Château Miranda

Nestled in the verdant countryside of Belgium, the once grand Château Miranda, also known as Château de Noisy, stands as a haunting emblem of the country's rich history. This castle, though now in ruins, has captured the imaginations of history enthusiasts and photographers alike, drawing them to its dilapidated beauty and the tales that lie within its crumbling walls.

Constructed in 1866 by the English architect Edward Milner, Château Miranda was initially built as a summer residence for the Liedekerke-Beaufort family, who had left their previous home, the Château de Vêves, during the French Revolution. The neo-Gothic castle, set within a large estate, boasted a distinctive conical roofed tower, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Over the years, the château served various purposes, including a stint as an orphanage and a holiday camp for sickly children, which was run by the National Railway Company of Belgium after World War II. It was during this time that the castle was given the name "Château de Noisy," a moniker which stuck even after the holiday camp closed its doors in the late 20th century.

However, the passage of time and the absence of a caretaker led to the château's decline. Despite its listing in 1991 as a heritage site, efforts to restore or maintain the building were unsuccessful. The castle fell prey to vandalism and natural decay, leading to a dangerous state that eventually resulted in its demolition in 2017.