Profile information
Host rating
75 %
Last replied
26 Jan 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
The farm is a 7 acre traditional Andaluz hilltop tree farm. The main crops are almonds, as well as figs, olives, carob, loquat, pomegranate and a large vegetable garden. Plus assorted chickens and 3 dogs, Scooby ( big gentle Mastin ) Harvey, and Nina, and 2 outdoor cats, Pushka and Little My. The farm is located in the foothills under La Maroma mountain, which is part of the Sierra Tejeda mountain range. While very peaceful and isolated, it is only a 30 minute drive down to the nearest town, Velez-Malaga and the sea. The houses on the farm comprise the main farm house, and a cottage in the converted outbuildings, which we rent out as a holiday home. Our volunteers live in the caravan, and some choose to camp under the carob trees. The land abounds with wildlife and birdlife, and is a beautiful and tranquil setting.
We are a bilingual hispano/english family of four ( 2 kids, aged 19 and 16, Jasmine is now living and studying in UK, Sam is still home ) who moved here 19 years ago from London try out the good life and change to a rural lifestyle. Ramon is a builder and carpenter and works in the UK as a rigger in the summers, Rachael runs the organic farm and cookery workshops and the rental house. Our typical working day starts at 9 a.m and we work through until about 3 pm when we prepare and eat our midday meal, which is the main meal of the day.
Over the years, Rachael has been and still is involved in starting local farmers' markets and organic cooperatives locally, and cooking the produce of the farm into food, jams and preserves for sale, both in markets and for local rental properties. Work on the farm is a mix of tending the garden and the land, helping out with cooking and dealing with the harvest and helping out with whatever our latest project is. (Repairing the carport which has blown down in the autumn gale force winds is the latest!)
We can cater for most diets, although we ourselves are omnivores. We eat little meat though as it is difficult to find organic meat locally so the cooking is mainly vegetarian. We both love to cook and take time to enjoy meals. We have no prohibitions, if you wish to drink alcohol in moderation or smoke that is entirely up to you .
Drop us an e-mail if you want to find out more or see some more photos.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsGeneral MaintenanceCreating/ Cooking family mealsFarmstay helpHelp with Eco ProjectsHelp around the houseAnimal CareUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Help
We welcome families or individuals who would enjoy helping with the vegetable garden and general land care, as well as help in the house and with cooking. We also have a number of practical projects we are carrying out such as creating a cactus garden at the entrance to the property and refelting our extension, so we welcome people with practical skills.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: IntermediateAccommodation
A caravan with a covered outdoor area in the almond grove.
What else ...
The farm is in a great location for walking and enjoying country activities, and most volunteers have spent their days off exploring the area, from the mountains, to the nearby lake and sea. There is no public transport to the farm, but we go to town twice a day on school days, and can give people a lift if they want to get to the town or the bus station to travel and see other cities. We are flexible about your time off. We also welcome volunteers who want to stay for longer time periods.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (3)
She fitted in well with the other volunteers we had staying at the time, and was a great help. I would definitely recommend her to any future hosts.
I stayed here for four weeks, and hadn't it been for the fact that I already have other plans I would have been happy to stay for longer! I really felt at home and like part of the family.
The work was varied and quite easy. I helped out quite a lot… read more
Feedback
She fitted in well with the other volunteers we had staying at the time, and was a great help. I would definitely recommend her to any future hosts.
I stayed here for four weeks, and hadn't it been for the fact that I already have other plans I would have been happy to stay for longer! I really felt at home and like part of the family.
The work was varied and quite easy. I helped out quite a lot… read more