Underground Living

There are many reasons why people may choose to live underground. Some may wish to hide from enemies, some are escaping from the harsh elements, others are concerned about the pollution of the environment, and there are those who, simply like the novel idea of it.

Las Vegas

This first underground house on our list belonged to an eccentric millionaire, Girard “Jerry” B. Henderson, who built this subterranean dwelling 26 feet underneath a typical suburban two-story house, at 3970 Spencer Street Las Vegas, during the Cold war period of the 1970s. The lurid yet fabulous décor is jaw-dropping and the murals, a sight to see.

The house can be accessed in various ways, but the most interesting entrance is the one which is camouflaged by boulders in the yard.

Fancy a bit of music?

The secret door to the underground house.

Underground house, Las Vegas

The bathroom at 3970 Spencer St, Las Vegas

Also in Las Vegas, is a former mob house, where a secret doorway was found in the wall of the kitchen. A  stairway leads down to a huge bank-vault door. Beyond the door, there are a whole load of rooms, two of which are made of concrete and steel and also sound proofed. Pretty creepy!

Australia

Travelling to the other side of the world, we now visit a town located in South Australia called Coober Pedy. It is a place which is often called the "opal capital of the world" because lots of opal mining happens here. Coober Pedy is also known for its underground houses which are called "dugouts." These homes are nice and cool inside, despite the scorching heat outside.

Inside a dug-out in Coober Pedy, Australia

Dug-out in Coober Pedy, Australia

Interior of the Serbian Orthodox Church dug-out in Coober Pedy, South Australia. Robert Link

Dug-out in Coober Pedy, Australia

Turkey

Cappadocia located in Turkey, has 36 underground historic cities, which were used mostly by early Christians as hiding places before Christianity became an accepted religion. 

The many rooms in these underground cities are connected by a labyrinth of connected tunnels and caves.

The eye-opening Derinkuyu Underground City is believed to have been built by the Persians. It boasts five levels and can accommodate 2000 people.

Cappadocia, underground city, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Switzerland

If you travel to Switzerland you may see an earth house. These houses make use of the natural terrain to form the walls of the house. These houses are insulated by the earth and protected from wind and rain. Designs are very flexible and you can even have your door on the roof!



Iran

Kandovan is a rural village in Iran, where curious cone shaped houses can be found. These houses were made by excavating inside rocks formed by volcanic mud flow. Quite lovely, I think!


Wales 

This house is locally known as the Teletubby house. It is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and was built in 1998. Thoughts?


Cave House in Festus, Missouri

A modern home located in Festus, Missouri, that is built inside a sandstone cave. In the past, the cave has been used as a roller skate rink and a concert venue where people like Bob Seger, Ted Nugent and Tina Turner, have performed.

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