The idea of staying in a castle can seem like a distant, unattainable dream. Their monumental facades are as beguiling as their checkered histories, royal owners and sumptuous interior designs. However, castles are often dismissed as a relic of the past, a property just to be looked over and gawked at. In actuality, their lofty turrets and intimidating battlements, banqueting halls illuminated by candlelight, or baronial architecture with a Cinderella-esque flavour, can be yours for a night. One man, more frequently known as ‘The Castle Man’, has made it his mission to uncover nearly 100 hidden historic properties in the UK and more than double that in Europe. His drive is to give people a different experience, and to create “a memory that lasts forever”. The fruits of his labour is Celtic Castles, a site that is much more than an award-winning booking platform. It’s a personal team of castle experts who make your castle holiday a reality.

Consider, if you will, exploring the lesser-seen vicinities of Paris by spending an evening in the idyllic French countryside at Château de Bourron’s private 40-hectare estate. Traditional brick-and-stone architecture and spring-fed moats carry guests back to the 17th century and its original feudal fortress. Elsewhere, you can escape the one-bedroom confines of a hotel and rent an entire castle for your exclusive use at the Roch Castle in Wales. Overlooking St Bride’s Bay and Pembrokeshire’s verdant Preseli Hills, here, an experienced team can be hired to prepare fresh local produce for a bespoke menu to satisfy varying culinary tastes. In addition, its hypo-allergenic rooms put guests’ comfort before anything else.

Alternatively, book one of Celtic Castle’s pre-designed self-drive tours. These curated itineraries attentively guide travellers through an exploration of a new country or region. They take guests to both popular and hidden treasures of the area, while privately housing travellers in a historic castle each night.

Such bespoke experiences are a reality courtesy of Roger Masterson’s extensive entrepreneurial experience, and his long-time passion for and expertise in castles. What started out as online marketing for four Scottish Castles has matured into a business focused on hundreds of properties. The castles listed on the Celtic Castles site each offers exceptional service with a distinct character. Roger exclaims that this character can be anything from a ‘lost in time’ four-poster bedroom, an enthralling location, or simply a quirky owner. Using Roger’s connections and personal experiences at these castles, his insider’s knowledge is second to none and erases any red tape prohibiting travellers from experiencing the property’s full bells and whistles.