Celebrities Face Castle Maintenance Nightmares

Owning a castle might conjure images of fairytale living, but for several celebrities, maintaining these historic properties has become a significant undertaking. The challenges range from financial distress threatening ancestral homes to the ongoing costs of upkeep and restoration.

Game of Thrones stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie are currently grappling with financial difficulties surrounding Wardhill Castle in Aberdeenshire. The 801-acre estate, which has been in Leslie's family for over 500 years and operates as a wedding and holiday venue, saw the company behind it ordered into liquidation. Harington has reportedly stepped in with funding to help the business pay creditors and seek a pause in the liquidation process, highlighting the immense expense involved in maintaining such a property. Rose's sister-in-law previously noted it as a "very expensive property to maintain."

Property experts emphasize that while castles offer unique character, their upkeep is a continuous challenge. Clive Holland of Fix Radio noted that "water is your enemy" on such structures, with blocked outlets or failed leadwork potentially leading to significant damage to historic masonry. He also pointed out the difficulty in integrating modern amenities like electricity and central heating into buildings never designed for them, without compromising their historical integrity.

Dominic West and his wife Catherine Fitzgerald also own Glin Castle in County Limerick, Ireland, a family home for approximately 700 years. The 18-bedroom Georgian castle, surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland, has been used as a venue for weddings and events to help manage the costs. The property was once listed for around €6.5 million, partly due to maintenance expenses, but remains in the family.

Actor Jeremy Irons purchased Kilcoe Castle in West Cork, Ireland, in 1997 for £150,000. What he acquired was a 15th-century ruin that required over £1 million in restoration to transform it into a home, preserving its medieval character. The unique warm-pink exterior color choice drew attention, and ongoing maintenance of the exposed coastal structure remains a consideration.

Comedian Alan Carr acquired Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders in early 2026 for a reported £3.25 million. The 19th-century property boasts 17 bedrooms, extensive grounds, and a miniature railway. Carr plans a Disney+ series to document its renovation. Experts caution that the upkeep of such a listed property, with its numerous rooms and extensive grounds, requires a substantial annual budget, and renovations must carefully consider its historic features.

Singer Enya purchased her Dublin castle, renamed Manderley, in 1997 for £3.2 million. The gothic-style mansion required significant work, and security became a major concern, leading to fortifications and a panic room after the singer was targeted by stalkers. Despite these measures, security breaches occurred, illustrating that even fortified castles are not immune to intrusions.

Boston-based actress Christy Cashman and her husband, Jay, bought Kilkea Castle in County Kildare in 2013 for €6 million. The couple reportedly invested around €20 million in restoring the property, which dates back to 1180, transforming it into a luxury hotel and golf resort. The restoration faced challenges, including the discovery of ancient walls requiring careful treatment.

Michael Flatley bought Castlehyde House in County Cork in 1999 for £3 million. The Georgian mansion underwent a massive restoration that reportedly cost tens of millions. The lavishly appointed home includes numerous bedrooms, a library, cinema, spa, and indoor pool. However, its scale presents significant maintenance challenges, and the property was later put on the market for up to €20 million but struggled to find a buyer.

Experts agree that the primary maintenance issues for castles revolve around weatherproofing, managing water ingress, and preserving historic fabric. Integrating modern utilities discreetly into ancient structures is also a considerable challenge, requiring careful planning and execution to avoid damaging historically significant elements.