ONE YEAR LA BASTIDE - REVIEW, GRATITUDE & OUTLOOK
The first year at La Bastide is drawing to a close. A year that can hardly be put into words – and yet calls for us to pause for a moment, look back and say thank you.
It was a year full of emotions. A year of endless work, joy and amazement – but also of setbacks. A year that was characterized by moments that have left an indelible mark.
I still remember the first guest I picked up at the station. Before that, I had quickly fired up the Swedish stove so that it was nice and warm in the apartment. When we arrived at La Bastide together, the apartment was ablaze. A total renovation was necessary. A difficult start to this adventure.
Or the moment when, after weeks of intensive preparation, everything was finally ready for the start of the season. The first guests had arrived – and then came the hailstorm. Solar panels were destroyed, houses flooded, the whole area devastated. Nature showed its full force and La Bastide was suddenly faced with huge challenges again.
La Bastide was not spared during the construction of the round pen either: the excavator driver accidentally cut the main water pipe. He didn’t stop digging, he said the pipe was already broken anyway, he’d better finish before the repair team arrived. And not everything went as I had dreamed in my private life either. But as they say: ” It’s good at the end, otherwise it’s not finished yet.”
The soul of La Bastide awakens
Fortunately, a year is not just made up of exams. When I look back, I see above all the countless moments that touch the heart. The moments that have made La Bastide what it is today.
It is the arrival of the animals that have given this place its soul. The horses, the chickens, the sheep. The birth of the young cats, who now romp around the farm with such ease. And, of course, Milo, the Beauceron puppy, who has integrated himself into life here as naturally as if he had always been here.
The greatest gift, however, was the people. They were not just “guests”. They were people who not only visited La Bastide, but felt it. People who understood our philosophy. We laughed together, had profound conversations and experienced real pause. These encounters are the fuel for everything I do here.
Thanks from the heart
None of this would have been possible without the many helping hands in the background. We sorted, cleaned and built. We cut back the forest, painted, grouted and carpentered – with a dedication that leaves me speechless.
Friends, family, acquaintances and volunteers: you carried La Bastide on your shoulders.
I would like to highlight one person in particular. Without her creativity, her clarity and her tireless drive, La Bastide would be a different place today. She has a deep understanding of what people are looking for here and has brought this spirit to every corner of the houses and to the entire Bastide. For that I will be eternally grateful.
Looking ahead
Peace and quiet? Not in La Bastide. I’m making the most of this year’s energy and looking to the future with a zest for action:
Pool: A new heat pump ensures that the pool invites you to swim in the spring and well into the fall.
Sustainability: Two new solar systems are currently being installed so that La Bastide can become more independent and greener.
Growth: A new sheep infrastructure is in place and the seminar room gets a new floor.
It was an exhausting year, yes. But above all, it was an incredibly fulfilling year. I’m living my dream here. I wish you all a peaceful festive season and a powerful start to the new year.
And a small invitation at the end: If you have felt that this place moves you too – perhaps you would like to become part of the Bastide family? I am always looking for people who would like to get involved in my projects. Take a look at the page for volunteers page. Maybe I’ll see you here soon, among the horses, cats and new building projects.
See you next time – with gratitude, confidence and open doors.
Your Peter