Entire home

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

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A covered outdoor seating area with patterned columns, a central heater, and a hexagonal tiled floor.
A compact kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, a stove, and a hanging light fixture.
A courtyard with a tiled floor, potted plants, and a building with a tiled roof and arches.
A bedroom with a large bed, a bench, a chair, and a view of the outdoors through a wooden door.
Living area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Los Penasquitos Marsh Nature Preserve
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Del Mar Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Livingroom

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

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

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.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
We hope you enjoyed your vacation here at the Rustic Emerald Retreat. If you could please just clean your dishes and put them in the dishwasher. We will do the rest! Safe travels home.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR-01796L, 004567
Property # 3803557vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

San Diego

Located in Carmel Valley, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. Westfield UTC and Fashion Valley Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mission Bay and Mission Beach. Check out an event or a game at Snapdragon Stadium, and consider making time for Del Mar Fairgrounds, a top attraction not to be missed. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
  • Los Penasquitos Marsh Nature Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
  • Del Mar Fairgrounds - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Del Mar Racetrack - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Del Mar Beach - 11 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • Sorrento Valley Station - 6 min drive
  • San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 7 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bird Rock Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Roberto's Mexican Food - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! located?

Located in Carmel Valley, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and within 6 miles (10 km) of Torrey Pines State Beach and Del Mar Plaza. Seagrove Park and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Karen Kelly

Host profile image
I was fortunate enough to be born and raised right here in San Diego County, San Diego has so much to offer with its beautiful beaches, fine, dining, restaurants, surf, boating, kayaking, and not far from the desert and ski skiing, I love it all!!

Why they chose this property

This neighborhood is private, unique, rustic, but still close to the beach!

This neighborhood is fabulous just east of the beautiful beaches of Del Mar in the mountain this area of Carmel Valley, North city San Diego the rustic Private nature that surrounds this one acre property is rural.

What makes this property unique

This home was designed and built by Artist James Hubbell not only is it a piece of art. It is a unique experience. Whether you spend four days or 10 years every day, you’ll see something new. It is a fabulous property unique in style with no square walls, rounded windows, no window coverings to let in all the nature.

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