Tråfjosen

Okay, so the luxury is a little lower with Tråfjosen, a converted wooden barn in Voss, a ski resort in Western Norway (which sleeps 4), because it lacks electricity (wood burning heat only) and running water. But the multi-sided windows allow for stunning panoramic views and and the decor and interior design is sparse but strikingly modern.

Scrubby Bay House

If the Norwegian mountains aren’t remote enough for you, Scrubby Bay House is a luxury retreat in Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Accessibility is limited to a dogged 40-minute SUV ride or a helicopter from Christchurch. Friends and family are welcome as it sleeps 14. It was nominated for World Building of the Year in 2015. There is a pool, lots of wood and stone, an idyllic bay and plenty of hills. Good reading material is essential. The property is just one of  luxe retreat specialist Annandale’s coastal farm escape and luxury villa collection.

Anakolodge

You can’t talk about mountain retreats without mentioning Switzerland. Don’t let the cluster of chalet’s that comprise Anakolodge’s rugged outward appearance fool you. Although you might be expecting to hear bleating sheep when you approach, the interior is spartan but sleek and modern with ski-to-door access, hot tubs and more. It is a year-round getaway with wifi access that will have you asking to work from home more often.

The Ark

Now for something entirely different: The Ark is a  Sri Lankan rainforest getaway that is the stuff of James Bond movies. Forty acres of private reserve will allow you to hike, bird watch or just switch off. There’s an infinity pool in the clouds and old cinnamon and tea plantations below. You can even try your hand a tea-plucking.

The Hen House

A continent away, in Scotland, The Hen House is a perfect place to ensure no annoying neighbors will alert the cops when you blast your music or walk about in the buff with the curtains open. Overlooking Loch Bracadale on the Isle of Skye, it has been featured in the Guardian, Small House Bliss, and the Financial Times 2015. The retreat is completely built from sustainable and often local materials.

Solo Houses

Off the grid and relying completely on solar power, Solo Houses is the first of 17 retreats being designed by Spanish architects, Kersten Geers and David Van Severen As they explain in the book Mountain View, The Perfect Holiday Homes: “Since the scenery is so impressive, we felt architecture should be invisible, merely emphasizing the natural qualities of the surroundings.”

Okay, put down the swimwear and grab the hiking boots.

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Whether you’re planning a wedding abroad and want to combine hotel costs for family with the price of renting a venue, are planning the next boutique music festival, or just want to have a vacation for the whole family that doesn’t involve shaking hands with a man in a mascot costume, these castles will have anyone feeling like royalty.

Kilmartin Castle, Scotland

Held originally by the rector of Kilmartin Glen and the Bishop of The Isles, this castle, built in 1550, is a cozy retreat for anyone fond of nature and the beautiful scenery of the Scottish countryside.

Dunskey Castle, Portpatrick

This castle is built on a 2,000-acre property covering glens, forests, gardens, lochs, and waterfalls. The nine beds, 5.5 bath estate also features an expansive library and grand dining room. Contrary to what you might think was intended of a space built to explore nature in, it also has internet access.

Dairsie Castle, Scotland

Located 15 minutes outside St Andrews University, this castle sleeps 13 and is great for everything from the company golf outing at the historic course in St Andrews to a family holiday. The castle is also an hour drive away from Edinburgh, the heart of Scottish culture.

Devon Castle, Devon

A beautiful old mansion in Devon, featuring 5 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and broad views reaching out to the ocean, this three story mansion is beautiful in its traditional English design and has several large gardens enclosed in the property to wander through.

Beaulieu Sur Loire Castle, France

Located in central France, and a short drive from Paris, this 10 bedroom, 8 bathroom estate is built across multiple buildings in the commune. The property also features multiple gardens, ponds, pools, and greenery to roam during your stay. Forget having to deal with the neighbors in the room next door when next door are birds chirping round the clock.

The post These Airbnb Castles Are Incredible appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.