Ever since childhood, I was intrigued with castles. It seemed every fairytale had a castle: from Rapunzel’s lonely tower, to the grand ballroom where Cinderella first met her prince!
While living in Germany and Scotland I had the opportunity to visit real medieval castles; Neuschwanstein in Germany and Edinburgh Castle in Scotland are magical! I have a postcard collection of castles that keep me dreaming. Not that I’d actually want to live in one–too big to clean and I don’t have a maid or butler.
Neuschwanstein, Germany
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Here in Ontario we have Casa Loma in Toronto and Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. Although they aren’t actually castles where kings and queens once lived (both are now museums) they are magnificent mansions with interesting history and great places for day trips in Southern Ontario.
Dundurn Castle is a national historic site which gives us a glimpse of how a very wealthy family lived in Hamilton during the 19th century. The mansion was completed in 1835 and it certainly impressed my grandson.
A magical day trip to Dundurn Castle
a walk on the estate
huge door
nice spot for a photo
floating staircase
fashion with compassion 
Thanks for sharing these beautiful castles! I am also always so interested to learn more about Canada … and her history! You look so beautiful at the Dundurn Castle!
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Beautiful places and images! You look very good, too!
I’m originally from Europe, yes, I have been to very many castles. The closest one from the place where I am at the moment is Rundale: the palace where Russian empress Catherine the Great was dealing with her countless lovers. It has a long history, cannot retell it all, but the Rose Festival was held there recently since the Palace garden and park is famous for its roses.
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More stunning pictures…..my, but you have a busy, fun life….all these days trips lately.
Janet and I have been to Edinburgh Castle and others.
I understand Casa Loma was never “finished”….over extended his money!!!!
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Yes it’s in my bucket list – going to a real castle which would bring out my inner princess. Thanks for sharing these wonderful images of real castles!!!
Rebecca
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The photos look stunning. I think the vibrant look is what really grabs your attention. The very last few photos show the grand scale of the castle. The last photo with the castle as the backdrop—stunning.
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Oh my gosh. I really, really want to visit a real life castle. I guess I’ll always have a fairytale-loving-child in me. :”> And oh, you look lovely in your outfit. ♥
xo Kim
Le Paper Doll
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I didn’t keep my promise…my day trip to Dundurn Castle had to be postponed and now is on my reminder list… I found on line interesting info about this mansion, but your post made me more curious and anxious to go over there. Your pictures are beautiful (as always) and you look like the princess of the castle, my dear Carmen! 🙂
Obviously, as you say, real castles and palaces are in Europe, and I was excited to admire some of them in Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria and…Romania – the country where I was born and lived for 50 years. Did you know that Queen Maria (who died in 1930’s) – one of Romanian queens – was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter?
Have a great weekend!
I miss dancing with you, my dear dance teacher…
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Thank you my dear Ileana! There’s nothing quite like the real thing, of course, but I love history. The thing that really bothered me was seeing the conditions the poor servants lived in (apparently, better than many other poor people in those days) and the utter extravagance of the rich. That does not make me happy.
I hope you go soon and let me know how you liked it.
❤ carmen
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I love castles but don’t think I like to live in one. I had visited Neuschwanstein Castle in my 2012 Germany trip , beautiful ! You look stunning in Summer colors and lovely pose , enjoy looking at all your pictures. You are so lucky to have a personal photographer ( I guess is Doug ) with you in all these nice day trips.
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Thank you my dear friend Maggie! Your travels have taken you all over the world and I’m glad you got to see my homeland and visit Neuschwanstein!
Have a sunny weekend!
❤ carmen
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I love castles but have never been to one. Some day when my last kid is out of the house I will be keeping castles on my “bucket list.” You look lovely too!
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Thank you dear Joni! Castles are fascinating and definitely worth seeing once in a life time!
Enjoy your weekend!
❤ carmen
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I love castles too… as you know we do have many here in Germany, I also love the French castles they are so beautiful and so different. You look so summery in this outfit infront of this castle. Enjoy the sunny day!
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Thank you dear Ute! I have been to several castles in Germany, but none in France yet. We are having some lovely weather and I’m taking advantage of it!
Have a lovely weekend!
❤ carmen
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I’ve gone to both Casa Loma (we used to live right down the street from it when we first moved to Toronto) and then last year Dundurn my girlfriend and I went as she lives just outside of Hamilton in Dundas. I loved both of them but as you mentioned they don’t hold a candle to the ones I’ve visited in Europe.
And yes…you’d have to have a very large staff of people working in a castle. Ah…one can dream though : )
bisous
Suzanne
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Hey Suzanne! I used to live on Dupont Street in downtown Toronto, walking distance from Casa Loma. Last time I was inside was when my youngest son was a child. It’s been a few years; time to go again!
Have a great weekend!
❤ carmen
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A castle appears the most suitable place for a queen; for Queen of Capri. LOL. Although in this post do not wear capris, and you are wearing a wonderful, soft and delicate white skirt. A lovely set white skirt with yellow top, are worthy of a princess colors. LOL. Germany and Scotland have wonderful castles, but Spain, too. Catalunya has beautiful buildings of this type and some near Tarragona. Dundurn Castle looks like a magnificent manor house of the nineteenth century, and in its 40 rooms, you could save, with no problems, all your fantastic wardrobe. LOL. And if you need a butler-counselor, I offer myself, you just have to buy the house. LOL.
Seriously, the house is wonderful, your look is stunning and the story, invited me to come and visit you soon ..
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What a kind offer my dear friend! Now all I need is a castle and I will already have a butler! LOL I had a look at some of your castles in Spain, my favourite one is a castle by the beach!
Have a wonderful weekend!
❤ Your Queen of Capri
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