Six thousand users of the crowdfunding platform chipped in and bought a medieval castle

Six and a half thousand users of the crowdfunding platform Dartagnans collected 500 thousand euros (almost 35 million rubles) and bought the castle for restoration. The 13th-century Moth-Chandenier Castle, or rather, what remains of it, is located near the French town of Le Trois-Moutier. The medieval monument is surrounded by a moat and attracts attention with ornate balconies, impressive spires. However, since nature seized power in the castle and trees grow in the former majestic halls, its future has become far from rosy.

Moth-Chandenier has an eventful history: twice the castle was captured by the British in the Middle Ages, and during the French Revolution it was partially destroyed. At the beginning of the XIX century, a French businessman bought it and completely restored it.

Six and a half thousand users of the Dartagnans crowdfunding platform donated about 51 euros (3.5 thousand rubles) each. All investors became co-owners of a huge castle, having bought it on a website specializing in the preservation of cultural heritage.

The organizers of the purchase shared their joy on Facebook: "Two months ago we decided to take a crazy step. The love of history and heritage has triumphed, and our wonderful journey is just beginning!"

In total, people of 45 nationalities participated in the project. The new owners will be able to see the castle and begin its restoration.

The Moth-Chandenier Castle was built at the beginning of the XIII century and became the family residence of the noble Bosse family. In the Middle Ages, it was captured twice by the British, part of it was destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1809, the castle was bought by Francois Ancard, who restored it almost to its original appearance, revived vineyards and dug canals.

Until 1870, the castle changed hands until Baron Edgar Lejeune became its owner. However, in March 1931, after central heating was installed, a terrible fire broke out in the castle. The flames destroyed thousands of priceless rarities, including rare books, furniture and paintings. Only the chapel, the dovecote and the annex, which served for household purposes, survived.

Moth-Chandenier was bought again in 1963 by retired industrialist Jules Cavroy, along with two thousand hectares of land.

In 1981, the castle, which had already turned into ruins, was bought by a former school teacher Mark Demeyer, who dreamed of restoring the historical monument to its former glory. However, the bank that owned the castle before him sold all his lands to various people, and Demeyer could not restore the building. The State was also not interested in restoring the Mot-Shandenye.

Now the once majestic and beautiful castle has got a chance for a new life.