About

The known origins of the Hauteville region date back to the 16th century, with the current form of Château d'Hauteville taking shape during the pinnacle of the Enlightenment (1760s–1780s). Like many grand residences of that age, the Château was more than a home—it was a space for cultural expression, intellectual conversation, and a site for testing the latest advancements in science, technology, and experimental agriculture.

In 2019, Pepperdine University acquired Château d'Hauteville and embarked on a meticulous restoration process—one that honored the estate's 18th-century character while transforming it into a fully functioning university residence. The restoration preserved original architectural details wherever possible, and the grounds, classrooms, and student quarters were carefully brought to life for a new generation of scholars. The result of three years of thoughtful work, the Château was formally opened in July 2022.

It is our hope that Pepperdine students will experience a unique connection to this history—not simply by living within an 18th-century building, but by manifesting the same spirit of that age: a love of intellectual inquiry, an appreciation of beauty, and a thirst for exploring the unknown.

Students reside in the Château itself, which houses 7 classrooms, a library, a student kitchen, a gym, a grand salon, and a beloved attic hangout space—giving the building a rare dual life as both a historic landmark and a living, breathing student community. Meals during the school week are served in the Orangerie, a separate building on the estate grounds that functions as the program's cafeteria and gathering space.