Eight castles around the world you could buy for less than $1 million

A man’s home is supposed to be his castle, but rising house prices are pushing the dream of even having a simple house with four walls and a roof out of reach for many.

With Sydney’s median house price now at about $1.18 million and Melbourne’s median at about $866,000, according to Domain Group’s latest house price report, it may be cheaper for you to just buy an actual castle instead.

While $1 million might not get you very far in Australia’s biggest cities, if you leave our shores behind you could actually buy something fit for a king.

Admittedly, with such a budget you’re going to be starting out with an entry-level castle, probably in a need of a lot of work, but it still beats forking out $1.6 million for a small derelict terrace with collapsed ceilings and floors.

Here are eight properties you can buy right now.

1. A castle on a Scottish island. Price: From $640,000

Photo: Savills

Built in 1750 for the chief of a Scottish clan, this epic Georgian castle will have you feeling like the king of the Isle of Coll off the west coast of Scotland.

Breachacha Castle offers stunning views of the small island’s white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters and if you’re lucky you may even see some of the basking sharks, whales and dolphins that are known to pass by.

• Related: 6 French chateaus on the market
• Related: Medieval-themed properties for sale
• Related: England’s tiniest castle for sale

Apart from the stunning natural scenery on offer, the castle has six bedrooms, three of which have ensuites, two bathrooms, a sitting room and kitchen.

The side wings and pavilions are currently derelict shells, one of which is used as a workshop and store. So if you’ve got the cash to splash, there’s room to expand.

2. A 19th century chateau in France. Price: From $950,000

Photo: Moulin

OK, so this isn’t quite a traditional castle, but it looks like one. And if mountain scenery is your thing, this eight-bedroom abode in a spa town in the south of France could be more your style.

The estate has almost 2000 square metres of private gardens and offers 360-degree views of the neighbouring countryside.

There is also plenty of living space thanks to the eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, dining room and a lounge with an open fireplace to curl up by in winter time.

3. A medieval style home in France. Price: $740,000

Photo: Moulin

For something a little less maintenance you could head to the north of France where you’ll find this recently renovated 19th century home.

While it’s not technically a castle, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom medieval style home – complete with towers – will still have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

After entering through the grand lobby with marble floors you’ll find the manor is filled with beautiful woodwork from the 18th century, stained glass and stone, wooden and marble flooring.

The home – which offers 300 square metres of living space at the heart of a small town centre – also has a billiard room, office, dining room, basement and attic.

4. An apartment in a renovated castle in Germany. Price: From $140,000

Photo: Immobilien

Moving across to Germany, a budget of $1 million will be more than enough to buy into a renovated baroque castle about a one-hour commute from Berlin.

Three two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 92 to 133 square metres, are currently for sale in this castle located in a national park. Priced from about $140,000 you could buy all three and still have cash to spare.

Apart from having access to the 100-hectare castle park, you’ll also be able to use the large festival hall, communal castle kitchen, fireplace room, the sauna room with a jacuzzi and relaxation room.

5. The Herrenhaus in Germany. Price: From $740,000

Photo: Immobilien

If you don’t like the idea of sharing your castle, there is also this striking 27-room property up for grabs further south in Germany.

The manor offers about 830 square metres of living spaces and sits alongside a former summer house, in a 16,000-square-metre park.

Unfortunately though, having been built in 1906, the home is in need of a little tender loving care. While initial reconstruction work has already been carried out, and the home has been reconnected to gas, power and water, there’s still a long way to go.

Still, if you (and your bank account) are up for the challenge, it has a lot of potential.

6. A double castle in Germany. Price: From $530,000

Photo: Immobilien

Another fixer-upper, this historic Burganlage is the real deal with everything from a moat and former defensive walls, to a gatehouse and horse boxes.

As cool as it is, it’s currently uninhabitable. Parts of the home date back to 13th century, and in are need of some serious work.

If you’ve got the cash to splash on it, you’ll nab about 650 square metres of living space and set on 2440-square-metre grounds.

7. A 16th century castle in Scotland. Price: $210,000

Photo: Savills

Sure it might not have a roof or be in a liveable condition, but Knockhall Castle makes up for it with a beautiful site and interesting history.

Believed to have been built for a lord in 1565, the castle once hosted James VI, was overtaken by an Earl and later badly damaged in a fire. The current owner’s family has held it for hundreds of years.

The castle is located in the picturesque coastal village of Newburgh, which is about a half hour drive from the city of Aberdeen.

The owner has recently stabilised the site, which is being advertised as blank canvas with the potential to become a spectacular family home or business.

8. A chateau in Italy. Price: From $674,000.

Photo: Moulin

This yet to be finished chateau has a restored tower from the 17th century at its centre.

The home has the potential for five bedrooms and five bathrooms and sits on 3000 square metres of countryside in the Italian region of Le Marche.

The top of the tower would be the perfect spot to relax and take in the views of the surrounding valley and hills, after a day of renovating.