Sea Ranch Chapel
Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 through The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast, to gaze at this stunning architectural gem. The small, whimsical building topped by a winged roof that seems set to take flight is Sea Ranch, Chapel. And as amazing as it looks from the outside … well, it’s even more fabulous inside and this non-denominational chapel welcomes your visit.
The 360-square-foot chapel and its grounds were gifts of Sea Ranch residents Robert and Betty Buffum in memory of Kirk Ditzler, a Navy pilot, zoologist, and artist.
Ditzler’s drawings formed the basis for the chapel’s design, which was brought to life by architect/artist James Hubbell and a team of craftsmen and artisans using local materials. Hubbell also designed and crafted the windows, chandelier, doors, fountain, mosaics, and other impressive elements.
The chapel’s exterior consists of redwood siding that’s been dried and molded in place to create a shell. Local stone is used on the walls and in the courtyard. The roof is made of cedar shingles that conform to the winged shape, and it’s accented with copper. At the roof’s top, a bronze spire seems to point heavenward.
Enter the teak doors into the serene, peaceful interior of the chapel and marvel at hand-carved redwood benches, free-form structures, a sculptured ceiling embedded with seashells and sea urchins, bright-colored stained-glass windows in crafted stainless steel fittings, mosaics, a wrought-iron prayer screen, a chandelier, and countless artistic touches.
The Sea Ranch Chapel 40033 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch, CA 707-785-2444
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