Cave House: One Man’s Unique Home

This story is unlike any other on this blog. First, the house is huge—over 5,000 square feet. Second, it’s a man-made cave. Grant Johnson’s passion, creativity, and dream-building journey make this tale truly unique.

Grant moved to Moab, Utah, as a young man, working his way through college as a miner. By 1980, he saved enough to buy 40 acres of land near Boulder, Utah. For 25 years, he lived in a trailer without running water or electricity, learning self-sufficiency. The area is so remote that the nearest stoplight is over two hours away, requiring a 4-wheel drive to access.

In 1996, Grant’s land became part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Around that time, he began blasting into bedrock to create his dream cave house. After eight years of blasting and several more years of interior work, Grant avoided using steel, opting for glass panels to keep the views open.

Grant’s homestead is completely off-grid. He pumps water from a nearby pond and generates electricity with a turbine. He grows his own food and raises livestock, living a self-sufficient life. An avid music lover, he built a jam room in his cave house for rock sessions with friends.

At 5,000 square feet, the cave house was too big for just him, so Grant divided it and rents a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment on Airbnb.

Guests are inspired by the house, Grant’s lifestyle, and the natural beauty of the land.