Underhill Earth House - Waikato Accommodation

A Night in a Cave

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/

http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html


Nothing can ever quite compare to staying in a cave. To begin with , its something that you just don't get to do every day  - unless perhaps you live in Cappadoccia. This particular cave is memorable in so many ways. It is buried into the hillside and yet it is open to the landscape with its enormous hewn timber doors. It is megalithic, with stones set into the wide arched roof and furs on the bed, yet it is warm and enclosing, no sign of dampness, no hint of gloom. The cave is hand crafted with a great round table and curved timber bench seats. Everything in this dwelling feels hand made and much loved. There is time and craftsmanship invested in every aspect of Underhill.

 Outside there is a small lake with a wonderful arched bridge crossing it., - handmade of course. The small raft-like platform in the lake is set just at the edge of the shore with a table and chairs,  - and a vase of fresh flowers to add to that perfect setting.

There is no electricity at Underhill but there are candles and lanterns everywhere, waiting to spread that romantic glow over the scenery as dusk falls.

The outdoor bath at Underhill is a few steps up on a stone platform, making you feel just that touch special as you recline in the great outdoors and look out over this idyllic setting. There is hot water, a shower, and cooking facilities both indoors and out, at Underhill. It may be another world, but the essentials are not forgotten.  There are sheep and llama on the nearby hillside. There are weeping willows; water -lilies,frogs; birds flying in to roost in the surrounding trees. Underhill is an adventure not to  be missed.