A couple of days after arriving in Belgium, I went for a weekend in the Ardennes with a group of friends to get to know them better, eat, drink, be around nature, and watch a meteor shower. Unfortunately, the latter activity was not possible because it was during a foggy night (assuming it would have been visible otherwise). One last thing we did just before we headed back to Ghent was to hike from Celles to this abandoned castle know as Château Miranda. I don’t which one of us knew about it and how to get there, but kudos to him/her, because not only it was a great hike (through the woods), it reminded me of my childhood when I would like to wander around the forest near my house (by forest I mean the backyard and my mom’s flowers) looking for magical places, hidden treasures, enchanted castles, dragons, etc. (this predates video games). So if you have some nostalgia for those times (or even if you don’t), just grab your backpack, bring the items you need, and head out on your journey. Also bring a camera, this place is great for photos and the amount of them you find on the web confirm it.
Château de Miranda - Main entrance
A little bit of history on the Château Miranda, which later became known as Château Noisy, tells that it housed the family Liedekerke-Beaufort Kasteel from Vêves as the countryside summer home that they always wanted (those were the days). It was the design of architect Milner (he gave them a discount) and it was built in 1886. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to see his masterpiece complete, because he died before it was finished. The family kept the castle until WWII when it and the whole area was occupied by Germans. After the war was over, the NMBS – SNCB (National Railway Company of Belgium) used the castle as a house for the worker’s children and that’s how it was renamed to Château Noisy (don’t think it’s related to the noise the kids would make). In 1970, it was still all for the children but then only used as a summer camp or for some other outdoor activities. It has been abandoned since 1991.
Château de Miranda - Inside
The place is also very popular among Urban Explorers. No wonder! It is a beautiful castle and once there, you are overcome with a feeling of mystery and haunting. I did go during the day, so it wasn’t that spooky. Once you’re inside, you see traces of… a lot of stuff – just let your imagination think of what it might be. There are reports that some people go there to paint fake blood on the walls, hang dolls from the ceiling, etc., so whatever you find, it will probably by someone playing a prank. The municipality of Houyet has been trying to acquire the castle, so they keep an eye on it in the meantime. The only thing that happened while I was there was that two big guys showed up by car and told us to leave the area. They were probably securing the place, didn’t ask at the time since we were leaving anyway. That situation also added to the excitement since I had watched Hostel a few weeks before and I had visions of the movie since the castles share a similar vibe. As for tips, be careful where you step, the castle is old and abandoned and might also be the home of some local wildlife.
I would definitely go back there for a picnic on a warm summer day, as it has a pateo in the back, surrounded by tall grass, trees, and a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.
Château de Miranda - Side view
It was me!
I spent five days there with school in third grade (1983). It was cool, it had a kind of (very cheap) boarding school feel to it.
Thanks for the tip then
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