Castles have always been the provenance of the well off. Today, celebrities such as Madonna and Guy Ritchie use them as backdrops for their nuptials, but things were not always thus.
Developed during the Middle Ages to protect the owners from the constant warfare of the time, castles were fortified residences. They can be found all over the world however, most are in Europe.
The equivalent in France would be the "château", such as Château de Fontenay. Built during the Crusades with a moat and ramparts, Château de Fontenay is located in an area with several other châteaus that are available for public tours. Constructed over the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa, the building combines several periods of architecture reflecting its varied history. In addition to its medieval trappings, a period of ownership during the 1920s saw the influence of Art Deco added.
With four double rooms and four singles, the Château accommodates a maximum of 12 people. For about $6,000, it can be yours six weeks out of the year, usually during the summer and winter holiday season. Tennis courts and hot air ballooning are also available.
A place not generally associated with castles is Jamaica. John Greer, president and ceo of Unusual Villas, is attempting to change that perception. His company handles The Castle in Jamaica, as it is known, an eight bedroom eight private bath experience in decadence. In addition, private villas can accommodate up to 50 other guests. "Where else can you get a place where everyone can sit at the dining table at the same time," says Greer. That, and the possibility of matrimony on the beach, make the locale a popular destination for wedding parties. A dance troupe from nearby Montego Bay, featuring a fire eater, is on hand for entertainment. And for recreation, a yacht for deep-sea fishing and a catamaran can be rented.
If a European castle holds more appeal, Lynott Tour rents castles everywhere from the South Pacific to the United Kingdom, although most are in Ireland.. Generally, the castles are privately owned and unused when not being rented, such as Ballyhannan Castle, which is a restored 15th century Irish keep that sleeps 8 and Quinn Castle, also in Ireland, built in 1467. The average rental price, for one week, is $7,000. "This is the type of experience that can't be duplicated," says Ellen McNulty, President of Lynott Tours. Why would someone want to rent a castle? In a way, people are enacting a royalty fantasy. "You can envision yourself as lord or lady of the manor," she says.
Or as Madonna and Guy Ritchie.
The following websites have information on how to rent a castle:
Chateau Fontenay
Lynott Tours
Unusual Villa Rentals
Castles.org
