Historically, castles served as fortified structures and residences for those of royalty and nobility in the Middle Ages. While these Medieval properties never existed in America, there is a collection of fairytale-like mansions in the United States that boast the same Gothic and Romanesque characteristics of European castles such as beautiful stonework, towers and pointed arches.
Many of these “American castles” were built in the Industrial Ages and later on in the early 20th century for European immigrants and new wealthy Americans who wanted European castle-style homes. Though they are uncommon, multiple castle homes still stand today and are waiting to be sold to an owner who can appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Medieval architecture. Here are three American castles on the market today.
Medieval-Inspired Castle Home in Rochester, Michigan
Seemingly straight out of a fairytale book, this stunning home resides in Rochester, Michigan surrounded by over six acres of trees and a lush green lawn. The Medieval-inspired estate will transport anyone who steps foot on the property back to a time of royalty as it is complete with a moat and drawbridge, a waterfall, lancet windows, a portcullis, classic castle spires and two gated towers standing 60 feet tall. Listed for $2.35 million, the castle is 10,781 square feet and boasts 26 rooms, including secret rooms and doors leading to hidden passageways, a wine cellar and Tudor-style pub, and a hidden staircase. The home also features modern amenities and upgrades, including an elevator and heating and air-conditioning.
Castle Von Frandsen in Sandpoint, Idaho
Nestled in between the Cabinet and Bitterroot Mountains on nearly 10 acres of Frandsen Forest near Sandpoint, Idaho, this whimsical castle provides a lifestyle of complete private royalty. The single-family home overlooks the crystal clear Lake Pend Oreille and is complete with two bedrooms and three bathrooms, three floors of medieval stonework, a private two-tiered dock and a stone tunnel. Currently available for $4.5 million, the enchanting castle was hand-built in 2022 from granite quarried in British Columbia and hand-chiseled to fit onsite.
The Campbell Castle in Wichita, Kansas
Built from 1886 to 1888 by Colonel Burton Harvey Campbell and his wife, Ellen, this one-of-a-kind castle is a living example of European royalty as it is an authentic reproduction of a Richardsonian Romanesque Scottish Castle, according to the listing. The property sits on nearly two acres of manicured grounds on the banks of the Little Arkansas River and boasts approximately 15,000 square feet of living space across the main home and adjacent Carriage House, which are on the market for $2.95 million. There is plenty to admire in this home, which features historical antiques and modern luxuries of today, including original fireplaces, German stained glass, a 300-year-old grand staircase and arched dining room window both imported from London, as well as a private bathrooms and in-room whirlpool tubs and a castle kitchen complete with a 12 burner Wolf commercial stove, two convection ovens, a commercial dishwasher and stainless steel countertops.
