Chateau Miranda, also known as Chateau Noisy, was a neo-Gothic jewel located in the Walloon town of Celles, in the Belgian municipality of Houyet. The impressive mansion, built between 1866 and 1907, became a symbol of the region’s architectural heritage. Unfortunately, the edifice fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 2017.
The history of the castle dates back to the French Revolution, when Count Liedekerke-Beaufort was forced to leave his family’s castle of Vêves and take refuge on a farm near Celles. His descendants decided to transform this farm into their residence, commissioning the English architect Edward Milner to do so. Construction of the castle began in 1866, but was interrupted when the architect died in 1884. It was not until 1907, with the help of the French architect Pelchner, that construction was completed with the erection of the distinctive central tower. The imposing structure was built of brick and its sculpted body was covered with stone. Miranda Castle became the summer residence of the Liedekerke-Beaufort family.
The castle in the early 20th century. Photo: Archives de l’État en Belgique
During the Second World War, the castle was occupied by German troops, but survived the conflict in relatively good condition. In 1950, it was converted into a holiday resort for the children of Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) employees. Unfortunately, the castle was abandoned in 1991 due to a fire, and further damage was done by dampness and lack of proper care of the building. Attempts to sell the castle in the 1990s were unsuccessful, leading to further deterioration.
Miranda Castle has become a popular site for urban exploration (urbex), attracting lovers of abandoned sites from around the world. Despite its state of advanced deterioration, the edifice was stunning in its architecture and became one of the most recognisable abandoned sites in Belgium.
In 2013, the owners of the castle, concerned about its technical condition and security risks, applied for permission to demolish it. Despite attempts by associations and local activists to save the castle, the decision to demolish was taken and work began in October 2016. Although demolition was halted several times due to appeals and protests, the castle was finally razed in October 2017. All that remained were the stables, which remain the only vestige of this once impressive residence.
Miranda Castle in 2012 and 2017. Photo: http://trevbish.co.uk/ and tomas_g, via Wikimedia Commons
Source: souterrain-lyon.com, urbex.nl
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