Local directions
Crossover is located off the Princes Highway, a 90 minute easy drive East of Melbourne city, Melway reference Map 612/V6. 14 kilometres North of Warragul and three kilometres South of Neerim South.
Additional business information
A Brief History of the Cave
The owners Nobby and Sheila Ward selected the 20-acre site in Crossover West Gippsland to build their Fantasy Self Contained Bed and Breakfast retreat dwellings, because they were so impressed with the surrounding scenery. Taking two years, the huge job to clear away all the blackberries covering the land at the time of purchase has been accomplished and hundreds of trees have been planted. Nobby a qualified builder is a man with vision, and has always had a dream to build unique retreat dwellings totally different and completely secluded from each other. The second retreat to be built was the Cave, to their knowledge the type of construction they were embarking on had never been done before. Sheila describes it as like "making an upside down pool". Firstly they excavated leaving three giant hills out of soil, which was then covered with 3 kilometres of steel rods and tons of concrete, and then the soil was hollowed out by machine to create the three main rooms of the cave. The doorways, bathroom and stairway had to be completely dug out by hand wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of soil taken out of the Cave. All the interior walls of the Cave had to be sealed and finishing touches added to enhance the experience of the Cave such as mock gold and fungi. Being underground means the Cave has a very even temperature all year round. Even though this dwelling is built underground the three floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows, gives an openness that affords wonderful views across the paddocks, and two of the three dams on the property, looking further a field you can see the distant mountains with their bluish haze.
Tanglewood
The next house built, is called Tanglewood, and is very organic, with very unusual windows and no straight lines anywhere, best described as a residential sculpture nestled amongst the trees. Influenced by the Spanish architectural artist Antoni Gaudi and by the colours and shapes of the Australian Bush, Tanglewood is your opportunity to "Live in Art". You'll be transported to another world where straight lines do not exist and where colour knows no boundaries. Sit on the tree top balcony enjoying the smells of native gums and listening to the sounds of local birdlife as they flit through the canopy. Or stare at the stars through the feature "star light" as you lay in bed at night. At Tanglewood you can be at one with nature in luxury and style. Mira Mira is the location of self contained retreats offering you a totally different experience in the way of accommodation. A country style breakfast basket is provided. Located right in the midst of the Gippsland Gourmet Deli Trail. Some of the many local attractions are: Noojee Historic Trestle Bridge, Toorongo Valley Water Falls, Ada River Winery, Jindivick Smoke House, Gold Mining town of Walhalla, Mt Baw Baw Alping Resort, Yarragon Village, Darnum Musical Village, The Grand Ridge Road, walking trails at Mt Worth NP, to name just a few.
The Japanese Zen Retreat
The name Mira Mira was inspired by the shimmering reflections of the tall trees, which surround the dams on the property. The Japanese Zen Retreat, the first retreat built, has been built right out over the water of one of these dams. This retreat is surrounded by trees and is nestled in against the hillside giving it a very secluded location. Surrounded by a secluded "Bush Style" interpretation of a Japanese Garden the Japanese Zen Retreat is the idyllic setting for a relaxing getaway. Influenced by the styles of the Kyoto Palace and nestled at the base of a gully, the Zen Retreat has been built in accordance with Zen principles and Japanese tradition with symmetry and water placement key elements in its design. In true Japanese tradition it is requested that shoes be removed before entering the house, slippers are provided. The beautiful aroma of cedar timber greets you as you enter. This house was designed for peaceful contemplation; the outlook from the open plan living area is out across the ever-changing reflections on the surrounding water. Access to the two double bedrooms is off this main living area. The bathroom with its Jacuzzi set in granite and is very different. You can relax in the Jacuzzi and watch the bird life outside through the large windows. Timber decking surrounds this house and our in house masseur totally recommends a relaxing massage on the open decking over looking the water.