The Stonehill Residence in Poway, San Diego’s North County, is a 1979 curvilinear home created by architect Robert Thiele and artists James Hubbell and Rhoda Lopez. Set on a one-acre granite boulder parcel, the house is known for its scalloped eave roofline and seamless integration with the rocky site.
The design blends sculpture, craft, and West Coast architecture. The residence holds a special place in the San Diego design legacy and reflects the region’s unique architectural style.
Architectural Significance and Design Intent
The Stonehill Residence showcases a West Coast approach to curvilinear form, fitting a rugged hillside site in Poway. Its sculptural silhouette and material choices respond to the granite terrain and create intimate interior spaces that blur the line between outdoor and indoor areas.
The house’s scalloped edge and flowing plan create a rhythmic silhouette. This design feels like a coastal influence brought to a high-desert hillside.
A West Coast Curvilinear Form on Granite Terrain
The residence sits on a unique one-acre parcel covered with granite boulders. This setting led to a low, swooping profile instead of a traditional square design.
Thiele’s design, shaped by Hubbell’s artistic vision and Lopez’s ceramic work, creates a home that feels crafted and connected to its site. The curved roof and rounded floor plan emphasize movement and light.
The rocky texture of the site is celebrated, not hidden, creating a dialogue between the land and the building.
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Spaces, Materials, and Craft
The interior palette and layout reinforce a sense of handcrafted warmth. Rich wood paneling runs through living spaces, while mosaic and ceramic accents add tactile, artistic touches.
A stained-glass front door by Hubbell welcomes visitors into a circular living room. This space is anchored by a stuccoed kiva fireplace with red-brick detailing, creating a central gathering area.
Layout, Light, and Textural Detailing
The rear of the home opens to a wall of curved, windowed doors, connecting indoor spaces to peaceful grounds and supporting indoor‑outdoor living. The rustic kitchen features an island, dual ovens, a tiled backsplash, and a casual breakfast area.
Formal dining provides generous wall space for art. Adjoining sitting and lounge areas, brightened by oval windows and skylights, offer cozy corners for reading and work.
- 2,232 square feet of living space
- Four sunlit bedrooms and two bathrooms
- Bathrooms finished with colorful mosaic tile from sink to shower
- Artistic integration: Rhoda Lopez’s ceramic works showcased throughout, including a dragon piece that highlights the home’s artistic roots
The home’s materials—wood paneling, ceramic art, and glass—create a warm, gallery-like setting. The layout favors views, framed art, and a sense of discovery as you move from shared spaces to private rooms.
Artistic Collaboration and Provenance
Stonehill is a true collaboration. James Hubbell contributed stained-glass and sculptural accents, while Rhoda Lopez added her ceramic artwork, including a dragon motif.
The project, managed by Earth Form Builder, stands alongside Hubbell and Thiele’s earlier California work. It connects the regional craft tradition with a modern residential style.
Interwoven Careers and Local Legacy
Thiele and Hubbell’s earlier work on the Davidson Residence in Alpine showed their shared approach to creative, site-responsive architecture. Thiele’s career in San Diego included preservation and design work for Balboa Park and the San Diego Museum of Art.
This work helped blend artistic practice with architectural conservation in the region.
Related Projects and Legacy
Stonehill belongs to a tradition of California houses where architecture and art come together. The Davidson Residence is a key example of Thiele and Hubbell’s shared vision, while Stonehill shows how expressive design can fit into a rugged landscape.
The home’s mix of craft, form, and views makes it a reference point for those interested in the intersection of sculpture, architecture, and landscape design.
Market Status and Context
As of the listing, Stonehill Residence is offered at $2.5 million. Keith York of Agents of Architecture is handling the sale.
The property’s rare location and artistically rich interior set it apart. Its blend of architectural flair and handcrafted details creates strong appeal for collectors and preservation-minded buyers.
Architects seeking a legacy home that connects form and site will also find value here.
Here is the source article for this story: Architect Robert Thiele Designed This $2.5 Million Home in San Diego
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