Hubbell House Tour in Santa Ysabel to benefit Ilan-Lael Foundation
The buildings are full of stained glass details |
The pool with mosaics |
An interesting roof line |
James Hubbell’s Santa Ysabel hilltop home looks like it was built
by hobbits, who were given books on Art Nouveau for inspiration. It is earthy, yet full of light and every
nook is made beautiful with stained glass or mosaics. The many buildings are spread across the hill
to form a small campus. There are
children’s bedroom, bathrooms, a kitchen/living room, studio, pool and
more. The layout is designed to make its
residents spend time outside. Each
building is thoughtful in its functionality – taking advantage of the view and
breezes. Each is exuberantly decorated.
Hubbell is a well-known artist - best known for his stained
glass, mosaic and door designs. He has
also branched out into textiles and other media. Anyone who works in stained glass knows executing
curves in glass is challenging. Hubbell
is a master and humbles other glass artists.
His home is on display, from time to time, to benefit the
Ilan-Lael Foundation, which promotes arts education. Members of the family are on hand from the
Hubbell’s; their adult children, who are architects and artists; and
grandkids. We went in the spring and met
the oldest son who told stories about the unique experience of growing up in,
what is essentially, an art installation.
The tour begins in a staging area behind the Julian Station. Mini buses transport visitors
up the hill. It is a short trip along a
narrow road. Julian is in the mountains,
so consider the weather and also bring water.
It is a wonderful tour for anyone interested in the arts, architecture or
design.
Comments
Post a Comment