Imagine merging the historic allure of medieval architecture with the breezy, light-infused elements of coastal design. This fusion, known as “Coastal Core Medieval,” is making waves in home decor, offering a unique blend of robust grandeur and serene oceanic vibes. Here we explore how you can incorporate this distinctive style into your home, highlighting some magnificent castle-like listings that embody this trend.
The Appeal of Castle Core Medieval Design Coastal Core Medieval design marries the rustic charm of the Middle Ages with the clean, airy aspects of coastal living. This trend is perfect for those who appreciate history and fantasy, combined with a love for open, light spaces that echo the tranquility of the sea. Key elements include stonework and wood beams contrasted with expansive windows and soft, neutral color palettes.
Bringing Castlecore Home: Easy Ways to Capture the Look Stone and wood touches: Style your home with pieces that feature limestone, granite, or reclaimed wood. Think stone fireplaces, rustic wood furniture, or accent tables to add a sense of medieval character without a full renovation. Arched motifs: You don’t need to rebuild doorways — incorporate arched mirrors, arched headboards, or curved furniture to echo the romantic architecture of castles in a subtle, livable way. Wrought iron accents: Add wrought iron lighting, candlesticks, or hardware (like cabinet pulls) to introduce historic charm while blending seamlessly with modern interiors. Rich, layered color palettes: Bring in jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and deep burgundy through textiles — think velvet throw pillows, tapestries, or area rugs — balanced with soft coastal neutrals like whites, beiges, and ocean blues. Neutral and earthy tones: Stick to a color palette that reflects the coastal element, with soft whites, sandy beiges, and ocean blues, accented by the darker tones typical of medieval decor. To truly capture the essence of Coastal Core Medieval, consider these exemplary contemporary and venerable properties from the Engel & Völkers portfolio:
A Château Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Evergreen, CO This exclusive Colorado estate seamlessly marries French opulence with the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Each of the six lavish en suite bedrooms have their own washer and dryer. There’s a fully self-contained apartment for guests or staff and another flex space that could become a children's sanctuary or further staff accommodation. The meticulously designed estate boasts a fully equipped gym, heated pool, Jacuzzi, and an outdoor kitchen perfect for alfresco dining. The billiard room features an exquisite 1885 antique wooden bar, adding a touch of historic charm to the entertainment space, and there’s a 1,500-bottle wine cellar/tasting room. Astonishing 270° panoramic views stretch across the Rocky Mountains, with direct sightlines to Mount Blue Sky (elevation: 14,265 feet) from every room. This estate is a sanctuary of privacy and luxury, offering a living experience like no other — within 45 minutes of Denver, private airports, ski resorts, and Red Rocks parks and amphitheater.
1746 NW Wild Rye Circle, Bend, OR Step inside this remarkable home and be transported to Europe. Every corner tells a story of worldwide inspiration and craftsmanship from another era. With its meticulously curated design, this home offers an unparalleled sense of history and artistry. Perched above Awbrey Glen Golf Course, it boasts sweeping views of the Cascade Mountain Range. Inside you'll discover an expansive gourmet kitchen, complete with a butler's pantry, formal dining room, wine cellar, an executive office/library, game room with a pool table, shuffleboard court, and a movie theater. The heated tile balcony welcomes you with ample room for entertaining and savoring the sunsets. Each bedroom has access to the two-story balcony, offering elevated views. This exquisite residence is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. A home that must be experienced in person to fully appreciate its beauty and artistry.
17 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City, UT Discover unparalleled mountain luxury with this ski-in/ski-out estate, nestled within the guard-gated community of The Colony at White Pine Canyon. Set on over 10 acres at a lower elevation (7,600 feet), this home enjoys one of the community's most coveted locations four minutes from the gate. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, ultimate privacy, and direct ski access at the Harmony ski run. Designed for year-round mountain living, this home features exquisite finishes and imported materials from around the globe. The home's thoughtful design offers multiple family rooms, providing ample space for relaxation and connection, while an executive office serves as a private retreat for work or study. The expansive main suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a private library, a deck with breathtaking views, and elegant en suite bathroom. For entertainment, enjoy a climate-controlled 2,000-bottle wine room, movie theater, and an exercise room. A whole-home generator provides uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind in any season. For car enthusiasts, there’s an attached three-car garage and a detached four-car garage. A covered outdoor kitchen and a wood-burning pizza oven make alfresco dining a delight throughout the year. Located only 15 minutes from Park City's historic Main Street, known for its world-class dining and shopping, and just 40 minutes from two private FBOs (KSLC and KHCR) and Salt Lake City International Airport.
Saint-Joachim, Québec, Canada Château Neuville, a unique property, awaits you to write the next chapter of its history. Imagine living in a majestic residence, a true masterpiece combining refinement and history. This splendid castle with impressive architecture is distinguished by its exceptional finishes, including its woodwork and handcrafted stained glass windows. With more than 30 spacious rooms, each tells a story and offers an unparalleled experience. Carefully renovated and preserved, this property combines modern comfort with old-world charm. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the river from the immense terrace, ideal for your events.
Hatley Canton, Québec, Canada The prestigious Château d’Hatley, built in 2009 with Avac Béton’s residential precast concrete, embodies the timeless elegance of the French Renaissance. Located on a 23-acre private estate with residential zoning, it boasts breathtaking views of Lake Massawippi and the picturesque village of North Hatley. With 11-foot ceilings, travertine flooring, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms, every detail reflects a harmonious blend of history and modernity. The luxurious interiors, bathed in natural light, create an unparalleled living experience, a true celebration of European elegance set in the heart of Québec’s natural beauty.
Majestic living: Historic castle estate, Vienna, Austria This extraordinary castle estate, once belonging to the illustrious Bonaparte, Habsburg, and Liechtenstein families, features a private residence, expansive event spaces, elegant guest rooms and suites, and a magnificent park. With a usable space of approximately 51,000 square feet, it can serve as a private residence or an exclusive hotel. Rarely does a property offer its residents and guests such a true paradise of tranquility and privacy within a 74-acre park, while the cultural metropolis of Vienna — a city rich in history, culture, and charm — is nearby. Renowned artists such as Mozart, Salieri, and Beethoven composed music or designed architectural masterpieces for this exquisite estate. Furthermore, the new owner has the option to acquire nearly 250 acres of additional agricultural land and hunting grounds, further enhancing the estate’s grandeur.
Exclusive property with private park, Brunate, Italy Situated in a privileged position in the municipality of Brunate, famous for its historic funicular railway connecting the village to the center of the city of Como, this charming property consists of several buildings. It’s surrounded by a century-old, approximately three-acre park and boasts a panoramic view over the Lombardy plain and its lakes, the Apennine Mountains, and the Alpine range. The approximately 5,400-square-foot manor house, built in the late 19th century for a Lombard noble family, is one of the first architectural masterpieces in Art Nouveau style.The ground-floor main entrance consists of a cloakroom, a large bathroom, two living rooms with a fireplace, a study, a bar, and a panoramic veranda; the lower floor houses a large kitchen and a beautiful wine cellar. The upper floor includes three bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and wardrobes, and the attic floor has two additional bedrooms with balconies, a bathroom, and a wardrobe.
Magnificent lakefront historical estate, Blevio, Italy Villa Calvi, an extraordinary historic residence located on the shore of Lake Como, was built around 1840 by the Artaria family, music publishers of illustrious classical composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, and Rossini. At the end of the 19th century Gerolamo Luigi Calvi, the new owner of the mansion, commissioned architect Citterio to expand the villa by adding new buildings. Today the residence includes the main villa, two other smaller villas, and a caretaker’s lodge, all in a large flat private park of about 62,000 square feet. After a complete and meticulous three-year restoration beginning in 2010, this magnificent and unique residence has returned to its former glory. Respecting its past, Villa Calvi maintains the linear and elegant layout of the original property while being transformed to a luxurious estate with every modern comfort. From the entrance gate, an avenue lined with majestic old trees leads to the residence. The main mansion’s ground floor features a triple living room with ornate high ceilings, French doors, and breathtaking views of the gardens and lake.