A Cave House
File this next house under “It could have been mine” because today’s unique house was actually up for sale on eBay earlier this year. Yep – you and the fam could have bunked up in a house carved out of a mountain.
Sadly, the Sleeper family who owned this unique 17,000 square foot home was facing financial struggles. They wanted to hang onto their Festus, Missouri home, but ultimately they decided to see what eBay could do for them.
The house – originally a mine used for decades – was actually converted into a concert venue and roller rink in the 1950s by former owner, Sue Morris, before it became a house. Known as “Caveland,” performers like Tina Turner, Bob Seger, and Ted Nugent were quickly attracted to the unique stage.
Of course, performing in a cave wasn’t exactly a dream for some. ”Ted Nugent said it was the worst show he ever played,” Curt Sleeper said. “Bob Seger supposedly told him to just shut up and play.” The humidity and peculiar acoustics eventually put an end to the Caveland stage.
So five years ago, the Sleeper family decided to turn the cave into a house. For four years, they lived in a tent next to the cave as they remodeled. Talk about dedication! Think you could tough that out for your dream home? How sad to have to say goodbye to it so soon after!
The most unique thing about the Sleepers’ sale of their home online?
…they originally bought it on eBay!
We’re bracing ourselves as we prepare to return to Berlin. Here’s Martin’s own little man cave.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:45 am
The idea of a cave house doesn’t appeal to me – it sounds sort of dark. I’m impressed to see that the cave house is actually pretty bright. Although I wouldn’t be willing to live in a tent while it was being built. I guess I don’t have enough dedication to the cause.
August 24th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I lived near St Louis when it came about that they were having money troubles and were thinking of selling it on ebay. This was just after they completed it, so maybe a year and a half ago. They were all over the news in STL and gave the a tour of the house. I found it fascinating. Not enough to want to live there (also, it’s in Festus, MO, so there is no appeal in the locale for me), but I still thought it interesting. I’m sad they are actually going to sell it.
August 24th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
That is so cool! I am from St. Louis, MO and I have never heard of this house. The weather is horrible for tent sleeping most of the year…but not as bad as a tent in Colorado I guess!
August 25th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Amber, I’m with you on the damp and dark.
And while camping is fun… four years? Umm…
August 26th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Hello Katie – wow what a fabulous cave house! Not the usual “cave” you think of when you hear the word. No, this cave is full of beauty! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings & Hugs from SoCal!
Marie
August 26th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I have a cave,it is my home office. Holds a desk and file cabinet under the desk and proves the huge space for my dog under the desk. There is just enough room to walk between the desk an a small love seat. On my wall simple white no windows and sketches of soccer players that artists have sent me. Pretty lame but I love it.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thank you for your kind comments on our home.
April 26th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I Think Living in a CAVE is an AWESOME idea,just like the NATIVES used to.I just have to WAIT till i CAN Find one at an AFFORDABLE Price.