A Cave House in Spain
Cave Houses are probably the oldest form of shelter known to mankind. They have been largely forgotten in modern civilised countries, a forgotten dwelling part of ancient history and times gone by. There are however a few that remain in some parts of the world, where cave houses have continued to be used as homes throughout the centuries and to the present day.
What is a Cave House?
Cave houses are probably very different from what you might imagine. A modern cave house can be anything from a cosy country cottage to a cave house hotel.
Until a few decades ago, cave homes were seen as houses for the poor, considered inferior to the more modern houses in town. Today however there is a huge revival and interest for this type of housing. Modern cave homes are still relatively inexpensive in comparison to the conventional home. They have all the facilities you would expect in a normal house whilst retaining the charm and character of a rustic country cottage. Residents are now transforming these grotto-like dwellings into restaurants, hotels, fine holiday homes and rentals. Cave houses are truly a very different way to enjoy rural tourism.
Modern cave homes are charming, light and airy, connected to mains electricity, water and sewerage. If you want to stay connected to the modern world most have access to mains telephone and internet and if you are really desperate to keep up with the outside world – satellite television.
A Cave House in Spain has a number of important advantages compared to conventionally built houses.
- Compared to a conventional house or apartment, a cave house in Spain can be significantly cheaper, unreformed to fully renovated. For example, it is still possible to buy a 2 Bedroom cave house, requiring the most amount of work and restoration, for as little as 20,000€, or a 4 bedroom complex and split level cave home with beautiful finishes and attention to detail for around 500,000€.
- Each cave home is uniquely different. Almost all of the modernised cave homes are made from much older cave dwellings and each have been carefully hewn (something chopped, cut, carved, chiseled or shaped with an axe, pick, or other tool) – No two caves are the same! There is no danger of ending up with a uniform box-style designer apartment or villa.
- Because the cave rooms are sunk into rock they maintain roughly the same temperature throughout the summer and winter, and as a result energy consumption and costs are much lower.
- More recently renovated cave houses have been upgraded with a double block cavity insulated external wall, double glazed windows and extra roof insulation providing even further comfort and economy. Stay cool in the summer and cosy-up in the warm and festive winters.
- Cave houses have a quaintness and charm about them, rarely found in modern homes, yet have all the facilities you would expect from a new and modern home. Electricity, mains water, mains sewerage, telephone, satellite TV and internet are all available enabling you to have the best of both worlds.
- Almost all cave homes are built on the outskirts of villages, free from the bustle and crime. Generally these villages have small supermarkets, health clinics, schools, bars and restaurants and can easily meet all your day to day needs. The villagers and cave dwellers, almost without exception are friendly and most welcoming.
- Low maintenance is another benefit. With few external walls and often no roof to worry about, maintenance costs can be kept to a minimum.
- Usually situated amongst a privileged environment surrounded by nature, a place where tranquility reigns.
A place to relax and enjoy moments of serenity!
written by Kudos Villas – 29th September, 2020
