I built a lux cave in a WW2 bunker – it has a stunning view & all the mod cons…it’s hard to believe it just stored hay
A COUPLE has told how they transformed a World War 2 bunker into a luxurious cave home that boasts breathtaking sea views.
Kostas Mauromatis and his wife Nantia Kakaounaki initially converted the cave below their home in Greece as a space to cool down during the hot summer months.
The cave - which dates back to 1850 - was used as storage space for years until 2007 when the pair started working on its transformation.
Located in the picturesque village of Kaliviani in Crete, the cave is now a modern studio with all the mod cons - including stunning sea views.
The owners said what used to be a WW2 bunker is now "the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, a unique experience."
Nantia told The Sun: "The cave was initially above the main residence and used as a storage for agricultural products, hay, oil and wine.
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"During WW2, many locals used it as a refuge to shelter from the bombings.
"My husband had the idea to turn it into a flat 18 years ago while keeping the natural rock intact.
"His inspiration was a childhood image, his great-grandmother sleeping on a small wooden bed in a corner of the cave to cool down during the hot summer months - so we thought 'why not?'"
Hidden below the main residence, the 650sq ft cave home is carved into the rock and has wooden doors and ceilings.
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The studio comes with a fully equipped kitchen, double bed, private bathroom, a sofa and a terrace and has a TV, WiFi and aircon.
It’s big enough for a family and visitors have access to the property’s garden.
Listed among the top Airbnbs in Greece, Nantia says visitors- mainly Americans- are usually left "speechless" after seeing the cave.
In another part of the world, a slab of volcanic rock was turned into a cave village with all the mod cons needed for modern living.
Over 150 families live happily in Kandovan, a village in northwestern Iran, making it one of the world's largest modern cave dwellings.
A British couple decided to leave the UK to live in a luxury cave home in Spain- and they absolutely love it.
Shirley and Mark, both 60, originally owned a holiday home in Murcia, but decided they wanted to try somewhere different to stay.
While another Brit ditched her house in Cornwall to live in a cave in Spain - and says there are surprising benefits.
Matilda Kennard Troughton, 54, was looking for peace and quiet after years following a hectic work schedule as a wholesaler.
