Let’s be honest: who hasn’t dreamed of living in a castle at least once? Whether it’s Bridgerton ballrooms, Barbie-style staircases, or full-on House of the Dragon drama, castles have a grip on our imagination, big windows. Secret libraries. That moody, ancient aesthetic. And kitchens so aesthetic, you’d forget to cook.

While most castles today are museum stops or majestic ruins, some are still very much alive, with people living inside them, drinking their tea with 13th-century chandeliers hanging overhead. Sounds fake, but it’s 100% real.

If you’ve ever wanted to live your fairytale fantasy or just have an unhealthy obsession with historic architecture (relatable), welcome to the list of the most incredible castles still owned and lived in by real families. Warning: castle envy ahead.

10. Haddon Hall – Derbyshire, England

More manor than fortress, but still giving major medieval energy, Haddon Hall is nestled in the Wye Valley and dates back to the 1100s. It’s one of the oldest homes in England that’s still lived in today. Lord and Lady Edward Manners call this beauty home.

It’s pure Tudor-core, and it’s been featured in The Princess Bride and Pride and Prejudice for good reason—this place is a literal movie set. Oh, and a scandalous elopement in its history only adds to its romantic street cred.

9. Killyleagh Castle – County Down, Northern Ireland

If I had to say that Hogwarts had a summer house, it would be this. Killyleagh Castle, perched on the shores of Strangford Lough, has been here since the 12th century and is – as it claims on its website – Ireland‘s oldest continuously lived castle.

With those fairy-tale turrets and Gothic Revival design (hello, spooky cute), it’s both homey and haunting. And while its walls have seen centuries of conflict and change, today it’s still a private residence. Walking through here is like scrolling through TikTok IRL.

8. Arundel Castle – West Sussex, England

Envision having a cup of tea with views over rolling hills and a thousand-year-old Norman castle. This is what Tuesday morning is like if you have existed at Arundel Castle.

Having been constructed in 1067 by one of William the Conqueror’s bent men, has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk from now and forever. Inside is nothing short of regal rooms, priceless art, and so many tapestries it would make even the Bridgertons envious. Plus, it overlooks the South Downs, so yes—it’s got views and vibes.

7. Belvoir Castle – Leicestershire, England

Belvoir (say it like “Beaver”—yeah, British spelling is wild) Castle is the family heirloom of the Dukes of Rutland, passed down for almost a thousand years.

Although it had to be rebuilt a few times (history is messy), its current Gothic glow-up was completed in the 1830s. The estate has gardens, woodlands, and good vibes for days. The current owners remain private, but the family has done an awesome job keeping it from straying too far from its origins.

6. Inveraray Castle – Argyll, Scotland

Ever seen Downton Abbey but Highlander? Furthermore, Inveraray Castle, the home of the Dukes of Argyll and located right down beside gorgeous Loch Fyne, was partially built in the 15th and 18c.

A historic site and working home at once. The interiors are old-school elegance meets low-key modern living. You can visit, but yes—someone lives here too.

5. Burg Eltz – Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Burg Eltz might be Europe’s most storybook-perfect castle. It’s perched in the middle of a forest like it popped out of a Disney movie, and it’s been in the same family since the 12th century. That’s over 860 years, btw.

It’s still partly private, though some parts are open to visitors. Inside, it’s all medieval woodwork, armour, and rooms that haven’t changed much since knights roamed the halls. Iconic.

4. Château d’Ussé – Loire Valley, France

This one inspired Sleeping Beauty. Château d’Ussé, a sparkling gem nestled in the French countryside, is part medieval fortress and part Renaissance fantasy. 

Now owned by the Duke of Blacas and family, it is open to the public, but don‘t be shocked if you feel that Aurora may appear on a balustrade at any moment in the middle of a serenade. It’s that storybook. Do you need proof that at least some fairy tales are true? Here you go.

3. Palácio da Pena – Sintra, Portugal

Now imagine a castle built by someone who just had a movie binge of fantasy films—Palácio da Pena. There are palm trees in front of Sintra, Portugal’s glorious King Ferdinand II’s castle, which was built by him in the 1800s, on a hill overlooking Sintra. Who knew a dizzying mix of Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance styles could also work as palm tree style!

Bright colours. Dozens of domes. Turrets. It’s such an architectural disorder in the best way. While technically a national monument, parts are still tied to Portugal’s royal legacy, and the palace is a major tourist and cultural spot.

2. Berkeley Castle – Gloucestershire, England

Berkeley Castle is not merely ancient, it is historic and legendary. It has been in one family for nearly 900 years; this is virtually unheard of. The Fitzharding-Berkeley clan has been in the castle since the 1100s.

It’s where King Edward II met his mysterious end, and remnants from the English Civil War are still visible. This place is straight-up medieval, but it’s also very much alive—a time capsule with serious character.

1. Dunrobin Castle – Highlands, Scotland

Dunrobin Castle is straight-up regal. It is, in essence, a huge castle (with 189 rooms and astonishing gardens that fall to the sea) and one of the most scenic castles in the United Kingdom. You will never be disappointed with the photographs you take of the sprawling views.

The Dukes of Sutherland have owned Berkeley Castle since the 1300s. It mixes Renaissance drama with medieval charm, and yes—it still functions as a private residence. Imagine having that many rooms and not losing your phone every day.

Final Thoughts: Would You Live in One?

So, which castle are you mentally moving into? Maybe the dreamy Château d’Ussé or the forest-hidden Burg Eltz? Whether your vibe is dark academia, fairy-core, or old-money aesthetic, these privately owned castles prove that royal real estate isn’t just a thing of the past.

They’re living, breathing pieces of history—and for a lucky few, actual homes. Sure, castle life might come with a few extra spiders and drafty hallways, but let’s be real: it beats a studio apartment with no windows.