A quirky cave house in rural Murcia province - La Cueva (The Brave Stays)

La Cueva de Los Abuelos

“La Cueva” is an original cave house with two separate bedrooms, sleeping up to five people across one double bed in one room and a double bed and a single bed in the other. It is located in the rugged and stunning countryside of La Zarza, in the region of Murcia, Spain.

Although the property has immediate neighbours, it is isolated and car hire is essential. The closest village with amenities is Los Gabrieles, or Canada Del Trigo a 10 minute drive whilst the closest large town of Pinoso is a 20 minute drive. A seasonal restaurant Buffalo BBQ is located a 4 minute drive or 50 minute walk away. But do check opening days and times in advance.

If flying to stay in the property, you are very well situated close to both Murcia and Alicante, although Valencia wouldn't be out of the question either. It is one hour's drive from the house to Alicante airport that is very well served all year round by Low Cost carriers from many European destinations.

As the name suggests, the house is actually the”grandparents” house. I am told that originally the Grandparents of the ladies who sold the house to me bought the land for agricultural purposes. As you can see there is a beautiful almond grove owned and adjacent to the property (amazing in February/ March). This is a joy in springtime when the Blossom flowers are fragrant. The cave was dug through the hard labour and bare hands of the grandfather, and as I am told with the assistance of the family members and grandchildren that came to stay in the summer holidays. As their children grew up, got married, the grandfather then proceeded to dig by hand a row of cave houses for his children. And so the neighbours' houses are mostly the descendants of the grandfather and grandmother (Los Abuelos).

This property represents an opportunity to be immersed in peacefulness and nature. It enjoys 360 degree views of the rugged countryside and Sierra De Pilar and from the roof of the house you can see both sunrise and sunset. The lack of light pollution in the area also means that a clear night affords the most beautiful starry skies. The location is very well situated despite its isolation. In the immediate areas there are walking and cycling opportunities. These can be undertaken independently or as part of a guided experience, and we can make recommendations in this respect. The town of Pinoso is lovely and affords many great eating opportunities to include Restaurante La Torre (my favourite for tapas) and Bar Mucho. The thermal spa of Fortuna is 30 minutes drive away, and just a little further in an hour you reach the coast, or even Benidorm. Similarly the cities of Alicante and Valencia are not outside of your reach with a base at this property.

So the house is perfectly positioned for exploring the rugged interior of the region, the beautiful cities of Alicante, Murcia and Valencia, and the coastline of the Costa Blanca. In the hottest summer months there are public swimming pools close by, or should you wish to spend a day by the pool, El Cortijo Paredon is a good option where you can also eat and drink and enjoy some of the entertainment, but if you are looking for something a little more luxurious then why not buy a day pass for the beautiful Leandra Spa complex and outdoor pool in Fortuna, 30 minutes drive away. A full-day pass to Balneario Leana in Fortuna, Spain, costs between 10 and 22 euros for adults, with discounts for children (7 to 12 euros) and evening-only sessions. Prices vary depending on the season and whether it's a weekday or weekend. The coastline of the Costa Blanca is under an hours’s drive away and it is even possible to grab a convenient yet stunning beach trip just as you arrive ir just before you fly home at the closest beach to the airport (where you can part straight on the beach) at Playa de los Saladares.

The construction of the cave with air flow from front to back means that it is fresh and cool during the hot summer months, but can be warmed and cozy from the open fire in the colder months. I visited in July when the outside temperature was 38 degrees, but inside the cave it felt fresh and cool and sleeping was comfortable, with no need for even a fan!

You must be mindful however that there are a few quirks of this property that may or may not appeal. The isolation of course may be perfect for some whereas for others not so much. Again as with all of The Brave Stays there is no WI-Fi or television at the property. Even mobile phone signals are patchy. Part of the concept is that we want people to revisit the simple pleasures of life and use their vacation as a valuable opportunity to disconnect from our busy lives. This is purposive, but also if we did add in Wi-Fi it would result in a much higher price per night, as would an end of stay cleaning fee. Our objective is to keep our prices as low and affordable as possible based upon our costs. There are a growing range of games and books at the property, but, given the wealth of activities in the local and surrounding areas, we are sure you will have more than enough to do.

It is a dusty rural location where you will find muck, dust and insects; although nothing harmful. There is also no air conditioning nor swimming pool. If these are essential requirements of your accommodation then the property is not for you.

Please also bear in mind that the kitchen was a later addition to the cave and the interior entrance to the kitchen has a low ceiling and a narrow passageway so may not be suitable for all. There is however an external separate entrance to the kitchen. Care should be taken of your head when using the interior passageway!

The other perhaps more serious consideration is that there is not a bathroom inside the main building and the sole source of water supply is from a tap and hosepipe in the kitchen. The toilet and washing facilities that comprise a long drop style toilet and camping pump shower (with good pressure actually, and warm, if you place the bluie bucket in the sunshine beforenhand), are located in the toilet building that is opposite the front door. Despite being in a separate building, the toilet and shower room is basic but private and functional. In essence you are cave camping in Spain at a notably lower price than camping nowadays costs.

Please, also, bring your own towels with you.

Aside from this, there is everything that you should require for a basic yet comfortable stay. The beds and bedrooms are clean and comfortable, there is an inside table and inglenook fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with a gas hob, fridge, coffee maker and washing machine, although please ensure that a bucket is placed underneath the sink to catch draining water and note that the sink needs to be filled into a bucked from the hosepipe!. Cutlery, crockery and other cooking and eating amenities are provided. There is a barbecue for outside use with beautiful views over the almond grove and rolling hillsides.

We do kindly ask however that in line with the principles of The Brave Stays that you consume electricity, water and gas responsibly.

The Brave Stays:

Our company is all about:

Doing things differently, breaking down barriers to ethical and alternative travel for budget conscious travellers by offering unique, authentic and ethically managed holiday homes away from home which promote disconnection, wellbeing, rehabilitation, rejuvenation, quality time with loved ones, cultural immersion and appreciation of the natural surroundings

Please familiarise yourself with the concept first before booking - www.thebrave.online.


Accessibility and Suitability:

This is a very basic, two bedroomed cave house. It is arranged over one story with no stairs (except unless one wants to go to the room of the house). There are two access doors, one wide that leads straight into the living area, then to the bedrooms, and one more narrow that leads into a small kitchen. You can access the kitchen either from the exterior door or from the main house via a narrow passageway with a low ceiling. You can drive right up to the front door of the property and park directly outside, so long as you leave space for other passing vehicles 🙂The bathroom is located in a separate small building in front of the house and consists of a long drop toilet and electric camping (pump) shower. Sleeping arrangements are across two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with a small double bed and single bed.


Who is the property suitable for?

Solos, couples, friends, families who enjoy travelling off the beaten track and relative isolation in the Spanish countryside, yet within easy reach by car of lots of amenities and attractions. People who want to experience staying in a cave house as a quirky and authentic, basic yet affordable rural base from which to explore the surrounding area and its natural, historic, archaeological, wellness, cultural and beach based attractions. It is a good base also for those who arrive by bike or car, having their own transport to explore the area. It is not suitable for those who do not have their own transport. It is perfect for those who want to get away from it all, enjoy uninterrupted sunrise and sunset views and the clear starry sky at night. Conversely it is a great base to explore the hiking and cycling routes around the Murcia and Alicante provinces, the cities and towns in both provinces and the coastline (for beaches). For wine lovers, it is located on the Wine Route of Jumilla with local wineries close by. People who want basic yet functional amenities and are not bothered by a low ceiling to the kitchen and an outdoor camping style bathroom. People who want to disconnect and do not need wifi, Tv or technology to enjoy their holiday. Even mobile phone signal is minimal, promoting a real opportunity for a ‘digital detox’.

** Best deals and availability available by direct enquiry - fayethebrave@gmail.com www.thebrave.online