11.�Inverlochy Castle
Where: Fort William, United Kingdom
The Inverlochy Castle was built back in 1863, just 2.1 miles (~3.4 kilometres) from the old 13th century Old Inverlochy Castle. Queen Victoria once stayed here and wrote about it in her diary: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”. The elegant rooms are well-decorated in the style of the period and all have views of the loch, mountains or gardens. The deluxe private bathrooms with walk-in showers will make you feel like royalty; some of the bathrooms also have free-standing or claw-foot tubs that you can soak in to relax. Full Scottish breakfast are included in the stay and the restaurant also serves British cuisine.
12.�Kasteel Wittem
Where: Wittem, Netherlands
Kasteel Wittem is estimated to have been built a thousand years ago, but most of what could be seen today was built only about 300 years ago. The owners of this beautiful property, which is located in almost eight acres of land, greet their guests with a glass of Champagne or any drink of choice. Their rooms are charming but with a modern theme, and you can also choose to stay at the Tower Room, which has been around since the 11th century. Bicycles can be rented to explore the surrounding area including historic sites and a cemetery and memorial in the nearby village.
13.�Markree Castle
Where: Collooney, Sligo County, Ireland
The beautiful Markree Castle that can be seen�today dates back to 1802 although a lot of its history has been written way before that. The place, a huge five-storey mansion in the middle of 500 acres of land, is now being run by the Cooper family. All rooms in this massive castle all have an overlooking view of the grounds and are decorated with antique furniture to make you feel like one of the royalties. You can wander around the inside of the castle and lounge by any of the fireside spots including one inside the library. If you want a peaceful tour around the huge estate, you can rent out a paddleboard and head to the Ballysadare River where you will eventually end up at the bay.
14.�Parador De Oropesa
Where: Oropesa, Spain
The Parador de Oropesa, built back in 1402, is not just among the oldest of the 93 found in Spain but was also the first to be opened as a hotel back in 1930. This stunning square fortress has a lot of history in its book, but the government has turned it to a beautiful accommodation to pay for its restoration and upkeep, just like the others. The rooms in the Parador are located in the palace and are very spacious. Aside from that, you are also given stunning views of the valley, the Gredos mountains the nearby village. Rates for doubles start at US$147 ($185).
15.�Pousada of Obidos – Hotel Castelo
Where: Obidos, Portugal
This beautiful medieval architecture, complete with beautiful squares, narrow streets, a walled fortress and a castle, has long been a place of refuge and relaxation for the Portuguese monarchy. This 12th-century luxury accommodation, also classified as one of the seven marvels of Portugal, has 14 double rooms and three suites. Located in the castle and in the new wing, each room has an en-suite bathroom and a bunch of other modern amenities. The pousada’s own restaurant serves both regional and international cuisine, but there are also a lot of great restaurants around Obidos.
More grand�castles next page!
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