Are you a fan of castles? We may not have a royal family but we do have some pretty royal looking abodes and businesses in Central Texas.
Here’s where you can find castles in Austin and the surrounding area!
Do y’all remember the Disney film “Blank Check?” It was filmed in Austin and the house that the kid buys is Pemberton Castle, located at 1415 Wooldridge Drive in Pemberton Heights. The building began in the 1890s as a cylindrical water tower. It was converted into a small castle in the 1920s. Rumor has it that the house is now owned by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.
Newman’s Castle is a private residence just outside of Bellville. The owner, Mike Newman, loves to share his impressive, custom-created fortress and regularly opens the castle to tours of any size. Read all about the experience here.
In the heart of hill country, better known to us as Austin’s big back yard, lies Falkenstein Castle. This majestic structure is roughly 175,000 square feet, and it sits on a 113-acre plot of land. The building—ahem, estate—makes a compelling argument for the common refrain that everything is bigger in Texas. As of October 7, Castle Falkenstein is open to the public! It is available for private events, weddings, tours and lodging! Currently by reservation only. Visit their website to learn more!
Have the fairy tale wedding you’ve always wanted with the help of Sherwood Forest Faire. They offer three spectacular venues — Nottingham Castle’s Great Hall, the 7 Sisters Sacred Stone Circle, and Maid Marian’s Chapel. The Great Hall section of the Castle includes five bedrooms that are able to accommodate guests throughout the calendar year. Each room is furnished with large, heavy furniture, high-quality beds from local purveyor Austin Natural Mattress, oriental-style rugs, tapestries, and various other accouterments that will make the most discerning visiting nobles feel right at home.
Located in Johnson City, 290 Wine Castle is open daily. Join ye fellow lads and ladies for a medieval wine-tasting experience at Chateau de Chasse. Located just five miles west of Johnson City on the 290 wine trail, the Wine Castle brings you old world wines from the Bordeaux region of France to the Tuscan hills of Italy. In October only, they are offering a haunted dungeon experience.
Tucked away in tiny Smythwick near Marble Falls, you’ll find the Smythwick Castle & Lodge (permanently closed). While not a castle in the traditional sense of the word, Smythwick is described as a country castle which lies on over 10 acres of waterfalls, ponds and grand old oak trees. It is primarily an outdoor venue, offering a picturesque setting for special events. They also offer overnight accommodations for up to 10 guests.
Castle Avalon is only a short 10 minute drive from New Braunfels on Highway 46 West. As you drive through the Castle’s twenty-two foot tall gatehouse off Highway 46, you will be enchanted by what awaits you. Castle Avalon sits nestled on some of the finest acreage of Texas Hill Country. Not only is the beauty of the Castle captivating, but the charm and elegance of the grand ballroom is magical.
Captain Jay’s Cove Lake Castle on Lake Travis is one of the largest waterfront properties in Volente and located on a private cove so you’ll have no neighbors! It’s a three-master bedroom plus, 3.5 bath house on a 2.5-acre lakefront lot and it’s available to rent on Vrbo.
Featured photo via Airbnb.
