Baron Arnaud de Bastard’s unbelievable Château de Saint-Denis household residence – see inside

Set amid the rolling hills and luxurious vineyards of south-west France, the Château de Saint-Denis is serenely lovely, the classical symmetry of its structure softened by heat, creamy stone. It has been the beloved residence of the de Bastard household for generations, ever since they arrived right here from Brittany 400 years in the past.

Dedicated to managing the area’s wealthy pure assets on behalf of the King moderately than to waging warfare, they designed their château “not as a fortress, however as a spot constructed for pleasure”, in keeping with the present Baron, Arnaud de Bastard, who inherited it in 2016.

And as he and his Baroness, Anne, welcome us with their youngsters Alain, Sibylle and Florianne, in addition to grandchildren Raphaëlle and Timothée, they’re delighted to share Saint-Denis’s story and stay up for fulfilling new chapters forward.

Baron Arnaud, which of your ancestors constructed this lovely château?

“My great-great-grandfather, Edouard de Bastard, constructed it within the 1850s on the positioning of a smaller constructing relationship from the seventeenth century. He was married to Elaïs, sister of the mayor of the close by metropolis of Bordeaux.”

What are you able to inform us concerning the structure?

“It was the work of a well-known Bordeaux architect, Jean Burguet, who designed many civic buildings within the mid-Nineteenth century.”

May you clarify the origins of the de Bastard household?

“My ancestors could be traced again to the tenth century, after they owned land and castles in Brittany. Over time, they moved south, and several other grew to become Grand Masters of Waters and Forests, administering these assets on behalf of the King on this area, which was identified again then because the province of Guyenne and Gascony. They settled in Saint-Denis as a result of it was proper within the coronary heart of the land.

“Then, later, in the course of the Nineteenth century reign of Napoleon III, a few of my forebears rose to carry positions in nationwide authorities.”

Have any royal friends stayed right here?

“In 1970, we hosted Otto of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, when he got here to attend a convention.”

May you share any anecdotes about life at Saint-Denis?

“My grandfather Jean de Bastard liked his meals, together with the superb café Liégeois dessert they served on the station buffet in Agen, about six miles from Saint-Denis. When he rode over there in his carriage, he would typically go to sleep on the best way. That was no downside: the horse, understanding his grasp’s habits properly, would merely trot him straight to the restaurant.

“On one other of Jean’s outings, this time by automotive, he met the village butcher’s van coming the opposite means throughout a slender bridge over the River Garonne. It was unattainable for each to cross on the identical time, so, taking advantage of his aristocratic standing, my grandfather known as to the butcher: ‘I’m the Baron de Bastard: I’ve precedence, let me move.’

“However the butcher, who was known as Monsieur Ducourneau, would have none of it. He went one higher, firing again: ‘And I’m the Duc Ourneau – you make means for me!'”

Now that your youngsters are grown up, this should make a beautiful place for household gatherings…

“Sure, we get collectively right here every time we are able to. Our youngsters, who’re based mostly in Paris, Barcelona, Biarritz and Toulouse, come again to rejoice the vacations with us. Though all of us take pleasure in these festive moments very a lot, they’re too uncommon.”

“However we additionally welcome buddies from throughout France, who’re at all times delighted to benefit from the environment right here. We’ve organised themed events for as much as 300 folks; the home lends itself completely to that, each in summer time and winter.”

One in every of Saint-Denis’s charms is its assortment of vintage carriages…

“Sure, and that’s actually grown over the centuries. We’ve obtained an entire number of types, akin to cabriolets and phaetons. They had been as soon as used for all kinds of on a regular basis wants, however sadly, they’ll’t be pushed now. We’ve turned the higher degree of the stables right into a museum and so they’re on show there.”

What’s your favorite room or nook of the château?

“When I’ve time, I immerse myself within the intimate, old-world ambiance of the library. There I steep myself within the story of my ancestors by studying their letters, in addition to shopping books about geography, historical past and – since many held public workplace – additionally authorized issues.

“I’m additionally pleased with the ladies of our dynasty, and have commemorated them by cataloguing all of the drawings and work they created.”

The home is adorned with many superb artistic endeavors. Which of them stand out for you?

“The principal staircase is illuminated by a stunning stained-glass skylight made by a grasp glazier from Lorraine. Guests additionally particularly recognize the 2 tapestries created by the world-renowned Aubusson workshops.”

What enhancements have you ever and the Baroness made, and what plans do you may have?

“Once we moved in eight years in the past, we launched into a full restoration. My spouse got here up with the idea and we’ve chosen extremely expert craftsmen who’re bringing all of it to life.

“Anne and I additionally actually take pleasure in taking care of the wooded grounds, the place the bushes embrace cedar, pine, oak, lime, maple, magnolia and ginkgo biloba. Lots of the bushes are centuries previous, however we’ve been ready so as to add numerous new ones ourselves.”

PRODUCTION & INTERVIEW: CRISTINA LORA ALARCON & ANA FERNANDEZ DE CORDOBA CENDRA

PHOTOS: FERNANDA NAVARRO PEDROSA & PALOMA ROJAS-MARCOS (COUCHE STUDIO)

HAIR & MAKE-UP: ANTOINE DURAND