Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
25 Apr 2025
Reply rate
93.8 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
7
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi, I’m Chris!
I’m looking for a variety of help on my farm, Santa Marta. Ten years ago, I traded my career as a licensed builder for my true passion—farming.
My goal is to embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle and create a little slice of paradise. But paradise doesn’t happen overnight—or without hard work—so I’m looking for people who can help me bring this vision to life.
Nestled on 12.5 acres with breathtaking sea views, Santa Marta is an evolving, permaculture-inspired project. While not a commercial operation, the farm is self-sustaining and thrives on community spirit. We take pride in sharing our homegrown olive oil with friends, family, and local markets.
Currently, Santa Marta is home to over 300 olive trees and 300 pomegranate trees as well as a thriving vegetable garden there is plenty opportunities to grow and expand.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
A Shared Learning Experience at Santa Marta
My vision for Santa Marta, and by extension Workaway, is to create a space for knowledge exchange and hands-on learning. Here, you’ll gain practical experience in: Olive & Pomegranate growing & farm maintenance – From caring for the orchard to sustainable land management
Sustainable building – As a licensed builder, I’m happy to share skills with anyone interested in eco-friendly construction and practical building techniques
Whether you come to learn, teach, or simply experience farm life, Santa Marta is a place where ideas are shared, skills are developed, and connections are made. 🌱
Help
Currently (2025) looking for 2 or more people in late March -April to help pick olives and pomegranates (roughly 3-4 days) then onto pruning the olives. Preferably for a minimum stay of 2 weeks.
🌿 We Need Your Help! 🌿
Work will vary from season to season
March/April : Harvesting of the olives,
May/June: pruning, maintenance, and future farm projects
June-August: Building project
Sept-Dec: Weeding and Mulching Pomegranate trees.
Our philosophy is to be kind to nature and work with the earth’s natural rhythms not against it. Permaculture using biodynamic methods, is the basis of much of how we farm.
Short-term goals include:
✔️ Farm Maintenance – Brush cutting, mulching, clearing, and fertilizing around the olive and pomegranate trees
✔️ Olive Harvest – Picking and transporting olives to be pressed into oil
✔️ Gardening – Construction of garden beds and improving soil health
🔸 Ongoing Work:
✔️ Orchard TLC – The orchard was neglected before I took over, and it thrives with care!
✔️ General Property Upkeep – Year-round tasks to improve and maintain the land using dynamic sprays at appropriate moon cycles.
🪚 Project : Construction of a small accommodation pod situated in the Olive grove.
Harvest season is our busiest and most rewarding time, and we welcome enthusiastic helpers who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and being part of something special.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
🏡 You will stay in a fully self-contained, air-conditioned apartment designed for comfort and community. The spacious studio-style layout includes:
Two bedrooms plus a studio lounge area, comfortably sleeping up to five people
A large living area perfect for relaxation after a day's work
A dining space with breathtaking views over the olive grove and out to the beach—a serene spot for quiet moments or shared activities
Farm-Fresh, Soul-Nourishing Food
We believe that good food brings people together! Meals are made from fresh, mostly organic ingredients, and cooking is a shared experience where everyone's suggestions and preferences are welcomed. Whether it's a cozy meal around the table or a feast with friends, food at Santa Marta is all about connection and nourishment.
What else ...
LOCATION:
Nestled in a stunning region of southern South Australia, Santa Marta is perfectly positioned for those who love beaches, wineries, and natural bushland.
Just a 10-minute walk to the famous Maslin Beach, known for its breathtaking coastline
Only 15 minutes drive to McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s premier wine regions
A gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula, just 40 minutes away, offering spectacular coastal landscapes and fresh local produce
Aldinga township is just 5 minutes away, with cafes, markets, and essentials close by
Adelaide, the vibrant capital city, is an easy 45-minute drive
Convenient transport options – With bus and train services nearby, getting around is simple!
Whether you're here to explore, relax, or embrace farm life, Santa Marta is the perfect base for your South Australian adventure. 🌿✨
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (5)
I highly recommend Tijsse to any workaway host He took on all jobs with enthusiasm and no complaints. He was so polite and of sober habits. Good chats and also sharing both our cultural knowledge All the best with your studies mate
Furthermore a relaxing atmosphere and always fresh food is served. Scones in the morning with coffee were… read more
Although we stayed in our own caravan, there is a beautiful, fully self-contained, air-conditioned two-bedroom apartment… read more
If your definition of a workaway is having a cultural exchange, learning and meeting good people, you must contact Chris !
We learned many things about olive and pomigranate farming, about permaculture and about his life philosophy !
Every day was a new day ! we did various and interesting… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
I highly recommend Tijsse to any workaway host He took on all jobs with enthusiasm and no complaints. He was so polite and of sober habits. Good chats and also sharing both our cultural knowledge All the best with your studies mate
Furthermore a relaxing atmosphere and always fresh food is served. Scones in the morning with coffee were… read more
Although we stayed in our own caravan, there is a beautiful, fully self-contained, air-conditioned two-bedroom apartment… read more
If your definition of a workaway is having a cultural exchange, learning and meeting good people, you must contact Chris !
We learned many things about olive and pomigranate farming, about permaculture and about his life philosophy !
Every day was a new day ! we did various and interesting… read more
He always gave us various and diversified tasks to do, the job was never… read more
I learnt a lot there and I loved pruning in the olive grove and helping with the garden. wish I could… read more
