Hauteville House – Victor Hugo’s Home in Exile
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Ambience & Setting
Overlooking St Peter Port in Guernsey, Hauteville House is the former residence of Victor Hugo, where the great French writer lived during his exile from 1856 to 1870. The townhouse, with its striking architecture and lush terraced garden, reflects Hugo’s imagination and artistic vision. Every room is infused with his personality, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and romantic elements into an extraordinary living space.
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Highlights
• Unique Interiors – Designed by Hugo himself, the rooms are decorated with wood carvings, tapestries, stained glass, and striking contrasts of light and shadow.
• The Lookout Room – At the top of the house, Hugo’s writing room offers panoramic views across St Peter Port and the sea. It was here he completed many of his masterpieces, including Les Misérables.
• Eclectic Design – Every floor reflects Hugo’s creativity, from richly decorated salons to intimate study spaces.
• Garden Terraces – Beautifully arranged gardens and terraces add to the house’s charm, with views over the Channel.
• Personal Artefacts – Furniture, objects, and decorations arranged by Hugo remain, offering insight into his life and inspiration.
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Practical Info
• Location: St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands.
• Facilities: Guided tours, garden access, exhibitions.
• Opening Hours: Open seasonally (spring to autumn); guided visit by reservation.
• Admission: Ticketed entry; advance booking recommended.
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Why It’s Worth Visiting
Hauteville House is not just a museum—it is Victor Hugo’s masterpiece in itself. The interiors showcase his genius beyond literature, while the house preserves the memory of one of the most creative periods of his life.
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Final Thoughts
Visiting Hauteville House is a journey into the mind of Victor Hugo, where architecture, art, and literature intertwine. It remains one of Guernsey’s cultural treasures and a living testament to the legacy of one of France’s greatest writers.