About this space

Tucked at the edge of the forest in Colac Otway, Crystal Cottage offers a richly textured, shoot-ready backdrop grounded in nature and character. Built entirely from reclaimed materials, this rustic dwelling blends weathered timber, antique accents, and curated earthy details to create a space that feels both soulful and serene.

The open-plan kitchen and living area is framed by generous windows, filling the space with soft, natural light throughout the day—ideal for lifestyle, editorial, or wellness shoots. Every corner has been considered with an artistic eye: think vintage leadlight windows in the bathroom, crystals glinting in filtered sun, antique furniture layered with natural fibres, and hand-collected vintage pottery. Indoor plants add softness and texture, while indoor and outdoor fireplaces offer moody, atmospheric shoot options across seasons.

Step outside onto the expansive timber deck where a porch swing overlooks a secluded paddock dotted with gum trees and garden sculptures. The surrounding bushland is alive with birdsong and native wildlife, offering a living, breathing soundscape that makes the space feel miles away from everything. It’s peaceful, private, and completely off-grid—one of four distinctive dwellings on the 11-acre Tiny Village ~ Big Magic property.

The layout is effortless for crews to navigate, with a separate bedroom and bathroom, and generous access throughout. Furniture can be styled as needed, and the varied textures—wood, glass, greenery, and earth—offer a natural versatility for branding shoots, fashion campaigns, or film content looking for authentic warmth and visual soul.

A full-day shoot might start on the deck in golden morning light, transition inside for soft portraiture against the earthy tones of the interiors, then wrap as the sun dips through the trees casting long shadows across the paddock. Whether you’re chasing stillness, soul, or story, Crystal Cottage makes it easy to capture all three.