Château de la Resle, a different kind of Burgundy

Twenty years ago, Johan Bouman decided to restore the château to its former glory by transforming it into a new kind of refuge. Far from the (very) traditional hotels that are the hallmark of the region, he chose to turn the premises into a lively family home rooted in the times; a house that doesn't eclipse the traces of its history, but mixes them with works of art, pieces of design and pure lines that give it all its modernity.

A successful gamble for this residence, which attracts a growing number of loyal guests every year, seduced by the charm of the premises as much as by its owner's warm welcome. There are no valets or luggage handlers here. You're welcomed by Johan, who accompanies his guests to one of the 10 rooms and suites, divided between the château, the old farmhouse and the janitor's house, which has been converted into a luxurious guest house of some 125 m². All are uniquely decorated - in a classical style with antique sculptures, a loft feel with designer pieces (bathtubs by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola), and sculpture-like old timbers. All different, the rooms and suites nevertheless have much in common - an ultra-rich Farrow & Ball color palette, palatial bedding and real space (35 m² for the smallest and up to 75 m² for the suites), all opening onto the park and the Rock Growth sculpture by artist Arik Levy.

This contemporary refinement also extends to the Art de Table restaurant, where guests gather for breakfast and dinner to savor the witty cuisine of Brazilian chef Iaman Santos.Iaman Santos Costa, who concocts delicious Burgundian revisited menus and, every Saturday, a more gastronomic score with, as always, local products and a large proportion of vegetables.

Catering to every desire, this is also the motto behind the creation of the wellness area, which includes a fully-equipped gym (exercise bicycles, exercise equipment, etc.).e (exercise bikes, rowing machines), a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath and treatment and massage cabins by Codage; not forgetting the personalized yoga classes led by coach Valentin Préti. Once you're back in shape, all that's left to do is plan what's next. You can explore the vineyards of Chablis, the surrounding Cistercian churches and the historic center of Auxerre, or you can take your novel and relax in the deckchairs lining the beautiful swimming pool nestling in the gardens. Many choose the second option...

Three questions to Johan Bouman, owner of the château

You acquired Château de la Resle in 2005. How did you go about restoring it?

Johan Bouman: I came to the region in 2005 for a professional project, and fell in love with both Burgundy and the château. I decided to transform it into a hotel in 2010, to bring it back to life and share its beauty, all with conviction. To embark on this type of restoration, which is necessarily very ambitious, you need a real project and a business model. I come from a family very involved in design and architecture, and I chose to play the role of master builder, with the help of local craftsmen. My goal? To design a place that combines the refinement of a luxury hotel with the warmth and intimacy of a guest house.

The space features works of art and design. How did you choose them?

J. B.: I come from an art background and have always had a taste for works and objects. I don't want to build a collection, but to live in the midst of art, in a dialogue between creation and heritage. The architecture of the château has been totally preserved, and it's the art that comes in to shake things up and give the whole place its modernity. I choose the works as I fall in love with them, discovering them in galleries and at contemporary art fairs... The result is a mix of sculptures, photographs, paintings and design objects. I'm very proud of the sculpture by Arik Levy that dominates the park, the chef's open kitchen - a unique piece created by Dutch designer Roderick Vos. Or the works of Italian painter Luigi Salvi.

What are your plans for the coming seasons?

J. B.: I have in mind the rather crazy project of expanding the hotel offer by constructing a more contemporary building in the heart of the park. The idea is to preserve the intimate character of the site, but also to meet the growing demands of our guests. Today, we welcome not only Parisians, but also many Europeans and Americans. A community united around two passions: authentic Burgundy and contemporary art.