Mothe Chandeniers Castle saved by crowdfunding effort | The Loire Valley is a major French tourist destination. It stretches from Saint-Nazaire at the Atlantic Ocean to Orleans, 2 hours south of Paris. This region is famed for its vineyards, nature parks and castles. The latter do not include Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers – not yet. This ruin is about to be reborn. The countdown just started. In December 2017, 18,548 members of an online community (mothe-chandeniers.com) raised €1,615,600, by paying at least €51 each, to purchase the ruin with the aim of restoring it. They are now shareholders.
The fairytale home which features turrets, towers, and a sizable moat has fallen into disrepair after a devastating fire in 1932. Now trees and vegetation is sprouting out of its roofs and windows. The current Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers dates back to the 19th century, but the site has been home to a castle since the 13th century. In 1981, Marc Demeyer, a French math teacher, bought it. By then the structure was already in a state of disrepair. The local man is now 83. Time has come to pass it on.
Mothe Chandeniers Castle saved by crowdfunding effort
The fund rising campaign was a huge success. Approx. 25,000 People from 115 different countries did donate 50 Euros plus 1 Euro for shareholding. You can check it out here -> Dartangnans.fr. Shareholders did already get a chance to take a first look at the ruin. On April 2019 Mothe Chandeniers Castle will now finally open to the public. FAQ: mothe-chandeniers.com. Address: La Mothe Chandeniers, 86120 Les Trois-Moutiers, France
History: Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers was a former stronghold of the Bauçay family, lords of Loudun. It dates to the 13th century and was originally called Motte Bauçay. The Motte Baussay was taken twice by English troops in the Middle Ages and devastated during the French Revolution. It was bought and renovated in 1809 by François Hennecart, a wealthy businessman. In 1857 it was sold to Baron Joseph Lejeune. The new owner also renovated large parts of the castle in 1870.
Mothe Chandeniers Castle saved by crowdfunding effort. By Chili and Churp | © International Destinations | More Forgotten Tourist Spots here.
