About Qii House
The Meaning of Qii
Qi, also spelled Chi or ch’i
The circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health. Martial arts also uses the concept: if you’ve ever practiced tai chi, then you’re already familiar with qi.
The Qii House Philosophy
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese belief that the way your house is built or the way that you arrange objects affects your success, health and happiness. The feng shui practice discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as ch’i or qi that literally translates as “breath” or “air”. Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—in an auspicious manner. A building site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, stars, a compass or within an ancient ecosystem. Qii house is placed strategically in harmony with the natural world and it’s “aging in grey” vertical timber shell melds perfectly amongst the tall blue gum tree lined backdrop. This building process has become popular culture today for those fortunate enough to indulge.
The offering of qiihouse is for a simple vision. The promotion of mindfulness and wellbeing is effected by engaging the natural environment, and in restoring energy balance and in healing.
Time spent in meditation and relaxation in simple luxury. To indulge, to draw breath and to “harvest the natural energy and nature’s wisdom within the Great Otway National Park.
It’s about “getting back to basics”, blocking out the noise from “business as usual” and shifting focus to the “art of living” in harmony with nature. Qiihouse offers a perfect space for creativity, a space to think and a pristine environment to inspire a weary spirit and to digitally detox.
The ancient practice of forest “qigong “comes from thousands of years of wisdom of Chinese philosophers and may enhance this process. Taoist masters have talked about the evolution of Yin and Yang; the two most important energy forms in the world. Qigong meditation practices and exercises help remove Yin/Yang blockages, so the energy can flow smoothly and freely through the body. Qiihouse eco retreat provides a great space for meditation of various forms.
Some common causes of blockages within the body may be caused by
- Sitting for many hours at a computer
- Being physically inactive and
- Spending a lot of time thinking about work life issues
To restore balance in life, many people are finding meditation and qigong as being very therapeutic.
History of Qii House
Qiihouse was purchased by the current owner, Heather, in December 2007. It was “love at first sight”; like discovering a precious gem, her own sacred piece of paradise on earth and in hiding. The “quirky” organic architecture was “cutting edge” and yet melding so beautifully amongst the tall timbered blue gums in the perfect landscape. It was in dire need of some tender love and care. Heather immediately saw its vision as a venue for renewal and relaxation; which is constantly evolving. She was drawn to its peace and serenity, its beautiful aspect perched some 550 metres above sea level in the heart of the Otways. Heather has since discovered that it snows at Qiihouse each year, making it a very appealing winter retreat.
“To me being there sometimes is for sharper focus, for greater creative drive and for meditation. The natural environment gives great restorative energy”, Heather reflects. “The process and its creation also makes me very happy”.
On discovering its heritage listing as “high local significance”, Heather tracked “down its original architect, Edgard Pirrotta of Melbourne and local builder Warwick Yates. Both Edgard and Warwick were very pleased of Heather’s plans for its restoration in keeping with its original evolutionary idea. On the initial meeting on site they were amazed by the building’s integrity. All original and intact; even the red and yellow laminex, red plastic power points, red plastic door handles. It was discovered that a yellow egg shaped” fiber glass” custom- made fireplace had been removed. Heather has since replaced it with a canary yellow “state of the art” log burner.
Qiihouse was originally commissioned and built to specification by Darrell Wardell a graphic designer from Richmond and also a personal friend of Edgard, the architect. It was discovered that Qiihouse; a fine example of “Brutalist” contemporary architecture is possibly the first house that Edgard and Warwick built together in that era in Lorne and the only example left from that time. It has since attracted visitations from groups of student architects.
Cancer Council Donations
For every booking made at Qii House Lorne we will donate $10 to the Cancer Council.
Forest Therapy Insights
Qii House Lorne: Honoured Among Australia’s Best Businesses by AUSBRB for setting unparalleled standards in innovation, operations and customer satisfaction.
Qii House Lorne is thrilled to announce its recent recognition by the Australian Business Review Board (AUSBRB) as one of the Best Businesses in Australia for 2024. This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve Hoffman and the AUSBRB for this honour, and we’re excited to continue serving our community with the highest standards of quality and service.
Cultural Exchange with Richard Collopy
Cultural exchange and being on country. I had a recent cultural exchange with Richard Collopy (gadubanud indigenous person from the Otways). It was amazing! For the Gadubanud indigenous people, Nyernilia means something like a deep respectful listening in quiet...
Stayz holiday home of the year awards 2023
Qii House Top 10 Finalist: 7th Place & Such a Proud Moment “WHEN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME FEELS LIKE A MOVIE” “…you better not be pretending your holiday home is in a WES ANDERSON movie again…” Hi Heather, Hope you’ve been well since we last chatted. I’ve got some really...
What makes Qii House the perfect setting for your eco wedding in the Otways?
Qii House is secluded within a lush, green rainforest canopy in the heart of the Otways National Park and is a honeymooners dream escape. The abundance in natural fauna and flora at your doorstep; exclusivity, stillness and romanticism is an eco-tourists paradise.
After the hustle and bustle of your BIG day it is the perfect space to wind down for an extended stay. Why not relax in simple luxuriance of the tree -tops on the under floor lit sunset deck sipping champagne with delicious chocolates or cookies from the deluxe Qii house gift -wrapped hamper. Drift into the night under the stars on the comfy daybeds listening to a bush orchestra and enjoy simple pleasures in stillness. Complimentary aromatic candles are included to add an extra touch. The “fan-shaped” deck is elevated and is the perfect platform for star- gazing and animal spotting through the Qii house giant red telescope. For those who love to go star crazy!
Eco-Tourism attractions in the area
There are ample eco-tourism attractions close by for an adventurous heart, including 10 waterfalls within a 10km radius, copious hiking and mountain bike tracks, canoeing at Lake Elizabeth, the Glow worms at Lavers Hill, berry picking farms, fishing off Lorne Pier; Lorne and the “Great Ocean Road” is 15 minutes away, Or for something more relaxing, board games and books are available for use at Qii house, nature hiking sticks, some basic gym items including skipping ropes, kettle bells and medicine balls. Or for the spirited alfresco cook there are outdoor cooking facilities; including a pizza oven and BBQ. In house catering can also be arranged.
Those special extras to make your day perfect
Complimentary spa vouchers for the Bride and Groom or a couple’s massage are available from Endota Spa, Lorne for extended stays of a minimum of 3 days. A mobile masseuse can also be arranged to come onsite. Why not indulge the moment and be pampered in the simple luxuriance of this Australian native bush hide away.
The meditative peace and tranquillity at Qii house is the perfect space for dreamers, for romance, to re-energise and to be one with nature.
Read – Our 10 tips for creating the perfect eco-wedding
Read – Eco Friendly Wedding Ideas
Read – Five Steps To a Sustainable Wedding
For some further needs on your special day, Qii house has some wonderful recommendations:
Wedding planners
ivorytribe.com.au
Celebrants
bellarinecelebrant.com
Catering
newearthcatering.com
therkgroup.com
fabulouscatering.com.au
hahlornebeach.com.au
Transport
starlimoservices.com.au
The Brides Diary
bridesdiary.com.au
Qii house is where the best in all worlds meet. In this world if you can dream it you can create it. Enjoy your stay!
Qii Classic Limousine Hire
Add some verve, sleek and spectacular; in star struck fashion and ride like the queen in the back seat of your dream limousine…the Qii house classic Bentley Mulsanne…be a superstar in a super car. The best performer in the world. Take centre stage. Make your day unforgettable, fun and surpass par excellence.
Feel the Vibe and Come Alive!
Qii house is an out of box experience. Savor the moment in fresh mountain air, in the ancient otways eco-system, where focus is shifted to the art of living in harmony with nature’s rhythm.