Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes!

San Diego, California
$555 avg/night
Minimum Stay 4 Nights
Bed 2

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 8

Max Sleeps

Night 4 nights

Min Stay

James Hubbell is a local artist who is renowned for his organically and nature, inspired sculpture, Stainglass and architecture. He built this home in the mid 80s and is a true delight, and a wonderful place wherever you look. This is one of a kind home situated in a secluded Canyon close to Del Mar and Local beaches, the location is a peaceful oasis surrounded by mature trees. The second bedroom is upstairs, up a set of outdoor stairs. The bathroom is downstairs. Enjoy our meditation station, hot Jacuzzi, custom palapa with ceiling fan and barbecue for your enjoyment year-round!
We are pet friendly, but please pick up after your pets hair and poo $50 per pet ( 2 max).
Please enjoy our Rave Reviews, cool house, quiet home, everything you need to rest, truly memorable, San Diego’s lovely weather, comfortable, outdoor/indoor living spaces, Karen is a great hostess, this is like stepping back in time! This home is unique, read details! No EVENTS, Parties or gatherings EVER.
When you arrive at our unique property will park in the driveway, free, laundry, and laundry soap is available for your use. Our kitchen is fully equipped.
When you arrive, there will be three steps going up to the primary suite bedroom number 1, and living room, three steps leading down into the living area, there are several steps going up the outdoor staircase, leading to the bedroom and veranda upstairs “Tree house feeling “ 1- queen 1 trundle = 2 twin beds. Primary suite 1 King bed. The windows have no window coverings, we’re in a secluded area surrounded by mature trees.
Enjoy our outdoor living areas that consist of a handcarved outdoor pergola, made in Bali, and a meditation station up by the Jacuzzi for yoga and meditation and relaxation. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL AREA: Del Mar is only 20 minutes from the San Diego airport, 15 minutes from La Jolla. It is a great location off the five freeway and Carmel Valley Rd. close to Beach, Torry Pines State Beach, great surfing, great restaurants, golf, local hikes, and more.
Grab organic food at Jimbos or Whole Foods, Vons is close by. ENJOY Legoland, Seaworld, SD Zoo, Safari park, BEST BEACHES, surf lessons, fishing, Del Mar Race Track (Check dates from Race Season) summer & fall the ponies run! Try some of San Diego’s fine dining by the beach! Monarch Ocean view club, Poseiden , Jake’s, George’s at The Cove, Las Olas, chart, house, Pacific Coast, Grill, Brigantine, and much more. I have named the rustic emerald retreat because the home was built in the 80s, it’s unique with organic vibe and round walls, amazing curves everywhere. It’s true experience. Enjoy! Stay in a Work of Art — A James Hubbell Artist Home in Del Mar

Experience something truly extraordinary—a rare opportunity to stay in an artist-designed home by renowned Southern California artist and architectural designer James Hubbell, just minutes from the beautiful beaches and coastal lifestyle of Del Mar.

This is not an ordinary vacation rental. The home itself is part of the experience.

Celebrated for its extreme uniqueness and artistic character, this remarkable property has been featured by HGTV and Sunset Magazine. Throughout the home, Hubbell’s signature organic architecture brings art and nature together through sculptural forms, handcrafted details, beautiful curves, artistic windows and unexpected architectural elements.

One of the most captivating features is the home’s relationship with nature. Windows frame the surrounding landscape like living pieces of art, filling the rooms with natural California light and bringing the outdoors inside. Many windows intentionally have no window coverings, allowing you to wake to the trees, gardens and changing light of the day. This openness is an important part of the home’s original artistic design and
The magic continues outside, where fabulous outdoor areas invite you to slow down and enjoy Southern California living. Sip your morning coffee surrounded by nature, relax with a book in the afternoon, enjoy cocktails as the sun begins to set, or gather with friends and family for a beautiful evening under the California sky.

Every corner of the property offers something interesting to discover. The architecture feels organic rather than manufactured, with spaces that flow naturally into one another and into the surrounding landscape.

The Best of Del Mar & San Diego

As unique as the home is, the Del Mar location makes your stay even more special. The Pacific Ocean, gorgeous beaches, excellent restaurants, shopping and the famous Del Mar Racetrack are all nearby.

The property also provides a wonderful home base for exploring San Diego. Visit La Jolla and its spectacular coastline, hike Torrey Pines, explore Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, spend an afternoon in Little Italy, visit Coronado, enjoy boating on San Diego Bay, or simply spend your days relaxing on the beach.

After exploring, return to the peace and beauty of your own artistic sanctuary.

A Vacation You’ll Remember

This home is especially suited to guests who appreciate art, architecture, nature and one-of-a-kind experiences. It isn’t a cookie-cutter luxury rental, and that’s precisely what makes it so special.

Take time to enjoy the house itself. Have breakfast outdoors. Wander through the gardens. Notice how the sunlight changes the rooms throughout the day. Pour a glass of wine in the evening and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable setting.

For travelers looking for more than simply a beautiful place to sleep, this is a rare opportunity to experience Del Mar from inside a genuine work of art.

Come for the beaches, sunshine and excitement of San Diego—and stay for the unforgettable experience of living in a James Hubbell artist home.

Read More Expand
  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    2 Total (up To 50 Lbs Per Pet) Pet Friendly Service Animals Exempt From Fees Welcoming Dogs Only
  • BEACH

    Beach Sun Loungers Beach Towels
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    2 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided Sofa Bed
  • GENERAL

    Local Artist Showcase Recycling Unit Size: 1450 Sq Ft (135 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting Water-efficient Toilets Only
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Coffee/tea Maker Dishwasher Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Outdoor Furniture
  • POOL/SPA

    Hot Tub
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Hair Dryer Shampoo Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Ice Skating Nearby Jet Skiing Nearby Kayaking Nearby Power Boating Nearby Sailing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books DVD Player Smart TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Dining Room Fireplace
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Zoo
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 8

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Sue W.

    Submitted Oct 30, 2025

    Stayed Oct 6, 2025

    yes, however, a giant leak under the sink on the last day nearly flooded everything. Also, this is not a property for the elderly or infirm, as there are no safety railings on multiple steps, and the shower in the master BR is a deep 3-step cavern with nothing to hold on to. The way in is uphill with baggage. The Hot tub is on a dias with no railing and broken pavement. The doors and windows shrank over the years and were not repaired, and you can see outside thru most of them; they cause cold, wetness, and drafts. Poorly lit home altogether. TV in BR is video-only, and no videos are available there; TV in LR is difficult to operate for Senior citizens unaccompanied by tech. The BBQ is not heating. Sofas and cushions are in the weather all the time and as a result are not clean. Upon arrival, there was a giant spider in my bed. Linens had a stale odor. Later discovered that the Washing Machine and Dryer were in an outside shed, very dirty. Towels had been hung up to dry, which is why they were so scratchy. Or were they never washed at all and just hung up? All in all, left two days early, a waste of money. Had we wanted a broken-down art palace, we could have gone to a museum. Pictures were very deceiving.

  • Robert S.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 23, 2025

    A truly unique and beautiful property. Quiet neighborhood, well stocked with kitchen appliances/utensils, spacious and comfortable outdoor seating, and easy access to all points San Diego.

  • Kristy H.

    Submitted Jun 16, 2025

    Stayed Jun 10, 2025

    Relaxing, indoor/outdoor living!! Perfect oasis for our family as we celebrated our son’s graduation from UCSD. Host was responsive and provided some food recommendations. We LOVED it.

  • Cindy P.

    Submitted May 17, 2025

    Stayed May 10, 2025

    We love staying at rustic emerald retreat. It has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Plus, there is the unique architecture of the buildings which are so beautiful. Thank you, Karen for hosting us.

  • Cindy P.

    Submitted Apr 5, 2025

    Stayed Apr 1, 2025

    Impressive, beautiful place. We felt lucky to stay here. The architect who built this had such an incredible and unique vision. Everything you need is here and the outside area is so beautiful. We’re looking forward to a return trip to stay here.

  • David A.

    Submitted Dec 12, 2024

    Stayed Nov 24, 2024

    Very unique and artsy home. Hosted a family style thanksgiving dinner outside under the palapa covered patio

  • Jeremiah D.

    Submitted Aug 15, 2024

    Stayed Aug 2, 2024

    Our family had a terrific stay at this truly unique venue. We had fun researching the artist who built the home and his legacy. The property is very quiet and peaceful even though it's not far from major thoroughfares. Roughly a 10-15 minute drive to a few different beaches (Del Mar & Torrey Pines). Easy access to groceries and pharmacy. Close proximity to great restaurants. The property has multiple outdoor spaces which is very nice. Host was responsive and pleasant. We would stay here again.

  • Jared B.

    Submitted Jul 11, 2024

    Stayed Jul 4, 2024

    Our family including an 16, 11, and 8 year old had the absolute best time staying here. There was always something new to see, so many great places to sit, read, drink coffee, and play games. The location is fairly central to many fun spots and beaches to visit. Everyone agreed we would stay here again!

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$555+
View details