Nestled in the hills of Alpine, a quiet town just east of San Diego, a rare gem of a home has quietly changed hands for $775,000. But this isn’t your average Southern California property transaction. This is a story of art, architecture, and the kind of lived-in magic that feels more Middle-earth than modern suburbia.
The home, officially known as the Davidson Residence, is a 1979 hand-sculpted, dome-shaped dwelling that seems pulled straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. With its curved earthen walls, colorful stained-glass windows, and handcrafted mosaic details, the house evokes the charm and wonder of a Hobbit house—yet it’s entirely real.
Though modest in size—just 800 square feet—it sits on over two-thirds of an acre, surrounded by native oaks, a small stream known as the Alpine Stream, and gardens studded with whimsical sculptures. There’s not a trace of cold, modern minimalism here. Instead, this home glows with warmth, character, and an almost spiritual connection to the land.
The home was conceived and built by San Diego artist and architect James Hubbell, along with collaborator Robert W. Thiele, and commissioned by Carl and Marilyn Davidson, who wanted a place that could be both sanctuary and sculpture. "The Davidsons didn’t just want a house—they wanted to live inside a piece of art," said listing agent Keith York.
Hubbell, who passed away in 2024, was known for his ethereal structures that fuse Gothic design elements with natural materials like wood, stone, and glass. This house is one of the few private residences he ever built, making it not only a home but a piece of architectural history.
Construction began in 1975 and took four years to complete. The structure rises organically from a central fireplace, with a sprayed concrete (gunite) shell formed entirely by hand. “There’s even an old photo of two men with a gunite hose, covering the steel frame with concrete,” York noted. “It really shows the amount of artistry and effort involved.”
Indeed, every inch of the Davidson Residence was handcrafted—from its redwood cabinetry to its twisted wrought-iron railings and handmade lighting fixtures. "Every door and window is framed in stained glass, and mosaics are tucked into every corner,” York said. “It’s like the house is telling a story.”
Unlike homes that boast "smart" upgrades and sleek renovations, this one remains delightfully untouched. The kitchen and bathroom are nearly exactly as they were in 1979, and that’s part of the appeal. “It’s extremely original,” York said. “That’s what makes it so special.”
This home also holds a unique place in California’s lesser-known architectural lore. It was featured in From the Earth Up: The Art and Vision by Otto B. Rigan and stands as one of the only surviving private homes by Hubbell’s Earth Form Builder team. Several of his other works have either been demolished or exist only on the artist’s own property.
And while the house may appear like something out of a storybook, it has also inspired real-life awe. Emily Stevens, a British traveler who visited Alpine in 2022, recalled, “The moment I stepped inside, I felt like I had walked into another realm. The kitchen tiles, the colorful glass, the curving lines—it was like the house was breathing.”
Alpine itself remains somewhat of a hidden treasure. Though it’s only 35 miles from the buzz of downtown San Diego, it feels worlds away. The town is known for its rustic charm, hiking trails, and, notably, the Alpine Beer Company—just the kind of local touch that complements a place like this.
To some, the price tag may seem steep for a one-bedroom house. But to others, it’s a small sum for the chance to live in a functional sculpture, an architectural rarity, and a place where time seems to slow down. In an era of cookie-cutter condos and hyper-connected smart homes, the Davidson Residence offers a counterpoint—an invitation to step out of the noise and into a dream.
As Hubbell once said, “Art shouldn’t just hang on the walls. It should surround you. It should be part of your life.”
This home is living proof of that philosophy. And now, with a new owner ready to call it home, its story will continue—quietly, magically—among the oaks and hills of Alpine.