The Timeline
Every stone here's got a story to tell. We've been around longer than most cities on this coast, and honestly? That's something we're pretty proud of.
1847 - The Foundation
Built as a defensive stronghold when Vancouver was barely a thought. The original architect, Edmund Pyrelith, designed these walls to last centuries - and boy, did they deliver.
1867 - Military Glory Days
Served as the primary garrison for the region. Those tower suites? Yeah, they used to house commanding officers. Talk about room with a view and authority.
1923 - The Quiet Years
After military decommission, the fortress sat empty for decades. Local kids used to dare each other to explore it. Those ghost stories? We're still not confirming or denying anything.
1998 - The Awakening
The Castellan family purchased the property. Their vision? Preserve every authentic detail while creating something genuinely special. It took seven years of careful restoration work.
2005 - Today
Opened our doors as Pyrelith of Bastion. We've managed to keep the soul of this place intact while making it comfortable enough that you'll actually want to stay longer than a night.
The Castellan Legacy
Look, we'll be straight with you - running a heritage hotel isn't for everyone. When Marcus and Helena Castellan first walked through these crumbling gates back in '98, most folks thought they'd lost their minds. The place was basically a romantic ruin at that point.
But here's the thing about the Castellans - they saw what this fortress could become. Not some stuffy museum where you're afraid to touch anything, but a living, breathing space where history actually enhances your experience rather than constraining it.
"We didn't want to create another cookie-cutter luxury hotel. There's plenty of those already. What we wanted was to honour the people who built these walls, who defended them, who lived within them - while creating something our guests would genuinely connect with."
The Restoration Philosophy
Seven years of restoration work might sound excessive, but that's what it took to do it right. Every original stone was catalogued. The ironwork was restored by the same blacksmith family that's been in Vancouver for five generations. Those massive oak beams in the Great Hall? Original from 1847, reinforced but absolutely authentic.
We brought in historians, archaeologists, and preservation experts from across North America. Found some pretty cool stuff during excavation too - military medals, old letters, even a complete officer's dining set that's now displayed in our Wine Cellar.
Authentic Materials
Original stone and ironwork preserved throughout the property
Modern Comfort
Contemporary amenities seamlessly integrated into historic spaces
Why We Do This
There's something special about sleeping in a building that's weathered nearly two centuries. These walls have stories - some we know, many we can only imagine. When you stay here, you're not just booking a room. You're becoming part of this fortress's ongoing story.
The Castellan family's daughter, Sophie, now manages daily operations. She grew up running through these halls during the restoration, and honestly, nobody knows this place better. She's obsessive about maintaining the balance between preservation and comfort - sometimes to the point where our contractors find it frustrating, but that's exactly what this place needs.
Our Team Today
We've got folks who've been with us since day one. Our head chef trained in Lyon but says our wine cellar's kitchen is the most inspiring space he's ever worked in. The concierge team includes a local historian who leads our heritage tours and genuinely loves talking about this place's quirks.
Everyone here gets it - we're not just running a hotel. We're stewards of something bigger than ourselves.
The Little Details Matter
You'll notice things as you explore. The original flagstones in the courtyard, worn smooth by countless boots over decades. The viewing slits in the tower walls that now frame perfect Vancouver skyline shots. The way afternoon light hits the Great Hall's windows at exactly 3:47pm (yes, we timed it).
We've kept the guest registry book that military commanders used to sign - it's in a climate-controlled case near reception. Sometimes guests ask if they can see it, and we always say yes. That connection to the past? That's what we're all about.
Come See For Yourself
We do heritage tours every day at 2pm - free for guests, open to the public for a small fee. Sophie or one of our historians will walk you through the fortress, sharing stories that never made it into the official records. Fair warning though - these tours often run long because people keep asking questions. We're totally fine with that.