Man-made caves in the desert for sale for $1.4 million

Hidden along a rocky ridgeline in the US state of Utah is an extraordinary property. 

From a distance, all you can see is a stretch of desert dotted with scrub, low trees and boulders. 

But concealed in the shadow of a cliff are not one, but five giant caves. 

The manmade rock shelters were carved out of the sandstone several years ago, according to the listing by Utah Real Estate.

The rough, red stone still bears the marks of tools that were used to chisel the rock away. 

In one of the larger caves, two flat platforms have been created and there is a stone fire pit ideal for overnight camping. 

“Three of the caves are promising living quarters,” the listing reads. 

“A secured cave houses the wells’ pressure system and a bank of solar batteries. The smallest cave is used for storage.” 

The caves sit on an immense 22-hectare swathe of desert at the foot of the La Sal Mountains. 

In the past, the site was a watering hole for travellers on the Spanish Domínguez-Escalante Expedition 250 years ago. 

It was the first time European settlers had crossed overland from Santa Fe, New Mexico to the Californian coastal city of Monterey.

Those who are keen to buy the Utah property have several sleeping options.

The listing states there is a three-bedroom, one-bathroom 1980s off-grid cabin that “can be used as temporary living quarters for as many years as it takes to build your dream home”. 

Two wells supply fresh water, and the property also has its own septic tank. 

The cave property first hit the market in 2021 with an asking price of $US999,000 ($1,496,774). 

Since then, the price has only been marginally reduced. 

In 2024, $US900 was shaved off the guide. The current asking price is $US998,200 ($1,495,706).