Château Martin Pêcheur, France

Château Martin Pêcheur is an abandoned French chateau. The name translates to “Kingfisher Castle”. This is likely a reference to a dead kingfisher which can be found in one of the rooms. We visited the chateau in 2016. At this time the chateau was in good structural condition. Unfortunately, much of the furniture had been removed before our visit. Therefore the inside was relatively bare.

The earliest records of Château Martin Pêcheur are from the 17th century. Subsequently, the 18th century saw the chateau almost entirely rebuilt. A small portion of the southern wing retains the original 17th century wall. This wall has alternating brick and stone, differentiating it from the newer limestone phases. In the 1980s the chateau became a registered historic monument.

The three wings of the chateau create a squared horseshoe-shaped plan which is open towards the west. Additionally the north and south wings terminate in round towers, each topped with a pepperbox roof. Between these round towers extends a stunning wrought iron gate. In front of the castle the gate is tall, and wonderfully ornate. To the north lies the stable blocks and some other outbuildings.

Château Martin Pêcheur became abandoned in the mid-2000s, when the owner died. The will bequeathed to a Catholic foundation, to be used to support young people in need of support. Subsequently a relative emerged to contest the will. This niece entered into a legal battle to gain ownership of the chateau. Ultimately, the courts proclaim that the Catholic foundation to be the rightful owner. Following this, the foundation put the chateau up for sale.

Château Martin Pêcheur engulfed in flames in 2018

In the winter of 2018, a fierce blaze engulfed Château Martin Pêcheur. The fire raged for many hours before being extinguished. Unfortunately around two-thirds of the chateau were destroyed, only the southern wing escaped destruction.