Cave Houses in the Altiplano De Granada - 5 Great Reasons to Buy a Cave in Spain

Despite the worldwide economic crisis southern Spain still remains an area where many people of all nationalities wish to live. It enjoys some of the best weather in Europe and represents a more relaxed way of life for thousands of migrants from the cooler industrialised north. Relocaters, down-sizers and investors have for some time been looking inland from the bustling resorts of the Mediterranean coast. 

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The Altiplano de Granada is a beautiful and only recently discovered part of Andalucia. It is only a one and a quarter hour drive from the coast and within easy reach of several international airports. 

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The cave house is the traditional type of dwelling to be found in and around the Altiplano. There are literally thousands of these unusual properties excavated into hillsides in this area. Most people could never imagine wanting to buy and live in a cave, but here are 5 great reasons why you may wish to do so.

Cave houses in the Altiplano can be very cheap to buy and they usually represent good value for money. It is possible to find properties in every condition from run-down and neglected to partially and fully restored with all modern conveniences. At this time there are some excellent bargains to be found as there are many caves for sale. Cave houses do not generally have much in the way of external roofs and walls, and can therefore be much cheaper to renovate than more conventional types of property. This work, which can be undertaken by professional builders, also offers plenty of scope for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. Cave dwellings were originally excavated into the compacted earth and clay of dry hillsides and therefore there should be not be any problems with damp. It is, however, always a good idea to check before buying. Cave houses are cheap to live in and eco-friendly. They maintain a uniform temperature of  between 18°C and 20°C throughout the year. There is no need for air-conditioning, even during the hottest of summer weather, and only a wood-burning stove or open fire is required in the sitting-room during the winter months. Municipal taxes are low as is the the cost of general maintenance. Cave houses are all different, quirky and full of character and charm. They are generally hand hewn historic dwellings which have grown and developed over the years, having been modified to suit the needs of successive generations of previous owners. Cave houses in the Altiplano de Granada are situated in an ancient and fascinating region full of historic sites, attractive villages, natural parks and mountains. This area is also often referred to as the "Spanish Lake District". It is a great place to live or take a break. There is an expanding interest in rural tourism in the area giving cave owners the opportunity to rent out their properties to holiday-makers.

Real-estate agents tell me that, despite the current recession, interest in these unusual properties has not declined. The number of hits on their websites is practically undiminished. They feel that when the British pound grows stronger once more against the euro then cave houses will start selling fast - and prices will inevitably rise. There has never been a better time to buy.

Cave Houses in the Altiplano De Granada - 5 Great Reasons to Buy a Cave in Spain

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Cave House Living in the Altiplano De Granada, Spain

The sun is shining and the almond trees outside my cave house are in full bloom. The fig tree is showing the first green signs of reawakening whilst the vines slumber on in the warm air. Blue sky, snow-capped mountains and the birds singing for all they are worth - what could be nicer than that? 

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You've probably gathered by now that I like it here. I live in an uncommercialised and relatively undiscovered part of Andalucia, southern Spain, in an area known as the Altiplano de Granada. I especially like living in a cave house. My home consists of a series of underground rooms, hewn out by hand centuries ago. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of these dwellings in this area.

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Cave houses come in every shape, size and condition from long abandoned, collapsing holes in the ground to luxury family homes complete with swimming pools and Jacuzzis. There are town caves and country caves. There are whole hillsides covered with cave houses, excavated one above the other, with chimneys and tv aerials protruding from the ground. There are old caves and there are new caves still being created today. There are isolated caves tucked away in the countryside with fantastic views all the way to the far-off Sierra Nevada, the Sierra de La Sagra or the great lake of Negratin.

Great views in the Altiplano de Granada are not in short supply. Nearly all its varied landscapes have a certain majestic and sometimes alien magic about them. There are weather ravaged deserts, verdant hillsides and lush, green valleys. This is an ancient land, steeped in history, where, it is said, man's first hominid ancestors in Europe settled 1.6 million years ago.

People often ask if it is not claustrophobic living in a cave and the answer is "no". The underground rooms are usually whitewashed, windows let in the light and many of the rooms have a spacious and airy ambience. On a cold winter's night however, when the north wind blows the last remaining leaves from the trees and all you want to do is stay in by the fire, then the words "snug" and "cosy" spring to mind. One is reminded of artists' impressions of Badger's parlour from "Wind in the Willows".

People also ask if it isn't damp living in a cave. Once again the answer is "no". These are not water-worn limestone caverns. These are man-made dwellings excavated into dry hillsides. They are so well insulated by the metres of compacted earth and rock above that they are warm in winter and refreshingly cool in summer. The temperature inside a cave house remains at a constant 18C to 20C throughout the year. They have no need for air-conditioning in summer and have much reduced fuel bills in winter. One happy cave owner was telling me recently that it cost him only 38 euros to heat his home last winter.  

A popular story about cave dwellers of times gone by is that when a woman became pregnant she would start to excavate another room to accommodate her growing family.  If this is true, then these women must have been extremely fit because I can assure you that I know from personal experience that it is back-breaking work.  Making even fairly modest alterations requires the removal of literally tons of rubble. 

Economical to buy, relatively economical to modernize and economical to live in, cave houses are becoming more popular each year. I can't imagine wanting to live anywhere else.  

Cave House Living in the Altiplano De Granada, Spain

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