Three exotic castles in America you can buy

Europe is rife with castles for sale — ancient dwellings with moats and gothic arches, stone walls and magnificent gardens, decorated with elaborate wooden built-ins and a couple of armour suits flanking enormous fireplaces. Basically, legitimate castles.

Without a history to warrant such abodes, the United States has mostly had to make do with tacky, castle-themed McMansions. Still, there are a few exceptions, and most have been on the market for well over a year. “The buyer pool for this kind of property is small,” said Keir Weimer, associate broker with Select Sotheby’s International Realty, whose office represents a castle in the Adirondacks. “It has to be somebody who can appreciate an eccentric and generous property and is OK with the seclusion and privacy that a castle can afford.”

Here are three options:

Chrismark Castle, Connecticut $39 million
This Gothicstyle, ninebedroom, 10-bath property has a moat, drawbridge, 1,400-square foot kitchen, stage and an auditorium and a lavish group shower.


Image: Chrismark Castle, Connecticut

Highlands Castle,New York $12.8 million
In 1975, John Lavender promised his son he would build him a castle. Some 800 tonnes of stone later, Highlands Castle has a private driveway, lifesized lion statues, iron gates and solid oak trim-work, cabinets, doors and floors.

Castle Post, Kentucky $15 million
Currently the castle is a boutique hotel with rates from $195 to $420 a night. The 50.5 acres include tennis and basketball courts, billiards room, game room, card room and a banquet hall modelled after the Versailles.


Image: Castle Post, Kentucky