By any one’s definition, owning your own castle must be considered the ultimate in luxury real estate. A few attempts have been made to build castles over the last few years, but the prohibitive costs are such that one tends to see over-sized villas or high-rises instead. So, this article deals with what I consider to be genuine castles. Most of them are extremely old and the running costs are such that they could only appeal to a genuinely wealthy individual. By genuinely wealthy, I mean bottomless pockets or you already own a country. (Or an oil company). Most of these are for sale, or available to rent, although some are just fascinating.

Eilean Donan, Scotland

This first one is Eilean Donan castle in Scotland, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some pretty dramatic scenery, particularly in winter.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Available to rent on a by-the-day basis, although the owners suggest hiring it during the winter if you want to avoid crowds of tourists. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years and the current incarnation has starred in many films, including Highlander and James Bond - The World is not Enough. Larger versions of the photos here are available for download at the castle’s website.

Dracula’s Castle, Romania

The next castle is often referred to as Dracula’s castle, although the real name is Bran castle.

Bran Castle, Romania

Perched on a cliff near Brasov in central Romania, it is a major tourist attraction, largely because of its ties to Prince Vlad the Impaler, the warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, “Dracula.” Legend has it that Vlad spent one night at the castle in the 1400s . The castle was returned to it’s “rightful” owners, the Habsburg family after the fall of communism. Arch Duke Dominic Habsburg immediately offered the castle back to the Romanian government for $80 million but the offer was rejected. It then went on the open market, and I understand it is still available. Baytree Capital, the firm representing the family are of the opinion that the castle will eventually sell for $135 million, although I feel this is a little ambitious - especially with Romanian lawyers still fighting over the the decision to return it to the family in the first place. Time will tell.

Castello di Mazzè, Turin, Italy

This beautiful castle in Turin is available for hire to cater wedding parties at around 2,500-5,500 Euros a day and for sale at around 15 million Euros. (Negotiable). Notable visitors in the past include:  King Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia, Count of Cavour, Zar Nicola II, Count Brunetta d’Usseaux, Francesco De Sanctis and Benito Mussolini. Originally constructed in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th, the founder of the Italian Olympic movement, Count Eugenio Brunetta d’Usseax also lived here.

Castello di Mazze, Torino

Many more castles and photos after the jump More on Luxury Real Estate - Castles

Apparently practicing what he preaches, Leonardo DiCaprio has just purchased a “green,” luxury apartment overlooking the Hudson river in “Riverhouse,” an eco-friendly development in the Battery City Complex.

The high-rise, designed by David Rockwell, will feature a media café, fitness center, and indoor fifteen meter lap pool and an extremely eco-friendly dog spa.

The building’s plans also call for a branch of the New York Public Library and the City Bakery. Christopher Daly, president of the Sheldrake organization confirmed the purchase late last week, although Mr. DiCaprio declined to comment.

The “green,” aspects of the building include filtered air and water, triple-layered windows and non-emitting carpets and paints. But the design has also come in for considerable criticism over the large footprint and lack of esthetics. Plus their artists’ renderings, which make the building appear to be a lone building out in the country – as opposed to one of many high-rises planned for the area.

Leonardo DiCaprio himself is a commited environmentalist, and has recieved praise for some of his choices, including the fact that he opts to use commercial flights instead of chartering a private jet, as many of his peers are wont to do.