The real estate market has suffered everywhere over the last few years, driving down prices and forcing sellers to settle on under-value offers. But one surprising trend that has us reeling that's due to the recession is a surge in the super rich buying up castles at discounted prices. Yes, you read that right.
Perhaps they're inspired by the popularity of Downton Abbey? According to The Wall Street Journal, these grand homes in Europe are being bought up by buyers from overseas. For example, the Dall Estate, a 200-acre property with 81 rooms in Scotland is now on the market for $9.344 million. Sounds like a lot, but it's actually a steal -- it also includes 45 other cottages, a shooting range, curling rink, nine-hole golf course and stables. And in most cases, these manses are meant to be a second home. "A budget which would only probably buy you a flat in central London could buy you a castle in Scotland," Kyle Cockburn, an associate at Re/Max Scotland, told the WSJ.
Take a look below at the Breda House, currently on sale for approximately $3,517,200 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This seven-bedroom castles complete with turrets and stately stone walls sits on 182 acres of farmland and gardens. Not too shabby.
And Scotland isn't the only place where you can get a castle for a "deal." ABC News put together a list of examples in America that range in price from $430,000 to $17 million.
More very expensive homes:
10 Homes Over $100 Million Dollars
Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.
**
Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)