Sometimes a property needs that extra bit of TLC before its full potential can be exposed. Such is the case with Château Mirwart, an estate with a truly turbulent history
Located in the province of Luxembourg, Wallonia, Belgium, the castle once acted as a stronghold of the Duchy of Lorraine. After a string of bloody battles, it was eventually taken over by Otbert, a decidedly militant bishop of Liège, who ordered the reconstruction of the entire property around 1099.
Over the following years, the castle changed ownership and was damaged several times during numerous conflicts between Spain, Austria and France during the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a magnificent country estate and renovated by Alphonse Balat, the architect to King Leopold II of Belgium. It is currently on the market for €3.5 million (Dh16.3m).
Built on a rock rising above the Vallée de la l’Homme, the castle sits on more than 23 acres of land, offering stunning views of the valley. The current owner, a Dutch company that purchased the property from the Province of Luxembourg, has drawn up extensive plans to restore the estate, although these have yet to be executed. The proposed improvements would cost an estimated €6m (Dh26m), with €1.5m (Dh6.5m) to be subsidised by the government. So if you’re looking to purchase your own little piece of history, be prepared to invest heavily before it can be restored to its former glory.
Once you’ve done that, though, you’ll have a property fit for a duchy – complete with 45 bedrooms, 45 bathrooms and five or six lounges, all of which are situated on the ground floor. Also included are a caretaker’s cottage, saddle room and stables.
