Destroyed by a major fire in 1932, the castle of Mothe-Chandeniers is now living a great adventure after more than 85 years of neglect. Let's take a look back at the formidable epic of this neo-gothic building which has become the most perfect of the romantic ruins.
The first real castle in La Mothe Chandeniers dates from 1654. At that time, the Marquis François II de Rochechouart-Chandenier was exiled to Anjou after having actively participated in the Fronde. He then chose the land of La Mothe, where an old medieval castle, totally abandoned, was enthroned, to build a fabulous residence surrounded by magnificent parks and gardens. Unfortunately, after a few years of happiness, his considerable expenses finally got the better of him and the lord found himself obliged to sell his estate to his creditors.
Falling into ruin, the castle was only bought in 1809 by François Hennecart, a wealthy Parisian businessman. He then decided to restore it to give it back its former lustre. In 1870, his successors in turn undertook major changes and made the Mothe Chandeniers a splendid neo-gothic castle.
Unfortunately, misfortune knocked at the castle's door on March 13, 1932. While the owner had just had the central heating installed, a violent fire broke out. The building is completely destroyed. Bought in lots, it has no more use and ends up falling into ruin. 85 years later, the castle is unrecognizable. After so many years of neglect, nature has fully regained its rights; thick vegetation covers the estate.
It was then that two start-ups specialising in heritage, Dartagnans and Adopte un château, decided to join forces and came up with the rather crazy idea of launching a participatory fund-raising campaign with the aim of collectively buying back the château. The project was born on October 6, 2017.
In just a few months, this operation will meet an incredible success, the tragic story of the Mothe Chandeniers moving the whole world! In all, 27,910 contributors from more than 115 countries took part in this crazy project by collecting €2,090,576.
The model is simple: 50€ invested allows you to own a part of the castle. Each owner then has a right of decision and can vote to validate or not to validate each stage of progress of the work. Of course, they also benefit from a free entrance for life and can come to the castle whenever they wish.
Thanks to the money raised, the work of securing and clearing the site has begun. It was also able to open to the public.
The visit is enchanting, so moving is this ruin. You are free to discover the park from which you can see this mysterious castle with its incredible history from several points of view. Many times abandoned, it has always known how to bounce back and today, thanks to all its new owners, a wonderful new stage is offered to it!
To know everything about the castle.
Bérengère for Comme des Français.
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