7500 People Just Bought A 13-Century French Castle Together

More than 7,500 have clubbed together to buy a 13th-century French castle to save it from destruction.

An online campaign has meant that the Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers have been kept from falling into ruins or being destroyed. The full cost of the castle was €615,900 (£542,410).

Organisers say that the accomplishment is the first of its kind in the world, and that thousands of citizens around the world now own the castle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaRPKBuHYjU/?taken-at=320008441

The majestic stone castle has a rich, varied history. Taken control of by the Engllish twice during the Middle Ages, it was ruined during the French Revolution and changed hands multiple times. In 1870 it was bought by Baron Edgard Lejeune, who began restoring it to its former glory. The rich baron threw opulent parties, but sadly a fire gutted the castle in 1932, leaving it damaged.

In 1981, a former secondary school maths teacher, Marc Deyemer, bought it with intentions for restoration.

Speaking to La Nouvelle Republique five years ago, he said: ‘I killed myself for two years trying to save it with preservation works, but I was sickened when my projects were torpedoed by certain people. I’m tempted to declare it a ruin so it can be destroyed.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbPp2WkAPys/?taken-by=dartagnans

The building is in a sorry state. The gardens and grounds are overgrown and wild, with trees, plants and brambles growing inside the building. The stonework is crumbling and in desperate need of repair.

Thankfully, the crowdfunding campaign means that this French jewel can finally be restoed. The crowdfunders, who had to contributed at least €50 (£44) to own a slice of the building, will be consulted on the development and restoriaton, and will be the first to visit once all is mended.

Speaking to The Guardian, founder of Dartagnans, Romain Delaume, commented: ‘The idea is not just about raising the money, but getting as many people as possible to participate in saving this magical, fairytale place.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbC8nqMFzzX/?taken-at=320008441

And it is a fairytale. Imagine being able to tell your Tinder date that you’re the part-owner of a castle overgrown with trees and brambles? You’d essentially be Sleeping Beauty.

If you’re keen to get involved, the crowdfunding will continue until December 25 in an attempt to raise extra money to assist with the restoration.

Grab your spinning wheel and get clicking!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.