Abandoned Miranda Castle. Сhateau Miranda in Belgium

A year ago in September, I took a train from Cologne to Luxembourg. The rails ran along the Moselle River, vineyards, almost gingerbread houses, Gothic cathedrals and, from time to time, castles flickered outside the windows. For example, like this:

And then, in Luxembourg, I managed to visit another castle - Vianden, which has been in ruins since the 19th century, but, thanks to the restoration work begun in the 1970s, is quite impressive.

Only it turns out that these castles are lucky. For there is a fairly large number of "count ruins" that no one is repairing, in which no one has lived for a long time, but still beautiful. (Of course, we are not talking about completely dead ruins, uninhabited a long time ago.)
And you think to yourself, oh, how people used to build, if even in such a state these castles still have a soul and even in desolation retain nobility and grace.

Chateau de Noisy, originally - miranda castle. It was built in 1866 near the town of Zell in the province of Namur, Belgium, by the English architect Milner for the rich and noble Liedekerke-Beaufort family, who lost their old family castle during the French Revolution and built a new one on the site of a small farm. The family owned the castle until the Second World War, during which it was given to an orphanage for the children of employees of the Belgian railway, but in 1980, after a fire, it was returned to its former owners. However, since then the Chateau de Noisy has been empty. Nobody lives in the castle, the owners do not repair it, but stubbornly refuse to sell it to the authorities of Zell, who are interested in restoring a beautiful local landmark. They say that Count Lydekerke-Beaufort is interested in negotiations only with the mention of an amount of 20 million euros, and this is on the terms of a "long lease" of the castle. The castle has a touch of gothic mystery and mysticism: they say that the architect died, barely finishing the construction. Although the facade looks well preserved, being in the castle is fraught with dangers, ceilings, steps and walls can collapse at any moment, floor coverings are long gone.

On YouTube you can also find videos shot in the castle, for example, this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlAR74CcAfE

Hotel Rouge, also known as Chateau Rouge and Chateau Bambi (Hotel Rouge, Chateau Rouge, Chateau Bambi) in the municipality of Wanze in the province of Liege, Belgium. Once upon a time, a small monastery, built around 1100, supposedly stood in its place. In the eighteenth century, the estate changed hands several times, gradually the castle fell into disrepair and became completely unusable for living, and in 1885 it was finally demolished. A new building was erected in the Flemish Renaissance style, using some of the walls and fireplaces from the old castle. After the Second World War, it became a luxury hotel (according to another version - a nursing home), and since 2009 it has been empty, it is indicated, "due to poor management." Apparently, it got its name because of the red brick used in the construction.





But the interiors and exteriors are still luxurious, albeit with a touch of mold!

Lock Mesen (Kasteel van Mesen) , Lede, Belgium. Now this huge castle, with stables and greenhouses, is in the center of a vast public park, and is already almost destroyed. The building was erected in 1749 by the Italian architect Giovanni Nicolo Servandoni for the Bette family (according to other sources - for the royal family, but this theory is a little doubtful for me. Remind me, please, who owned this part of modern Belgium in 1749? France? The royal family of Belgium, then appeared only in the 19th century ...) Apparently, after the French Revolution, the owners lost the estate, and the castle began to be used for the needs of the local industry - distillation of alcohol, sugar refinement, tobacco production. In 1897, the castle was sold to a religious order, which erected an impressive neo-Gothic chapel there. After the First World War, the castle was turned into an elite women's school that existed from 1914 to 1970, where the daughters of the impoverished aristocracy and the military studied. The castle passed into the possession of the Belgian Ministry of Defense. In the end, the neglect of the condition of a huge ancient building led to its desolation. The fate of the castle has been hanging in the balance ever since. Too much money is required to restore it, or at least maintain it in its current state. Judging by the most recent blogs that mention Mesen Castle, they plan to demolish it to build a residential complex on this site ...

This part of the castle has almost been demolished...

Castle de Singe(Chateau de Singes), France. The name translates as "Castle of the Monkeys".
I did not find the exact location of the castle, built in the seventeenth century, there is only a mention that it is located in the uttermost rural wilderness and is a kind of rare gem for those who are keen on tourism associated with visiting abandoned historical monuments. The last owner could no longer maintain the building in good condition, but did not sell it, but lived there until his death in a single room, without central heating. Once upon a time, horses were bred on the estate. The castle has been abandoned since 1976.

The name of the castle, apparently, is somehow connected with the frescoes that miraculously survived in some halls of the castle, which depict funny monkeys.




Here you can watch a video about the trip to the castle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSFXmEILksQ, taken by one of the few tourists who visited Château des Singes.

And in conclusion, I will say that there are VERY, very many such castles ... maybe because there are not so many rich people who are able and willing to take such treasures into "good hands". Absolutely without irony - the cost of such locks is estimated at millions of euros, and very often you need to spend no less on repairs. The state, be it France or Belgium, is also always in no hurry to act as a patron of the arts.
I also found links to absolutely stunning, no less beautiful and also abandoned castles in Russia and Ukraine. If only some Abramovich would warm them up, huh? ...

Miranda castle (French name is Сhateau Miranda), also known as Noisy castle (French name is Сhateau de Noisy). Castle of the 19th century, located in Belgium (Namur province, Selles village). The castle was built by an English architect in 1866 for the family of Count Liedekerke-Beaufort. The family lived there until the Second World War, after which the Belgian Railway Company bought the castle. Château de Noisy has been abandoned since 1991, in part because the family refuses to hand it over to the municipality of Selle.

Recently, the castle functioned as a children's camp and was finally abandoned in 1991.

This, Chateau de Veves, feudal castle-fortress is a local pride. It was taken by storm only once in its entire existence. Veves Castle begins its history in 685, when the first primitive defensive structure was built here. Later, in 1230, the then lord Pepijn Herstal upgraded the structure. So, no longer relevant at that time, the “strong stone shed” acquired high sheer walls, observation towers in the corners and a circular moat. In 1410, the castle was nevertheless taken by storm and partially destroyed by detachments of Dinant's troops, but was very quickly restored. Its high thick walls and narrow round towers with loopholes were designed for long-term defense. Well, in the 18th century, the French king Louis XV adjusted the appearance of the Veves castle to the then fashionable Renaissance style, in which it remains to this day. Currently, there are rooms and halls inside the castle - museums with interiors from the times of Louis XV and XVI, the ancient property of the last owner of the castle, Count Liedekerke-Beaufort (Liedekerke-Beaufort), an armory, a chic living room, a prayer chapel, a bedroom and more. others

In 1866, another castle was built nearby as a summer residence, designed by the English architect Milner, who died without seeing his rebuilt offspring. At that time, the castle was called Château de Miranda and was managed by the count's family. During the Second World War, the castle was occupied by the Nazis for some time. Since 1958, the castle has been used by the Belgian Railway Company as a holiday home for the kids of the railway workers. Then he received the name Chateau de Noisy.

However, the owners soon returned to their former castle Veves castle. He is visible on the horizon.

From 1903 to 1907, according to the design of the French architect Pelshne, work was underway to erect the central clock tower.

At the new location, the family decided to “anchor” and not move anywhere else. The members of Liedekerke-Beaufort lived happily ever after in the castle until the end of the Second World War, and when the war ended, they moved to France for permanent residence. They decided to rent Chateau de Noisy (merchants?!). So, after the war, an orphanage was opened here, and after that there was the headquarters of local boy scouts. Since 1991, Miranda-Noisy Castle has been empty ...

Once upon a time it all looked chic, but now it is even painful to look at. The facade of the building was also a deplorable sight. The wretchedness and devastation of the once former greatness made me sad. But the neighboring Veves castle and this Noisy castle have one owner. It is the ancestor of the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. At the moment, this strange gentleman lives in France and stubbornly continues to refuse to sell the castle to the authorities of Dinant for its subsequent restoration and protection. Meanwhile, the top floor of Noisy and several flights of stairs completely collapsed. All 500 windows of the castle are broken. The unique “stucco molding” is chipped off and taken home, and the castle itself has become a haven for any “homeless”.

How many beautiful buildings that have become victims of the inexorable passage of time. Neo-Gothic castle of the 19th century, famous

like Miranda Castle, it keeps the memory of the past turbulent life. Commissioned by the Liedekerke-Beaufort family, the castle was

built by English landscape architect Edward Milner.

The castle was completed in 1866 and was hidden in the Ardennes. The Liedekerke-Beaufort family left the castle with the beginning of the First

world, after which the castle fell under the control of the Nazis, later there was a shelter in it and in the end the castle became

owned by the national railway company of Belgium. So he was able to hold out until the 1980s, and since 1991 he

was completely deserted. Today you will meet an abandoned building, broken windows… It’s sad… The castle stands

at the mercy of wind and rain, not to mention local vandals. Inside, the building is littered with pieces of plaster all over the floor.

But passing by, you cannot but admire the beauty of this castle. I want to see this beauty with my own eyes, for now

you can see beautiful photos.

Miranda's abandoned castle in Celle (Chateau Miranda) is one of the famous. It was built in 1866 in the Neo-Gothic style by the English architect Edward Milner and commissioned by the owners, the Count de Beaufort family. The castle served as the home of the Liedekeke-Beaufort family until the outbreak of World War II.

At the end of the war, the family never returned to the castle; in 1958 it was leased to the Belgian Railway Authority, which organized a children's sanatorium in the castle. Then the castle got its second name - Chateau de Noisy (Chateau de Noisy). The sanatorium worked until 1991, after which, due to the non-renewal of the lease agreement, it ceased to exist.

Today, Miranda Castle is abandoned, it is gradually being destroyed. For what reason the owners, who now live in France, not only do not want to use the castle themselves, but also do not want to transfer it to the management of the public service, which would be engaged in its restoration, is unknown. As the inhabitants of the village of Celle say (it is more correct to pronounce the name of the village as "Sel"), the owners of the castle filed a petition to allow the demolition of the building. So while this request is not satisfied, hurry up to see the Miranda Castle in Celle if you are in! Most likely, you will not be able to get not only inside the castle, but also on its fenced territory - despite the obvious neglect in relation to the building itself, the owners are quite reverent about the very concept of private property. However, the castle deserves to be seen at least from the outside, albeit from a not very close distance.

How to get to Miranda Castle?

Miranda Castle in Belgium is very easy to find - the village of Celle is just over an hour away. You can drive along the E17 highway (the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes) or start moving along the E17, and at Nieuwe Steenweg take the 8-De Pinte exit onto the N60 highway and continue along it. From Celle to Chateau Miranda - about 2 km more.

There could be a big report here with a bunch of photos of the interiors of an abandoned castle in Belgium, but in fact there will be only 5 shots from the outside. The reason is simple - the operational Belgian police.

Sometimes when traveling, situations arise when it is not possible to fully get to the object. This is just the case. The abandoned Chateau Miranda castle in Belgium has been attracting me for a long time, so when I was brought to rest in Brussels and Bruges this summer, it was decided to go here. No sooner said than done, on one of the days of our stay we boarded a train and rushed for a walk through the surrounding suburbs and forests. The weather did not work out in the morning, the further we drove away from the capital, the more cloudy it became. However, when we got to the right station, there was no rain, only a light fog and a low sky. Then we walked along the local road through the forest. By the way, very beautiful places, and the quality of asphalt even in such a suburb was simply amazing (Europe!).

1. After some time, we reached a high mountain, on which there is a castle at the very top. But then the most interesting thing began - to climb a steep mountain, grabbing the roots of trees. It is dark in the forest, there are many drops of morning dew on the grass, it is very beautiful and atmospheric. Soon the bias starts to become more adequate.

2. We climb up, climb through the bushes and find ourselves in the former landscape park of the castle. Suddenly, he himself appears right in front of us.

3. If you turn back, you will see a former beautiful fountain. Alas, it's been out of business for a long time.

4. We start walking towards the castle itself, take a couple more shots.

5. Here, I think it is appropriate to give a brief history of this chic gothic place with two old photographs.

Miranda castle (French name Сhateau Miranda), also known as Noisy castle (French name Сhateau de Noisy). 19th century castle located in Belgium (Namur province, Selles village). The castle was built by an English architect in 1866 for a family Count Liedekerke-Beaufort. The family lived there until World War II, after which the Belgian Railway Company bought the castle. Château de Noisy has been abandoned since 1991, partly because the family refuses to transfer it to the municipality of Selle.
But the whole neighboring castle of Veves and this castle of Noisy have one owner. It is the ancestor of the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. At the moment, this strange gentleman lives in France and stubbornly continues to refuse to sell the castle to the authorities of Dinant for its subsequent restoration and protection. Meanwhile, the top floor of Noisy and several flights of stairs completely collapsed. All 500 windows of the castle are broken. The unique “stucco molding” is chipped off and taken home, and the castle itself has become a shelter for the homeless"

6. Having got close to the stairs leading to the main entrance, the most fun begins. Suddenly, two watchdogs run out of the bushes, rather large, but friendly in appearance. And at first I thought that they were just walking around, well, something like that. And the girl pointed to the collars, and soon an uncle of a rather stern appearance came out to fetch the dogs. Here it was a bummer. But it was-not-was, and in such situations sometimes they not only got out, but also got on the object. I tried to get in touch, the girl actively helped (because she knows English better than me). It turned out that the guard himself did not know much English, and let's address us in French and German. Then he could not understand who we were and where we came from. When, finally, we somehow switched to English, and it seemed to me that contact was found, everything is OK and he is quite kind - suddenly the man began to throw us presentations in the spirit of "Get out of the territory immediately", "Delete all photos quickly", " This is private property." I did not understand everything right away, and I tried to hint that we were photographers, etc. But he took us in a rather forced manner to the side of the mountain, showed us his badge with some kind of identification, said that he was a policeman, but periodically patrols the castle, that there are many such lovers. Under his leadership, an already meager set of photos had to be removed. Then he asked where we were from, and we answered that we were from Russia. He pointedly said "Ahhh, Moscow, well, everything is clear" and sent us a goodbye =) He said that if he sees again, the policeman will immediately take us to the police station. He also advised me to take a closer look at the signs on the hall. I didn't really notice them before. Happens. Well, I restored the photos, of course. But it’s still terribly disappointing, although the trip came out atmospheric, no matter what.

7. And for those who are interested in how the castle looks from the facade and from the inside, I throw 3 strangers thumbnail photos, as well as a link where you can get acquainted with successful hits and the beauty of the Gothic castle.

As they say, it happens in different ways, and we should be glad that, firstly, we still saw the castle up close, and secondly, we didn’t end up in the Belgian police station =)

Until new reports! But next time you will find a huge and rich report from a semi-abandoned mining town in the mountains and a closed state district power station.

P.S. Later it turned out that in front of the castle there is a modern fence, video cameras, an intercom, and that the new owners of the castle are almost going to demolish it (!!!)