inquiry@savingcastles.org

chateau

Discover the Beautiful Medieval Castles of Alsace

The Alsatian chateaux are an architectural and cultural marvel that can be accessed by a 450 km hiking trail. All you need is your energy, some water, and all the time in the world!

Discover Alsace, France where wine flows like water and half-timbered houses line the streets. This region located on a hilly territory between two rivers is home to many castles that offer incredible views of an architectural heritage dating back 800 years ago. From north to south, discover why so many people have called this place home for centuries with 2000+ miles (3200 kilometers) worth of hiking trail just waiting in wait for you!

The Land of wines, half-timbered houses, storks and delicious food that are Alsace has one of the most generous European regions in terms of medieval fortified castles. The architecture heritage is a fantastic mix from 80 buildings to be explored on foot with an exceptional architectural heritage waiting for you.

The Association Châteaux forts d’Alsace and the Club Vosgien are proud to present their topo-guide Chemin des châteaux forts d’Alsace. The 450 km of this walking circuit allow you to discover France’s most beautiful castles, such as Bouillon (the birthplace of King Henri IV), Haut Koenigsbourg Castle or Neufmaisons Castle near Strasbourg.
The new book Walks around Castles in Alsance is also available at Visitor Centers throughout the Circuit Touristique du Patrimoine et de l’Environnement Duchéen: it enables visitors who prefer a half day walk with more leisurely pace from one castle to another.

To find out all the latest news about Alsace castles, go to www.alsaceterredechateaux.com and on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Alsaceterredechateauxforts

Read more

Inspiring Creativity: The Story of a French Art Dealer’s Castle Restoration Project

When he was young, Pierre-Alain Challier developed a fondness for a castle nearby his village in France. As an adult, Challier became a contemporary art dealer in Paris, but he never forgot about his childhood dream of living in a castle. About a decade ago, the owner of the estate passed away and left the property to his niece, who resided in Patagonia and had no plans of returning. Challier and his partner, Bertrand de Latour, made an offer on the castle and bought it without ever having seen the inside. Since then, they have been working on restoring the property, which had been abandoned and stripped of many of its original features. Challier hopes to set up a foundation for artists to stay on the property and create large-scale works. Recently, a young couple even got married on the castle’s grounds.

Challier’s restoration of the castle is a passion project that he hopes will last for generations to come. He plans to preserve the castle’s exterior while making changes to the interior to accommodate his vision for an artist residency program. While the castle’s restoration is a long-term project, Challier is excited about the progress he has made so far.

Despite the challenges of restoring such an enormous property, Challier remains dedicated to his goal. He wants to create a space where artists can create without fear of judgement or commercial pressure. By providing a serene and supportive environment, Challier hopes to inspire artists to push the boundaries of their creativity.

The restoration of the castle is not just a personal project for Challier, but a community one as well. His family and friends have all rallied behind him to support the restoration. With their help, Challier hopes to continue to make progress and create a space that will inspire generations of artists to come.

Challier’s story is a testament to the power of childhood dreams and the importance of pursuing them. Despite the obstacles that he faced, he never gave up on his dream of living in a castle. Now, he is not just living in one, but restoring it to its former glory and creating a space where others can pursue their own creative dreams.

Read more

Inside Dominic West’s Castle Home

In this episode of ‘Open Door,’ Dominic West takes us on a tour of Glin Castle, the Irish ancestral home of his wife Catherine FitzGerald’s family. The castle maintains its various period aesthetics, but with all the accoutrement of modern life. From the 10,000 year old Irish elk skull and antlers to the resident spirits and ghosts, Dominic and Catherine show us everything.

 

Read more

Arundel Castle reopens to visitors as restrictions ease

ARUNDEL Castle has welcomed visitors back through its historic gates amid the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The building, which had remained closed over winter to carry out essential restoration work, reopened its doors today for the first time this year. Dating back to the 11th century, many of the castle’s original features, including the Norman keep, medieval gatehouse and barbican, remain today.

Like other attractions around Sussex, the castle has been forced to adapt to accommodate social distancing measures.

There is now a modified route that includes the Barons’ Hall, the library and the grand staircase where a recently restored 18th century tapestry can be seen.

Castle manager Stephen Manion said the historic keep will open once the restrictions are fully lifted.

He said: “Arundel Castle is delighted to open its doors to visitors as part of the steps out of lockdown.

“The fabulous rooms, art and furniture are all beautifully displayed within the magnificent castle building, parts of which date back to the 11th century.

“Due to social distancing, there is a modified route which includes the great Barons’ Hall, the amazing library and the grand staircase on which hangs the recently restored 18th century Gobelin tapestry, leading to the bedrooms.

“The historic keep will open later, when the restrictions are lifted, but can be admired from outside.

“The exciting medieval event from 29 May to 31 May will have falconry, the clash of steel and cries of victory from fearsome sword fighting displays.

“Aromas of cooking and the sound of the blacksmith will be accompanied by the pipe and drum of our musicians.

“For the young and young at heart, have-a-go archery will test their skills.”

Over the winter, a helicopter was used to carry materials in and out of the grounds, over the castle’s imposing walls. One highlight currently open to visitors is the Regency library, which contains 10,000 books. The staff remove and clean them individually each year when the castle closes.

The library is 122ft long and entirely fitted in Honduras mahogany and the oldest printed book is the Augsburg Bible, 1477. The grand Barons’ Hall, a view of the grand staircase and the dining room and drawing room are all also open until November 1.

Read more

Culdees Castle Estate Now Undergoing Renovations

A RUINED castle that was left in a state of disrepair for over 50 years is undergoing renovations that will transform it into a new luxury venue, giving future guests the chance to holiday, wine and dine.  

Culdees Castle Estate, designed and built in 1810 for Charles Drummond, whose clan was rewarded for fighting with Robert the Bruce, has not been lived in since 1968, the new owners said. After gaining extensive experience in renovating properties and stumbling across the castle on a family holiday, Tracey Horton and Rob Beaton bought Culdees in the summer of 2019 and are “determined to restore the site to its former glory”.  

Ms Horton has extensive experience in property development and events management, and the pair have a long-term plan of restoring the whole castle. 

Following the purchase, the venture accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up support services including advice on their business plan, marketing, and funding.

A dedicated adviser also provided guidance through regular virtual meetings and was able to signpost the couple to a business loan, helping them secure enough funding to turn their vision of turning the castle into a fully functioning venue into a reality.

After receiving Business Gateway’s support, the first phase of renovations is “making significant progress, and the estate now boasts a luxury glamping site with three cosy cabins, each named after previous custodians of the castle”.

Visitors to the site can enjoy hot tubs, fire pits and BBQs with direct views of the backlit castle. The couple hope to continue renovating the main body of the castle next year, and future plans include revamping the commercial kitchen and chapel, as well as designing a cosy whisky bothy. Ms Horton also hopes to develop a luxury champagne bar where guests can enjoy afternoon teas.

Ms Horton, managing director, Culdees Castle Estate, said: “We knew renovating Culdees Castle would be a big project, but we really appreciated the beauty of the building and were determined to transform it into something special. Perthshire has a great reputation for tourism, so we really needed to make Culdees stand out from the crowd.

“I have no doubt that the castle will give people something to look forward to as restrictions ease further, and I’m confident the venue will make a beautiful backdrop for the weddings that have been booked for later this year. We will continue to support Tracey and Rob as they continue their renovations and I look forward to seeing what they do next.” 

Learn more about how you can be involved in our latest projects. https://savingcastles.com/our-causes/

Read more

This Chateau Has 10,000 Owners

La Mothe-Chandeniers is a romantic French château straight out of a storybook. Dating back to the 13th century, it now lies abandoned — and its turrets and towers have begun to crumble. But the chateau has seen an unexpected change of fortune — more than 10,000 people around the world have clubbed together to save the castle from decline. And the number’s continuing to grow. Each modern-day “knight in shining armor” has donated at least 50 euros ($58) toward salvaging the château.
And in return, each of those donors have been crowned co-owner of the castle. They won’t all be living there, but they will get a say in the castle’s regeneration — and be the first through the doors following its new lease of life.
Read more

Welcome to Saving Castles

Saving Castles is a revolutionary platform that empowers collective funding for foundations, associations, individuals or government agencies who need help in financing their projects. Saving Castles connects directly with project holders to engage them collaboratively and financially on preserving European heritage.

With Saving Castles you can easily find other project holders willing to contribute funds all while connecting with like-minded people in the process.

The Saving Castles team has been working for years to preserve our cultural heritage. With the help of crowdfunding, they can work with project developers and patrons so that these projects get off the ground. They take care of all financial exchanges in order to ensure success for all parties involved!

The people at Saving Castles want you – yes YOU-to be a part of preserving your culture’s history through their platform which helps promote successful transactions between fundraisers and donors or borrowers/investors who are interested in supporting them financially.

Read more

Advice for U.S, Citizens Buying Real Estate in France

In any ’normal’ year, France receives over 100,000 foreign nationals from all nationalities who wish to settle in this sought after European country.  This represents approximatively 10% of all property sales in the metropole.

Read more

Donation

Contribute to our Saving Castles Guardian Matching Fund. When you contribute we match your donation. Thank you!

$