Winter is coming — oh wait, it’s here — and over at the NYLON office, some of us couldn’t be more excited. Because, seriously, we’ve gone past the books and into the great unknown. People have died to make things happen. People have been brought back to life to make things happen. So bring on the dragons, White Walkers and murder plots, because Game of Thrones will be back on our TV screens in… less than 24 hours?! Okay, okay, we’ll chill out. After the very fun meals you can get delivered to your home while you’re watching the first episode, and once you’ve finished unpacking its mysteries, you can head over to the HomeAway site for this: a list of Game of Thrones-inspired vacation rentals totally look like they belong in the world of Westeros. Time to make holiday plans, and escape the dark treachery of the series perhaps? Our only gripe: having to fly on an aeroplane and not off the back of a majestic dragon.
Winterfell
Recommended listing: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p855669a
Ah, the home of our beloved Starks. This will certainly be a stark contrast to your humble abode though because we’re talking about a magnificent castle in France that has the tall towers, and somewhat gloriously gloomy vibes, of House Stark, complete with centuries-old stones and candlelit pathways, perfect for a company of up to 14 guests. Of course, you won’t have to contend with direwolves (to our disappointment) or a sorry state of living conditions; instead, you’ll get to live like a King in the North with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and washing machines. Now, imagine if the Stark siblings had Wi-Fi so they wouldn’t feel lost in the world… whatever it is, don’t do a Bran and go hastily scaling the walls. Or, just don’t do a Bran, ever.
Riverrun
Recommended listing: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1947696
At this point, we’ll never consider joining in the treacherous Frey, but hey, his imposing fortress makes for a home like no other. The actual listing here is a Victorian mansion in the United Kingdom, which houses 14 bedrooms, modern amenities, and comes surrounded by woodland — kinda what we imagine the Frey household will be like if they did a crossover with Disney. We’d gladly host special occasions at this stunning locales, though um, we’re not too sure about weddings…
Tower of Joy
Recommended listing: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1101459
All the hardcore GoT fans heaved a sigh of relief — and joy — after this particular episode aired. Behold, the scene that confirmed a thousand fan theories: where Ned Stark fought his way through some of Raegar Targaryen’s best men, including one spectacular Ser Arthur Dayne, in order to come face to face with a dying Lyanna Stark who proceeds to whisper a secret that her Stark brother promised to protect. Oh, and there’s a baby too. We don’t know why the Tower of Joy marks this tragedy, except for George R. R. Martin’s love for irony, but here, you get to live in a historic tower house that mimics the lone architecture seen in the show. Located in Roaring Water Bay, Ireland, it stands at over 500 years old, but was last restored in 2000, with the medieval elements and original building materials kept intact so you can discover its mysteries for yourself.
Storm’s End
Recommended listing: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p8191307
Yeah sure, Stannis Baratheon was utterly miserable as the Lord of Storm’s End, forever grumbling about being the true king after Robert Baratheon died and being jealous of his younger, more affable brother Renly, but you know, Stannis’ is never happy anywhere. Still, it’s a formidable structure: it’s said to be protected by spells woven into its walls, and is able to withstand countless enemy sieges due to its strategic positioning and a seaward wall. You can stake your claim for this castle at Devonshire, England, at a property that sees the round high towers of Storm’s End, but minus the cold, lifeless corridors.
Walls of King’s Landing
Recommended listing: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1919845
Remember the epic battle at Blackwater Bay, the largest war among the Five Kings to date, and how ridiculously hard the Lannisters had to defend their claim to King’s Landing? Well, thank goodness for the walls that surround the major city then, strong and beautiful ones that you can also see at this house in Italy. The Tower Capperina overlooks pristine waters and what would no doubt be an epic sunset, not sparring, plus you definitely won’t get your nose lobbed off too. Located at the dream location of the Amalfi Coast, you’re guaranteed days of sunshine, and nights of restful sleep. Something that we doubt any of our GoT characters ever got.
Book all these vacation rentals and more at HomeAway.
Game of Thrones Season 7 premieres in Asia the same time as the U.S. – exclusively on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601) this July 17 at 9am, with a same day primetime encore at 9pm. The series will also bestreaming on HBO on StarHub Go and HBO On Demand (StarHub TV Ch 602).
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