A “rare opportunity” to live like a European royal in the Lone Star State has come on the market in Texas Hill Country in the form of a Bavarian-style castle that sits at the heart of a 110-acre estate.
Falkenstein Castle was modeled and named after one of the most “romantic castles of Bavaria” and boasts a centuries-old appearance, despite having been built in 1998.
The estate, which is currently in use as a wedding venue and short-term Airbnb rental, is the brainchild of late Burnet, TX, businessman and architect Terry Young and his wife, Kim.
According to the Texas property’s website, the Youngs made a trip to Europe in 1995, during which they planned a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. This historic Bavarian structure was the inspiration for Walt Disney‘s design for the Cinderella Castle at Disneyland.
Though the Youngs were impressed by Neuschwanstein, they were more intrigued by the drawings on display there that turned out to be renderings of another castle that was designed by King Ludwig II, who became ruler of Bavaria at the age of 18.
Ludwig, who commissioned the design and construction of Neuschwanstein, had intended to build himself a second home, Falkenstein. He concealed his intention from other members of his family.
He hid the plans for the second castle in a safe spot inside Neuschwanstein, and there they remained until after his death—when they were discovered and put on display.
The story of Falkenstein bewitched the Youngs, who would track down the original plans for the structure from one of Neuschwanstein’s former directors, according to the website.
“After leaving Neuschwanstein, the Youngs proceeded to Lechbruch to locate the previous director,” it states. “Once they arrived and finished explaining their interest, he was kind enough to make copies of the original artist rendering of Falkenstein Castle and other minor sketches.
“On their return flight to the United States, Mr. Young looked lovingly at Mrs. Young and said, ‘Sweetheart, what would you think about spending the next ten years or so, building our own Falkenstein Castle in Texas?’ To which Kim Young smiled and replied, ‘Why not!'”
Years later, the couple constructed their very own Falkenstein, and it offers every luxury one might expect from a European castle—as well as modern amenities to delight today’s most discerning homebuyers.
After the death of Terry Young a few years ago, the couple’s son turned the dwelling into a wedding venue, according to listing agent Kale Stephens.
However, he found he was lacking the “passion” for such an extensive undertaking and has now decided to sell the home so he can move on to new challenges, Stephens explains.
Although the property is primarily used as a rental, it could well be used as a primary residence.
Falkenstein boasts seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, and four half-baths inside the main structure, which spans a staggering 14,000 square feet and offers jaw-dropping views of the Highland Lakes, courtesy of its hillside perch.
The 110-acre estate also offers six “charming tiny homes,” the listing notes. There is also a small apartment located above a maintenance garage.
Falkenstein remains a lucrative business opportunity, with the website revealing that its most recent wedding packages ranged in price from $8,500 for daytime use of the property to $11,500 for a two-night stay for the newlyweds and their guests.
The home was most recently listed on Airbnb for $1,500 a night, with the listing noting that it could accommodate 14 people.
As for the ideal buyer, Stephens says that the castle could fit all manner of lifestyles, noting that he has even been in touch with some local wineries to see if there is potential for using the land as vineyards, while the castle can serve as an area for tastings.
