Hauteville House: Victor Hugo's Guernsey Sanctuary

Hauteville House, located in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, was the residence of Victor Hugo during his exile from France between 1856 and 1870. Purchased with the proceeds from his collection of poems, *Les Contemplations*, it was the only property Hugo ever owned. The house provided Hugo with a sanctuary and a space to create some of his most famous works, including *Les Misérables* and *Toilers of the Sea*. Hugo himself designed and decorated the five-story house, imbuing it with his personal style and symbolism. Each room reflects his literary, philosophical, and political views. The house is filled with a mix of styles, including medieval, marine, and oriental influences. Visitors can explore the various rooms, from the shadows of the ground floor to the light-filled belvedere at the top, which offers stunning views of St. Peter Port and the surrounding islands. Highlights include the Tapestry Room with its monumental fireplace, the dining room adorned with Delft tiles featuring Hugo's initials, and the lookout at the top of the house where Hugo wrote. The garden, filled with trees and flowers, offers a tranquil escape. Hauteville House remained in the Hugo family until 1927 when it was donated to the City of Paris. Today, it operates as a museum, offering guided tours that provide insight into Hugo's life and work.