A MEMBER OF A CENTURIES-OLD ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY BARON ARNAUD DE BASTARD SHOWS OFF THE BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME, A SLICE OF HISTORY SET IN STUNNING FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE

Set amid the rolling hills and lush vineyards of south-west France, the Château de SaintDenis is serenely beautiful, the classical symmetry of its architecture softened by warm, creamy stone.

- CRISTINA LORA ALARCON & ANA FERNANDEZ DE CORDOBA CENDRA

It has been the beloved home of the de Bastard family for generations, ever since they arrived here from Brittany 400 years ago.

Devoted to managing the region's rich natural resources on behalf of the King rather than to waging war, they designed their château "not as a fortress, but as a place built for pleasure", according to the current Baron, Arnaud de Bastard, who inherited it in 2016.

And as he and his Baroness, Anne, welcome us with their children Alain, Sibylle and Florianne, as well as grandchildren Raphaëlle and Timothée, they’re delighted to share Saint-Denis’s story and look forward to fulfilling new chapters ahead.

Baron Arnaud, which of your ancestors built this beautiful château?

“My great-great-grandfather, Edouard de Bastard, constructed it in the 1850s on the site of a smaller building dating from the 17th century. He was married to Elaïs, sister of the mayor of the nearby city of Bordeaux.”

What can you tell us about the architecture?

“It was the work of a famous Bordeaux architect, Jean Burguet, who designed many civic buildings in the mid-19th century.”

Could you explain the origins of the de Bastard family?

“My ancestors can be traced back to the tenth century, when they owned land and castles in Brittany. Over time, they moved south, and several became Grand Masters of Waters and Forests, administering these resources on behalf of the King in this region, which was known back then as the province of Guyenne and Gascony. They settled in Saint-Denis because it was right in the heart of the land.

“Then, later, during the 19 th-century reign of Napoleon III , some of my forebears rose to hold positions in national government.”

Have any royal guests stayed here?

“In 1970, we hosted Otto of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, when he came to attend a conference.”