Could you hold the fort? Ten castles for sale in Britain now - and one thing that's not medieval is the price...
- Most expensive is 16th Century Edinburgh pile at £6m
- Least expensive is just south of Cairngorms, on the market for £600K
- At one a ghost patrols the spiral stairs...
An Englishman's home might be his castle but it's not very often a castle is his home.
Even if you can afford one, the heating bills will be through the roof (especially as many habitable castles are in Scotland), and upkeep could be equally challenging.
But some brave souls looking for properties with (lots of) character do storm the battlements.
We choose our top 10 castles on the market now, from a £600k mansion in the highlands to a £6million Edinburgh pile.
1. Ten bedroom castle in Scotland's Fife (price on application)
The 16th century castle is surrounded by a magnificent walled garden with a topiary lawn.
The living area includes a carved stone fireplace and a ghost that patrols the spiral stairs.
The castle has plenty of bedrooms - one with an ornate beamed ceiling and panelled walls.
2. Eight bedroom castle in Perthshire for £4.6m
The Tower of Lethendy sits in 39 acres of grounds, which include a golf course and an orchard.
The lavish rooms include grand fireplaces and reception areas where guests can gather before dinner.
The dining room has three sets of French doors that open directly onto a sheltered terrace.
3. Five bedroom castle in Edinburgh for £6m
Craigcrook castle dates back to the 16th century and is three miles from the centre of Edinburgh.
The castle is spread across three levels and includes a round tower with stunning countryside views.
The interior includes wood panelling, original fireplaces and decorative windows.
4. Seven bedroom castle in Edinburgh for £2.5m
Castle Gogar is next to Edinburgh airport and only six miles from the city centre.
Period features include a vaulted crypt in the reception hall, turnpike staircases and turrets.
The designer kitchen combines period charm with an abundance of modern features.
5. Seventeen bedroom mansion in Castle Douglas for £2m
The Scottish Baronial mansion is set within five acres, meaning there is plenty of space for dog walking.
As well as sea views, the castle has a private drive and access to the nearby beach.
The property has a total of 17 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, having previously been a hotel.
6. Seven bedroom detached house in Berwickshire for £1.55m
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-38351199.html
The property is in the heart of the Scottish Borders and boasts plenty of open space.
There are four reception rooms that are linked by an impressive hallway.
There is a beautifully presented sitting room and library.
7. Thirteen bedroom Victoria mansion £2.75m
The Victoria mansion, which has stables and a gatehouse, sits in an impressive 340 acres.
The living areas have polished timber floors, panelled walls and decorative fireplaces.
The grand dining room has a stone fireplace and oak lined bay windows.
8. Ten bedroom turreted mansion in Scotland's Aberfeldy for £600,000
The castle stands by the River Lyon amid forests and heather moors just off the main tourist routes.
The house is entered through large gothic doors, which lead to a hallway overlooked by galleries.
The dining room includes a decorative fire surround that is 12 ft high.
9. Eleven bedroom tower near Manchester for £2.5m
The 11 bedroom mansion is north east of Manchester, with easy access to the M62.
There are plenty of period features, including grand fireplaces and panelled ceilings.
The period furniture is perfectly fitting for the property called Wharmton Tower.
10. Four bedroom house in Buckinghamshire for £1m
Castle Keep was originally built as a folly in the late 18th century.
The property is built into the hillside. with the original castle porch entrance at road level.
A hidden spiral staircase leads up to the first floor and downwards into the kitchen.
