A $3.4m house near the Ozarks comes with a huge cave and 'the world's largest geode'
What lies beneath
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A home with added extras
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Unearthing a surprise
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Hiding underneath
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Underneath the rolling hills and outbuildings lies a tunnel of hidden caves. The largest in the Lake of the Ozarks, according to the website, the underground marvel has turned into a thriving business over the years.
A local legend
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Named Jacob's Cave after Jacob Craycraft, a local tiff miner who discovered the secret underground maze in 1875, the caverns have been a tourist hotspot since 1932. In a nod to its fascinating history, the cave is dotted with the signature of Jacob Craycraft throughout where he carved his name into the rock.
A long-time owner
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The property and tourist attraction has been owned by Frank Hurley since 1965, according to the New York Post. After selling 200 acres of land in Iowa and quitting the dairy industry, the entrepreneur moved his family to Missouri, where he took over the already thriving business from Russell Hall who had reopened the caves to the public in 1950 after modernising the walkway and lighting.
Once in a lifetime
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"Jacob's Cave is famous for its depth illusion, reflective pools, ceiling sponge work and the world's largest geode," according to the website. Owned by the same family for 49 years, the magnificent home, cavern complex and business could now be yours for $3.4 million (£2.5m). With a steady and generous annual income, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!
A sight to behold
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Inside, the natural space is a sight to behold. With 'every type of cave formation imaginable from millions of 'soda straws' and massive stalactites and columns, to delicate helictites, according to the Jacob's Cave website. For visiting tourists, the mile-long tour is wheelchair accessible and dotted with spotlights to show off the stunning features at their best.
Inside the cave
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The cave is thought to be at least 16 million years old and has survived six ice ages and three earthquakes, whilst temperatures inside remain a constant 11.7 degrees celsius, no matter what the weather outside. "Evidence in Jacob's Cave shows there were formations broken from the ceiling by the truckloads during the second earthquake," it says on their website.
Relics from the past
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The cave is composed of limestone bedrock and has a system of circulating groundwater within it. As part of the tourist offering, glass display cases showcase fascinating displays of prehistoric bones including mastodon, bear and peccary, also known as skunk-pigs.
The perfect addition
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On-site property
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Full of potential, the sprawling grounds are also home to a number of outbuildings and properties. The winding paved roads are dotted with small cottages, which could easily be utilised by the new owner for even more business ventures.
A wise investment
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Surrounded by nature
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Something for everyone
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This way to the caves
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READ MORE: These puzzling properties are harbouring the unexpected
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A secret sports court
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This amazing property, once owned by retired professional ice hockey player Milan Hejduk, has some pretty jaw-dropping home features hiding inside. Recently sold for $3.5 million (£2.6m), the Denver mansion sits within the Colorado Golf Club.
A secret sports court
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The 8,600-square-foot property boasts a wine cellar, seven fireplaces, a hot tub, a home gym and a wet bar, just to name a few of the jaw-dropping amenities. Sitting on just over two acres of land, there are breathtaking views over the Denver countryside out of nearly every window.
A secret sports court
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It has all the trappings of a mansion, with five bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and basement media room – but even that's not the biggest surprise.
A secret sports court
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Well, that's strange...
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Well, that's strange...
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Well, that's strange...
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Transportation on request
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Transportation on request
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Built in 1836, the six-bedroom country estate comes with four bathrooms, three reception rooms and, if you can believe it, a private railway platform. Aside from calling a train home, it's as good as it gets for a trainspotter, particularly as you'll see locomotives speeding past.
Transportation on request
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The private platform is strictly for the use of residents and visitors only. It's a request stop, and the timetables are dependent upon the different seasons. Still, you might not want to give up your car just yet.
Ramping up the extras
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Ramping up the extras
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Ramping up the extras
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Ramping up the extras
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An artistic gem
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An artistic gem
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The interior of Number 30 Railway Street has been hand-carved into a magnificent cave home complete with dozens of Gothic archways. The impressive architecture is the work of the home’s late former owner Anthony Dracup, who was an artist.
An artistic gem
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An artistic gem
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In addition, the unique property has two bedrooms, a living room, galley-style kitchen and a unique tiered back garden, complete with fake sheep, adding to the quirkiness of the property.
A renaissance-era time warp
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A renaissance-era time warp
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Everything, right down to the windows which display intricate stained glass designs depicting prominent historical figures, has been altered to keep in line with a renaissance theme. However, it’s not been an easy, or cheap, feat with one set of curtains alone valued at over $14,000 (£10.4k).
A renaissance-era time warp
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The homeowner, the Right and Honorable Dowager Countess of Shannon, or Almine Barton as she’s less formally known, is an artist who’s travelled the world and transformed her house as a result. She’s completely redeveloped her average-looking home to mimic a renaissance-era castle, procuring every piece of art and décor during her travels.
A renaissance-era time warp
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In the time-warp home, there’s a kitchen that’s 45 feet in length and completely panelled in birch, as well as a trunk at the foot of the four-poster guest bed that dates back to 1066 and a 30-foot-long master bedroom complete with authentic knight’s armour.
A surprise water attraction
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A surprise water attraction
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A surprise water attraction
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Constructed from Honduran mahogany, the house is as much an ode to wood as it is to water – hence the name 'Woodsong'. The free-flowing home also includes a sauna, lap pool and a wet room.
A surprise water attraction
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The grounds of the property are lush with palms and vegetation, elements the architect was keen to protect and maintain within his design, offering green views from all sides.
A childhood dream come true
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This property in Perthshire, Scotland may look like a grown-up house from the outside, but it's in fact the perfect playground home for kids that never grew up.
A childhood dream come true
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Recently renovated, the property has period features with a modern twist. With seven reception rooms and two annexes, the house is perfect for flexible and multigenerational living.
A childhood dream come true
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A childhood dream come true
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The amazing twirling slide, which cost $13,000 (£9.6k) to create, leads from the top floor right down to the playroom, which is next to the kitchen. It really is the perfect family home and one any children would love to grow up in.
An elegant estate with a secret
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Located across four picturesque acres on the outskirts of Potomac, Maryland, USA, this gated residence makes a regal first impression. Last on the market in 2019 with Washington Fine Properties, a long, sweeping driveway leads up to an elegant seven-bedroom mansion, complete with colonial-style shutters and meticulously landscaped gardens.
An elegant estate with a secret
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An elegant estate with a secret
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An elegant estate with a secret
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While most of the doors open to cinder blocks, a few do harbour recreational rooms. Signposted as the Old Sailor's Drinking Society, this charming brick-effect façade leads into a games room with a pool table and TV. Elsewhere, a hidden door in the street offers access to a small garage to allow cars to be brought in. We reckon this must be America's most adorable small town...
A back garden surprise
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This jaw-dropping mansion can be found on the prestigious Strait Lane in Dallas, Texas. The impressive driveway offers a tantalizing first taste of the elegance and intrigue that awaits...
A back garden surprise
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The home is equipped with eight beds, 22 baths, four acres of land, two cabanas, multiple games rooms and living areas with medieval-style décor throughout.
A back garden surprise
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The master bedroom is just as lavish as the rest of the home with a giant chandelier in the centre, a four-poster bed and a decadent fireplace. Boasting his and hers bathrooms and closets, it's the ultimate retreat.
A back garden surprise
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A back garden surprise
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The back garden has a one-of-a-kind waterpark complete with flumes and even a waterfall. A summer in this house would be the best one ever.
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