‘Château de Noisy,’ often dubbed as one of the most legendary urban exploration (urbex) destinations, has attracted countless photographers seeking to capture its eerie allure. Originally christened ‘Château Miranda,’ it later acquired the name ‘Home de Noisy.’
The inception of ‘Miranda’ traces back to Count Liedekerke-Beaufort, its original owner. Amidst the tumult of the French Revolution, the Liedekerke-Beaufort family sought sanctuary, having to flee their ancestral abode, the Castle of Vèves. Settling on a farm outside the village, they transformed it into a summer refuge. Over time, this rustic retreat evolved into the iconic structure now known as Château Miranda, its construction finalized in 1907 with the addition of the iconic clock tower. Although English architect Edward Milner conceived the castle’s design, he passed away before its completion.
During the turmoil of the Second World War, a small portion of the Battle of the Bulge played out on the estate, with the Nazis taking control of the castle during that period. Following the war’s end, the heirs of the family opted to vacate the premises. In 1950, ‘Château Miranda’ underwent a transformation, being renamed ‘Home de Noisy’ upon its acquisition by the NMBS, the national railway company of Belgium. The railway company repurposed the castle into an orphanage and holiday camp catering to sick children. This role endured until the late 1970s, after which the castle continued to serve as a venue for sports and activity camps for children.
In 1991, Château de Noisy was abandoned, left to the mercy of time and neglect. The castle stood empty and desolate, as the considerable expenses required for maintenance could not be met. Despite earnest attempts to secure investment and revitalize the property, no viable solutions materialized. As the years passed, the ravages of nature took their toll, with parts of the structure succumbing to damage from a fire, and numerous sections of the ceiling collapsing. Yet, amidst the decay and deterioration, the inherent beauty of the castle endures, a haunting reminder of its storied past.
The castle became renowned as the premier urbex (urban exploration) destination in Europe. Each weekend, throngs of photographers descended upon the charming village of Celles, eager to capture a glimpse of this timeless edifice. In 2016, alarming news emerged of plans to demolish the castle, igniting the first wave of protests aimed at preserving its legacy.
Despite the fervent efforts of locals to safeguard the site, Château de Noisy met its tragic end in 2017 when it was razed to the ground.
