5 European castles that are basically the same price as a home in Toronto

Toronto's absurd housing market has made affording a detached home about as realistic as one day inheriting a medieval kingdom.

Which is why this current real estate rabbit hole feels so offensive: for the average price of a regular Toronto home — $1.37 million for a detached, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board — you could literally buy a castle in Europe. Not a fixer-upper semi with "good bones." An actual castle with stone walls and ghosts and everything.

Years of binge-watching Game of Thrones and numerous romantic period dramas have convinced us that a quiet life in the countryside is the dream. I mean, couples in Toronto have already started buying and renovating centuries-old Italian villas.  

I may be the only person on the planet thinking this right now, but why can't we be more like Enya?

The Irish singer, if you don't know the lore, rose to international fame in 2000 with her hit "Only Time" — heard on every light rock radio station and romantic comedy soundtrack during that time — and then sailed away to live alone in a castle outside Dublin with her 12 cats. 

Her Manderley Castle, by the way, cost her $4.6 million, which, yes, is still considered ridiculously expensive for the average Toronto worker. But a quick dive into the European castle market reveals many properties selling for less than, or roughly the same as, the price of an average Toronto detached home.

Here are five castles currently for sale in Europe that are on par with the cost of a house in Toronto. 

French chateau

How many chances do you get at owning a chateau of this calibre? This stunning 5,037-square-foot castle dates back to 1790 and was once home to a Count and one of Napoleon's generals.

The castle in Limoges, France. Photo: Beaux Villages Immobilier.

The property is located in the Limoges region of central France, an area known for its rolling countryside, ancient history, and relaxed way of life. The home is especially appealing to wine connoisseurs with two separate wine cellars nestled within the grounds. There are 11 bedrooms throughout, so if the new owners don't have a large extended family to invite over, they could potentially turn it into a charming bed and breakfast. 

Outside, nearly two hectares of landscaped gardens create a truly idyllic setting. Just imagine long summer nights hosting dinner parties on the lawn, or afternoons spent playing a friendly game of croquet on the grass. 

It's currently listed at €599,000, which translates to around C$963,485.

Law Castle in Scotland

Castle or restored medieval tower house, what's the difference? This 15th-century stunner sits in the small Scottish village of West Kilbride overlooking the country's west coast. The six-storey property spans 3,035 square feet and comes with all the fixings of a romantic European castle: timber beams, stone fireplaces, candelabra chandeliers, velvet curtains, and dramatic coastal views. 

The Law Castle in Scotland. Photo: Peter Walker Glasgow.

According to the listing agent, the castle was gifted in 1467 to the daughter of James II of Scotland as a wedding present. It later fell into disrepair before undergoing a major restoration in 2005, though the medieval-esque interiors were kept intact. And while it feels completely remote, Glasgow Airport is still only about a 45-minute drive away.

It is currently accepting offers over £900,000, which works out to be roughly C$1.6 million.

Castle with pool in France

Another chateau in France? Quelle surprise! This medieval castle dates back to the 13th century and was officially classified as a historic monument in 1995. Set within a quiet hamlet in Ambeyrac, the castle offers near-panoramic views of the peaceful rivers below. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking to completely disappear into the French countryside.

Castle in Ambeyrac, France. Photo: Prestige Property Group.

While rich in history, the five-bedroom property has gone under the knife to make a few enhancements. Most notable is the 29-foot-long pool in the private and perfectly landscaped courtyard. Upstairs, the bedrooms are modest and accessed via a circular staircase, giving the whole place a true fairytale feel.

It's currently listed for €899,000, which translates to roughly C$1.4 million.

Italian Castello

Not all castles are high and mighty. In some cases, like this one, size doesn't matter. Nestled within the medieval village of Buronzo, this enchanting Italian castle dates all the way back to the 1300s and forms a "Consortile," a rare fortified complex of seven interconnected castles.

Castle in Buronzo, Italy. Photo: RE/MAX Lakelife.

Inside, the three-storey home features vaulted atriums, painted coffered ceilings, decorative frescoes from the 1600s, a medieval tavern, historic cellars, and a watchtower with views of Monte Rosa. And you know it's fancy when your potential new home comes complete with a freight elevator connecting the upper floors.

This quaint castello is currently listed at €799,000, which translates to C$1.27 million. 

Nestle Castle in England

Now, this listing is a little different. Rather than an entire English castle being offered for sale, buyers can instead purchase a "luxury apartment" within this historic property, first constructed in 1542 as part of Henry VIII's coastal defences.

Just imagine the tea and gossip you could share with your neighbours in a castle like this.

The entire castle turned into luxury apartment buildings. Photo: Savills.

Set on the grounds of one of southern England's historic waterfront castles, the property sits within roughly 3.4 acres of landscaped gardens near Southampton, Hampshire. How posh. This 1,776-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment offers everything you'd expect from an average Toronto condo — except on far more lush and dramatic backdrop.

It's currently listed at £695,000, meaning it'll cost about C$1.28 million to buy.