You hired acclaimed architect Jack Diamond to help transform the house. Can you speak to the vision you and he had for it? What was the process like in both determining what you wanted to do, and what you could do within the constraints of les architectes des batiments de France?

We were able to do very little other than restore it. We wanted to add to it but the authorities would only allow us enough space to put in two bathrooms and an inside staircase. And they wouldn’t let us do it in stone. They suggested glass. “But it’s for bathrooms,” we exclaimed! We settled on wood. While it only has one full bedroom and a loft (where our grandchildren often sleep when they come visit us), its coziness adds to its charm and exclusivity. Jack Diamond designed a small but exquisite addition for us. The green house is the unique room: totally glass in an iron framework, with a fireplace and a sunken stone floor, with broad views onto the gravel pathways, the fruit trees and flowers of the garden. It is greatly admired.

You mentioned the garden, which is a highlight of the property. What makes it so unique?

Some of the old fruit trees still exist in a beautiful gnarled way: figs, kiwi, pears, plums. And some of the flowers are species that are not seen today, which we treasure. We restored the design of paths radiating out from the house in a fan to echo the shape of the property. The focal point is a small, stone sentry tower; even the domed roof is of cut stone. It is an emblem for the whole town, a symbol of the fortifications surrounding Beaune.

From the modern design to the lush gardens, there’s a lot to love about the property. For you personally, what’s your favourite part?

My favourite moment is always climbing the stone steps from the busy centre of Beaune and opening the small, inconspicuous gate that opens unexpectedly, into our little paradise, our secluded, quiet park. It is always a delight, a surprise. The gravel paths all lead to our échaugette, the stone sentry tower where soldiers stood on guard against invaders during the Thirty Years War.

How does a stay at the Bastion differ from staying in one of Beaune’s hotels?

There is no way to compare. Here, you are in an exquisite, secret hideaway. It is luxurious in every way, from the Bulthaup kitchen, the Jura espresso machine, to the fine art and furnishings. These are, of course, in addition to the historic house and grounds that would be impossible to find elsewhere. While there are maid and catering services available (and bicycles!) you are on your own without the minute-by-minute services one finds in a luxury hotel. The choice depends on a traveller’s needs—both physical and spiritual.

What feeling or impression would you like guests to leave with after a stay at the Bastion?

The feelings the Bastion always leaves me – and I hope our visitors – with are of good fortune and an urgent desire to return! We have people coming back this year for the fourth time. They feel so privileged to have found our retreat, which offers beauty, peace history and a one-minute walk to the centre of Beaune, with its wonderful, gourmet restaurants, wine and shops. Don’t forget, this is one of the great wine capitals of the world.