Character Properties for sale: Exclusive property Show info

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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Listings: Living in a castle

Character estate search results

Castle for sale Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio,  Italy
New
Palazzo Santa Chiara: Architectural gem in Civita di Bagnoregio
Castle for sale Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy
Discover with us one of the most exceptional and historically valuable properties in Latium, north of Rome and close to Lake Bolsena (Lago di Bolsena). Nestled within the historic enclave of Civita di Bagnoregio, lies Palazzo Santa Chiara, a cultural landmark documented since 1441 and the oldest residence of the same-named family. The medieval living sp...

Oikos Immobiliare
Historic Villa for sale Brno, Jihomoravský kraj,  Czech Republic
New
Neo-Baroque villa in Brno, South Moravia
Historic Villa for sale Brno, Jihomoravský kraj, Czech Republic
We invite your to discover a neo-baroque mansion from 1931 for sale in Brno, Czech Republic. During the interwar period, it was owned by a wealthy family of factory owners. Inside, the original architectural design has been preserved and only need to be supplemented with tasteful furnishings. The building is immediately habitable and usable. Only the fa...

Castelan Real s.r.o.
Medieval Castle for sale Creixell, Catalonia,  Spain
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Medieval castle with sea views south of Barcelona
Medieval Castle for sale Creixell, Catalonia, Spain
The medieval Castle of Creixell, built in the 11th century, majestically rises on a prominent hill overlooking the sparkling sea. In recent decades, it has served as a private summer residence and is now ready for a new life as a unique holiday home, boutique hotel, restaurant, or event venue. The castle not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of t...

Catalan Dream Homes
Farmhouse for sale Piemont,  Italy
Historic country estate in the province of Turin
Farmhouse for sale Piemont, Italy
The historic estate from the 18th century is already mentioned in the national historical archives as the site of the Battle of Marsagia. After extensive renovation in the early 2000s, it now serves as a boutique hotel with 14 tastefully decorated rooms, each with its own bathroom, as well as a restaurant with seating for 400 guests. The property covers...

Private seller
Historic Villa for sale Legnica, Lower Silesian Voivodeship,  Poland
Restored Villa from the second half of the 19th century - an ideal place for a boutique hotel
Historic Villa for sale Legnica, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
We would like to present to you a historic villa built at the turn of 1870-1880. PARAMETERS OF THE PROPERTY:: The villa with a total area of 1573 m² was fully restored in the early 1990s, when the deteriorating property was acquired by the current owner, he put a lot of work and heart to restore the property to its current state. Inside, the original 1...

Porowski Premium Homes
Castle for sale Meina, Piemont,  Italy
Neo-Romanesque castle in Lesa on Lake Maggiore
Castle for sale Meina, Piemont, Italy
Historic property for sale on the popular Lago Maggiore in northern Italy. The town of Lesa is just a few minutes away from Stresa and the Borromean Islands. This three-story castle in Neo-Romanesque style was built in the late 18th century, an era often considered a golden age in Northern Italy. During this time, the region experienced economic and cul...

Città Ideale
Manor House for sale 55743 Idar-Oberstein, Rhineland-Palatinate,  Germany
Stately villa in a unique location and park-like garden property
Manor House for sale 55743 Idar-Oberstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Located in the immediate vicinity of historic Oberstein Castle, on approximately one hectare of land, this architecturally sophisticated single-family home exudes the historical charm of 1926 with a unique view of the two castles and a wonderful panoramic vista of the city of Idar-Oberstein. The jewelry and gemstone town of Idar-Oberstein in Rhineland-P...

Private seller
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont,  Italy
Charming boutique hotel with breathtaking lake view with 23 personalized rooms and terraced park with pool
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont, Italy
In one of the most beautiful panoramic location of Lake Maggiore, in the heart of a small village, we offer this well established, beautiful boutique hotel, set in an Italian-style terraced park. A balcony overlooking the lake, that offers breathtaking views from every corner. It was developed inside a period villa and currently comprises of 23 personal...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy,  Italy
Villa Gina: Magnificent Historic Residence on Lake Como
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Gina is an exquisite historic villa built in 1766 by an aristocratic Austrian family and named after its owner, Gina. In the 20th century, it belonged to the family of the famous Italian artist Baldassare Longoni, whose paintings still adorn the villa. The main street of the town is named after him. In 2011, Villa Gina underwent a complete renovat...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy,  Italy
Exclusive Lake Como Property: Unique Greenhouse in Griante
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy, Italy
Dive into the ultimate living experience on Lake Como: This charming and elegant property is situated in the splendid park of Villa Maria and is distinguished by its fascinating style. The property is frequently mentioned in books and articles on the treasures and beauties of Lake Como. A part of the villa is a grand greenhouse with an elegant Art Nouve...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Country House for sale Piemont,  Italy
Exclusive vacation home in Piemonte with stunning views and pool
Country House for sale Piemont, Italy
This beautiful single-family house: was reconstructed based on an old predecessor building and spans across three floors. It is indistinguishable from the historical original! Attic (37 sqm): Bedroom with adjoining bathroom and an almost 24 sqm terrace.Upper floor (56.3 sqm): Two additional bedrooms with private bathrooms and two balconies.Ground floor ...

Guzzoni Immobilien
Timbered House for sale 19376 Siggelkow, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania,  Germany
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Historic country house in Mecklenburg, Northern Germany
Timbered House for sale 19376 Siggelkow, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
Discover a historical rarity in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Rural farm house from the early 19th century (ca. 1825) with a reed roof, clay half-timbering, floorboards, knobbly walls, quaint corners, small niches and an average room height of approx. 1.90 m, has been steadily restored back to its origins in order to enjoy the benefits of a natural environmen...

Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Town House for sale Lazio,  Italy
Antique town house in the province of Rieti
Town House for sale Lazio, Italy
Period house for sale in the province of Rieti. Only 9.5 km from Rieti lies this delightful village, Contigliano stands 488 meters above sea level and has nearly 4,000 inhabitants spread between the town and the hamlets (San Filippo, Collebaccaro, Terria, Montisola, Madonna del Piano, Cerquetello). It is certainly to all intents and purposes a village o...

ItalyHomeLuxury
Historic Villa for sale 55758 Sulzbach, Rhineland-Palatinate,  Germany
Exceptional historic house in Hunsrück region near Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands
Historic Villa for sale 55758 Sulzbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
In the middle of the village of Sulzbach in Hunsrück, situated on a hill, lies this completely renovated house with 285 m² of living space, with separate, commercially usable practice or office space and almost 300 m² of usable space. The building is the former village school of the municipality, built in 1915, which brings an incomparable charm to the ...

Private seller
Country House for sale 06059 Todi, Umbria,  Italy
Umbrian country property in Todi with 8 hectares of land
Country House for sale 06059 Todi, Umbria, Italy
Experience the natural beauty and historic charm of Umbria in this reconstructed farmhouse near the picturesque medieval town of Todi. The house extends over two floors, each with an area of around 200 square meters. An external staircase leads to the second floor, where there is a spacious living area with a fireplace, a dining area, a study area and a...

ItalyHomeLuxury
Historic Villa for sale Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,  Poland
Exclusive historic villa in the heart of Krakow
Historic Villa for sale Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Stylish historic city villa on the corner of Zamoyskiego and Smolki streets in Krakow. Exclusively only with us you will find all the information about this property. About the historical villa:: 1. condition after general reconstruction 2. plot of land: 617m² 3. parking place for several cars with additional shed 4. fenced area, landscaped garden, barb...

Berrahal
Castle for sale 91792 Ellingen, Bavaria,  Germany
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Baroque castle in Bavaria near Brombachsee heated with district heating
Castle for sale 91792 Ellingen, Bavaria, Germany
Contemporary modernized castle in the Franconian lake district between Nuremberg and Ingolstadt. : The Stopfenheim/Ellingen bailiff's castle was built in 1716 by the famous master builder Franz Keller on a moated castle from the 13th century. It presents itself as an outstanding four-winged building in the Baroque style, inspired by the Ellingen reside...

Private seller

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