Out in the Belgian countryside, hidden in dense vegetation, lies one of the country’s most precious hidden gems: the Castle Miranda.
The impressive building, which is also known as Chateau Noisy, has had a long and eventful history since it was built in 1866.
Now the imposing castle remains abandoned, with rumors that it will soon be bulldozed to the ground. Fortunately there are still people who get into the private ground and documenting the fascinating inside. Keep that it’s pretty damn delicious?
The castle was completed in 1907 and designed by architect Edward Milner, who, however died before he saw the construction completed.
The wealthy Liedekerke-Beaufort family, who lost their former home during the French Revolution, moved into the mighty castle with over 500 windows and a 50-meter high bell tower.
The Liedekerke-Beaufort family had not really decided what they’d use the castle to, and they gradually decided they would make it their summer home.
The family’s coat of arms above the entrance testifies to powerful and wealthy owners.
During World War II, battles erupted around the castle. Nazi forces gradually took over the massive building as they invaded Belgium.
When World War II ended, Miranda got a new owner: NMBS, that is the Belgian National Railway company. The castle’s name was changed to Chateau Noisy and became an orphanage for children with health problems. The new name, “Noisy”, alluded perhaps to the fairly high noise levels that could be heard there due to all the kids.
The castle could accommodate over 200 children between the ages of 5 and 14. The large fountain in the back of the castle was transformed into a swimming pool, where many children learned to swim.
In the late 1970s, NMBS sold its contract due to difficult economic situations. Chateau Miranda was used as a school, also appearing in some films. But nobody was really interested in renovating the castle to its former glory. By 1991, the castle was closed once again.
The municipality wanted to take over the castle, but the family refused. Instead local youth started to explore and use Chateau Miranda for parties. In 1995, part of the roof was burnt following a party inside.
The fire blazed through the castle, destroying much of the parquet floor, all fireplaces and all marble.
But still, much remained from the castle’s time of being an orphanage…
Like this bathroom here.
The orphanage was run exclusively by women and there were very strict rules of conduct.
The children wore the same clothes and came from both French-speaking and Flemish regions.
The orphanage also doubled as a school.
Unfortunately, a storm in 2006 destroyed the castle even further, and in early 2014, the current owner applied for permission to demolish the once majestic structure.
Unfortunately, a storm in 2006 destroyed the castle even further, and in early 2014, the current owner applied for permission to demolish the once majestic structure.
Which I think is so sad, as some remnants of its past glory are still quite obvious, like these gorgeous pillars.
Miranda’s future is very unclear. An organization is working to preserve the castle, but there is a lack of funds to restore it to its original glory.
All this said, if ever you are passing by the town of Celle in Belgium, you may want to stop by and take a look before it’s too late!
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