QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Questions & Answers from Mike and Ronnie

Q: When did you first move into your cave?

A: We came here about 4 years ago from the coast. We bought a cave in Galera which we lived in for a number of years before buying a house in the village of Orce. We still have our cave in Galera which we rent out and now we live in a cave in Fuente Nueva and we want to sell our village house.

Q: Why did you choose a cave over a normal house?

A: We fell in love with the area immediately, both Galera and Fuente Nueva. We wanted something unique and there is nothing more unique than a cave.

Q: What is the best thing about 'cave living?'

A: The inside temperature is of course a huge beneficial factor, you don't need air conditioning in the summer because it is cool and winter heating is very economical because it doesn't get that cold inside. We have lived in a Spanish village house in winter and there is no comparison. Also the views surrounding our cave are fantastic, the area is so peaceful and quiet - it's perfect for us.
Another important factor for us is that we can live here very well on our pension whereas back in the UK we would probably struggle at times.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to living in a cave?

A: It depends on the cave you have. Some parts of some caves can be a bit claustrophobic where no natural light enters. Both our caves however are absolutely great with high ceilings and airy rooms - we are very lucky.

Q: What did your family say when you told them you were moving into a cave?

A: They thought we were completely mad at first, but soon changed their minds when they saw for themselves. Now we have regular visits from children and grandchildren and they all love it. I think it is very difficult to visualise a cave if you've no prior experience, people tell us they imagine a hole in the hillside when you say the word cave.

Q: Do you prefer rural living to village life? Why?

A: We have experienced life on the coast, village life and cave life and there are pro's and cons to all. We liked the village because the amenities were close at hand and if you have no car that is very important. Here in our cave although not in a village, we are still very close to amenities and we have access for example to a doctor every day if necessary. So although we are out in the countryside which is great for the open spaces, peace and quiet we are still close to important amenities. We also have three dogs, so the countryside location of our current cave is just fantastic, we would struggle in the village.

Q: How do you see the phenomenon of cave living in the future?

A: It depends in our view on the developers and future standards of conversions. We have seen a few 'done up' caves recently which we wouldn't buy because they are not really caves just extensions to holes in the hillside. We like to see a cave as just that, not an extension which will be very cold and damp in winter and really hot in summer depending on the quality of workmanship.

Q: Any other comments?

A: We have been in this are for over four years now and we have certainly seen an increase in British people coming here. We have also seen a number of people coming and then leaving because of problems finding work or just because it perhaps isn't for them. Many people who move to Spain just want England with the sun and on the coast that's possibly ok but here in inland Andalucia it just won't work if you think like that. It takes a certain type of person to opt for this lifestyle because we have extremes of temperature unlike the coast, winters can be very hard here. Also there is not much work available as the area is still developing. But that is what we find appealing, there is a really nice mix of people in our area who either live here permanently or who have holiday homes. We like it how it is.