Sten Character Properties for sale

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Unique living: Timeless elegance and historic charm

European castles and venerable houses for sale

The somewhat different real estate search: Experience an incomparable range of historic homes on the one and only portal for European character properties. Connect with the history and atmosphere of your future home and learn more about the different expressions and varieties of this fascinating type of real estate.

The term originated in the United Kingdom and is occasionally used for historic properties for sale. There, they are mostly rural properties in which particularly individual qualities such as history, cultural value, but also personality and emotion play a foreground role. This sets them apart from ordinary and often purely functional residential properties and gives them their uniqueness. Character properties emphasizes the special appeal of such properties and addresses prospective buyers who are looking for historic or architecturally interesting houses for sale.

Absolutely. While real estate jargon lacks standard definitions for many terms, character properties generally do not refer to properties that are recent. New buildings are exceptions if parts of them have a historical connection, for example by integrating historical structures. Otherwise, they are historic buildings that were constructed before 1945 and often predate the Modernist era, with the exception of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Character properties can undoubtedly also have luxurious features and be classified as luxury properties. This is especially true for large, fully restored castles or historic villas in prime locations, which are often marketed as luxury or prestige properties.

The main difference lies in a special value in terms of history, authenticity and emotional significance. In contrast, luxury real estate focuses on contemporary luxury and comfort. This may also involve modern apartments or new buildings.

Character properties may be in need of renovation or restoration, and they often become what they are today through the passion and dedication of their owners over many years. Preserving their historic charm combined with modern luxury can present an additional challenge when these are landmark buildings that may be subject to certain regulations and restrictions.

Tip:
Historical real estate with luxury features can be easily found using the "Classification" filter.

Primarily, these are residential properties which, due to their characteristics, are often also used for tourist or commercial purposes. Even ruins can be described as character properties, especially if they represent cultural monuments or have a special historical value. As with other real estate, prices for these properties vary depending on a number of factors such as demand, location and condition.

Tip:
Refine your search using the "Condition" filter: From ruin to fully refurbished properties.

Castles and manor houses are certainly the best known examples of character properties. For those who do not see themselves as lords or ladies of castles and would rather live in harmony with contemporary lifestyle in smaller dimensions, there is a diverse selection of other properties, including exotic properties such as historic towers or converted church buildings. Find the overview below of the most common categories. More detailed information on each property type is available on the corresponding listing results pages.

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Historical real estate

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Churches

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Trullo

Italian Trullo in Apulia for sale

Castle apartments

Listings: Living in a castle

Character estate search results

Medieval Castle for sale 18513 Glewitz, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania,  Germany
New
Moated Castle in Northern Germany
Medieval Castle for sale 18513 Glewitz, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
Turow Moated Castle – A Place to Call Home for Generations: Live, Dream, Grow in a Real Castle: Imagine a place where children run barefoot across a cobbled courtyard while grandparents share old stories beneath centuries-old trees. Where family gatherings take place in the grand hall, everyone helps in the orchard, and life flows with the rhythm of the...

Lehmann Immo - Wohn(T)räume seit 2015
Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont,  Italy
Lakefront Villa in Verbania with Private Dock – Architectural Home by Aldo Rossi on Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont, Italy
This exceptional villa is set directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Verbania Suna and combines a peaceful waterfront location with generous space, architectural distinction and a private dock. The property was fully reimagined under the direction of renowned architect Aldo Rossi—recipient of the 1990 Pritzker Prize—in collaboration with Massimo Sch...

Città Ideale
Historic property for sale Nay, New Aquitaine,  France
Enclos Béarnais – 18th-Century Walled Farmstead Between Pau and Nay
Historic property for sale Nay, New Aquitaine, France
Located in a village just 20 minutes from Pau, this authentic Enclos Béarnais is a fully preserved historic farmstead offering more than 340 sqm of living space. The property includes a traditional main house, numerous outbuildings and a generous plot surrounded by nature – ideal for individual residential or project-based use. The Main House: The groun...

Abafim
Manor House for sale Chaumont, Grand-Est,  France
Under Contract
Baroquer manor near Chaumont - 12,35 acres baroque garden, Haute-Marne
Manor House for sale Chaumont, Grand-Est, France
Exclusive Listing by Denniel Immobilier – 2.5 hours from Paris: An elegant and exquisite early 18th-century château, attributed to renowned architect and sculptor Jean-Baptiste Bouchardon (1667-1742), located on a stunning island in the heart of the Marne River. Surrounded by a magical, enchanting garden, this exceptional property offers 5 hectares of l...

Denniel Immobilier
Historic Villa for sale Laglio, Lombardy,  Italy
Lake Como Villa with Private Marina, Guesthouse and Parkland
Historic Villa for sale Laglio, Lombardy, Italy
Built in the 1920s, this former entrepreneur's villa lies on the western shore of Lake Como and includes a guesthouse, private boat dock, boathouse, landscaped park with mature chestnut trees and rare botanical species. Owned by the same family since its construction, the property retains many original architectural details from the period. Its direct l...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic property for sale Premeno, Piemont,  Italy
Renovated Townhouse with Lake View near Verbania and Lago Maggiore
Historic property for sale Premeno, Piemont, Italy
In the historic center of Premeno, just 15 minutes from Verbania and the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore, this charming townhouse offers a rare blend of historical elegance and modern comfort. Lovingly renovated, the property has retained its original character, providing a tranquil retreat while remaining close to all essential amenities. The property...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Rhineland-Palatinate,  Germany
Historic Winemaker's Residence: Town Mansion in Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Historic Villa for sale Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Set in one of Germany’s most time-honoured wine-growing regions, this listed villa from the late 19th century is now offered for sale. Built in 1895 as the residential and working quarters of vintner Victor Wilhelm Labrosse, it remains a defining feature of the architectural landscape in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The property combines architectural re...

Private seller
Castle Apartment for sale Baveno, Piemont,  Italy
Luxurious apartment in Villa Barberis in Baveno
Castle Apartment for sale Baveno, Piemont, Italy
Enjoy luxury life on Lake Maggiore in this apartment in a prestigious historic property with pool, park and janitor service. The prestigious Villa Barberis in Baveno is a prestigious property on the lake in first-class condition and a total of ten residential units. The highlight of the second floor apartment, which can be reached by elevator, is the la...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
City palace for sale Oria, Apulia,  Italy
Old noble palace with garden next to Oria Castle
City palace for sale Oria, Apulia, Italy
Historic Palazzo Overlooking the Swabian Castle of Oria: This exceptional property is located in the historic Jewish quarter in the heart of Oria. The terraced garden spans 1,700 square meters and offers breathtaking views of the town, the majestic Swabian Castle, and the adjacent park. The garden is lushly landscaped with ornamental plants, fruit trees...

Oikos Immobiliare
Historic Villa for sale Berlin,  Germany
Historic Elegance Meets Modern Luxury: Unique Property for Exclusive Living and Working Berlin-Westend
Historic Villa for sale Berlin, Germany
This exceptional villa harmoniously combines the charm of historic architecture with modern comfort. A place where history and the modernism meet in a remarkable way. Built in 1924 by Peter Jürgensen, this unique property impresses with its spacious layout and beautifully preserved Art Nouveau elements. It is perfect for both exclusive living and as a p...

Black Label Immobilien
Exclusive luxury floor in historic villa above Gera
Castle Apartment for sale Gera, Thuringia, Germany
Villa Brehme is enthroned in an exposed location above the town, on the edge of the town forest. Visible from many points in the city, it is one of the most magnificent buildings in Gera and bears witness to the expanding industrial aristocracy at the end of the 19th century in what was then the most important city in Thuringia. The current owners and r...

Private seller
Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont,  Italy
Lake Maggiore Mansion with park and pool in Verbania
Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont, Italy
Historic Estate with Expansive Park and Pool – Premier Location: This remarkable property is situated in one of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods, just a short walk from the lake. Surrounded by a flat, meticulously maintained 3,000 m² park with a swimming pool, the historic villa from the late 19th century offers privacy and tranquility in an e...

Città Ideale
Town House for sale Kremnica, Region of Banská Bystrica,  Slovakia
600 Years of History – 15th-Century Merchant House
Town House for sale Kremnica, Region of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
15th-Century Merchant House Seeks a New Owner with an Appreciation for Exceptional Heritage: This Gothic and Renaissance merchant house is located on Kutnohorská Street, directly beneath Kremnica Castle. Its history dates back to 1434, and from a 1442 tax register, we know the first owner was a man named Wilhelm Gros. Today, the property is a national c...

Riešime bývanie, s.r.o.
Castle for sale New Aquitaine,  France
Château in Périgord Noir, Dordogne - High quality restoration and holiday cottages - 165,8 acres
Castle for sale New Aquitaine, France
Located in the heart of Périgord Noir, Dordogne, in the renowned Vézère Valley, famous for its river and castles, this estate offers an exceptional blend of magnificent architecture, stunning nature, and a serene atmosphere. Surrounded by vast and inspiring natural landscapes, this property in the Montignac area welcomes you with its warm, high-quality ...

Caractère et Charme immobilier
Castle for sale Landkreis Spree-Neiße, Kolkwitz,  Germany
Historical Sanatorium in Brandenburg – Unique Landmark with over 129,000 square feet of Usable Space
Castle for sale Landkreis Spree-Neiße, Kolkwitz, Germany
Key Facts at a Glance: 100% depreciation (AfA) available Interior finishing of the main building can be customized to your own specifications Geothermal energy is feasible at the site Most permits for previous construction plans were granted, including approval for new buildings and an underground garage Investors can receive support in developing an ap...

Private seller
Manor House for sale Cavillargues, Occitania,  France
Southern France: French estate in the country with park
Manor House for sale Cavillargues, Occitania, France
Historic Estate with Independent Living Areas and a Small Park in a Secluded Location Near an Authentic French Village with Shops. A central courtyard connects the various independent living areas. The main building has a living area of about 300 m². A stone staircase leads to the upper floor with large and very bright reception rooms (totaling 117 m²),...

Catherine La Bruyère Immobilier
Historic Villa for sale Corbetta, Lombardy,  Italy
Prestigious Historic Villa in Corbetta near Milan
Historic Villa for sale Corbetta, Lombardy, Italy
Corbetta is located just a few kilometers from Milan. This historic villa is a prestigious residence in an exclusive setting and is part of the 400-year-old wing of Villa Frisiani Mereghetti. Designed by the famous architect Francesco Maria Richini, the villa still preserves original architectural details and frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries, c...

Meani Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale Liguria,  Italy
Historic luxury mansion with sea view in Sanremo, Liguria
Historic Villa for sale Liguria, Italy
In one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Sanremo, the elegant capital of the Italian Riviera, lies this extraordinary Belle-Époque villa, which captivates with its unique charm and architectural prestige. This magnificent property in Liguria was designed in 1886 by the renowned architect Pio Soli (also the architect of Villa Nobel) and was original...

ImmoApulien
City palace for sale Santa Margalida, Balearic Islands,  Spain
Urban palace in Santa Margalida with courtyard
City palace for sale Santa Margalida, Balearic Islands, Spain
Elegant urban palace with approximately 340 m² of living space across three floors, situated in a central yet quiet part of Santa Margalida, just a ten-minute drive from the sea. This property stands out for its tranquil surroundings, authentic historical character and generous layout, offering the potential to be converted into two or three separate re...

FALC Real Estate SL
Historic property for sale Brienno, Lombardy,  Italy
Unique Lake Como waterfront property: Former spinning mill with apartments
Historic property for sale Brienno, Lombardy, Italy
La Filanda, a former silk factory directly on Lake Como, is a unique property. It is located in Brienno, a small village on Lake Como with Celtic origins. La Filanda has an interesting history and a special charm. The oldest parts of the property date back to the end of the 17th century and are shown on maps from 1720. The current building was built bet...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
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