3 Castle

ACROSS AMERICA — All things royal in the past several months — Queen Elizabeth II's death, King Charles’ coronation and all the associated drama — may leave you wondering what it would be like to live in a castle.

While the three castle-like homes in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Georgia featured this week in How Much House may not be as imposing as Buckingham Palace, Windsor or Balmoral or any of the other castles owned by the Royal Family, they’re not shacks, either.

Peek inside at the photos and you’ll see what we mean.

13608 Fifth Corps Lane, FredericksburgListed by: Suzanne Brady | Next Home Blue Heron Realty GroupSquare feet: 19,452Acreage: 6.5 acresBedrooms: 6Bathrooms: 11 (7 full)Year built: 2009

This estate is so much like a castle that it has moats. The bridge along the winding stone driveway isn't a drawbridge, but the property checks off other castle fantasy must-haves like turrets and stone fences.

Massive 10-foot-tall double front doors open to a two-story foyer with marble floors, dual spiral staircases and a domed ceiling. Gleaming Brazilian cherry floors flow throughout the home, adding warmth and sophistication. The showplace of the main floor is the formal dining room, which features intricate moldings and trim and is spacious enough to host grand dinner parties.

It's no problem if guests need to stay over. Five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, provide comfort and privacy.

The primary suite with coffered ceilings, a sitting area and even a kitchenette is a retreat of its own. The bath features a soaking tub, a walk-in, multi-head shower and dual vanities. Laundry is ensuite, and there's a private door to the rear terrace.

The options to be entertained without leaving are endless, whether by settling into the plush seating in the home theater or getting some exercise in the rubber-floored gym. The basement level is party central with a kitchen, a wine cellar that's wrapped between the winding staircase, and a large recreation room.

The climate-controlled seven-car garage is a car lovers’ paradise, providing ample space for a prized automobile collection and featuring top-of-the-line finishes. Peek inside for more photos.

1 Vintage Farm Lane, NewtownListed by: Jay Spaziano | Jay Spaziano Real EstateSquare feet: 8,744Acreage: 3.79 acresBedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 6 (5 full)Year built: 2014

With its French country aesthetics, this modern-day castle offers breathtaking views of the historic Bucks County countryside. Mahogany and wrought iron double doors set the tone for the rest of the home, with thoughtful amenities including three-panel doors, motorized shades on the grand windows, soaring ceilings and an elevator providing access to each of the levels.

The kitchen is a space to behold with wood and marble accents, an oversized breakfast bar and two waterfall islands leading to a chic gathering room that's flooded with natural light streaming in from a wall of floor-to-ceiling transom windows and doors.

The upper level impresses, too. The primary suite includes a combined sitting and office area, a terrace overlooking the grounds, and an oversized spa-like bath with a freestanding soaking tub and walk-in shower with multiple shower heads. A separate wing of symmetrical bedrooms with ensuite baths is nestled between the turrets and can be closed off for privacy.

The luxury estate is designed for fun. The lower level features a gym with glass walls, a three-person sauna and full bath. Outside, a blue stone patio rests below a sprawling louvered pergola complete with heat and lighting for year-round leisure, a grilling station, fire pit, hot tub, and multiple lounging and dining areas, all with magnificent views of the water feature embedded in the lush landscape and set against a wooded backdrop.

A porte cochère leads to an oversized four-car garage complete with epoxy floor and high ceilings for the true car enthusiast. Peek inside for more photos.

171 McClain Circle, Macon Listed by: Betsy Meagher | Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's InternationalSquare feet: 11,892Acreage: 2.9 acresBedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 9 (5 full)Year built: 2003

This enchanting Mediterranean-style estate with a terracotta tile roof offers resort-style living with distinctive hard coat stucco architectural details. An elevator leads to all levels, and incredibly tall 18-foot ceilings and an open floor plan offer stunning touches of sophistication.

The grand main living room features floor-to-ceiling windows and striking barrel vaulted ceilings. The dine-in kitchen opens to a fireside keeping room and separate dining room. The primary kitchen — there's a prep kitchen, too — includes cabinets from exotic Japanese woods with a black and bronze piano finish.

The oversized primary bedroom on the second level offers cozy fireside seating and a primary bath with a large, custom designed closet and dressing room. Two additional ensuite bedrooms are found on the second floor, along with a home office. Floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful outdoor balconies and porches overlook the stunning swimming pool, covered grilling gazebo and lush green gardens.

The terrace level includes a large living space and two recreation rooms with exterior access to the pool and outdoor entertaining spaces. A large exercise room has a full bath. There's a home theater, too.

The oversized four-car garage opens to a sizeable motor court for entertaining guests. Peek inside for more photos.