Underground Homes: Wealthy Californians Take Living Spaces Below Ground

Southern California has several underground homes and houses with below level rooms that are becoming very popular.Photo byphoto by Inhabitat via www.whipplerussell.com

In Southern California the ultra-rich are finding ways to get more bang for their millions. They are building rooms and homes underground. They are called iceberg homes. For the more pretentious, in Los Angeles, they are called lower-level or sub-level homes or additions.

Many are spending millions to advance their living spaces underground. Some homes are building large wine cellars with tasting areas, special living spaces, massive home theaters, and entertainment areas. Others are creating huge gyms and juice areas as well.

Some homeowners are adding underground guest rooms as well. Some have even put gaming rooms and poker rooms, and one house in Pasedena has a conference room, a commercial-grade full-movie theater, and a complete tiki bar all below ground!

Taking It To The Next Level:

Underground homes are far from a new thing. For centuries, civilizations have used them for protection or to live in a cooler place to escape the heat. One of the more famous underground homes in California and in the U.S. is the Baldassare Forestiere home in Fresno, California. Originally, Fresno was originally a dessert and is extremely hot. Forestiere was from Sicily, and he was struggling with the heat. He had bought some land in 1906 and spent the next four decades digging an amazing 50-room dwelling. It is now a tourist spot that offers tours.

A $45 million home in Pasadena, California, has a running residence that was made out of an art gallery. It has an underground commercial theater, offices, and even a full tiki bar!

Having a home partially or fully underground allows a cool area to have fun and, if you are an ultra-rich individual, to play in comfort.