Grounds Map

This was the first structure on the property and Jim and Anne’s original home. Built using local resources, such as stone cleared from the land, adobe bricks and cedar, this one-room house served as the family home until 1962. Photo by Laurel Costa
An early family photo of Jim and Anne with their two young sons Torrey and Drew in front of their first home, now Jim’s Studio. Photo courtesy of the Hubbell family

“After fashioning a road that curved through the silvery sage and chaparral, and digging a deep well through the granite, we started to build…No buldozers were used and footings were hand-dug. Wildflowers and brush were kept and appreciated for their beauty without irrigation.” — Anne Hubbell

While the children were young, the Hubbell family comprised of two adults and four children shared the building’s two bedrooms and bathroom. Built in 1965 it was James’ first free-form sculptural building. The flat roof above is a place to enjoy the view and the cool breezes on hot summer nights.

“…the whole family would take the sleeping bags up there to camp out and enjoy the Milky Way and shooting stars.” —Anne Hubbell

Constructed in 1970, the pool was hand-dug and sits amid a boulder outcrop which provides poolside seating. Located atop a ridge a bit higher than its surrounding residences, the pool reveals itself as you approach via steps. Its dark plaster bottom helps warm the water and forms a dramatic backdrop for undulating tile that encircles the space. Nearby, a seating area with resin picnic table and stained-glass skylight roof with sculptural concrete and carved urethane shapes creates an intimate gathering space.

“It’s fun to eat there by candlelight on hot summer evenings.” —Anne Hubbell

This habitable sculpture for the Hubbell sons was started in the early 1970s and is a masterpiece of Hubbell artistry and embellishments. Most all elements are hand-made including the clay-tile floors, stained glass windows, tiled bathroom, doors, and fixtures. It features decorative treasures gifted to the Hubbells by friends. Hidden away is a closet kitchen for simple meals. A bedroom and loft provide two sleeping areas.

“One of the most enjoyable elements of this space is the sculptural openings (usually called windows!) that create bright, ever-changing light effects all day long.” —Anne Hubbell

Built in 1962 for the Hubbells’ growing family, this structure was the family’s main living space. It is celebrated for its elaborate embellishments that include mosaic tiles that flow over kitchen countertops, windows and door sills, cedar floors and ceiling beams, hand-made furniture and fixtures, and floor to ceiling windows that face west. Hand-dug footings allowed the living room floor to slope slightly downward and hug the land, making the building feel closer to the earth.

“Our burgeoning family was able to stretch out and enjoy more spacious quarters in 1962 when we moved into the living, dining and kitchen dwelling…Nothing is painted. Hand-forged hardware adorns most of the doors, and sculptural or “found” wood objects function as door knobs” —Anne Hubbell

Added in 2010, solar panels generate about 70% of the electricity used on the property. Funded by a grant from Sempra Energy Foundation, the array lightens Ilan-Lael’s energy footprint alongside passive heating and cooling techniques which James used in all his structures.

In 1982, James built this small studio that offered a cleaner work environment and office space for his growing art practice. Today this space functions as a studio workspace and a classroom.

This large multi-function space is the primary art studio outfitted for projects in large and small metal works, stained glass and woodworking. It is used by Ilan-Lael artists, students, and visiting artists who create exciting new original works, repair and refurbish existing Hubbell artworks, and carry on the hand-made craft tradition which James Hubbell became known for.

Designed for art storage and as a companion building for the Big Studio, “Kiva” follows the concept of Hopi kivas, rooms built into the earth. The Kiva is nestled into a hillside  which keeps it cool year round. The walls are of salvaged adobe and fired brick, and the roof is covered with tile handmade by James.

This small gallery looks as if it grew naturally from the earth and rests in total harmony with its setting. The room and its treasures are almost completely lit by natural light through clerestory windows.

Created after the Cedar Fire, with help from friends at Camp Stevens in Julian, this gateway garden provides fresh produce and flowers that are shared with people who work and visit here. It is also an educational and healing space for those seeking connection with nature.

This art-infused open air meditation space offers striking views of sunsets, Palomar Mountain and—from its patio looking east—Volcan Mountain and other Laguna/Cuyamaca peaks. It is a unique setting for retreats, ceremonies, small gatherings, and conversation.

Major donors to the Ilan-Lael Foundation are honored via this memorial sundial, which charts both the time of day as well as timeless memories of generous donors and loved ones.

Completed in 2019, the Center is a multi-use space used for meetings, workshops, and educational programs. It is the entry point where we welcome the public for tours and events, and can be reserved for private use including retreats and private tours. A fully equipped kitchen facilitates indoor and outdoor dining, and a patio courtyard doubles as an outdoor gathering/performance space. An elevated deck offers expansive views of the local mountains and surrounding natural environment. James’ creativity adds enlivening shapes and surfaces. Look for mosaics in unlikely places, relief sculptures on walls and ceilings, and custom doors and window portals.

“I have always wanted the center to be used for important work. Bridging differences, dreaming big dreams, or inspiring people through art and nature.
—James Hubbell”

This residential space for the on-site caretaker was built in 2021. It is a private residence and not open to the public.

Jim’s younger brother lived in Japan for many years, yet his generosity graces Ilan-Lael’s grounds and art collection. His humorous figures populate this garden and elsewhere on the compound.

Beautiful stained glass doors welcome visitors to this bright studio space where we have our mosaic workshops including stained glass, as well as decorative and expressive forms of mosaic. A cozy wood stove keeps the space warm during winter months.

Used for Ilan-Lael’s administrative and office needs, this space also features a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with some of the property’s most spectacular mosaics. Not only a visually appealing workspace, this area also supports vendors and caterers for retreats and special events. Mosaic doors open into our Tides-room with a beautiful stone water fountain and patio area.

The viewing deck above offers stunning views of the Santa Ysabel valley and Volcan Mountain Range as well as a dark night sky for stargazing.