Over the decades, what remains of the grand estate has been taken over by Mother Nature, with trees rising up among the turrets and undergrowth making a home for itself within the château's walls. But its fortunes changed when a group called the 'Friends of the Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers' raised money to help preserve the abandoned stately home.

The landmark now belongs to a community of more than 25,000 people from all around the world and the company behind the fundraising initiative claims to have raised more than €1.6 million (£1.3m/$1.8m). The chateau grounds are now regularly open for events and some restoration work has already been completed by volunteers.

Incredible photos of abandoned houses being taken back by nature