COTE DE TEXAS: A Look At Abandoned Chateaus

A Look At Abandoned Chateaus

 

 

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If you have a few minutes of time, take a look at this short documentary about the making of the trailer for the book, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.   Riggs made the trailer for this, his first novel, after traveling to Belgium and Luxembourg looking for the ruined house of his imagination:  Miss Peregrine’s home.

 

 

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This abandoned chateau in Belgium was almost exactly how Riggs imagined Miss Peregrine’s house would look like. 

 

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I liked this angle, showing an arched terrace. 

The documentary is beautifully filmed and is just a bit creepy at the same. time.   My favorite part is where Riggs shows a “dirty mirror” and all I see is a gorgeous Louis Philippe just waiting for a proper home.

 

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This house was left intact.   Notice the chandelier – I have seen these with shorter skirts.  This one is rather long.

 

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This bedroom with its suite of furniture must have once been the home of a very devout person. 

 

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Out back at one chateau was this workshop, left as-is in 1954, the year I was born!  I wonder if his shop was called Décor?  Notice the urn on the Décor signs.

 

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At this house, Riggs assumed someone wealthy had lived here.  The ceiling shows Swedish styled wallpaper.  I wonder what the light fixture looked like?

 

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In this attic, Riggs finds a dirty mirror.  I’m amazed no one has stolen this seemingly perfect Louis Philippe!

Truthfully, I was surprised how many abandoned chateaus were in Belgium.  If you read the Beta-Plus books, they make it seem as if each property in that country has been restored.  Obviously, there are still plenty houses in need of some TLC.

The documentary is just 7 minutes long.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

To view the video go HERE.  It’s the first video on the page.  The second video is the actual trailer for the book.  To order Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children go HERE.

 

 

 

53 comments :

  1. Joni this is something I can really get into. Thanks for the heads up!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come & Enter my Fashionable Giveaway from The Shabby Apple!

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  2. I found that on YouTube a couple of weeks ago when trying to figure out (a) if I wanted to get that book and (b) read that a video book-trailer had been made. I was most intrigued by the properties and wondered if the structures were still sound - what a WONDERFUL reno that would be - and what fun!

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  3. Enchanting, interesting, creepy, fascinating. I am sure many places like this exist in Italy too, perhaps I should go and discover them? I hope there will be a movie after the book "Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children" the title itself is a novel!

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  4. Thanks for the heads up! Love your blog!

    Silver MLM

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  5. Oh, wow! I could have some fun here.
    Good question about the mirror. Strange. I dream of having a great find one day!
    I was born in 54, the very end of 54, haha.
    Have a great evening, and thanks for sharing.
    Head over to watch.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  6. This is amazing. I love abandoned estates--I visited one recently in the mountains of Virginia called Swannanoa Palace, I posted about it here. It was absolutely fascinating!

    Marissa
    www.roost-home.blogspot.com

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  7. This was creepy and fascinating. I had to immediately order the book. Loved the video. So interesting about that light fixture with a skirt. I've never seen that before. I actually have an art deco chandelier I'm getting ready to hang in my dining room that is similar in style. Lots of cut outs in the metal. I was thinking it would be cool with some color behind it. A skirt would actually work. I doubt I do that..but it is very interesting.

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  8. once again...I'm so glad I found your blog! you are reminding me with every post exactly why I started my own antique shop in the first place! The dreams I had of restoring anything need to come back to life!!! The hours that I spent in my great grandmothers glorious attic all are reasons I do what I do!! Cannot wait to see the video....and can't wait to plan my trip to Belgium!!!
    Carolyn Bradford
    mulberryheightsantiques.com

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  9. Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the tip!

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  11. My husband and I have a second home in a charming, beautiful town in Mississippi with lots of history and antebellum homes. There is one in particular within walking distance of our home. We "trespass" there often and have taken many photographs of the property and looked in the windows.There's also an old barn in the back that I would love to rummage through, but I'd never go that far. The home and it's history are very intriguing as are the chateaus in this video/book. Thank you for bringing it all to light. Hopefully the bookstore in this great little town will have a signing with Riggs' in the future. Another nice post!

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  12. So intriguing and creepy! The pair of spectacles just left on the table is so evokative. Extraordinary to think that these amazing houses have just been left to decay.

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  13. Hi Joni,
    What an interesting post! There are indeed a lot of castles in Belgium whick are abandoned or of which there is not taken care for anymore. Or the owner hasn't the money anymore or there is no buyer to find. You can buy a château in Belgium for a reasonable price but... then it starts!! Restoring! You know which way you start but you never know how it will gonna end! Costs!!! Too Expensive!! And the people who have the money to do it, prefer to build their own new castle.
    But is so sad to see all these beautiful châteaus abandoned! Sometimes my heart bleeds.
    Wish you a nice weekend and thank you for this most interesting post!
    xx
    Greet

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  14. I love this post....I actually did get a chill up my spine while watching the trailer's. Thanks so much for sharing this as I had not heard of this book. Can't wait to read it. Once again, your blog was interesting and inspiring. I so enjoy it!

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  15. I love how so many of your posts read like intriguing historical fiction! I can't believe people just walked away from these beautiful places...but I guess times have changed!

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  16. Joni, your blog is inspired! I'm fanatical about châteaux, especially ruined ones, but I did not know about this. How wonderful of you to share this! Seriously, every one of your posts is like the best online magazine!

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  17. What a delicious video+post..and your research is beyond the beyond! Thanks for letting us peek inside. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  18. Wow, creepy and cool. I hear ya on that Louis Philippe mirror, and that bed is pretty amazing.

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  19. I LOVE THIS and you'll see me reblog this! I love abandoned homes, but handyhothusband will tell you that the rule follower that I am keeps me from climbing in. It's my dream to climb in and break those rules. Maybe I'll do it in Belgium!!!! Nothing better than a treasure hunt! The home left in tact is amazing. Don't you wonder where the relatives of the people who lived there are? Of course I've got it with murder all over it! hahahahahah muah!

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  20. I am completely transfixed and wishing it were 9 am so I could head over to the bookstore.

    Am seriously comtemplating heading to Europe to become a squatter. The second home in the documentary has my name written all over the workshop. :)

    Lovely Ms. Joni. Thank you!

    Happy 4th!

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  21. Thoroughly mesmerizing post, Joni. I loved the trailer -- it reminded me of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" with Jim Carey. It's always a treat to see a new post from you. I always learn something - and I am ALWAYS entertained!

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  22. As always, I am fascinated and learn something new every time I visit Cote de Texas. First of all, wouldn't you love to treasure hunt in that Belgian estate? I can't believe all that stuff is just sitting there. I'd also like to learn more about skirted chandeliers--very interesting. Lastly, I think the book might be a good read for the kids and I this summer.

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  23. I can't believe the things left behind. That place would be picked apart down to the foundation in the US, that is, if someone didn't tear it down all together. Great post.

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  24. Joni,
    How creepy and hauntingly beautiful at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed watching how he used the film he took and made it into the book trailer. And, I've never even heard of a book trailer before, although I love to read. You have taught me about SO much more than just decorating! Thanks for another fascinating post!

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  25. Facinating piece. Wish I could renovate one of the abandoned places. I loved the tile floor, did you see it?

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  26. Very interesting post! Thank You!

    P.S. I loved the skirted chandelier! I have never seen one before.

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  27. Just watched both video's and I want to run right out and get the book...even though I'm a little scared now! The first has me so perpexed as to how these beautiful homes and their furnishings could be left to rot like that...how can this be?? I'm shocked. Oh to have these homes restored...and to find out who the families were that lived in them would be so wonderful and fascinating...if only.
    Thanks Joni...I was having a slumpy day and you've helped to unslump me!
    xo J~

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  28. How interesting! This post makes me want to visit these places. There's an annual tour of old historic homes in my town, and rarely do I miss it (only if I'm out of town, etc.). I love the history, beauty, and allure of old homes. Great post.

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  29. Got goosebumps, what a brilliant trailer. I hope this highlights the estates that are dying for love and restoration

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  30. Thanks for the heads up on this book, Joni.
    I never heard of a book trailer but it's sure a great way to promote a book.
    After reading your post and watching the trailer I just have to get my hands on this book.

    Have a great 4th of July
    Paula Jo

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  31. Okay, that was wonderfully creepy! Thank you! The book, is now a must read. Wish that mirror were mine! Happy 4th Monica

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  32. Fascinating... wish i could wander for a few hours in that old ruin.

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  33. I LOVE this post!!! If you get a chance visit my Blog, ~Garden Adornments~ and my new Etsy shop ~Strolling Through Time~
    www.AGardenToRemember.blogspot.com
    Have a great 4th!
    ~Aimee~

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  34. I love the wonderful structures anywhere that offer up many surprises... I agree the Louis Philippe mirror is a gem....Let's hope someone with adequate funds restores this place to it's former beauty......As for the book it looks like a most provcative read.
    Went to the website through the link you provided.../thanks Joni!Maryanne xo

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  35. Loved this post you always find the most interesting things to write about. I love abandoned places too there's something so mysterious about them. I hope you're having a wonderful Fourth!

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  36. Joni, as always a fascinating post. I'm wondering if you are watching the Tour de France. There are so many wonderful views of the French landscape, churches, and chateaux. Some ruined, and some absolutely magnificent.

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  37. I enjoyed the film. I would love to have some of those around here... I finally got my Antique French Chair covered. I did a post on it, go take a look. smiles

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  38. I'm so intrigued now that I must buy the book. Isn't it amazing these beautiful chateaus are left in ruin? What a wonderful project for someone to tackle - I can't image the money it would take, but the thrill of watching it transform would be unbelievable!!

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  39. This is amazing!
    I would love to leave Houston for this chateau in Belgium!

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  40. Thank you for sharing this Joni! I'm enchanted! (Grand rot is my crack!Lol!) I can't believe the things that have been left behind!! I'd like to save every one of them. Vanna

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  41. Love the antique shutters...venita

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  42. I love the rustic elegance of the French Recreations Burlap pillow with the linen edges! Also, thank you for telling us about The Bella Cottage!

    danagray@me.com

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  43. I have always drooled over all the beautiful items from The Bella Cottage. I am madly in love with the Bella Chateau French Domed Chair. Love it!

    linda_magro@yahoo.com

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  44. Love the biblioteque piece love the character and the color would love to have that piece in my home for books amazing

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  45. Love the biblioteque piece love the character and the color would love to have that piece in my home for books amazing

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  46. I adore everything about this -I will get this book!!!

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  47. Thanks for a delightful, fascinating post and link to the author's site. You'll want to use the correct plural of chateau, it is châteaux, pronounced the same as the singular.

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  48. Great pictures, rustic /vintage peices adn the house interiors reflect the time that it was built in

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  51. Those rooms look like they've had some mean exorcisms in there.

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  52. Abandoned anything just makes me sad.

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