House

El Maravedi

Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain

El Maravedí is a unique place where history and sustainability come together in harmony. The historic caves, which are between 300 and 500 years old, lay dormant for a long time until they were restored with great dedication and respect for their past and now serve as holiday accommodation.

When you enter, you immediately feel the special atmosphere: absolute silence and the gentle sounds of nature accompany your stay. The sun, which often shines intensely in the southern climate, penetrates the caves up to a certain point, but the surrounding soil ensures a pleasantly cool room climate in summer and cozy warmth in winter.

Restored historic furniture, white walls, chalky beige floors and subtle dark blue textiles give the rooms a stylish calm. A few antique chairs with red paint and natural wood, carefully treated with organic linseed oil, complete the ambience.

The caves are located on the approximately 65 hectares of land of the Finca Foyeta de Tur. There is an organic olive grove that extends below the caves. A small museum room displays found ceramics, iron parts and the historic Maravedí coin from the 18th century, which gave the place its name.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Ganzes Hausfrom380 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe renovation was carried out using pure, natural lime without additives, and domes were made by experienced Spanish dome builders. The floors are made of Tadelakt, a mixture of lime and polished stone, refined with organic vegetable oils. Old wooden loungers and chairs were lovingly restored with linseed oil and re-woven, while other antique pieces of furniture and the original doors were carefully refurbished and reinstalled. Above the roof, clay jugs placed horizontally in the ground provide nesting opportunities for birds. The garden was designed as a dry garden with autochthonous plants from a local organic gardening company that collects seeds from the wild, so that irrigation is no longer necessary in the long term. Existing wild plant populations such as rosemary were respected and preserved. Native palm trees complement the natural design. A large rainwater tank collects water from the roof, which is used for flushing toilets or irrigation. Many of the designers, artists and craftsmen involved come from Spain. Materials such as reeds for the roof were cut, dried and prepared directly on the property's own land. In addition, old beams, iron girders and windows were recycled and restored to preserve the charm of the past.

There is one employee, he is Spanish and lives in the next village. He can organize his time freely and finds his own work on the land. He has been working for the hosts for ten years. His many years of experience and his independent way of working make him a valuable support.

EnvironmentOnly solar panels ensure a sustainable energy supply and provide sufficient electricity, including for hot water and a car charging station to a certain extent. Waste separation is carried out conscientiously and removed by an employee. A composting site is available for the environmentally friendly disposal of organic waste. All cleaning products are ecological and the waste water from the kitchen sink is filtered and used to irrigate the large pine tree. Remaining waste water is cleaned in an organic sewage treatment plant, passed through a reed filter and used to irrigate the trees. Guests receive organic cosmetic products and comprehensive information on sustainability during the briefing and in a dossier. Trees are continuously planted on the extensive land and investments are made in a mixed culture with wild bushes in the olive, almond and carob fields.


Characteristics

  • Unique, carefully restored historical cave dwellings over three years
  • Absolutely quiet location in the hinterland of Alicante
  • Great view over the hilly landscape
  • The other caves are libraries and adventure rooms where you can read, listen and relax
  • A museum room exhibits the found ceramic and iron parts
  • Herb garden, wide olive terraces, biotope with reeds and water-bearing gorges on the site

Cave dwellings3 bedroomsOwn kitchenChildren welcomeWi-Fino disabled accessPoolPets allowed

Features

  • 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for up to 6 people
  • Modern, well-equipped kitchen
  • Large, triple-domed terrace
  • Saltwater pool
  • The caves are also habitable in winter (wood stove in the fireplace room)
  • Dog by arrangement
  • 4 mountain bikes are available for guests
  • Charging station for electric cars
Visit Website

Rooms + Rates

per night
Ganzes Hausfrom380 €

Location + Directions

By car

As El Maravedi is very remote, we recommend arriving by car in order to be able to get around (shopping, excursions, etc.). However, you can also be picked up from the train station in Alicante or Muchamiel. Alicante airport is about 40 km away. From Valencia, it takes about 1.5 hours (112 km).