The Unbelievable Reality of Living in a Castle
Castle life goes beyond chandeliers and drawbridges; it's a mix of challenges, triumphs, and unexpected joys.
Owning a castle is a lifestyle steeped in history, luxury, and intrigue. It’s the stuff of fairy tales, where grand banquets, towering turrets, and sweeping landscapes evoke a sense of timeless romance.
But what if we told you that living in a castle isn’t all royal feasts and Instagram-worthy moments? What if we revealed the hidden truths, jaw-dropping costs, and bizarre realities that come with calling a fortress your home?
This isn’t your average fairy tale. This is the real story of castle life—a story that’s more surprising, complex, and rewarding than you could ever imagine.
When you buy a castle, you're not just purchasing property; you're inheriting centuries of history. Castles are often classified as historical monuments, which means every renovation, repair, or even paint job requires government approval.
Forget knocking down a wall to create an open-concept kitchen; you'll need a team of historians, architects, and bureaucrats to sign off on it. This can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it ensures that the castle’s historical integrity is preserved. On the other, it can make even the simplest updates a lengthy and expensive process.
For example, in Dublin, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is set to spend up to €450,000 just to restore a ceiling in Dublin Castle. This staggering cost highlights the financial commitment required to maintain these ancient structures. Many castle owners pour more into restoration than they did into the purchase itself.
But for those who are passionate about history and preservation, this is a labor of love. Restoring a castle allows you to breathe new life into a piece of the past, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
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The process of restoration can also be incredibly rewarding. Imagine uncovering hidden frescoes, restoring a centuries-old tapestry, or discovering a secret passageway that hasn’t been used in hundreds of years. These moments of discovery connect you to the people who lived in the castle before you, creating a sense of continuity and stewardship that’s deeply fulfilling.
Castles may have ghosts, but the real horror lies in the upkeep costs. Keeping a stone fortress warm through a brutal winter is no small feat. In 2023, a château for sale near Tours, France, racked up an estimated €2,000 in heating costs for just one weekend (article linked in french).
And that’s before factoring in the army of contractors needed to repair leaky roofs, crumbling walls, and antiquated plumbing. If you think your property expenses are steep, try maintaining a moat.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Many castle owners have found creative ways to offset these costs. Some open their doors to tourists, offering guided tours that provide a glimpse into the castle’s rich history. While this means sharing your home with strangers, it also creates an opportunity to connect with people from around the world who share your passion for history and architecture.
Others turn their castles into event venues, hosting weddings, corporate retreats, and cultural festivals. These events not only generate income but also breathe new life into the castle, transforming it into a vibrant hub of activity.
One such example is Luttrellstown Castle Resort in County Dublin, which charges €5,450 per night for an exclusive stay. This luxurious experience includes access to the castle’s sprawling grounds, private dining, and even a personal butler. For guests, it’s a chance to live like royalty, if only for a night. For the owners, it’s a way to share their castle with the world while ensuring its preservation.
Living in a castle often means grappling with the limitations of its medieval design. Wi-Fi? Spotty at best. Cell service? Forget it. Castles were built to withstand sieges, not streaming services. Many owners have to install satellite dishes discreetly or risk ruining the aesthetic. And ordering takeout? Your castle is likely miles from the nearest restaurant.
