Accommodation
By Dee McMath
Cave dwelling is not what it used to be - especially
in Andalusia. Far from being a primitive option, a cave house in
Andalusia can be anything from your cosy country cottage to fully
equipped cave guest house. Caves are being rediscovered and refurbished
like never before and market is booming. In the north east of the
Granada Province cave houses are increasing in popularity and over
the last few years have become big business. From Guadix
to Galera and all across the Altiplano
area, there are some incredibly beautiful houses carved out of the
Andalusian mountainous rocks, that are attracting serious attention
from adventurous home buyers.
Since at least as early as the 8th century and the
Arab invasion of Spain, there have been cave dwellers. In more recent
times and up to the 1950's it was the native farming communities
who used caves for shelter, both for their families and their livestock.
With the advent of tourism to Spain in the 1950's and 1960's, however,
there was a mass exodus from rural to the coastal areas with populations
falling drastically and caves being abandoned. The following decades
saw the bohemian, hippy types, take over many of the caves to live
a simple life and set themselves apart from main stream society.
Nowadays however, more people, amongst them many British and other
northern Europeans, are attracted to the idea of escaping from the
busier resort areas of Andalusia As well as a more peaceful environment;
the cave houses (casas cuevas) have more to offer that ever before.
This new troglodyte trend is by no means a move back to the Stone
Age. The 21st century Andalusian cave house is surprisingly well
equipped with all mod cons, so modern day cave dwellers have not
regressed to being Neanderthal. As well as the necessary water and
electricity supplies, many have phone (and in some cases broadband
connection), while others even come complete with Jacuzzi and swimming
pool.
Over the last decade or so, many artists, writers
and photographers led the way to living full time or spending quality
vacation time in casas cuevas. Now people from all walks of life
are being attracted to this great escape to a more natural lifestyle,
without enduring any hardships or making lifestyle sacrifices. In
the Altiplano
area of Granada there are architects who specialise, not only in
the refurbishment of existing caves, but also in the construction
of new ones. New cave homes can be sculpted out of the special mountainside
rock face which lends itself to this type of structure extremely
well.
Here are just a few reasons why cave dwellings are
becoming so popular in the Granada Province of Andalusia:
- All mod cons can be installed into a new or refurbished
cave, including water, sewerage, electricity, telephone and in
some cases broadband internet connection - although you should
check this out beforehand just to make sure it is available.
- The temperature is self regulating and is a constant
18o - 20o C throughout the year, due to the natural insulation
of the rock into which it is built. They are therefore cool in
summer and warm in winter, without the usual heating or air conditioning
costs. Most caves have a natural log fire, which is very cosy
for the colder months of the year.
- No two caves are alike. They have individual
charm and personality.
- Present day cave dwellers often report better
sleeping patterns and general good health, which they attribute
to the feeling of closeness to the earth and a feeling of calmness
and security not previously experienced in other houses.
- The size of caves varies from womb like one bedroom
homes to large six to eight bedroom family homes. Many have two
or more bathrooms and they often have large kitchens.
- Many people buy caves for full time homes and
others prefer them for holiday breaks. There is now a growing
rental market in this sector, providing extra income for owners
and offering an opportunity for those who would like to try out
the lifestyle first, before buying.
This unique property market is seen by some as a
wonderful opportunity to have a holiday hideaway for peaceful breaks
as well as a good investment opportunity. The revival in interest
in cave living has turned the spotlight on cave hotels, cave restaurants,
cave spas and even cave theatres. So there is a whole cave culture
to be explored.
If you want to know more about buying or building
a cave house, there are many specialist estate agents dealing in
this type of property, both in the Huescar
and Baza area of the Altiplano
region of Granada, as well as in the town of Guadix.
Although prices of cave properties have risen in the last few years,
you should still be able to buy a pretty two bedroom cave cottage
for in the region of 79,000 euros. A fully refurbished five bedroom,
four bathroom cave house could also cost as much as 200,000 euros.
There are many ways that you can enjoy the experience
of cave life while visiting some of the most beautiful parts of
Andalusia.
La Tala
Self-Catering cave houses in Guadix, built inside the hill, and a farmhouse with 4 Suites. |
Apartments Montesclaros
Our 7 apartments and caves provide a unique and alternative stay in the city. In the heart of historic part of Granada, 5 minutes from the centre our place has spectacular views of the Alhambra with patios, swimming pools, internet etc |
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