Some are even still lived in today by their original families, though the owners usually occupy only part of the house (as many are open to the public to fund their upkeep), and the huge teams of servants that characterised the heyday of the stately home are now largely consigned to history.

Yes, thousands of families across Europe and the United Kingdom still live in castles today, though the experience has modernized significantly since the Middle Ages. Many of these residents are descendants of the original noble families who have held the property for centuries; for example, the Duke of Northumberland and his family still inhabit a wing of Alnwick Castle in England. In other cases, wealthy individuals or investment groups have purchased historic ruins and restored them into private luxury residences. Living in a castle presents unique challenges, such as astronomical heating bills, strict heritage preservation laws that prevent modern renovations, and the constant need for structural maintenance on ancient stone. To offset these costs, many "castle families" operate their homes as businesses, opening certain rooms to the public for tours, hosting high-end weddings, or using the grounds as filming locations for movies like Harry Potter or Downton Abbey. While it may seem romantic, many current residents describe it as being "custodians of history" rather than just homeowners, as they spend a significant portion of their time and income ensuring the structure survives for the next generation.