THE JOURNAL
Tainaron Blue, Greece. Photograph by Mr George Messaritalis, courtesy of Tainaron Blue
Spare a thought for the unlucky couple whose recent proposal attempt at Disneyland Paris, with Sleeping Beauty’s castle in shot, went awry and then went viral. Not because she said no, but because of the member of staff who shut it down before it could even get that far.
The couple claimed they had permission to enter a fenced-off area of the park and Disneyland quickly apologised for the way the situation was handled. (In the end, she said yes.) But it got us thinking. Regardless of whether or not they should have been in front of Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, was it really the right place to pop the question?
France – and the wider European landmass – is well stocked with fortifications that would serve as a better backdrop. It may be the only Disney castle built with actual stone (the French, seemingly, wouldn’t be fooled by fibreglass), but the real-world alternatives have seen some action and can provide more than enough romance.
Fairytale proposals are not the only option. You could dine like a king, live out your Game Of Thrones fantasies or, you know, just stay the night (or 100 years) in a fancy four-poster. Whatever you choose to do within these thick, reinforced walls is your business. Here are seven European strongholds turned seductive hotels.
01.
Castle Elvira, Italy
Castle Elvira, Italy. Photograph courtesy of Castle Elvira
The story behind this Pugliese palace is perhaps more Brothers Grimm than Disney revision. It was built 120 years ago by a wealthy couple from Naples for their daughter, Elvira, as a gift for her 17th birthday. To say thanks, the child cooked them a meal with mushrooms hand-picked from the grounds. Alas, the fungi were poisonous. Elvira died and the castle was abandoned – until now. The recent renovation features a bold interior design, modern gadgets and fun artworks that sit comfortably alongside original features. And there’s no need to drape your hair over the tower roof terrace to gain attention. The concierge can be beckoned by WhatsApp.
What to pack
02.
Kingswear Castle, UK
Kingswear Castle, England. Photograph by Mr John Miller, courtesy of The Landmark Trust
As compelling as these old buildings are today, their original purpose was to keep invaders out rather than lure visitors in. Kingswear Castle dates back to the late 15th century, when England had serious beef with France, which makes it one of country’s first purpose-built artillery forts. No longer needed to protect Dartmouth harbour, the castle was restored as a summer house by a Devonshire MP in 1855 and is now managed by the Landmark Trust as a holiday let. Location is everything here. There are stunning views (and sheer drops) from the roof platform over the estuary. There’s also a kitchen and dogs are permitted.
What to pack
03.
Tainaron Blue, Greece
Tainaron Blue, Greece. Photograph by Mr George Messaritalis, courtesy of Tainaron Blue
When this tower was built 200 years ago, the easiest way to get here was by sea. Even today, the location, if not the journey, to Tainaron Blue can seem Homeric in scale. It still feels like the end of the Earth. In fact, you can almost see and even walk to the southern-most point of the Greek mainland from here. This three-room hotel is compact, but it manages to squeeze in enough to make it feel special. The views, the history, the food – it’s a lot to take in. Which is where the plunge pool comes into its own.
What to pack
04.
Hotel Castello di Reschio, Italy
Hotel Castello di Reschio, Italy. Photograph by Mr Philip Vile, courtesy of The Reschio Estate
Given that this fortress has been stood here, on the lip of Umbria, since 1050, that’s a lot of time to get things right. So, from repelling burning projectiles in pre-enlightened, pre-unified Italy, today, it’s the details that are, well, lit. From the moment you step in and leave your outerwear in the Boot Room – from whence you can retrieve it later, cleaner – everything has been thought of. The castle wears its history well, with the decor is plugged in to a fin de (20th) siècle vibe. Both the library and the Palm Court Bar are well-stocked and if the on-site equestrian centre doesn’t tempt you, the olive groves and shady spots by the lakes and pool might.
What to pack
05.
Château Capitoul, France
Chateau Capitoul, France. Photograph by Mr Herve Leclair, courtesy of Chateau Capitoul
The Romans saw the potential of Narbonne, making their first forays into Gaulish winemaking here more than 2,000 years ago. Château Capitoul sprang out of another viticulture boom towards the end of the 19th century, when local vineyards pioneered a solution to the Great French Wine Blight and found themselves with a near monopoly of the market. Today, there are 62 hectares of vines on this estate and adjacent land. Guests can also enjoy the dry gardens, designed by the four-time Chelsea Flower Show winner Mr James Basson. The hotel boasts two restaurants – a fine-dining eatery with an impressive tasting menu and a wood-fired grill, where all ingredients are sourced from within 100km. (From the same portfolio, the nearby Château les Carrasses has an even more fairy-tale feel.)
What to pack
06.
Castle Schönburg, Germany
Castle Schönburg, Germany. Photograph by Mr Juergen Feuerer/Alamy
It is easy to be swept off your feet by perhaps the dreamiest hotel in Germany, but Castle Schönburg stands testament to the wealth generated by the Rhine, which flows below it. It was built by successive dukes, who ruled over the town of Oberwesel and levied a tax on anyone transporting goods along the river. The section that Schönburg overlooks is now part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, which only adds to the appeal. Razed during the Thirty Years War and left in ruins for two centuries, we have the German-American Rhinelander family to thank for the castle’s restoration. Once, visitors would most likely be held in the prison tower, but for the past 65 years, guests have been able to enjoy far more lavish accommodation.
What to pack
07.
Hotel Castell d’Empordà, Spain
Hotel Castell d’Empordà, Spain. Photograph courtesy of Hotel Castell d’Empordà
Perpare to face your Waterloo. At least an 18sq m scale model of the battle with 2,000 hand-painted soldiers, assembled over 20 years by the owner, whose great-great-grandfather served under Napoleon (my, my). It’s the centrepiece of this Catalan stronghold, but not necessarily the reason to come here. The palatial facilities might be more your jam. At one time the home of Mr Pedro Margarit, an explorer who sailed with Mr Christopher Columbus, it was held by his family for centuries. The artist Mr Salvador Dalí tried to buy it in the 1970s, but the owner refused his payment in paintings. Its charms will not be lost on you (make like Napoleon and surrender).