Our five-star B&B... in an old cave
IT once housed animals and had no electricity or running water.
So as the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend away, it left a great deal to be desired.
But this once-derelict hillside cave has been transformed into a bijou B&B.
Scottish couple Shirley and Mark Graham, who moved to the Mediterranean eight years ago, said they had been inspired by a weekend break to a traditional Spanish cave house.
So when the pair came across an old cave in Andalucia three years
‘We can’t wait for everyone to see it’
ago, they decided to make it their dream home.
Now they have used £22,000 savings and a £50,000 inheritance to convert a second cave into a successful three-bedroom guest house called Cuevas Helena.
The pair, originally from Edinburgh, appeared on Channel 5 show Our Dream Hotel, which follows families who are starting out in the business. According to the programme description, the Grahams faced an ‘ambitious ten week turnaround’.
Mrs Graham, 55, a mother-ofthree, said: ‘We booked a cave break in Andalucia and we both loved this region of Spain as it reminded us of Scotland.
‘We thought we could buy a cave, as you do. We went out with a few agents and found our cave, which was originally an animal cave. It had no electricity or running water but it just felt right.
‘We completed our first cave, which is now our home. Then we started on Cuevas Helena, which is now our future.’
The guest house was named after the couple’s mothers, who are both called Helen.
Before the show aired last night, Mrs Graham struggled to contain her excitement.
She said: ‘Cuevas Helena has been really busy. We can’t wait for everyone to see it. We are both excited and nervous.’