The Burrus castle, nestled in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin), had languished empty for more than thirty years. Yet, Myriam Bassa and her husband have embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the expansive 2,000 m2 estate. They took the leap in late 2021, acquiring it for €400,000 with ambitious plans for restoration. However, the endeavor ahead is monumental; reviving the castle to its former splendor will require significant effort and dedication.
“I’ve always dreamed of owning this castle,” Myriam Bassa says, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Since November 2021, she and her husband Frank Ansel have been living out their own fairy tale as the proud new owners of Château Burrus in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin). “It feels like a childhood dream come true. I used to pass by it every day on the bus to college,” she reminisces, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
More than forty years later, a message from an old school friend unexpectedly altered their lives. “She simply wrote to me: ‘Your castle is for sale. It’s waiting for you,'” Myriam recalls, still amazed by the twist of fate. With determination in her heart, she wasted no time. “I immediately called my husband and said, ‘I want it!’ And he told me to go for it,” she says, a smile spreading across her face as she recalls the moment.
She reached out to the two brothers who were selling the old manor, and soon the little family found themselves standing in its grand halls. “It was love at first sight. Stepping inside for the first time was an incredible feeling—it just felt right,” Myriam recounts, her excitement palpable. With the bank’s support, they secured the building for €400,000. “I already had ideas swirling in my mind for its renovation. I knew exactly how I wanted to transform it.”
But revitalizing the castle would be no small task. Before the couple’s purchase, the Burrus castle had languished in abandonment for over three decades, as detailed by France 3 Grand Est, which delves into its history. Built in 1900 by Pierre Jules Burrus, a wealthy tobacco industrialist, it had seen tumultuous times, including being requisitioned by the Nazis during World War II. “It has quite a storied past,” Myriam reflects, her knowledge of its history evident. “Afterward, it changed hands, first to a religious congregation, and then to private individuals.”
The previous owners decided to sell the castle due to its substantial maintenance expenses. Understandably, Myriam Bassa and her husband anticipate the renovation budget to exceed a million euros. “When we first saw it, the castle was completely overgrown with vegetation,” Myriam recalls. “There was also a lot of debris and trash inside, but its beauty still shone through. We were confident that restoring it was entirely feasible.”
The couple commenced the renovation work in December 2021. Their initial focus was clearing out the 34 rooms of the castle and restoring its visibility from the outside—a process that took several months. “We then moved on to repainting everything, and currently, we’re concentrating on refurbishing the doors and replacing the broken windows,” Myriam explains, outlining their ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the historic estate.
To tackle this monumental endeavor, the new owners have received invaluable support from the local community. “Everyone was thrilled to see Burrus Castle coming back to life. They’ve been pitching in from day one, with some even traveling four hours just to lend a hand!” Myriam shares, her gratitude evident in her voice. While specialized companies handle significant tasks, the new proprietors have made a concerted effort to organize community projects once a month. “It started with ten volunteers, then twenty, then fifty. Now, I have to limit the number of participants,” Myriam notes proudly.
Unexpectedly, they also found allies in unexpected quarters. “Burrus Castle is a renowned urban exploration spot in Europe, so we receive many visitors,” Myriam explains. Instead of prohibiting them from the property, she saw an opportunity for collaboration. “I didn’t want any conflict, so I proposed that if they loved the castle, they could lend a hand. Surprisingly, they agreed!” Even today, some visitors eagerly join in the restoration efforts. “It’s been an incredible human experience. Without all these people, this project wouldn’t be the same,” Myriam reflects, underscoring the significance of community spirit in their endeavor.
Always captivated by castles, Myriam Bassa brims with ideas for transforming her newfound property. She envisions a grand reception room on the ground floor, perfect for hosting weddings, concerts, and exhibitions. “We plan to hold events for Christmas, Easter, and hopefully welcome schools,” she shares eagerly. Upstairs in the sprawling 2,000 m2 mansion, they’ll create luxurious accommodations. “We also have a one-hectare park where we envision offering unique lodging options.”
After nearly two decades in the tourism industry, Myriam seized the opportunity during the Covid-19 pandemic to embark on a new career path. Together with her husband, she now operates a heating company. Yet, her passion for tourism remains unwavering. “I’ve always dreamed of launching a tourism project in my region, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” she enthuses. With plans to open Burrus Castle to the public in spring 2024, Myriam eagerly anticipates sharing her love for heritage and hospitality with visitors.
