how far is it from the main house? i.e., would anyone ever want to haul all their stuff over to this in order to eat?

also, why do you keep referring to this as an underground space? it looks like it's at ground level...

It’s about 40ft. Do you have any ideas?
It’s not at ground level- the top of the short retaining wall you see is ground level. I would say it’s set about three feet underground.

All I see is mold and out of code issues. What would you rent it for? It’s a green house. First thing is to get the mold remediated. You can’t put humans inside this building. Maybe we don’t understand how you plan to “short-term” rent it? Please provide more info so we can better understand your goals.

No nooo the house is a rental not the structure that’s just outdoor living the walls

This structure is in the backyard of a short term rental

There’s also not mold. The roof is covered in leaf debris and we cleaned it out and sprayed the cinder block walls so in the picture it’s just drying in some areas faster thannothers

By "short term rental" I assume you mean a vacation rental property. I've managed VRPs for over 18 years and would want to see the house in order to know how this structure might be made to fit into an overall design. With a decent roof and floor installed, I can see it as a screened area with possibilities. More photos of your property and an idea of where you're going with the overall plan would be helpful.

Very cool!!
I think it would be fun to have some sort of out door bbq space. But honestly not sure it’s worth all the investment.
I think you’d need flooring, lighting and lots of decor.

...

If it had to be done I’d do a cement slab. Maybe DIY paint a pattern tile loom floor. Or do real tile.
Remove the plastic. Maybe do screen or chicken wire.
And glass on the front maybe?
String lights would be the vibe and very cheap!
Add a long wood table and lots of greenery. Vines, plants....

I don’t necessarily have a plan just brainstorming ideas before we knock it down and fill. It’s dark out rn but here’s a satellite view of the backyard so you can see the layout . The white box by the pool is a trailer, which obviously will be gone. I circled the structure. Here’s some photos i found interest in. But not sure if it’s too far from the house. It’s about actually 30-35ft from the slide door. Maybe an outdoor lounging area? It’s just a neat covered area, it’s a shame it’s set in the ground otherwise we’d just fill it and use the structure as a Ramada, however sets it’s set in the roof line is low.

We’re putting a lot into the yard and landscaping as the lot is great for the location.

What you are asking is how to make a silk purse from a sow's ear and it simply can't be done without spending money.

That’s ok klem1 we’re ok with spending money. It’s either tear it down and fill and do something normal or make something unique out of this giant hole in the ground and tall structure 🤔

Oh! Ok that makes more sense. I think it would be really hot inside that structure. Not inviting at all to me. Being below ground limits options as well. Storage might be best bet unless you spend a lot of money redoing it. For a short term rental, that doesn’t seem practical. Is the property better used as a venue for weddings and events and use house for family stays? Then you would have a theme to sell the rental of the space. Does local zoning prescribe limits? Do your research.

No haha this is in a residential neighborhood on a cult de sac- definitely not a venue space. Events are thee last thing i want. There are no limits, we’re HOA free and no limits as far as short term rentals, there are plenty in the area.

Oh well,if money isn't limited let your imagination roam free. Dreaming is free but I'm almost certain you wouldn't bank roll my fantasies even if I tell you about them.

Great. Who do you see renting this property. “What do you mean by short term?”

Families. Listing on Airbnb Vrbo possibly turn key.

Could you convert to have small farm animals. Ones that take care of themselves more or less? Chicken coop? Goats? So kids could have a farm experience?

This structure is not an asset to a vacation property. It's just an old greenhouse with a cheap roof and cheap walls. Also, the metal roof may have sharp edges at easily reached heights- this could be an insurance liability. Remove it and fill in the hole.

It is an old decrepit greenhouse and I have no idea what you mean by underground it is sitting on the ground.Rip it down before it falls down and do a nice patio or deck for entertaining.

Tearing it down is probably the best solution but if you don't want to do that and you want to keep it I would certainly clean it up and clean up the surrounding area. Would suggest removing the translucent siding. Would replace the existing roofing with another material - perhaps metal roofing of some sort - even 5v crimp. Would paint the wood structure and the concrete block walls. Would pour a new concrete floor and add a table for outdoor eating. I do like your idea of planting vines but those will eventually overtake the structure and cause it to rot and collapse. Nothing last forever though.

Thanks Norwood, after sleeping on it i think we’ll go with the original plan to just tear it down. 😂 its just too much, the wood isn’t in great condition and yes thank you i hadn’t thought about the vines causing rot! I was really hoping for vines

Such interesting possibilities! I've always loved sunken gardens -- you could demolish the walls and roof, bring in rock to cover the cinder block, add gravel and sun-loving plants. Or, demolish the walls and roof, add gravel or pavers on the floor, add a "normal-height" pergola over the hole, and you have a sitting area with an extra-tall roof -- that would be fun! Or don't try to hide the cinder blocks, instead paint them with a colorful fun mural.

I've never been to Arizona, so googled "sunken gardens Arizona" and possibly being 2 or 3 foot into the soil is an asset for you? Hard to tell from ten minutes on the internet but maybe you have a local garden group that could advise.

If you do end up keeping the roof, I'd beef up the support so that it looks more substantial.

Pretty cool...!

I too see it as more of an eyesore and maintenance issue than an asset to a rental. Spend the $$$ on landscaping and improving the look of the concrete block walls surrounding the property.

Seems we have consensus. For the rental purpose you seem to intend, tearing this down and leveling the ground with possibly adding above ground garden beds is best to eliminate liabilities.

Wow Nickel_kg thanks so much so many great ideas!! Ugh i have no idea now! I was starting to think at least utilizing the hole would be smart! And i can totally imagine what you’re saying. And yes the sunken is great out here! Plus there’s a giant mesquite that shades it really nicely could be really cool if we could just replace the support beams? Obviously the current situation with is so they have wood to staple the vinyl siding too.

But the consensus is right, getting rid of is definitely the easier route! That was the original idea i should probably just stick to it lol it’s fun brainstorming though 😂

Tear it down and do a pretty pergola with table and chairs for Alfreso dining area. Fill hole up. Not sure where in Arizona this is located but heavy rains do occur so a hole full of water wouldn’t do! Lol

Thanks Flo if we build a pergola i think we might as well do it by the patio so it’s closer but that’s def been sort of the plan! Just a shame to have the roof and tear it down only to build another

That sunken garden is pretty but in a lush setting. You're in a desert area so you won't get the same result. Maybe a xeriscape with a more interesting treatment of the block walls.

Anyone see popular outdoor string of lights? I think your idea is great to investigate - torn down, it's too late. You said the wood is ok - could be a shaded pavilion.

String of light is no big deal - it makes nighttime swimming, etc. more welcoming! also it's prettier from the indoors to see lights.

Do you have a fair idea what it'll look like without the plastic? let's see!?

Has anything changed?

I love your inspiration photos and hope you get the advice of a carpenter, contractor or landscape architect before tearing it down.

The structure looks strong and the wood appears to be in good condition, but I understand how photos don't show all the hidden problems.

I wouldn't hesitate to do something with an open design, and with vines. Keep in mind there are vines that don't attach directly to wood and I wouldn't think rot would be that big an issue in your area. You just have to make sure the structure can support the vines you intend to use.