Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

It’s no secret that eco-friendly or “green” homes have become quite popular, even in the luxury housing market. And some of the most energy efficient homes are the ones set all or partially in the ground.

This lets you take advantage of the year-around stable temperatures found in the earth. In the summer, the cool ground means there’s little need for air conditioning and in the winter, the earth insulates your home, keeping it naturally warmer than chilly temperatures outside.

You don’t have to move into a cave to take advantage of the earth’s insulating capacities, but you could…

As I write this, The Cave House in Bisbee, Arizona, is for sale. The price tag? Just under $2 million, but here’s what you get:

“Tucked away in a canyon in the Mule Mountains just outside of Bisbee, Arizona this fantastic property offers a unique cave house in a wonderful natural setting. At 5300′ elevation the cave house, guest house, and various outbuildings make an ideal retreat. A natural creek flows through the property and has lovely swimming pools with rock patios. The area attracts birders from around the world and is perfect for wildlife viewing. Chulo, another word for coatimundi have been viewed on the property. The land, approximately 45 acres, is home to over 79 species of birds, 113 species of butterflies, ringtail cats, foxes, skunks, deer, squirrels, lizards, frogs and snakes just to name a few.”

And how is the cave house green?

It has “a year round supply of spring water. There are no heating or cooling bills and no water bills. The home is passive solor with thermal (land mass) temperature control.”

Alas, I’m just a bit shy of having the down payment or I’d make an offer myself!