Real Estate Ramblings

This week I am taking you international and to a property that isn't for sale but OMG it's amazing and I want it! With out further ado I bring you Belgium's Chateau de Noisy or Chateau Miranda. The above image is what the chateau looked like when it was occupied. Below is what it looks like, sad and lonely.

The chateau was built in 1866 by the architect Edward Milner for the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. The Chateau de Noisy was to be built with many towers, conical roofs, and other Neo-Gothic details. Oh and with approximately 500 windows. Milner passed away before he could finished the project and construction was continued by the French architect Pelchner who extended the Chateau largely.

The clock tower was finished in 1903 and is 183 feet tall, and 1907 saw the completion of building activity. Initially the chateau with its beautifully landscaped gardens, served as the family's summer home.
During World War II, the chateau was briefly occupied by German troops.

The National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS) took ownership of the chateau from the 1950's as a ‘holiday camp’ for children who suffered from ill health. It was at this time that the castle was named Home de Noisy or Chateau de Noisy. Equipped with 200 places the ‘holiday camp’ gave shelter to the children, providing fresh air, a fabulous playground and healthy food. The schedule at Home de Noisy was strict, it was run by female officials and the children dressed uniformly. In the square between the outbuildings a small football pitch was set up and the fountain in the garden was converted into a swimming pool. These were of various nationalities and language regions: French and Flemish children between 5 and 14 from Belgium and during the holiday season, children from Italy. After 1970 it was used for outdoor activities and sport holidays for children.

In the 1990′s the owners began to search for investors, with the desire to transform the chateau into a hotel. Due to the rising costs of maintenance and refurbishment, the plans failed and in 1991 the chateau was abandoned.

In 1995 a fire claimed part of the roof, and shortly after this the owner removed the hardwood floors, fireplaces and Italian blue marble to use in the neighboring farm and another castle in Italy. In 2006 a violent storm, caused the stable roof to collapse. Despite the local community of Celles making an offer to take it over, the family has refused. 

This beautiful building is unstable and in disrepair. Internally, the structures are failing. Despite this, the building still maintains it beauty. Its likely that chateau de Noisy will fall and become ruins unless the owners invest or sell. With the history, this however seems unlikely. It has been confirmed that from December, 2013, the owners have put forward a formal request for permit to demolish chateau de Noisy. The heritage loss of this beautiful castle is significant and incomprehensible. 

Until next time