The World's Most Extravagant Deserted Domains
15. La Mothe-Chandeniers Château
Place: Les Trois-Moutiers, Vienne, France
Period: 1200s
Expense: $1.6 million
The Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, an exceptionally beautiful castle located in Les Trois-Moutiers, Vienne, France, is currently on the market, with an asking price of $1.6 million. This stunning structure has a rich history, having served as a stronghold for the Baucay Family, the Lords of Loudun, since the 1200s.
Throughout its storied past, the castle faced numerous challenges, including several sieges by English forces during the tumultuous Hundred Years War. These events highlight the castle's strategic significance and the turbulent history of the region.

The Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers has a tumultuous history, having been destroyed during the French Revolution. Following this period, the castle changed hands multiple times from the early 1900s until 1932, when a devastating fire left it in ruins and abandoned.
Recognizing its historical significance, a French crowdsourcing initiative was launched in 2017, successfully raising $1.6 million to purchase the castle. This effort highlights the community's commitment to preserving this centuries-old monument, ensuring that it is not lost to time or neglect.