Decked out with turrets, a keep and fortified walls, this stately abode looks like it could have been plucked out of the pages of a fairytale.
While it models all of the characteristics of a European castle, the princely property actually sits in the heart of Texas, with acres of countryside rolling as far as the eye can see.
The mindboggling estate was the brainchild of architect and developer Terry Young and his wife Kim. The couple ventured to Bavaria in 1995 and came across plans for an unfinished castle imagined by King Ludwig II – the monarch who commissioned the fairytale-esque Neuschwanstein Castle – and they decided to bring his flight of fancy to life back in the US.
The Youngs spent around a decade constructing King Ludwig II’s never-built Falkenstein Castle out of chunks of limestone and granite and today, their stately six-bedroom abode is available via Airbnb for $1,518 per night.
While it models all of the characteristics of a European castle, the princely property actually sits in the heart of Texas, with acres of countryside rolling as far as the eye can see
The mindboggling estate was the brainchild of architect and developer Terry Young and his wife Kim
The couple ventured to Bavaria in 1995 and came across plans for an unfinished castle imagined by King Ludwig II. They decided to bring his flight of fancy to life back in the US
The Youngs spent around a decade constructing King Ludwig II’s never-built Falkenstein Castle out of chunks of limestone and granite
‘Living spaces were clean and pretty darn spacious – 11 adults and we never felt cramped,’ one traveler wrote after their stay
According to the listing, the castle can accommodate up to 16 guests at a time with 14,000 square feet to play with.
On-site amenities include a pool table, a ping pong table, a ‘1,000 plus DVD collection with many classics and series you will not find on streaming services,’ a 40,000 gallon koi pond and a gazebo with a charcoal grill.
In terms of the interiors, antique-style furnishings run throughout, with chandeliers, gilded frames and dark woods being among the running themes.
One traveler who recently stayed at the quirky vacation rental gave it a 4.87 rating out of 5, writing: ‘Amazing place. Incredibly unique and could accommodate a group of 10 adults no sweat.
‘The place was very comfortable and peaceful beyond description. Our host was very responsive and friendly.
‘We had an amazing time and totally want to go back.’
Another traveler left similar feedback following a stay in July 2022, writing: ‘Extremely memorable experience for us! Very responsive and gracious hosting.
‘The kitchen was well-equipped with everything we needed. Living spaces were clean and pretty darn spacious – 11 adults and we never felt cramped.
‘Surprise hits were the “Tower Shower” in the master bathroom and the PLUSHEST grass by the pond. Definitely the nicest place I’ve ever been allowed to roam unsupervised.’
On the castle’s Facebook page, photos reveal the building in various stages of construction.
One image shows the two-car garage gradually taking shape, while another shows how the rocky terrain had to be flattened out to make way for manicured lawns.
On the castle’s Facebook page, photos reveal the building in various stages of construction
The castle project took the Youngs more than a decade to complete
Today, the Young’s stately six-bedroom abode is available via Airbnb for $1,518 per night
According to the listing, the castle can accommodate up to 16 guests at a time with 14,000 square feet to play with
In terms of the interiors, antique-style furnishings run throughout, with chandeliers, gilded frames and dark woods being among the running themes
One traveler who recently stayed at the quirky vacation rental gave it a 4.87 rating out of 5, writing: ‘Amazing place. Incredibly unique and could accommodate a group of 10 adults no sweat’
The Youngs reveal on the castle’s independent website, that they got hold of the plans for Falkenstein Castle during a vacation to Bavaria
Along with being open to holidaymakers, Falkenstein Castle caters to wedding parties and there is a chapel on the plot
In terms of the surrounding area, the caste is set amid 133 acres of state park
One traveler who stayed at the castle raved about one of the showers, which is located within a tower (pictured)
The Youngs reveal on the castle’s independent website, that they got hold of the plans for Falkenstein Castle during a vacation to Bavaria.
While they were on a tour of Neuschwanstein Castle, they came across drawings of the castle designed by King Ludwig II hanging on the wall and they came to realize that it had never been built.
Apparently plans for the palace were abandoned upon his death in 1886.
They asked the castle’s director where they could get blueprints for the turreted abode and they were sent to find another historian who had recently retired from the directorship role.
Once they met with the castle expert and explained their interest, ‘he was kind enough to make copies of the original artist rendering of Falkenstein Castle and other minor sketches.’
The story goes that on their return flight to the US, Mr Young ‘looked lovingly’ at Mrs Young and asked her if ‘spending the next ten years or so’ building their own Falkenstein Castle in Texas would be a good idea.
To which Mrs Young ‘smiled and replied, “Why not!”‘
Along with being open to holidaymakers, Falkenstein Castle caters to wedding parties and there is a chapel on the plot.
In terms of the surrounding area, the caste is set amid 133 acres of state park with a labyrinth of hiking trails to explore, while the city of Austin is a 45-minute drive away.
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