Part 3: Cave House

Besides being a full organic farm, producing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, the "farm" is also a low-intensity resort, which entertains travellers like ourselves a couple times each month. To fulfill this function, several unique and elaborate structures, such as the "cave house", have been built on the grounds to receive those visitors who arrive in larger parties and with larger pocketbooks. (With our smaller budget, we opted for the cheaper accomodations of the more traditional farm house.)

Built directly into the slope near the top of the mountain, the cave house has only one exterior wall, which is mostly glass windows and doors. The main entry opens out onto an overlook, offering impressive views of the Himalayan mountains on the horizon.

Like the facade, the interior, too, is not that of the typical Nepalese household. Indeed, it seems to be from the feature pages of a stylish magazine. Although the decor is of the elite class, it does take some inspiration from tradition Nepali design, as in this photo of the wooden window frame, the wall recesses for lamps, and the loft bed.

Since the windows face to the north, the cave house truly emulates a cave, receiving no direct sunlight. Thus, it is always a cool respite from the intense mountain sun. But to keep the temperature comfortable throughout the night, the building is equipped with a cozy wood fireplace, surrounded by a recessed kiva seating arrangement.

The cave house also features an elegant half kitchen. The interior of the house is basically one large room, but curtains can be drawn to separate the various "rooms", such as the kitchen and sleeping areas. In this photo, note also the ceiling lights with their white paper lanterns.

The "back door" of the cave house is actually the "top door". A stone staircase spirals up and out of the house, exiting onto the roof of the house, which is the top of the mountain.

Here you can see Keith standing on the roof of the house. The strange domes behind me are the skylights for the house. The domes were built with the ends of glass bottles, which allow the sunlight to filter down into the rooms below. Note also the fancy spiraling chimney to the left.

This is a view of one of the skylights from inside the house, looking straight up at the underside of the dome.

The roof of the house is yet another place to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas, everpresent in the background. Keith and Stephanie enjoy the perfect view.

Continue to Part 4: Sun House . . .

All words and photos copyright (c) 2001 by Keith Jenkins
k g j 2 2 @ y a h o o . c o m

	Part 3: Cave House
	Besides being a full organic farm, producing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, the "farm" is also a low-intensity resort, which entertains travellers like ourselves a couple times each month. To fulfill this function, several unique and elaborate structures, such as the "cave house", have been built on the grounds to receive those visitors who arrive in larger parties and with larger pocketbooks. (With our smaller budget, we opted for the cheaper accomodations of the more traditional farm house.)
	Built directly into the slope near the top of the mountain, the cave house has only one exterior wall, which is mostly glass windows and doors. The main entry opens out onto an overlook, offering impressive views of the Himalayan mountains on the horizon.
	Like the facade, the interior, too, is not that of the typical Nepalese household. Indeed, it seems to be from the feature pages of a stylish magazine. Although the decor is of the elite class, it does take some inspiration from tradition Nepali design, as in this photo of the wooden window frame, the wall recesses for lamps, and the loft bed.
	Since the windows face to the north, the cave house truly emulates a cave, receiving no direct sunlight. Thus, it is always a cool respite from the intense mountain sun. But to keep the temperature comfortable throughout the night, the building is equipped with a cozy wood fireplace, surrounded by a recessed kiva seating arrangement.
	The cave house also features an elegant half kitchen. The interior of the house is basically one large room, but curtains can be drawn to separate the various "rooms", such as the kitchen and sleeping areas. In this photo, note also the ceiling lights with their white paper lanterns.
	The "back door" of the cave house is actually the "top door". A stone staircase spirals up and out of the house, exiting onto the roof of the house, which is the top of the mountain.
	Here you can see Keith standing on the roof of the house. The strange domes behind me are the skylights for the house. The domes were built with the ends of glass bottles, which allow the sunlight to filter down into the rooms below. Note also the fancy spiraling chimney to the left.
	This is a view of one of the skylights from inside the house, looking straight up at the underside of the dome.
	The roof of the house is yet another place to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas, everpresent in the background. Keith and Stephanie enjoy the perfect view.

Travelogue: One Week in Nepal

Part 3: Cave House

Continue to Part 4: Sun House . . .