Our property prices are notoriously sky-high, but bet you didn’t know that these colossal mansions are cheaper than our condos!
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or most of us, our interaction with European castles is largely limited to visiting and taking photos of medieval halls, toilets and cutlery but did you know that there are entire property listings of castles you could buy?
Even better, they’re cheaper than a mid-level condominium in Ang Mo Kio (that isn’t even close to AMK Hub).
What’s stopping you from buying these fairytale houses*?
*Knight in shining armour not included.
1. 19th-Century chateau in Cahors, France
€519,400 (approx. S$800,000)
Forget that cramped ‘lakeside’ executive condominium beside the canal you noticed; this charming castle has a view overlooking the Lot River and almost 5000 square metres of space, including 2,900 square metres of landscaped grounds.
It consists of a garden, an outhouse, a swimming pool, a basement, and three levels of rooms. Maintenance might be a nightmare but if a castle is this cheap in France, I don’t think you’d have much trouble finding affordable helpers.
2. Elegant manor in Gaillac, France
€998,000 (S$1,540,000)
Fork out well over S$1 million for a decent apartment in a central area in Singapore, and you’d still have to top up a handsome sum if you want renovations. Not in Gaillac. This elegant property, a leviathan at 560 square metres, comes fully furnished with Renaissance sophistication.
It’s fitted with numerous beautiful architectural elements, such as a stone staircase, stained and mosaic glass windows, and romantic fireplaces.
3. Historical castle with ancient keep in Ain, Geneva
€1,500,000 (S$2,310,000)
In Singapore, old properties aren’t exactly desirable as they run the risk of getting torn down for redevelopment. In Europe, things work slightly differently – old castles won’t get slapped with an “en bloc” notice.
This beautiful castle is a former military fortress in the 15th Century, and features 450 square metres of floor area. This includes reception rooms, 12 bedrooms, a cylindrical keep, a courtyard, 7.6ha of landscaped grounds, an outhouse, and a second house of 130 square metres!
That price could get you a semi-detached house in Singapore. That’s half a house. Geneva can give you two houses. Do the sums, people.
4. Fairytale palace in Vienne, France
€1,260,000 (S$1,940,000)
Look at this beauty – I almost mistook it for a Disney movie set! Built in 1872, this castle boasts a whopping 800 square metres of marbled rooms, intricate carvings, a chapel with stained glass, and two outhouses. Outside, it is flanked by 12ha of meadow, 10ha of woods, 2ha of park, a cottage garden and a fruit orchard.
Paying this amount wouldn’t even get you a condominium in Orchard, much less one with an orchard.
5. Luxurious castle in Belgium
€ 3,750,000 (S$5,770,000)
Château Mirwart in Saint Hubert, Belgium, is built on a rock rising above the district Vallée de la l’Homme. The oldest parts of the castle, a portion of its cellars, date back to the 7th Century.
The listing states that the chateau can hold up to 45 bedrooms, each with a bathroom, and has five to six lounges on the ground level.
S$5,770,000 may sound like a sweet amount that can get you a cushy pad in Singapore. Well, it could buy you a terrace with a swimming pool in Sembawang – not even District 10. That would cost you upwards of $20 million – about thrice the price of the first castle on this list!
Of course, we must keep in mind that these shockingly extravagant properties are also located far, far away from the main cities. But something tells me that would be the least of my worries if I could stay in a European castle!
By Pamela Chow
ADVERTISEMENTS