Kasteel en Tuinen van Freÿr / Maas (België)

Going at top speed and ruining oneself

• Mariano d' Osuna was the grandson of Frederic de Beaufort-Spontin and Léopoldine de Toledo-Infantado. He had a considerable fortune from both sides: Osuna and Infantado, which he managed to waste during his life.
• He transformed the ruins of Beauraing into a kind of palace in that "Walt-Disney" style so dear to Walter Scott, where he lived sumptuously. He invited there frequently his cousins of Freÿr, each time giving them expensive gifts.
• At his death, the creditors presented their bills. It was necessary to sell everything, furniture included.
  • This operation took place in winter. To counter the cold, a fire was lighted in the neo-gothic guards room.
  • That night, the fire in the chimney became a chimney fire. The following morning, nothing was left but ruins. Sic transit gloria mundi !
  • The cast-iron plate where the fire began is now to be found in the dining room at Freÿr.