — Murphy, North Carolina
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This North Carolina property operates more like an ongoing business. Known as the Castle of Joy, it already hosts weddings and overnight guests, complete with bookings, reviews, and furnished spaces. Outdoor features handle events easily, including ceremonies by the pond and evenings around the fire pit.
$995,000 — Chincoteague Island, Virginia
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Location carries the weight at this Chincoteague Island castle. Water views, a private dock, and a boat lift shape how the property lives day to day. The interior reflects its mid-1990s construction, and some updates would modernize bedrooms and baths. Still, the boating access, island sunsets, and coastal life do more persuasive work than square footage ever could.
$525,000 — Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
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This Colorado castle flips the usual equation, because the structure itself measures just over 700 square feet, with one bedroom and a stone fireplace. The real scale comes from the land: more than six acres near Red Feather Lakes. Limited plumbing keeps expectations realistic, but privacy, mountain scenery, and space drive the appeal far more than indoor size.
~$540,000 — Aradeo, Italy
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Built in the 1500s, the Aradeo castle is more like a working estate. The ground floor still contains an olive oil mill alongside vaulted stone rooms. A hectare of surrounding land adds breathing room. Southern Italy’s restoration incentives make long-term redevelopment part of the appeal.
~$410,000 — Piedmont, Italy
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Life inside a 13th-century tower near Turin unfolds vertically, with living spaces stacked floor by floor, thick stone walls moderating summer heat and winter cold. Renovation needs differ by level, allowing upgrades to happen gradually. Rail connections, nearby wine regions, and cooler northern summers make the location practical for year-round use despite the unconventional layout.
~$215,000 — County Cork, Ireland
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Ownership at this price point comes with responsibility. The medieval structure in County Cork offers compact rooms, heavy masonry, and clear restoration demands, but the setting offsets the work. Rural surroundings keep daily costs lower, and Ireland’s heritage grant programs can support approved preservation efforts.
~$265,000 — Savoie, France
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Originally built for defense, the Savoie watchtower prioritizes elevation over floor space. Interior rooms are narrow and tall, with renovation focused on usability. Alpine views stretch outward, and proximity to ski areas supports seasonal rental demand. Access to France’s transport and utilities keeps ownership manageable despite the building’s medieval origins.
~$430,000 — Măldăreşti, Romania
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Romanian noble influences are evident in this fortified house through its enclosed courtyards and thick defensive walls. Multiple wings create scale. It’s located in a village setting, and long-term ownership costs are relatively low. Restoration quality varies, which means inspections are essential. Interest from preservation groups and cultural tourism continues to rise.