The hand-built Santa Ysabel home and studio compound of the late artist James Hubbell and his wife, Anne, has been accepted into the Historic Artists' Homes and Studios program, according to East County Magazine.

The program is a coalition under the National Trust for Historic Preservation that supports preservation and public programming at important American artist homes and workspaces. East County Magazine reported that Ilan-Lael joins 93 sites across 32 states through the recognition.

Hubbell, who lived from 1931 to 2024, was known as an artist and organic architect whose work blended buildings, mosaics, stained glass, ironwork and natural materials. Over more than six decades, he and Anne built 13 structures on the Santa Ysabel compound.

For Santee readers, the designation adds a regional arts destination within East County's mountain communities. The Ilan-Lael Foundation has expanded public access beyond its traditional Father's Day weekend tour, including year-round tours, exhibitions and educational partnerships.

Residents can learn more about the foundation, Hubbell's work and visits to the property through the Ilan-Lael Foundation. Source: East County Magazine.