Fairytale castle for €11.5m in medieval village

ITALY A FAIRYTALE setting and fully-functioning drawbridge makes Castello Baronale in the Lazio region ideal for wanna-be Rapunzels or paparazzi-shy celebrities.

Dating back to 1350, the castle has been home to a host of Italian noble families and even a pope's nephew.

Beautifully restored by its current owners, the rambling castle would suit a security conscious owner with a yen to play king of the castle.

The splendid property is accessed from the main village square via a dramatic drawbridge, which is in perfect working order - ideal for keeping the pesky peasants out. Alternatively there is a spectacular driveway that runs through the extensive park and garden.

Castello Baronale is in the medieval village of Collato Sabino, 50kms east of Rome. It is for sale through Knight Frank for €11.5 million.

The main structure has nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three drawingrooms, a grand ballroom, a study, library and theatre.

Outbuildings include a gatekeeper's residential quarters, a tavern with medieval oven and a self-contained two-bedroom apartment.

All in all there is 2,550sq m (27,500sq ft) to play with and that's not taking into account the the old fort which dates from 950 and has not been touched since the 17th century, when the clock tower was built by Cardinal Barberini, nephew of Pope Urban VIII. In the grounds are a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and landscaped gardens that bloom year round.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times