Tiny Garages Are Not Cool: Incredible Underground Homes

You'll Want To See Inside

Slide 1 of 45: Life above ground can be a little overwhelming sometimes, and there are plenty of architects out there that know how to make life just that little bit cozier. We round up some of the most incredible underground homes from around the world.

Slide 1 of 45: Life above ground can be a little overwhelming sometimes, and there are plenty of architects out there that know how to make life just that little bit cozier. We round up some of the most incredible underground homes from around the world.

LIFE BELOW THE SURFACE

Life above ground can be a little overwhelming sometimes, and there are plenty of architects out there that know how to make life just that little bit cozier. We round up some of the most incredible underground homes from around the world.

Slide 2 of 45: This tiny green earth-sheltered house is located in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and was designed and built by architect William Morgan in 1975.

Slide 2 of 45: This tiny green earth-sheltered house is located in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and was designed and built by architect William Morgan in 1975.

DUNE HOUSE, ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA: $1,400,000 (£1.16M)

This tiny green earth-sheltered house is located in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and was designed and built by architect William Morgan in 1975.

Slide 3 of 45: It isn’t just one house, though. It’s actually a duplex, consisting of two near-identical homes of 750 square feet each. Morgan built the earth homes as holiday rentals as he lived next door, but he didn’t want the house to block the view of the ocean. So, naturally, he decided to build it underground – in an existing sand dune. Genius!

It isn’t just one house, though. It’s actually a duplex, consisting of two near-identical homes of 750 square feet each. Morgan built the earth homes as holiday rentals as he lived next door, but he didn’t want the house to block the view of the ocean. So, naturally, he decided to build it underground – in an existing sand dune. Genius!

Slide 4 of 45: Due to the mass of sand surrounding the houses, the inside is kept to a nice temperature all year round, meaning not much heating or air-con is needed. But, if it does get a little warm, there’s always the patio available to get some fresh air, all while you're looking out onto the ocean.

Slide 4 of 45: Due to the mass of sand surrounding the houses, the inside is kept to a nice temperature all year round, meaning not much heating or air-con is needed. But, if it does get a little warm, there’s always the patio available to get some fresh air, all while you're looking out onto the ocean.

Due to the mass of sand surrounding the houses, the inside is kept to a nice temperature all year round, meaning not much heating or air-con is needed. But, if it does get a little warm, there’s always the patio available to get some fresh air, all while you're looking out onto the ocean.

Slide 5 of 45: This design by Make Architects shows what was intended to be a hidden eco house in the north of England for English soccer star Gary Neville when he bought the $11.35 million (£9.2m) estate in 2007.

Slide 5 of 45: This design by Make Architects shows what was intended to be a hidden eco house in the north of England for English soccer star Gary Neville when he bought the $11.35 million (£9.2m) estate in 2007.

ECO HOUSE, BOLTON, ENGLAND: £8M

This design by Make Architects shows what was intended to be a hidden eco house in the north of England for English soccer star Gary Neville when he bought the $11.35 million (£9.2m) estate in 2007.

Slide 6 of 45: This would have been his living room in the zero-carbon abode.

This would have been his living room in the zero-carbon abode.

Slide 7 of 45: But unfortunately Neville abandoned his plans to pursue the building and hired German practice Archikturbo Lowe a year later. How could you turn down this secret little patio?

Slide 7 of 45: But unfortunately Neville abandoned his plans to pursue the building and hired German practice Archikturbo Lowe a year later. How could you turn down this secret little patio?

But unfortunately Neville abandoned his plans to pursue the building and hired German practice Archikturbo Lowe a year later. How could you turn down this secret little patio?

Slide 8 of 45: This futuristic cave-like design on the Greek island of Tinos has an infinity pool on the rooftop where lucky residents can enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean Sea while still being able to retreat underground, where the majority of the house hides.

Slide 8 of 45: This futuristic cave-like design on the Greek island of Tinos has an infinity pool on the rooftop where lucky residents can enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean Sea while still being able to retreat underground, where the majority of the house hides.

MIRAGE HOUSE, GREECE: PRICE TBC

This futuristic cave-like design on the Greek island of Tinos has an infinity pool on the rooftop where lucky residents can enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean Sea while still being able to retreat underground, where the majority of the house hides.

Slide 9 of 45: It's also got a cozy sheltered terrace for taking some respite while still enjoying the incredible views. Unfortunately it's not up for sale, but there's no doubt you'd be fighting it out with others (millionaires we'd guess) to land this spot.

It's also got a cozy sheltered terrace for taking some respite while still enjoying the incredible views. Unfortunately it's not up for sale, but there's no doubt you'd be fighting it out with others (millionaires we'd guess) to land this spot.

Slide 10 of 45: And just in case you missed that beautiful view...

Slide 10 of 45: And just in case you missed that beautiful view...

And just in case you missed that beautiful view...

Slide 11 of 45: This house, which sits comfortably under a patch of grass in Texas, was designed based on the vernacular of the “pit house”, which is one of the oldest housing types in North America and is typically sunken.

Slide 11 of 45: This house, which sits comfortably under a patch of grass in Texas, was designed based on the vernacular of the “pit house”, which is one of the oldest housing types in North America and is typically sunken.

EDGELAND HOUSE, TEXAS: PRICE TBC

This house, which sits comfortably under a patch of grass in Texas, was designed based on the vernacular of the “pit house”, which is one of the oldest housing types in North America and is typically sunken.

Slide 12 of 45: The idea behind the building is that it is dug under the earth's mass in such a way that it retains 'thermal comfort' while still allowing enough sunlight to come through.

The idea behind the building is that it is dug under the earth's mass in such a way that it retains 'thermal comfort' while still allowing enough sunlight to come through.

Slide 13 of 45: There's just enough light to fill this bright and spacious kitchen, but still enough privacy to hide away from other humans.

Slide 13 of 45: There's just enough light to fill this bright and spacious kitchen, but still enough privacy to hide away from other humans.

There's just enough light to fill this bright and spacious kitchen, but still enough privacy to hide away from other humans.

Slide 14 of 45: Located opposite the biggest open space in north London, Hampstead Heath, this three-bedroom house has been built so that the majority of the house is underground.

Slide 14 of 45: Located opposite the biggest open space in north London, Hampstead Heath, this three-bedroom house has been built so that the majority of the house is underground.

LANGTRY HOUSE, LONDON: £4.5M

Located opposite the biggest open space in north London, Hampstead Heath, this three-bedroom house has been built so that the majority of the house is underground.

Slide 15 of 45: It’s completely deceptive from the outside, but when you step inside you realize why the property has a $6.4 million (£4.5m) price tag with a living space like this.

It’s completely deceptive from the outside, but when you step inside you realize why the property has a $6.4 million (£4.5m) price tag with a living space like this.

Slide 16 of 45: This might look like a prison camp from the outside, but through the doors is the entrance to a secret luxury bunker for millionaires. It is claimed to be the world's largest private shelter and is built from bedrock under a mountain in Rothenstein, Germany. Just wait until you see inside...

Slide 16 of 45: This might look like a prison camp from the outside, but through the doors is the entrance to a secret luxury bunker for millionaires. It is claimed to be the world's largest private shelter and is built from bedrock under a mountain in Rothenstein, Germany. Just wait until you see inside...

VIVOS EUROPA ONE ELITE SHELTER, GERMANY: $1.1 BILLION (£770M)

This might look like a prison camp from the outside, but through the doors is the entrance to a secret luxury bunker for millionaires. It is claimed to be the world's largest private shelter and is built from bedrock under a mountain in Rothenstein, Germany. Just wait until you see inside...

Slide 17 of 45: Pretty impressive, huh? That deceptive little white door is the gateway to a whole other world, as exemplified in this luxury living room for residents.

Pretty impressive, huh? That deceptive little white door is the gateway to a whole other world, as exemplified in this luxury living room for residents.

Slide 18 of 45: It’s got a whole range of luxury swimming pools, theaters, gyms, restaurants and even its own helicopter service. But it’s also pretty good to know that while you’re taking a swim or having a bite to eat, you’re also in a building that can withstand a nuclear blast, chemical agents, earthquakes or tsunamis – pretty much anything then. The cost per apartment is still unclear, but the property has been valued at around $1.1 billion (£770 million).

It’s got a whole range of luxury swimming pools, theaters, gyms, restaurants and even its own helicopter service. But it’s also pretty good to know that while you’re taking a swim or having a bite to eat, you’re also in a building that can withstand a nuclear blast, chemical agents, earthquakes or tsunamis – pretty much anything then. The cost per apartment is still unclear, but the property has been valued at around $1.1 billion (£770 million).

Slide 19 of 45: This five-bedroom house is a conversion of a former water reservoir in Sidmouth, south-west England, with floods of light coming through the huge walls of glass.

Slide 19 of 45: This five-bedroom house is a conversion of a former water reservoir in Sidmouth, south-west England, with floods of light coming through the huge walls of glass.

WOOLBROOK RESERVOIR, SIDMOUTH, ENGLAND: £925K

This five-bedroom house is a conversion of a former water reservoir in Sidmouth, south-west England, with floods of light coming through the huge walls of glass.

Slide 20 of 45: The home literally towers above you from the central courtyard and the wooded grounds extend to about an acre.

The home literally towers above you from the central courtyard and the wooded grounds extend to about an acre.

Slide 21 of 45: All this can be yours for $1.3 million (£925,000) which, when you compare it with the increasing prices of one-bed properties in the world’s capitals, is actually just a bit of pocket change.

Slide 21 of 45: All this can be yours for $1.3 million (£925,000) which, when you compare it with the increasing prices of one-bed properties in the world’s capitals, is actually just a bit of pocket change.

All this can be yours for $1.3 million (£925,000) which, when you compare it with the increasing prices of one-bed properties in the world’s capitals, is actually just a bit of pocket change.

Slide 22 of 45: Away from the city, you could escape to the hills of Switzerland and enjoy this villa, which is entirely dug into the mountain and is situated next to the famous Therme Vals.

Slide 22 of 45: Away from the city, you could escape to the hills of Switzerland and enjoy this villa, which is entirely dug into the mountain and is situated next to the famous Therme Vals.

VILLA VALS, SWITZERLAND: UP TO $3,850 (£2,700) A NIGHT

Away from the city, you could escape to the hills of Switzerland and enjoy this villa, which is entirely dug into the mountain and is situated next to the famous Therme Vals.

Slide 23 of 45: It’s pretty handy if you enjoy skiing as you are right on the doorstep of the slopes and can ski all the way down to Therme Vals.

It’s pretty handy if you enjoy skiing as you are right on the doorstep of the slopes and can ski all the way down to Therme Vals.

Slide 24 of 45: You’ll need a bit of spare cash for a family trip, though, as you’re looking at up to $3,850 (£2,700) per person for a week’s stay.

Slide 24 of 45: You’ll need a bit of spare cash for a family trip, though, as you’re looking at up to $3,850 (£2,700) per person for a week’s stay.

You’ll need a bit of spare cash for a family trip, though, as you’re looking at up to $3,850 (£2,700) per person for a week’s stay.

Slide 25 of 45: Over in Spain, this dwelling is built directly into the side of a hill in Galera. As you can see, it's set in a pretty peaceful location.

LUXURY CAVE HOUSE, SPAIN: €175,000 (£149K)

Over in Spain, this dwelling is built directly into the side of a hill in Galera. As you can see, it's set in a pretty peaceful location.

Slide 26 of 45: If you're not afraid to look down, you can overlook the valley towards the chapel on the hill. It’s not completely isolated though – there are other similar places nearby.

If you're not afraid to look down, you can overlook the valley towards the chapel on the hill. It’s not completely isolated though – there are other similar places nearby.

Slide 27 of 45: Located in Parthenon, Arkansas, this Flintstones-style home is built into a cave, and has been purposely renovated in a way to keep the features of the cave and its authenticity.

Slide 27 of 45: Located in Parthenon, Arkansas, this Flintstones-style home is built into a cave, and has been purposely renovated in a way to keep the features of the cave and its authenticity.

BECKHAM CREEK CAVE LODGE, ARKANSAS: FROM $1,200 (£974) A NIGHT

Located in Parthenon, Arkansas, this Flintstones-style home is built into a cave, and has been purposely renovated in a way to keep the features of the cave and its authenticity.

Slide 28 of 45: It’s been converted into a lodge so you can stay in the lodge for around $1,200 (£974) a night out of season, but in peak holiday seasons prices pump up to around $2,000 (£1,623).

It’s been converted into a lodge so you can stay in the lodge for around $1,200 (£974) a night out of season, but in peak holiday seasons prices pump up to around $2,000 (£1,623).

Slide 29 of 45: Located on the island of Antiparos, Greece, this cave-like house built into the side of a cliff was based on the idea of using the existing site walls to create “two dissimulated house elevations”.

Slide 29 of 45: Located on the island of Antiparos, Greece, this cave-like house built into the side of a cliff was based on the idea of using the existing site walls to create “two dissimulated house elevations”.

KTIMA HOUSE, GREECE: PRICE TBC

Located on the island of Antiparos, Greece, this cave-like house built into the side of a cliff was based on the idea of using the existing site walls to create “two dissimulated house elevations”.

Slide 30 of 45: The name Ktima stands for plot with fertile land, which means the house is casually tucked into green slopes and nestled between trees. It also has this incredible pool, as you're obviously going to need to cool down while you're up there.

The name Ktima stands for plot with fertile land, which means the house is casually tucked into green slopes and nestled between trees. It also has this incredible pool, as you're obviously going to need to cool down while you're up there.

Slide 31 of 45: And for when you feel like hibernating, the comfort of your own living room is always there to take some shelter.

Slide 31 of 45: And for when you feel like hibernating, the comfort of your own living room is always there to take some shelter.

And for when you feel like hibernating, the comfort of your own living room is always there to take some shelter.

Slide 32 of 45: Alternatively, you could have one of these Telltubby homes built for you by architects Formworks Buildings, for around $115 (£93) per square foot.

Slide 32 of 45: Alternatively, you could have one of these Telltubby homes built for you by architects Formworks Buildings, for around $115 (£93) per square foot.

BUILD-YOUR-OWN EARTH SHELTERED HOUSE: $115 (£93) PER SQUARE FOOT

Alternatively, you could have one of these Tellytubby homes built for you by architects Formworks Buildings, for around $115 (£93) per square foot.

Slide 33 of 45: This ‘dome home’ was on sale for $399,000 (£323,000), just to give you an idea of the price for a near-finished product, and has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The idea of the earth sheltering is to make the house completely fireproof and environmentally friendly.

This ‘dome home’ was on sale for $399,000 (£323,000), just to give you an idea of the price for a near-finished product, and has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The idea of the earth sheltering is to make the house completely fireproof and environmentally friendly.

Slide 34 of 45: This one works out at about 1,700 sq ft and sits on over 11 acres of land just west of Rock Creek, British Columbia. Oh, and another thing, you could build your own little village of 'dome homes’ as the land is available for private use and not restricted for agricultural purposes, so you’re welcome to build as many homes and domes on the land as you wish.

Slide 34 of 45: This one works out at about 1,700 sq ft and sits on over 11 acres of land just west of Rock Creek, British Columbia. Oh, and another thing, you could build your own little village of 'dome homes’ as the land is available for private use and not restricted for agricultural purposes, so you’re welcome to build as many homes and domes on the land as you wish.

This one works out at about 1,700 sq ft and sits on over 11 acres of land just west of Rock Creek, British Columbia. Oh, and another thing, you could build your own little village of 'dome homes’ as the land is available for private use and not restricted for agricultural purposes, so you’re welcome to build as many homes and domes on the land as you wish.

Slide 35 of 45: And if you really do love the hobbit lifestyle, you can also purchase one of these prefab micro-houses. Green Magic Homes build houses under the soil and turf, so you can't really get any more hidden than this.