During my visit to The Sea Ranch last week, we took an trip to the newly re-opened Sea Ranch Chapel that sits off of Hwy 1. Since everything is magical and inspiring on my visits to Sea Ranch, I wasn’t surprised to find this gem of a structure just down the road. I haven’t visited previously as it has been closed for maintenance for awhile now and just re-opening. We had just been talking about handmade houses and looking through a book of the same name so this journey was right up our inspiration alley. And as per most things I encounter when I am in the Alex & Lee zone, this building really blew my mind and challenged my thinking in regard to architectural structure. It also expanded my reality when I think about the word ‘artisanal’ and reminded me of the vast level of workmanship that is out there in the world outside of apparel and accessories.
The chapel was designed by artist and architectural designer, James Hubbell, and features a cedar roof accented with copper and bronze spire. Teak doors and native redwood is used throughout as well as stones found locally that are used as a collage within the wooden structure on the inside of the building. Mr Hubbell received a well deserved “Special Award of Excellence in Craftmanship” from the California Council of the American Institute of Architects for this work of art that he completed in 1985.
The Sea Ranch Chapel
Stained glass, wood and bronze details
The chapel is a gift of two residents who wished to offer a nondenominational sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal. It was their intention that all who enter will find a measure of peace in the blending of art and purpose amid surroundings of beauty and inspiration. The chapel is dedicated to the memory of a young man, navy aviator, artist and zoologist, who believed that art is the intermediary between the physical and spiritual world.
The inside of the structure
The sanctuary that holds the scribes from all religions and beliefs.
Inlayed collage with found objects from the area
Italian mosaic floor design
More mosaic design within the inside redwood structure
The Chapel fits about 25 people total and has been used for various dedication ceremonies and unions. To obtain permission to reserve the chapel, you can contact them at 707-785-2444. Find out more about the Chapel here.