Ever thought about what it takes to maintain a centuries-old château or castle? Many of these stunning properties have been passed down through generations and come with their fair share of challenges. To keep up with maintenance and upkeep, owners often rent them out for weddings, birthdays, or corporate events.
Recently, we found ourselves at Château du Thil in Burgundy, France—a region known for its breathtaking vineyards and serene atmosphere—to celebrate a friend’s birthday. That experience sparked our hunt for a similar venue to ring in the New Year, leading us to scour Airbnb and Booking.com for the best options. After some digging, we managed to snag an affordable stay for 10 people, totaling around 5,000 euros for four days.
To help readers find their perfect escape, LocalsInsider teamed up with travel expert Hannah Forrest to curate a list of the best affordable luxury châteaux for a getaway in 2025. Whether you want to revel in Europe’s rich history or simply enjoy the grandeur of a castle stay, here are some of the top rentals that will transport you back to the days of jousting knights, stone-walled halls, and timeless elegance.
Château du Thil, Burgundy, France
Château du Thil, located in the heart of Burgundy, France, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort. This 19th-century château is set amidst picturesque vineyards, providing a serene backdrop for various events, including weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.
The château features five individually decorated double rooms, each combining antique furnishings with contemporary amenities. Every room includes a private bathroom situated in the tower, a Nespresso machine, and a tea kettle. For larger groups, rooms can be connected to form a suite or an entire apartment. The price per double room, including a private bathroom and breakfast buffet, is €170 per night. An additional room with a sofa bed is available for €80 per night.
Guests have access to several shared spaces, such as the Summer Salon, Library, Dining Room, Game Room, Yoga and Music Room, and the Explorer’s Room. The expansive three-hectare park, adorned with century-old trees, offers various seating and lounging areas. A four-hectare forest invites leisurely walks, and early risers might encounter deer near the château.
Château Allure du Lac, Loire Valley
For an unforgettable stay complete with the nostalgic feel of armor and broadswords, Château Allure du Lac is a 19th century, 22-acre lake authentic château located in France. It’s set in a fairytale lakeside landscape with wildlife-filled woods and a beautiful garden. There is even an antique gazebo in case you want to plan a historic wedding, complete with an enchanting tree canopy and a nearby gothic chapel.
Amenities
- Swimming pool
- Open log fires
- Wi-Fi
- Housekeeping
- Catering
- Laundry Services
The château has room for 15-38 guests at a time, with 19 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms. Prices range from £92pppn/approx. $114pppn (based on 15 people, with a required minimum stay of three nights). Smaller apartments on the grounds offer another rental option, though they are not decorated to the same standard
Activities Nearby
Wine tasting, riverboat tours, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning are nearby attractions. The private lake offers rowing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Explore Grez-Neuville, voted the prettiest village in the Loire Valley.
Broholm Castle, Denmark
Located in the parish of Gudme in Denmark, Broholm Castle is a 13th century fairytale land that carries almost 700 years of history. Broholm Castle’s wide moats spared it during Denmark’s last civil war (1533-36), making it a unique historical site.
Amenities and Activities
Broholm Castle features a park, lake, moats, watermill, and a museum with the Chamberlain NFB Sehested Prehistoric Collection. Activities include:
- Park and Fairy-Tale Track
- Stone Age Museum
- Broholm’s Doll Museum
- Croquet
- Rowing boats
- Bike rental
- Guided tours
There are 19 rooms available, with some featuring private or shared bathrooms, suites, and apartments. Some stays include afternoon coffee/tea with homemade cake and a 3-course gourmet dinner. Prices range from DKK 1,495 for a single room to DKK 2,995 for an apartment, with breakfast included.
Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria
Schloss Leopoldskron, built in 1736, offers a luxurious and historic stay next to a small lake with views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The 17-acre estate boasts mountain views and serene surroundings.
Amenities
Home to the Salzburg Global Seminar, Schloss Leopoldskron features:
- Full breakfast
- Seasonal swimming pool
- Wi-Fi
55 rooms in the Meierhof, 12 suites in the palace, and two townhouses are available. Prices range from €200 for two adults per night in the Meierhof to €683 and above for palace suites. The Max Reinhardt apartment costs €688 for one night for two adults.
Thornbury Castle, England
Thornbury Castle, the only Tudor castle operating as a luxury hotel, is a 16th-century English Castle in Bristol that once hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. It sits on 15 acres of lush grounds.
Amenities
- 26 restored bedchambers
- Four-poster beds
- Stone-carved fireplaces
Rooms are named after Tudor figures, and the “Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite” boasts the largest bed in the UK. Prices range from £439.00 for a deluxe room to £979.00 for a suite (with dinner, bed, and breakfast).
Carlowrie Castle, Scotland
Carlowrie Castle in West Lothian combines historical charm with contemporary style. Recognized as one of the top venues in Europe, it is the only B Corp-certified castle worldwide.
Amenities
- Tennis court
- Croquet lawn
- Highland games
- Indoor relaxation: massages, art classes, yoga, pilates
Rooms are available in the castle, Gate Lodge, and The Stables. Prices range from £3,750 to £9,100, depending on availability.
Castle Nardelli, Italy
Castle Nardelli, perched atop a hill in the Central Apennines, dates back to the 11th century. This historic stay-castle, while smaller in size, offers a uniquely romantic and authentic experience with six bedrooms that accommodate up to 12 guests.
Amenities
- Underground cellar
- Wellness area with a Finnish sauna and Turkish baths
Castle Nardelli combines medieval charm with modern comforts and features breathtaking views of the nearby hills and the Candigliano River. Prices range from £1,367 to £2,734 per night.
Château Bourgogne in Burgundy, France
Château Bourgogne, with origins dating back to 1000 AD, is rich in character despite its modest size. It offers views of the renowned Grand Cru Le Montrachet wine slopes and six double bedrooms with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms.
Amenities
- Swimming pool
- Courtyard
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- Sitting room with a medieval fireplace
Ideal for history lovers and wine enthusiasts, Château Bourgogne provides a serene and historic ambiance. Weekly rental prices range from 770 EUR to 6,960 EUR during peak seasons.
Castle Mago, Italy
Castle Mago, built in the early 16th century, was once the residence of Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany. Situated on Italy’s Etruscan Coast, it offers stunning views of Elba Island and the sea.
Amenities
- Antique furnishings
- Mini-bar
- Air conditioning
- Satellite TV
- Wi-Fi
- En-suite bathrooms
This exclusive villa features a front and rose garden, swimming pool, and weekly rental starting at USD 2,477 per night. Activities nearby include vineyard visits, olive oil tours, boat trips, and cooking lessons.
Sterkenburg Castle, Netherlands
Sterkenburg Castle, near Utrecht in Driebergen-Rijsenburg, dates back to the 13th century and is known for its medieval round tower. Once serving a defensive purpose, it now offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush greenery.
Amenities
- Leafy estate with stork nests and roaming wildlife
- Medieval art and antique furnishings
- Quaint rooms like the Stork Room, Owl Room, and Turtle Room
Voted a “Guest Favorite” on Airbnb, Sterkenburg offers rooms starting at 205 EUR per night for two adults, including breakfast.
Loppem Castle, Belgium
Located in Zedelgem, Belgium, Loppem Castle is renowned for preserving its original 19th-century Neo-gothic architecture and interior. The castle sits amid an idyllic park, complete with ponds and an 1873 maze.
Amenities
- Art collections
- Historic park with ancient trees and grottos
Although overnight stays are not offered, Loppem Castle is available for event rentals and day visits. Entry prices are 9 EUR for adults to visit the castle, with maze access for 2 EUR.
Wherever your European travels may take you, staying in a castle or château, we believe, will give you an unmatched glimpse into the continent’s storied past.
