Schloss Fuschl is now part of the Rosewood Hotel Group. -- Handout
These days, it is possible to book a night or two at an old castle, heritage building or palatial mansion in many destinations around the world. Heck, you can even get married in some of them!
Roch Castle, Wales
The 12th-century Roch Castle in Pembrokeshire, Wales has a colourful history, which includes serving as one of a group of border strongholds that fortified Anglicised Wales from the independent Welsh to the North. It is said that the first known person to live in the castle was a knight called Adam de Rupe. Restored in 2009 and renovated in 2012, the place has six available rooms for rent.
Lumley Castle in England.
Lumley Castle, England
Located in County Durham, Lumley Castle looks like one of those typical Medieval castles you would see in storybooks. The castle has elegant decor and beautiful natural surroundings, making it the perfect venue for a weekend stay, or for a special event.
Steeped in history, Lumley Castle was named after its original owner and designer, Ralph Lumley, who converted his family mansion into a castle in 1389 after returning from war in Scotland.
Several changes have been made to the original building, but the main structure has remained the same. It is said that in 1603, England’s King James VI once stopped by the castle as a guest of the then owner, Lord Lumley. Although there are speculations that the “King James Suite” in the castle was named in connection to this story, it was later found that the king did not actually stay overnight.
Kokkedal Castle
Kokkedal Castle, Denmark
Kokkedal Castle in Copenhagen has 55 rooms and is just 30 minutes away from the Danish capital. Located in North Zealand, the castle is said to be built in the 18th century, and has a spectacular wine cellar with vaults dating back to 1746.
The castle grounds and gardens are gorgeous, with spaces to play petanque or croquet, just like the royals did back in the day. Kokkedal Castle is also near Rungsted, a coastal area with lively beaches and a marina.
Schloss Fuschl, Austria
Schloss Fuschl or Fuschl Castle sits on the banks of Lake Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria. The castle dates back to 1450 and was recently acquired by the Rosewood Hotel group. It is currently closed but is set to reopen as a full-fledged hotel next year, so there’s lots of time for you to plan your visit.
According to the hotel’s website, the place will have 98 guest rooms including 46 suites and six chalets, as well as restaurants and the Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel
Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel, Germany
Hotel Schönburg is one of the most elegant castle hotels in Germany that boasts stunning views of the Unesco World Heritage Site, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. With roaring open fires, lavish surrounding grounds and an amazing library, guests can indulge in the finer things of life here, just like its former inhabitants over the centuries.
The castle is said to have been built in 911 based on reports and historical documents. In the 12th century, the Dukes of Schönburg ruled over the town of Oberwesel. The castle was one of the very few medieval castles in Germany which observed a rather unusual tradition: After a duke’s death, all his sons are considered heirs to the castle, and not just the eldest. This, of course, caused a lot of feuds over the centuries.
The Schönburg main lineage became extinct with the death of their last heir, the son of Friedrich of Schönburg. The castle has gone through several stages of restoration and reconstruction since then; in 1689 it was even burnt down by the French.
Macalister Mansion in Penang is a sight to behold. — The Star
Macalister Mansion, Malaysia
Okay, Macalister Mansion is not a castle but it sort of looks like one, doesn’t it? Located in George Town, Penang, Macalister is a heritage colonial mansion built around 100 years ago. It has been restored and renovated, and features a chic and modern interior.
Its original facade, however, remains intact and this is probably what has attracted many people to stay a night or two there. There are only eight room available in the mansion, but it does have a large ballroom where many special events like weddings have been held.
