We often think of some cool buildings when we think of DC: the White House, the Capitol, the Washington Monument. But, do you ever think of castles when you think of DC? Probably not, until now! We found these 8 captivating castles near Washington DC and you won’t believe how amazing they are!

1. Blue Castle

Near the Navy Yard, stands the Blue Castle or the Navy Yard Car Barn. The building is on the National Place of Historic Places and was formerly a repair shop for the Washington and Georgetown Railroad.

2. Gibbons Hall Castle

Built in 1911, The Gibbons Hall Castle is part of Catholic University and is a residence hall. It would be pretty cool to say you’re going to college in a castle.

3. Rossdhu Gate

This Scottish Tudor style castle is in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC is technically the gatehouse of a much larger castle. The original 30 room castle was originally built by Daisy Calhoun and her husband, a wealthy Washington couple but when the stock market crashed in 1929, the Calhouns moved into this gatehouse and used the castle as a nightclub to make money. By the 1950s the main castle was demolished and the gatehouse is now a private residence.

4. Georgetown Castle Gatehouse

The Castle Gatehouse is a pumping station in the Georgetown Reservoir that was built in the form of a castle to resemble the Army Corps of Engineers castle insignia. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

5. French Ambassador’s Residence

In the swanky Kalorama district, this building served as the French Embassy until the current one was constructed in 1936. Built in 1910, this castle is a combination of Tudor Revival and Jacobean Revival architecture.

6. Melrose Castle

Melrose Castle in Fauquier County, Virginia was built in 1854. It’s currently on the market for sale, if you’re looking for a castle to live in!

7. The Brewmaster’s Castle

Right in Dupont, Heurich Castle was built by German brewer Christian Heurich. The castle is still a working brewery today and is open to public tours.

8. Smithsonian Castle

Otherwise known as The Castle, the main building of the Smithsonian was completed in 1855 and acts as the visitor’s center for the Smithsonian.

It feels all like a fairy tale, doesn't it? For even more magical beauty, check out this little slice of paradise hiding right here in Washington DC!