If a man's home is his castle, what does that make a rented vacation home? That can also be a castle. Literally.
The hip new trend in travel is a decidedly ancient affair. Ancient, as in, castles and châteaux (http://www.celticcastles.com/exclusive-use-castles) built by royalty and other well-to-do families throughout the Middle Ages and early modern period. Though most of these estates now available for rent exist in Europe, U.S. tourists have a couple domestic options as well.
Even as rentals, these can be pricey affairs, depending on your tastes. For example, one night at a room in Ireland's Ashford Castle (http://www.celticcastles.com/castles/ashford/Default.aspx) can be priced anywhere from (http://www.celticcastles.com/castles/ashford/Tariff.aspx) €235 ($310.00) for an average room during the offseason to €950 ($1,250) for the castle's suite during busy season.
For a truly royal stay, travelers also have the option to rent out entire castles in some cases.
New Hampshire's Rindge castle (http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p240837), for example, may lack the history of its European counterparts (it was built in 1995), but it can accomodate up to 22 guests for the (relative) bargain of $1,400 per night -- knight in shining armor not included.
PHOTOS of castles for rent:
Via: HuffingtonPost