Cave house in Spain

A cave house in Spain

Southern Spain is knows for the Alhambra Palace,  Moorish architecture and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. The province is also home to many of Spanish cave houses, also known as trogloditas. They can be found in Andalusia and Granada (Costa del Sol). The original inhabitants of the Andalusian Spanish cave houses worked on the cathedrals and the mosques. The caves were ment as a home for the labourer. The cave houses are located outside of the village or city.  

After the 1970’s the cave houses were abandoned (the houses did still have a legal owner). The labourers living in them moved away for jobs on the coast. In the 1990’s, with a little help from some government funding, people started buying them up adn got them renovated. The caves would be restored and rented out to foreign tourists. 

Comfort and design

When you think of a cave you think of a dark and damp place. Today cave houses in Spain are comfortable homes that are designed with clear idea of comfort in mind. They are built into the side of a very dry rock formation. The build and design is orientated in such a way it makes optimised use of natural light. Light ducts are drilled and walls are painted a mat white for maximum light reflection. Apart from this, the large living areas are located at the front and the bedrooms are located at the back.

They can have very large living spaces and many bedrooms. It is easy to warm the living spaces in the winter and to keep cool in the summer. So when it is 40+ degrees outside you will have a comfortable 21 degrees inside. Along with very very thick walls, you will not hear your neighbours. Unlike some of the modern apartments. You can even find a cave home with a swimming pool.

The build tends to be all one level which can be an advantage for older people. Apart from this, as you would expect, the walls are never straight which can making hanging pictures and shelves straight a pain. And in general they require very little maintenance. 

All modern cave houses have warm water, electric and sewage connection. Some even have underfloor heating!

Are cave houses safe?

Cave houses are very safe as they are not prone to collapse. The rock formation they are bult in is a dry rock. The construction is solid and can withstand fire, earthquakes and windy storms. Without a doubt the usage of gas appliances can be a hazard. It is advised not to use gas if you don’t have to. Gas fires will be located at the front of the dwelling for safety.

Mortgages for cave house in Spain

Most people ask the question: Can I get a mortgage to buy a cave house in Spain or are they for cash buyers only? Yes you can get a mortgage. Every cave house has an escritura and are registered at the Land Registry office just like a normal house. Insurances are also available.

Conclusion

Despite not being for everybody, Spain counts thousands of cave homes and for some very good reasons. If you think a cave house might be for you, then you might like to consider renting one or book an night in a cave hotel. Do this and you will know if you like living a in a cave house and if you like the area.

Pros

• Very unique as you will not find two the same
• Very little maintenance
• All one level (there are exceptions)
• Situated in the country side so a good chance of great views
• Lower cost
• Warm and cosy feel
• Large living area and spaces
• Energy efficient (green living)

Cons

• No straight walls
• Gas can be dangerous
• If you have a road running above your cave, it is difficult to get permission to reform
• Not close to city centers so usually amenities not near by. On the other hand, this could equally be a pro. If you are not mobile, you could feel isolated.
• Difficult to hide wires or pipes in the construction
• usually not close to the coast and located inland so don't expect mediterranean sea views

To get more insight about the historical development and environment adaptation of the traditional cave-dwellings, have a look here

If you would like to sell your cave house in Spain, then please drop us a line here