Step-by-Step Guide: Understanding Le Don in Minutes
From its location on the shoreline of St Ouen’s Bay, Le Don Hilton is a prominent part of Jersey’s history and heritage that stands out on the Jersey coastline. This white-washed cottage building that is often referred to as a ‘stone tent’ is an 18th century guardhouse that was once used as a landmark for sailors and is known locally as The White House. No longer serving as a guardhouse, Le Don Hilton now operates as a wedding venue and accommodation option on the beautiful Channel Island of Jersey.
Jersey Land Gifts
Jersey is an island full of heritage with traditions that are deep-rooted and continue to stand the test of time. One of those rich traditions is the concept of Jersey land gifts known as ‘les dons’. Reflecting the island’s long-standing culture of generosity and community spirit, les dons are land, properties or buildings gifted to the public by individuals or families for continued preservation, enjoyment or even charitable use. With the aim of protecting Jersey’s natural beauty and safeguarding historic sites, many of these land gifts are now operated by either Jersey Heritage or the National Trust for Jersey.
Le Don Hilton is arguably the most significant Jersey land gift on the island. Located on the St Peter’s coastline, overlooking St Ouen’s Bay, this property continues to be operated by the National Trust for Jersey. Used as an accommodation and wedding venue, it is used by the public for enjoyment whilst also preserving this historic landmark on the island.
What is Le Don Hilton?
Le Don Hilton is an 18th century guardhouse located in St Peter that is now operated by the National Trust for Jersey. Nestled on the seawall next to Le Chemin de L’Ouzière, it has a distinctive appearance with white-washed walls and is known locally as ‘The White Cottage’ or ‘The White House’. Functioning as a wedding venue and overnight accommodation, Le Don Hilton keeps Jersey heritage alive by offering new experiences in a building that is no longer required for its original purpose. Guests of up to six can enjoy a unique and basic overnight stay on a self-catering basis while the property also offers small, intimate wedding ceremonies, able to accommodate up to 25 guests. Praised for its stunning surroundings and cultural value, experience a taste of Jersey’s history and heritage, with a stunning coastal backdrop, in a new way.
The History of Le Don Hilton
The first mention of a building in this location was in 1665, named St Peter’s Guardhouse and Magazine. During this time period, the neighbouring parishes of St Peter and St Ouen shared responsibility for protecting St Ouen’s Bay. It is believed that the original building had a thatched roof due to the property’s later name of ‘La Caumine a Marie Best’, with the word ‘caumine’ translating to the traditional Jerrais for thatched cottage.
However, the original building blew up and the building that stands today was originally built in the 18th century, a guardhouse on the coastline with a vaulted roof. In addition to operating as a guardhouse, it was also used as an informal daymark for passing sailors and served for around a century until the end of the Napoleonic wars.
During the smallpox epidemic in 1815, it became a temporary home for Marie Best and her children. It later became known as La Caumine a Marie Best, translated from Norman French to ‘the cottage of Marie Best’. After Marie’s passing in 1832, the property was abandoned and fell into decay for almost a century.
Following World War I, the property was converted and became a seaside bungalow for holidaymakers. Used as a breathtaking coastal holiday cottage for a decade, it was later acquired by Captain John Hilton in 1932.
In 1975, after the passing of Captain Hilton, the property was donated to the National Trust for Jersey by his widow, Marie Hilton along with four vergees (a French acre). Since then, it has been known as Le Don Hilton – The Hilton Gift. This gift of land has been owned and operated by the trust ever since to preserve its heritage and for the enjoyment of the public. It now operates as a unique wedding venue and accommodation option on the island.
In 2011, the National Trust for Jersey changed the appearance of Le Don Hilton temporarily by painting it green to raise environmental awareness. With the property known locally as ‘The White House’, it was an eye-catching gesture that was a prominent part of the Trust’s environmental campaign to mark the 75th anniversary and encourage islanders to think about adopting greener habits. It was met with a lot of disapproval by many islanders but was a symbolic move and the building remained green for the entire year of 2011 to highlight the Trust’s commitment to the campaign.
To also mark the 75th anniversary of the National Trust for Jersey, Le Don Hilton featured on a special edition set of postage stamps in 2011. It was highlighted on the 42p stamp in a set of five and again the same year, on the 75p stamp when it was painted green by the Trust for environmental awareness.
Staying at Le Don
The Channel Island of Jersey is a destination where there is an incredible selection of heritage stays to enjoy. With historic sites operated by either Jersey Heritage or the National Trust for Jersey, you can enjoy an island break with just the basics and the unique experience of spending the night in a slice of the island’s history.
Under the National Trust for Jersey, Le Don Hilton offers overnight stays for parties of up to six guests. A basic shelter away from the elements with limited electricity supply and lacking modern comforts, Le Don provides an alternative camping experience. This self-catering accommodation has a rustic charm and its simplicity showcases the raw character of the property. With breathtaking scenery from its location overlooking St Ouen’s Bay, you can enjoy the true beauty of Jersey from the doorstep of your accommodation while soaking up a Jersey heritage experience. The ideal spot for a seaside holiday, just steps from the golden sands and rolling waves of the beach, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Get back to basics, enjoy a digital detox and take in the majestic beauty of this captivating island.
Weddings at Le Don
In addition to being an unusual accommodation option, Le Don Hilton doubles up as a unique wedding venue. Ideal for a rustic, coastal wedding, Le Don Hilton is perfect for a small wedding. Experience a wedding full of character that is distinctly Jersey with majestic sea views and a backdrop full of heritage.
Ceremonies can be held in the sea-facing room that is perfectly suited to an intimate ceremony, able to accommodate up to 25 guests. Other guests are welcome to attend, gathering outside the room to welcome the newly married couple as they step out for the first time.
For dining, bbqs are permitted and provide the opportunity for a delicious, wholesome, coastal menu. Where better to indulge in a delicious bbq meal than taking in the glistening landscape of St Ouen’s Bay’s turquoise waters and golden sands.
Snap some truly unique wedding photos that will make memories you will cherish for a lifetime as the white building and sea backdrop create images reminiscent of Mediterranean weddings.
