‘Do you love Natural Bridge Caverns?’ isn’t the typical opener for an estate agent listing.
For this one-of-a-kind property in San Antonio, Texas, however, it’s the only first line that makes sense.
On the market for $875,000 (£724,000), the house comprises four bedrooms and three bedrooms set across a single storey.
On 2.56 acres of land, it’s part of the exclusive Seven Hills Ranch Property Owners Association, surrounded by 3500 acres of Nature Conservancy greenery.
The house boasts walk-in closets in every bedroom, a separate formal dining room, and an air-conditioned garage that could be converted into an extra bedroom or games room.
Yet what makes this property unique is what lies beneath.
Despite looking from the front like your average family home, it sits on top of its very own cavern – so you can quite literally retreat to your cave after a tough day at work.
The current owners discovered the cavern back in 2004, having it confirmed by geologists from Natural Bridge Caverns and St. Mary’s University. A news release about the find stated that the area’s caves are thought to be between 100,000 and two million years old.
A spokesperson explained: ‘[The homeowners] noticed that a significant amount of cool air would sometimes blow from a small one-inch diameter hole in the ground, causing the grass and weeds to wave back and forth (caused by a difference in atmospheric pressure: sometimes it blows, sometimes sucks air).
‘When small leaves were dropped on the blowing air, they were blown two-three feet into the air. When another blowing hole was found three feet away from the first hole, they decided “there must be something down there”.’
Over $87,000 has been spent on excavating the grotto, including adding lighting and electricity so you can see its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
It’s led to a number of comparisons to Batman’s lair online, with one person on Twitter calling the home ‘Bruce Wayne’s suburban retreat.’
‘If I bought that house, it’d pay for itself,’ another person added. ‘I would have cavern tours on the weekends and rent it out for parties.’
It’s certainly not your standard basement, but this hidden gem is a natural wonder.
Just imagine guests’ faces when you show them your very own Batcave.
View the property listing and enquire to view via Zillow.
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