Monday 9 January 2012

6 Awesome Caves to Call Home


Cavemen may have had it right all along - with a few modern amenities, cave dwellings are not only exotic places to call home, but also extremely energy-efficient. Their natural walls regulate temperatures all year-round, and many caves have natural fresh water sources flowing through them. Check out some of our favorite modern cave abodes across the globe - some are even available to rent by the night for your own cave adventure!

CHULO CANYON CAVE HOUSE

The Chulo Canyon Cave House is a retreat in the Mule Mountains outside of Bisbee, Arizona. Set on 37 acres of mountainous terrain, the 3,000 square foot home is accessible through a sun room, which leads to the underground dwelling. A high end kitchen, Morrocan dining area with chandelier, living room, yoga space and 3 bedrooms keep naturally cool thanks to the cave walls. Several natural pools, a guest house and vegetable garden also flank the property.

MISSOURI CAVE LAND

Once a concert venue, the owners of this home in Festus, Missouri first bought the cave property on Ebay. The massive 17,000 square foot home is divided into three chambers. The front portion houses the living areas and three bedrooms, the middle houses utilities, laundry, and a large party room and the back still has the historic stage where MC5, Ted Nugent and Tina Turner once played! Three freshwater springs and fourteen waterfalls are also located on the magical property.

SALA SILVERMINE

If caves bored into the side of mountains aren’t wild enough for you, you and a guest can sleep 500 feet below ground in Sweden’s historic Sala Silvermine suite. The mine itself was a leading producer of silver during the 16th century all the way to the 20th century when it closed. A network of beautiful underground halls offer unique dining, small concerts, and can be rented for weddings or private parties, which can be arranged around an underground lake.

CAVE PALACE RANCH

Cave Palace Ranch in Utah is built into the side of a natural red rock cave, on 110 acres of land. Four interior alcoves have been beautifully transformed into a master bedroom with deck, living room, dining area, two bedrooms and a sleeping loft. The entire home is impressively powered off the grid thanks to a system of solar panels. The window front façade floods the interior with light, while fresh waters is sourced from an underground well.

BECKHAM CREEK CAVE LODGE

The Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Arkansas is a rental property dedicated toward the preservation of natural beauty. The glass front fills the interior with light while connecting the living walls inside to the nature outside. Each private and common room boast the cave’s natural ambience, and the grounds provide adventure in the beautiful Ozark countryside.

IRAN’S CAVE HOMES

Originally built over 700 years ago, the cave homes near Mount Sahand in Iran were carved in the side of the volcanic rock mountains. Now a popular area for hotels and resorts, the cave rooms keep cool during the day thanks to the natural insulation and deflection of solar gain. The interiors are decked with traditional and historical textiles, rugs and pillows for modern comfort.












1 comment:

  1. I wouldn't mind living in a cave house, but I just wish it had more open windows on it. Feeling the breeze outside, even when you're inside the house, is a very nice feeling. =)

    - Anthony Blommel

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