"Cueva el Sueño" is a house for people who want something really different in a totally unspoilt region of rural Spain, while enjoying the home comforts that make a holiday completely relaxing.

The original house is over 300 years old, and like many of the traditional local houses is dug out of the hillside. Perhaps surprisingly, it is completely dry and very light, with the enormous benefit of maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year. The owners have built on a large new sun-filled living area which offers a pleasing contrast with the cosy, nurturing atmosphere of the cave rooms. The house will comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests but is also intimate enough for a couple.

LOCATION The cave house is on the very edge of La Teja, a small traditional village part way up a valley which leads from the luminous landscape of the Altiplano to the pine forests and mountains of Cazorla and Castril. It looks out onto a pretty hillside with pine trees and a goat farm, and has a view down the valley towards distant mountains. It’s the perfect area for enjoying the pleasures of nature, with varied walks on the doorstep and two beautiful swimmable lakes, a mountain river and waterfalls within easy driving distance. Granada, home of the Alhambra palace, the Sierra Nevada and the unspoilt Cabo de Gata coast are within reach for a day trip.

ACCOMMODATION Cueva el Sueño can accommodate up to 12 people, but is equally suitable for smaller groups. The accommodaton comprises:

Bedrooms - one with king-size bed, with small single room leading off. Two double rooms with shared entrance area. Two further double rooms.

Three living rooms – the large lounge-dining room with two woodburning stoves, a smaller sitting room which is a converted goat-cave (yes, they used to keep their animals in the cave with them!) and the “snug” – a super-cosy area with floor cushions and a huge open fire.

Two bathrooms – a small shower room and a magnificent bathroom with a whirlpool bath and beautiful mosaic tiling.

Kitchen with gas hob, microwave and wood-fired barbecue (you can also cook in the oven in the living room stove). Dishwasher and washing machine.

Each room has its own unique character and the overall feeling is like living inside a sculpture!

OUTSIDE Large gravelled area with car parking, tiled sun terrace and fire pit, wild garden above cave, stone barn with firewood, almond orchard.

LOCAL AMENITIES Small shop in village, several local markets, Bars, restaurants and larger shops in neighbouring villages (10 mins drive). All modern amenities in Baza (30 mins).

Walking (from the house and further afield) in hills, mountains and woodland and around attractive towns and villages. Swimming in lakes, river, and thermal springs. Fishing, horseriding, quad biking, cycling, canoeing. A paradise for artists and photographers.

HEALING RETREATS The owner is an international healer and teacher, who finds the exceptionally relaxing atmosphere of Cueva el Sueño is perfect for the healing retreats he runs there. For more information see www.cavehealingretreat.com.

GETTING THERE Malaga, Alicante and Murcia airports all approx 2¾ hours drive. Almeria 2 hours. Granada 1½ hours.

COST Unlike most rental properties we charge according to the number of guests but ask the same amount throughout the year. This is (a) because we don't want to penalise families who are restricted to school holidays and (b) we really can't decide which is the peak period as it's so lovely all year round!
Post-let cleaning charge and firewood are included.