My husband and I enjoyed a luxurious stay in Venice for just €100 a night in a stunning 500-year-old Venetian palazzo. Tucked away in the quiet backstreets of Cannaregio, Palazzo Abadessa has a modest exterior, but its grandeur becomes apparent as you explore. We wandered through a lush ornamental garden and entered a vast hall adorned with frescoes and Renaissance paintings from Venice’s golden age, all illuminated by sparkling Murano chandeliers. The reception area features an antique velvet armchair, ideal for enjoying a prosecco or Venetian spritz. Originally home to two doges in the 16th century, the stone corridors and high-ceilinged rooms exude a noble elegance, as if Caravaggio or Tintoretto might appear at any moment to paint. Starting the day with cappuccino and croissants in the courtyard, served by the friendly owners, was a delightful experience.
An Italian Cookery School in an Old Castle
Castello di Montalero, located east of Turin in Piedmont’s Monferrato region, is a beautiful historic building dating back to the 11th century, though much of the current structure was built on the original foundations around 1700. Lovingly restored by the family, it now hosts a fantastic residential cookery school along with interesting excursions and adventures—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Beautifully Restored Manor in Romania
Perched above the Transylvanian village of Mălâncrav, the 18th-century Apafi Manor is a beautifully restored estate next to one of the region’s finest Saxon fortified churches. Nestled at the end of a lush, forested valley, its grand yet comfortable interiors, designed by British designer David Mlinaric, feature historic local art and furniture, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a 19th-century novel. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the veranda prepared by a village cook and relax in the magnificent library. Accommodating up to nine guests at reasonable prices, it offers an affordable and magical retreat.
A Castle Above the Danube in Germany
For a medieval experience, Wildenstein Castle in Baden-Württemberg is a 13th-century fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the Danube. We arrived via a challenging zigzag cycle up a steep outcrop after riding from the river’s source in the Black Forest. The whitewashed walls hide a large courtyard with comfortable rooms and a tavern in a crypt. The panoramic views across the Upper Danube Nature Park and stunning sunsets are breathtaking. Reputedly haunted, exploring its passages and alleyways for ghosts is great fun. A hearty breakfast with delicious pastries provided fuel for our next cycling adventure.
Stay in a Pineapple in Scotland
The Pineapple is an 18th-century architectural tribute to the fruit, located on the Dunmore Estate near Stirling. It was our first Landmark Trust holiday. One wing houses two bedrooms and a bathroom, separated from the simple kitchen and cozy living room by the Pineapple tower. Quirky and unique, walking across the lawn to the toilet was a novelty for our four-night stay. It’s also dog-friendly.Berenice: A charming cottage that sleeps four, with historic reading materials and logbooks from the 1970s providing entertainment in place of TV and Wi-Fi.
In Poperinge, one of the few Belgian towns not captured by the Germans during World War I, Talbot House served as a refuge for British soldiers. Knowledgeable volunteers have preserved it beautifully, and the attic chapel is a particularly moving memorial. The rooms and breakfast are delightful, staying true to the club’s original spirit.
Zoe: Courtyard apartments in Seville. While Seville has many historic hotels, most were beyond my budget. Corral del Conde was surprisingly affordable and centrally located. This 16th-century building, with roots in the medieval Mudéjar era, features traditional apartments around a courtyard with shared ovens and laundry sinks—and it’s incredibly picturesque. It’s a evocative spot for fans of Spanish golden age theater, as performances were once held in these courtyards with audiences watching from wooden balconies. For a contrast, it’s just a short walk to Las Setas, a modern wooden structure known as “the giant mushrooms.”
Sarah: An old station in Staffordshire. Our family stay at Alton Station, a Landmark Trust property, was both exciting and relaxing. It boasts stunning Victorian details like Minton tiles, and one bedroom was originally the ticket office. Railway enthusiasts will find it fascinating, and we all enjoyed leisurely bike rides along the disused railway tracks.
Esme: Fishermen’s cabins in Norway. While touring the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, we stayed in several historic cabins, but the best was a small wooden house in Andenes. Furnished in 19th-century style, it’s part of a private museum and evokes the isolated, perilous life of fishing communities, where home was a cherished refuge. As with many Norwegian holiday rentals, you might share the space with other travelers, which only enhances the unique experience.
Noelle’s winning tip: Parador paradise in Spain. We visited Cáceres for the St. George’s Day celebrations, featuring a torchlit parade of handmade dragons and the burning of the largest one. The highlight was our stay at the Parador hotel, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Cáceres is renowned for its pristine old town (seen in Game of Thrones), and staying in our own medieval palace made us feel part of it. Sleeping under a classic Spanish gilded, beamed ceiling and relaxing on our balcony overlooking the town, we felt incredibly fortunate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about finding and staying in historic accommodations in Europe inspired by the idea of a night in a 500yearold palace for just 100
Beginner General Questions
1 Is it really possible to stay in a historic palace or castle for around 100
Yes it is While not the norm for luxury suites many historic properties offer smaller rooms rooms in a restored wing or special offseason deals for around this price
2 Where can I find these kinds of deals
Start with vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo but be sure to use specific keywords Also check specialized sites like Bookingcom and filter for historic homes castles or unique stays
3 What keywords should I use when searching
Try historic property renovated castle manor house palazzo chateau monastery stay or fortified farmhouse
4 What are the main benefits of staying in a historic property
You get a unique immersive experience you cant find in a standard hotel Its a chance to live inside a piece of history and often includes authentic architecture and a memorable story
5 What are the potential downsides
Older buildings can have quirks like creaky floors uneven walls less reliable WiFi and sometimes shared bathrooms Modern amenities might be more basic
Practical Logistical Questions
6 Are these places usually in convenient central locations
It varies Some are in city centers but many are in rural or semirural areas offering peace and beautiful scenery Always check the location on a map to see if youll need a car
7 What should I pack for a stay like this
Pack as you would for any trip but consider bringing slippers a portable power bank and a sense of adventure for the unique quirks
8 Is it safe to stay in such an old building
Reputable properties must meet modern safety standards Look for listings with good reviews that mention things like secure locks fire safety equipment and welllit common areas
9 Will it feel like a museum or is it a comfortable living space
The best ones strike a
