Deep in Ohio's woodlands sits what might be America's coolest getaway – a luxury cave home that's so popular you'll need to book a year ahead to stay there.
Hidden on a 40-acre plot called Dunlap Hollow in Hocking Hills, about an hour's drive from Columbus, "The Cave" flips what you'd expect from cave living on its head. Instead of dark and damp, think of crystal chandeliers, bookcases packed with books, and even a pool table.
The 1,500-square-foot cave house is the third and boldest project from owners Amy and Bryant Gingerich, who already had a renovated old cottage and a modern A-frame cabin on their land.
The empty cave when the groundwork for the construction started
Bryant Gingerich never planned to become a cave hotelier. Bored with his engineering job and looking for a change, he thought a rental property might be a fun side project.
Work in progress
When he spotted a 40-acre chunk of land online, he and his wife took a chance on it, naming it "Dunlap Hollow" because it sits on Dunlap Road in a small valley – or as locals call it, a "hollow."
Installation of the heated floors
What started as fixing up an old 1920s hunting cabin quickly grew when Bryant saw how profitable it could be. He quit his day job, built a trendy A-frame cabin, and then, while walking the property one day, found a massive cave hidden behind trees.
... and it's done!
Using his engineering know-how, Gingerich built the cave home with heated floors and huge windows that let sunshine pour in. Four big humidifiers keep the air dry by pulling out 40 gallons of water daily.
While the cave's unique luxury pulls people in at first, many come back because of the peaceful, private setting. Dunlap Hollow has over a mile of trails just for guests, including a path to a lookout point with stunning valley views.
This private wilderness has become even more valuable as more tourists discover Hocking Hills, a region known for its caves, gorges, waterfalls, and forest trails.
Gingerich's hard work resulted in an abandoned cave turned into a magical getaway — a work of art with beautiful tiles, arched doorways, a whimsical bookshelf, and local antiques.
If you book, you get two bedrooms with king beds, a full kitchen with eye-catching purple tiles, and two bathrooms with a fancy freestanding tub. Outside, there's a fireplace with comfy chairs, a grill, and a hot tub.
24190 Dunlap Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, United States
