Last month, I had the opportunity to stay for a few days in a cave in northern New Mexico, not far from Taos. A friend of a friend’s friend’s connection. Carved out of (into?) a sandstone hill. I’d never stayed in a human-made cave before, or even seen one, except maybe the ancient underground cities in Cappadoccia.
There are several rooms in this cave including a downstairs, a sleeping loft, and a bath. I can’t say much more about it except that it took the cave maker, who goes by the name of Ra, two years working 20 hours per week to complete. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Even-temperatured and so very quiet, hidden in a hill there among the cottonwoods and piñon.
Here are some images: of the mysterious place and landscape into which it is so beautifully integrated, perhaps inspired by.
That is stunning!
Did you find it a comfortable place to stay?
How far into the 20 yr project did he move in?
Hey Guap! Yes, it was very comfortable, an amazing experience unlike anything else. The sandstone maintained a perfect temperature(no heating or cooling systems). Tthere was electricity (and hot water!) which made it less than rustic — although it may have also been fun to walk around with torches at night. The cave maker never lived here, it was just something he wanted to create on some friends’ property.
Absolutely beautiful. I imagine it was the most peaceful place ever. Does someone live there permanently or is it rented out for travelers?
Hi Emily, nice to see you here. Yes, peaceful would be a good way to describe it. And no, no one lives there but it’s not really on the lodging circuit, either.
Totally unique and amazing. Details please, next time we chat.
Wowza! Gorgeous.
Niyanita! Yes, quite magical.
Truly beautiful. Maybe the rock out of which Ra has carved this cave is Tufa?? He says that he is a dancer and carving is part of that dance. Thanks for the amazing photos.
oooo, didn’t know that about the dancing, thanks!
great photos, Laura. This is such an incredible place, absolutely beautiful. I love the deco-looking carving in the wall above the bed. How big is this place?. How is it powered?? Is it light all the way through???? unbelievable!!! I think I want to go there and knock on Ra’s door! xoxo
Hi Lita! Thanks for stopping by here. It has electrical power throughout. I guess they put it in during the early stages of carving. All the switch plates were made to look like stone… I didn’t meet Ra, only the people to whom he left this treasure.
Laura, these photos are fantastic! Is this near the caves just north of Espanola? We saw some beautiful rooms and carvings out of the same kind of material on the property of a fancy B & B — I think the San Juan Inn.
Hi Marilyn, yes it’s north of Espanola. I hear there are other caves in the area, but I haven’t seen them. Also heard there is a cave hotel (closed right now) in Ojo Caliente. Thanks for the kind words!
That is an absolutely great post embellished with incredible pictures. Never could have imagined such places still exist. You did time travel to the stone age didn’t you and that would have been such a great experience.
Shakti
Thank you Shakti! What a lovely comment. I wish I could take fancier photos with special lenses, filters, etc., but I just don’t have the equipment (or patience). It was a very special experience. Thanks for the comment–
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LOVE this. Where can I buy a cave?
Hey Miss Snarky! Maybe you can buy a cave maker, or at least someone on one of those Paleo diets. Thanks for stoppin by… how’s the complexion??
Great. Just in time for Thanksgiving. I just tempted fate didn’t I?
I want to know where this is. Can you send me the details. I want it on my list for the future! Great photos!
Hey Russ! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Let me know if you’re ever in the area, I can talk to you more about this. It’s not really on the beaten public path… Glad you enjoyed! Wish I knew more about photography and my images looked as good as yours, but maybe someday…
Wow, that place is so beautiful!! The mosaics kinda look like Gaudi’s work (from Spain). Awesome!
Thank you Jill! Yeah, I can’t imagine having the foresight + imagination + skill to compose such a thing as these caves. It’s not like a normal house where you can just tear something down if you don’t like it. Some friends were just in Spain and showed me a bunch of Gaudi architecture… yes, the organic quality is very similar.
Holy crap I want to stay here! This is so beautiful, Laura
Wow, I finally got around to looking at these. What an amazing place! Sign me up!
This is amazingly cool, Laura. I love the Gaudi mosaic in the bath and that amazing carving above the bed. What a wonderful artist. Complete gift of love if he did not live there himself.
xxx
Thank you Red. Yes, this artist considers his work to be part of the dancing that he also enjoys. Just given to the world as a gift. Thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeousness!
Glad you like, and thanks for taking the time to comment!
No words… perfect!
Reblogged this on Paranóias.
Stunning! What a cool experience. I love New Mexico.
Yes, Texans do tend to love NM!
It is a very special place, I’ve never been in anything like it….
That’s pretty cool. Have never seen anything like that! Beautiful photos.
Row
Thanks, Row! I hadn’t either. Pictures are nice (thank you!), but it’s being in the space that’s really amazing…