Yves Gastou’s Enchanting Castle in Biarritz: A Time Capsule of Beauty and History
Nestled within a forest of bamboo and pine, bay and oak trees on the outskirts of Biarritz in southwest France, the Ermitage de Douce-amie, or refuge of a sweet friend, stood frozen in time until French gallerist Yves Gastou breathed new life into it in 1990. The crenelated castle, built in 1900 as a retirement home for a member of Napoleon III’s imperial court, captured Gastou’s imagination with its romantic allure of knights and fortified towers.
For Gastou, who passed away in 2020 at age 72, the castle was a summer sanctuary where he indulged in monthslong vacations with family and friends, escaping the hustle and bustle of Paris. While his city apartment showcased his eclectic tastes in modern art and design, the castle offered a retreat into the past, fulfilling his childhood fantasies of medieval grandeur.
Over the years, Gastou meticulously restored the castle, preserving its historical charm while infusing it with his diverse collections. From transforming the stables into a guesthouse to adding a lap pool on the sprawling grounds, Gastou’s touch was evident in every corner of the 5,380-square-foot estate.
One of the most striking features of the castle was the basement bathroom, adorned with exquisite marble reminiscent of Villa Kerylos on the French Riviera. Each room was a treasure trove of art and artifacts, blending the old with the new in Gastou’s signature style.
Now, as Gastou’s collections are set to go on sale at Sotheby’s in Paris on March 19, the castle stands ready for a new chapter. Yves’s son, Victor Gastou, plans to renovate the estate and create new memories with his own family, carrying on his father’s legacy of appreciating beauty in all its forms.
As the castle prepares to embrace the 21st century, Victor reflects on his father’s motto: “When you open your eyes, you can see beauty.” In the enchanting walls of the Ermitage de Douce-amie, beauty and history intertwine, creating a timeless legacy that continues to inspire.
