Raise the portcullis and lower the drawbridge – castles for sale

Dinton Folly in Buckinghamshire is a Grade II-listed castle ruin which dates back to 1769. It was built by Sir John Vanhattem, owner of nearby Dinton Hall, and was designed to store his vast fossil collection– within its walls: the limestone contains ammonites of all sizes. The estate agent has already had lots of inquiries from people who hope to turn the three-storey ruin into a majestic home, but that will take some effort: there are no services to the site, you will need to work within the listing rules and will need planning permission. The castle and its 0.6 acres will be sold at public auction on 26 November with a guide price of £75,000.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents, 01296 433666
Photograph: Michael Anthony Estate Agents

Castle Gogar near Edinburgh has just about everything you would expect in a property fit for a king or queen: towers and turrets with arrow slots, a vaulted crypt, an oak panelled dining room and hall, and even spiral staircases. You needn’t let on that the turrets were only added to the 1625 property in the 19th century and have never housed archers. Other more modern additions include a wet room and sauna, a handmade oak kitchen with a built-in American fridge freezer, and outbuildings housing a gym and games room. There are seven bedrooms, but you’ll have to climb all the way up to the third floor to rest your head in the master bedroom. Climb more stairs and you can survey your 3.65 acres from your very own battlements. The price is almost as lofty as the top floor tower room: £2.9m.
Savills, 0131 247 3700
Photograph: Savills

There aren’t many homes that can support a flagpole on the roof (aesthetically speaking anyway), but if yours looks like Badgeworth End near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, it’s practically your duty to make like royalty. This castellated Edwardian home, which sits in five acres of landscaped gardens and paddocks, is described as ‘a good example of the “fun” architecture which was in vogue at the turn of the last century’. It would certainly bring a smile to most people’s faces as they pulled up the tree-lined drive. It may not be quite in keeping with traditional castle living, but the indoor swimming pool is also pretty attractive. Expect plenty of guests, but with nine bedrooms you’ll easily accommodate them.
Savills, 01242 548 000 Photograph: Savills

Peterstow Court near Ross-on-Wye was only built in 1900 but looks like it is steeped in history. There is some classic art nouveau detailing in the original stained glass windows, and rooms feature exposed beams, oak panelling and carved fireplaces. There are five bedrooms, a garden room and a conservatory. Wander down the garden path and you will find a mature kitchen garden, a paddock and a swimming pool. The guide price is £750,000.
Chesterton Humberts, 01432 278278
Photograph: Chesterton Humberts

OK, so it lacks turrets, but as its name suggests Ogle Castle in Northumberland is well worth a look. It has a royal history: during the 1348 battle of Nevills Cross King David II of Scotland was imprisoned here until he was exiled back to his home nation. Now guests choose to stay, at the B&B run by the current owners. The Grade I-listed property certainly lends itself to that kind of enterprise, boasting nine bedrooms (several of them en suite), grand reception rooms and even a library ensconced within the tower. The stunning stone exterior and grand windows are not let down by the beamed rooms within, and the five acres of grounds allow plenty of room to roam. The £1.5m asking price, which also buys a detached cottage, isn’t quite a king’s ransom.
Sanderson Young, 0191 223 3500
Photograph: Sanderson Young