Hauteville House
Guernsey (UK)
Hauteville House, located in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, is famously known as the residence of the French writer Victor Hugo during his exile from 1856 to 1870. Originally built around 1800 by an English privateer, the house gained a reputation for being haunted before Hugo purchased it in 1856 with the success of his poetry collection, Les Contemplations. Hugo and his wife, Adèle Foucher, transformed the house’s interior and furnishings into a unique artistic environment, reflecting his creative spirit. The house consists of four levels, with the top floor featuring a glazed lookout offering panoramic views of Saint Peter Port and nearby islands such as Herm and Sark. The garden surrounding the house benefits from Guernsey’s mild climate, flourishing with abundant trees and flowers. In 1927, Hugo's descendants donated Hauteville House to the City of Paris, which maintains it as a museum and honorary French consular office. After extensive renovations funded in part by philanthropist François Pinault, the house reopened in 2019, preserving the legacy and atmosphere of Hugo’s exile home for visitors today.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to check opening times and consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best time to visit is during late spring to early autumn when the garden is in full bloom. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. The house offers a unique insight into Victor Hugo’s life in exile, making guided tours highly recommended to fully appreciate the artistic and historical details.
Datos interesantes
- •The house was reputedly haunted by the spirit of a woman who had committed suicide before Victor Hugo purchased it.
- •Victor Hugo named the house "Hautville" instead of his original choice "Liberté."
- •The top floor features a glazed lookout where Hugo wrote, overlooking Saint Peter Port and nearby islands.
- •The garden's lush vegetation thrives due to Guernsey's mild climate.
- •François Pinault donated £2.6 million for the renovation of the house's interior, leading to its reopening in 2019.
Historia
Hauteville House was built around 1800 by an English privateer and later owned by William Ozanne before Victor Hugo acquired it in 1856.
Hugo purchased the house to secure his residence during exile, as Guernsey law protected property owners from deportation.
He and his wife extensively redecorated the house, naming it "Hautville" and creating a distinctive artistic interior.
In 1927, the house was donated to the City of Paris by Hugo's descendants.
Major renovations took place between 2008 and 2009, with further restoration of the interior completed in 2019 thanks to a significant donation from François Pinault.
Guía del lugar
Glazed Lookout1856-1870
The top floor lookout with glass windows offers magnificent views of Saint Peter Port, Herm, Sark, and surrounding islands. Victor Hugo used this inspiring spot as his writing retreat.
House Interiors1856-1870
The house's interiors were transformed by Victor Hugo and his wife into a unique artistic environment, featuring intricate decorations and furnishings reflecting Hugo's Romantic spirit.
Garden19th century
The garden surrounding Hauteville House is filled with trees and flowers that flourish in Guernsey's mild climate, providing a peaceful setting complementary to the house.
Contacto
Teléfono: 01481 721911
