If someone suggested that you take up residence in a home perched precariously on a rock pillar, you'd probably balk. Sure, you can't beat the sweeping mountain views, but the phrase "don't look down!" doesn't really inspire a comfortable, welcoming vibe.
But for the monk that does live in this home, atop the Katskhi Pillar in the country of Georgia, the height factor is actually quite meaningful. Maxime Qavtaradze lives his life according to the teachings of the Stylites (a Byzantine religious order) who believes that living up high removes them from temptations and allows for plenty of prayer.
"It is up here in the silence that you can feel God's presence," Qavtaradze told the Telegraph. "When I was young, I drank, sold drugs, everything. When I ended up in prison, I knew it was time for a change."
Of course, the space comes with its challenges. When the monk first moved in, he worked on restoring the ruined churches on the rock, and slept in a refrigerator for two years (!). Now he has a small cottage, but the only way to reach the house is via a 131-foot ladder, which takes him 20 minutes to climb. Not the easiest commute, but you can't deny the home's charm and significance.
Take a closer look:
TELL US: Would you be able to live here?
This article originally appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com.
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Photos: Levan Nioradze, orientalizing, Sarah Murray/flickr
[via Curbed
