Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 May 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
40
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Email verified
Badges (4)
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Details
Description
We are interested hosting mature volunteers interested in the land – as a lifestyle, especially those who are considering relocating to Costa Rica or who have already made the jump. We generally host 2-3 volunteers at a time – and seek people who appreciate remote living and participating in an organic project in the topics. We are interested in potential volunteers who are sincerely interested in and fascinated with a lifestyle of sustainability.
The overview of what we’re up to is this: 10 years ago my husband and I bought a 26 acre overgrown conventional coffee plantation (think agro-chemicals) - in the foothills of Costa Rica. Since landing here we've been tinkering with fun organic, permaculture projects that we've dreamed of all our lives while at the same time developing the infrastructure necessary to support it.
We're looking for volunteers/students that are passionate about living off grid, who are interested in remote, rustic living, who are intrigued with soil rehabilitation and that have a liking for bananas. We do not lean toward potential volunteers who are are just interested in an inexpensive vacation.
The main focus has been on learning about and creating sustainability to the extent we find feasible. Our focus has been on reviving the fertility of the soil and reforesting. We have planted a large variety of tropical fruit trees, a wide variety of bananas and plantains, plus thousands of other trees and bamboo plants. But also, about half the property has grown wild naturally, with trails lacing through the vigorous forest regrowth. And thankfully, gradually the wildlife is returning to take its natural place.
Since this is a certified organic property, we maintain a small flock of sheep to help out with fertilizer production, plus some chickens. Volunteers reside in the 80 year old rustic homestead cabin which has 3 private rooms. There is a separate kitchen and dining room where volunteers prepare their own foods, largely with the basic ingredients we provide together with a few veggies available in the garden.
The WHERE and WHAT of what it means to you:
We are located 3 kilometers from public bus service with an hourly schedule into San Isidro, the regional supply depot 15 km away. Normally we go to town on Thursdays for the farmer's market and general town errands. The property has an internet connection and our friendly dogs, cats, and sheep are pleasant company for volunteers.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living here is an opportunity to engage in dynamic organic permaculture - tropical style. You can learn how we manage to survive on a rural property in a foreign country: how to grow, harvest and process coffee; how to care for many types of bananas; how to make and use homemade agricultural amendments. You can learn how to reinvigorate land after many generations of chemical use.
We are native English speakers though speak Spanish fluently. We mix with neighbors, locals and other expats to some extent. We are fairly versed in the local culture and traditions and are happy to share what we know.
Help
We are especially interested in locating a volunteer who can build a web site for the project.
If you are attracted to our mission of creating an integrated, organic, sustainable "farm" and have skills and energy to contribute, let's talk.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
Guests share the rustic original homestead cabin, with one room to each person or couple.
Basic meal ingredients are available for Workawayers to do their own cooking in the kitchen/dining room.
What else ...
We often attend regional farmer's market on Thursdays In San Isidro del General .
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Our internet connection and speed tends to be stable with occasional exceptions.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 318862919114
Feedback (20)
3 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Eamonn)
One of the awesome aspects of having volunteers is the cultural exchange element. Eamonn opened our eyes to our own Irish heritage in unexpected and delightful ways. Since our own ancestors immigrated from Ireland many decades ago, we have always lived separately from the motherland and from the culture and history. Thanks Eamonn for connecting… read more
(Excellent
)
25 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Eamonn) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I am very grateful for the positive enriching experience I had. I spent 3 weeks at Masa Bambusa that was filled with meaningful knowledge and moments that Ill hold with me for some time :) Jeff and Starr are kind , experienced hosts who are generous with both their knowledge and their space. During my stay… read more
21 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander & Eleanor)
Alex and Ellie arrived to Musa Bambusa as bright, competent, happy, sociable, responsible, insightful, and ever so pleasant newlyweds – and stayed for a delightful 6 weeks. Always presenting as willing and able, these two people drew us into their personal circle of friendship, a quality we treasured. But it’s not only their presentation that… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alexander & Eleanor) for host
We had the most incredible time at Jeff and Starr's finca! Arriving a little flustered following bank and phone troubles, the people, wildlife and energy at the farm soon gave us a real sense of peace again. We learnt so much during our 6 weeks here and really valued the time and teachings shared by Starr and Jeff. We were struck by how open and… read more
20 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (AlinaUndLukas) for host
We are very happy that we had the opportunity to stay at Starr and Jeff’s Finca. They were not only accommodating and appreciative of what we did but we also could learn a lot from them. They really took there time to go on garden walks with us and the other volunteers and explained lots about flora and fauna. They do there best to recover the… read more
1 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (AlinaUndLukas)
The timing for Lucas and Alina to volunteer with was a bit magical. They had requested to volunteer in a few months which seemed great for all involved. But last minute we witnessed 3 cancellations of volunteers, leaving only one to help us get started with building the new raised garden beds in our new garden structure – and frankly we wanted… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
3 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Eamonn)
One of the awesome aspects of having volunteers is the cultural exchange element. Eamonn opened our eyes to our own Irish heritage in unexpected and delightful ways. Since our own ancestors immigrated from Ireland many decades ago, we have always lived separately from the motherland and from the culture and history. Thanks Eamonn for connecting… read more
(Excellent)
25 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Eamonn) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I am very grateful for the positive enriching experience I had. I spent 3 weeks at Masa Bambusa that was filled with meaningful knowledge and moments that Ill hold with me for some time :) Jeff and Starr are kind , experienced hosts who are generous with both their knowledge and their space. During my stay… read more
21 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander & Eleanor)
Alex and Ellie arrived to Musa Bambusa as bright, competent, happy, sociable, responsible, insightful, and ever so pleasant newlyweds – and stayed for a delightful 6 weeks. Always presenting as willing and able, these two people drew us into their personal circle of friendship, a quality we treasured. But it’s not only their presentation that… read more
(Excellent)
19 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alexander & Eleanor) for host
We had the most incredible time at Jeff and Starr's finca! Arriving a little flustered following bank and phone troubles, the people, wildlife and energy at the farm soon gave us a real sense of peace again. We learnt so much during our 6 weeks here and really valued the time and teachings shared by Starr and Jeff. We were struck by how open and… read more
20 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (AlinaUndLukas) for host
We are very happy that we had the opportunity to stay at Starr and Jeff’s Finca. They were not only accommodating and appreciative of what we did but we also could learn a lot from them. They really took there time to go on garden walks with us and the other volunteers and explained lots about flora and fauna. They do there best to recover the… read more
1 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (AlinaUndLukas)
The timing for Lucas and Alina to volunteer with was a bit magical. They had requested to volunteer in a few months which seemed great for all involved. But last minute we witnessed 3 cancellations of volunteers, leaving only one to help us get started with building the new raised garden beds in our new garden structure – and frankly we wanted… read more
(Excellent)
12 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Wishing John a sincere “happy trails”. For sure we already miss his steady nature, well thought out contributions, support, and his ready ability to be real and honest. He was so much appreciated and we feel honored that John elected to spend time with us. I do feel a bit badly for not being able to include him on a broader spectrum of farm… read more
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
I had the privilege of spending 3 weeks on Starr and Jeff's farm in the mountains of Costa Rica. It was my first Workaway experience and I couldn't have asked for a better initial experience. I spent most of the 3 weeks helping build raised beds. There were some other projects thrown in as well (dropping some trees, collecting and cultivating worm… read more
2 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
My time spent with Starr and Jeff on their beautiful finca was deeply satisfying and worthwhile on so many levels. If you’re looking for an authentic permaculture experience (sorry Starr - I know you hate that term!) where you can learn first hand what it takes to run a productive and healthy farm in Costa Rica, this is definitely the choice for… read more
30 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
In her profile Hannah announces that one of her super powers is making order out of chaos. After being with us for only two days, we hosted a gathering of our organic agriculture group – and that’s exactly what she did. She was able to maneuver events and needs in such a way as to make everything feel smooth and well thought out. It was such a… read more
(Excellent)
25 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Darnell)
We so enjoy volunteers who are interested in sustainability, in opening up to different ways of approaching life, in being curious – honestly curious. That’s why our shared time with Darnell proved so special. But of course that is added to his open and willing personality, his ready helpfulness and his sense of humor in spite of being here in the… read more
(Excellent)
19 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Darnell) for host
Starr and Jeff are magnificently vibrant and caring individuals. They oozed of gems and jewels with fat splashes of humor drizzled in. I spent a month here and they both were open to share their knowledge and wisdom of their land, how it came to be, and of tropical living in CR. I had a super duper fruitful experience here, literally fruitful… read more
3 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
Hey there David,
Glad to hear you returned home without any issues. However we still miss you here at the farm. Yes it was truly nice to have the opportunity working with you, sharing stories of life and love as we picked and processed coffee, managed the banana plants, thinned out the bamboo, pruned trees and cared for the garden (plus all the… read more
Glad to hear you returned home without any issues. However we still miss you here at the farm. Yes it was truly nice to have the opportunity working with you, sharing stories of life and love as we picked and processed coffee, managed the banana plants, thinned out the bamboo, pruned trees and cared for the garden (plus all the… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ecenur & Fırat )
I’m glad to say that Ece and Firat stayed with us for over a month during their travels through Central America. I especially enjoyed working one on one with Ece doing a long list of farm jobs. She became quite astute at pruning trees, especially citrus trees, as well as planting trees and vegetables, making potting mix, making and using fruit… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ecenur & Fırat ) for host
We had one month together with Starr and Jeff, we couldn't figure out how time went. It was a full-filling experience in all ways. They are both patient, thoughtful people and generous to share their knowledge. You can feel how strong is Starr and her energy. They are attentive with duties and relationships.
We discovered many tropical fruit… read more
We discovered many tropical fruit… read more
1 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marta) for host
El trabajo en la finca de Estrella y Jeff fue unas de mis más bonitas experiencias. Aprendí tanto sobre la agricultura ancestral, los diferentes tipos de abonos que hacen, los repelentes, los plátanos.
Son amorosos de la naturaleza y de los animales. Han hecho un trabajo tan lindo, son modelos para mi.
Pase momentos tan felices con ell@s y l@s… read more
Son amorosos de la naturaleza y de los animales. Han hecho un trabajo tan lindo, son modelos para mi.
Pase momentos tan felices con ell@s y l@s… read more
3 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Verena)
Our dear German friends Michi and Verena stayed with us for 5 wonderful weeks. They were responsible, honest, forthright, friendly, and oh so much help. No job seemed to daunt them and they were interested in learning anything and everything possible about pruning, gardening, banana management, animal management and other projects. We truly wish… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Michael & Verena) for host
It is not possible to describe the 6 wounderful weeks we spent with Starr and Jeff ...we enjoyed every day! They created an absolutely beautiful place with so many different plants- and Starr knows them all. It's just incredible how much they know and how pacient they explained us everything- we learned a lot about compost, soil, worm… read more
13 Jun 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Florencia & Lidio)
We truly enjoyed hosting Lidio and Flora. From purely a host’s perspective, it is a dream come true to be able to explain a sequence of tasks and projects – then to have the volunteers undertake them without further “encouragement.” Lidio and Flora not only do this, but they do so with joy, with questions, and with true interest.
It’s also a… read more
It’s also a… read more
(Excellent)
11 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Florencia & Lidio) for host
Imposible explicar en pocas palabras lo emocionante que fue pasar un tiempo en la finca de Starr y Jeff.
Desde el primer día nos sentimos "como en casa", Starr y Jeff son excelentes anfitriones y siempre están pendientes de que no falte nada para el bienestar de los voluntarios.
La finca es hermosa!!! Llena de vida y biodiversidad.. Cada día fue… read more
Desde el primer día nos sentimos "como en casa", Starr y Jeff son excelentes anfitriones y siempre están pendientes de que no falte nada para el bienestar de los voluntarios.
La finca es hermosa!!! Llena de vida y biodiversidad.. Cada día fue… read more
7 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Simone)
We enjoy hosting volunteers, all of whom bring us news and ideas that brighten our lives.
Simone is no exception – but at the same time, he is fully exceptional. He arrived to our property with an agenda to learn as much as he could about independent living and for 3 weeks did not waiver. And for being a supportive helper, he is fantastic,… read more
Simone is no exception – but at the same time, he is fully exceptional. He arrived to our property with an agenda to learn as much as he could about independent living and for 3 weeks did not waiver. And for being a supportive helper, he is fantastic,… read more
(Excellent)
5 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Simone) for host
What an amazing time I had with Starr and Jeff at their organic Finca during my 3 weeks stay. Since day one they made me feel at home and their passion and love for nature have been so infectious. To say that by far they exceeded my expectations is an understatement!
Almost every day has been different and I really appreciated their targeted… read more
Almost every day has been different and I really appreciated their targeted… read more
18 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne-Cecile & Jose)
Anna and Jose showed their interest in learning about rural life in Costa Rica with open minds. They were willing to participate in the daily work schedule such as harvesting and garden work. Jose stands out as one of the most hard working volunteers that we have hosted. We wish these two lovely people all the best on their travels.
(Very good)
8 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Anne-Cecile & Jose) for host
We had an amazing time at Starr and Jeff's! They are a very nice couple, and dedicated us a lot of time. They have got a lovely organic permaculture farm, and we learned so much from them. We took part in all the daily tasks, from gardening, harvesting coffee, maintenance and a lot more. Their property is huge, so you will have the opportunity to… read more
1 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ana & Martín) for host
We spend a great month here, Despite the current situation and uncertainty times due the Covid-19, they gave us a helping hand, being on the farm we connected with nature, we learned many things that we will surely take into account in our home later on, we highly value everything they and Ema taught us and the tremendous work the field has.
Every… read more
Every… read more
14 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Kerstin & Alena)
We're quite certain that all of our sheep wanted to adopt Kerstin and Alena. From the time they arrived they began bonding with the sheep, feeding them, petting them, talking to them. Then when all six of the babies were born, Kerstin and Alena were right by their side, supporting and helping in any way possible. Two of the babies needed to be… read more
(Excellent)
13 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Kerstin & Alena) for host
We spent 3,5 gorgeous weeks at Starrs and Jeffs permaculture farm. It is an very idyllic place. They have a huge variery of different fruit trees and lots of different banana and plantain plants. During the time of our stay all of their 3 sheeps got lambs and one of our tasks was to care for them. Jeff who knows a lot about bamboo production and… read more
29 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bruce & Kye)
What lovely people to have as volunteer guests - and all the way from England. Bruce and Kye are a great fit for an organic agricultural property. Their energy and motivation led them into enjoying completing routine daily tasks as well as jumping into projects as a group.
Thanks to you both for helping us with pruning clumps of bamboo AND… read more
Thanks to you both for helping us with pruning clumps of bamboo AND… read more
(Excellent)
26 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Bruce & Kye) for host
What an amazing month we spent with Starr and Jeff at their finca! We learnt so much - about organic coffee growing and processing, bamboo management and use, veggie gardening in tropical mountains, and much more, about restoring and replenishing soils, planting for wildlife and plant health, and the day to day of living in and working with a… read more
26 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabine & Eckhard)
Eckhard and Sabine are a pleasant, knowledgeable and aware couple setting out to discover some of the treasures of Latin America. We honestly enjoyed their visit with us in so many ways: from cooking and sharing recipes, working in the garden, learning so much about pruning timber trees, processing coffee, working on bamboo projects,and making… read more
(Excellent)
25 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Yashasvi & Richard)
For two full weeks Sweetu and Rich stayed with us. For two full weeks they undertook projects with excitement and enthusiasm. For two full weeks they were pleasant, responsible, personable, supportive, open minded and a delight to share time with. While they were here we underwent some difficult events on the property (issues with animals and… read more
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Yashasvi & Richard) for host
Staying with Starr and Jeff was such a wonderful experience. We learned so much about a variety of planting and permaculture techniques, sheep, the local processes, building, and general farm life. Jeff is an excellent teacher and taught us how to grout, mortar, and cut tiles, and patiently answered the 100s of questions I had about bananas. Starr… read more
22 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernadette & Jakob)
Jascha and Bernie are such marvelous people. They may be young but they are also responsible, capable and fast learners – AND just darned intelligent, warm, thinking, considerate people. They helped us harvest timber canes, plus clean and preserve them. Then they worked with us in using that bamboo in building a strong framed cover over the… read more
(Excellent)
13 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Christophe & Tatum)
What a marvelous couple! Chris and Tatum set the bar so high that we almost didn’t want to have any volunteers after them – because we didn’t want to be disappointed. These two showed excellent initiative, follow through, and insight – even in areas where they had no previous experience. Plus they’re just darned pleasant people with great ideas.… read more
(Excellent)
23 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Christophe & Tatum) for host
We spent 2 weeks on this amazing piece of land up in the Costa Rican mountains. Starr and Jeff were great hosts! They made sure we had all we needed, gave us fun, engaging and interesting jobs to do on their land, and shared their knowledge and opinions on how to manage an organic farm (with a jungle climate twist!). They share the farm with two… read more
27 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Silke)
Simon and Silke were a blessing during their 8 weeks with us. Both are honest, responsible and pleasant people. Silke enjoys sewing, cooking, and taking care of plants - and she's quite good at all of them. She made lots of lovely curtains and designed and made beautiful celebratory flags for the farm.
And while Simon knows a considerable amount… read more
And while Simon knows a considerable amount… read more
(Excellent)
24 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Silke) for host
Starr and Jeff are great hosts, we felt right at home. The finca got a wonderful view and is very quiet. It‘s developing side by side into an organic farm and an idyllic jungle. There are many different tasks and projects where you can get involved. Starr and Jeff always have an open ear for questions and ideas.
On the Finca there are many fruit… read more
On the Finca there are many fruit… read more
15 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (GaiaMonkeys) for host
We had a wonderful time at the finca and were lucky enough to be there during coffee season. Yes Jeff and Starr grow, harvest and drink their own coffee. The views from the finca are just stunning and the surroundings are very peaceful and quite. Be aware that you will be in a very remote area, which was great for us but might be a challenge for… read more
21 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Quentin) for host
Just an AMAZING place! Jeff and Starr are two really nice people, so friendly and welcoming. There is always something new to do in their beautiful place and they are always ready to teach you xhat they know. And they have nice pets ;) if you like nature, that workaway is for you
3 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Quentin)
Quentin was our first volunteer on the farm - and we were happy that he proved to be pleasant and considerate. First and foremost, dogs catch his eye and attention - and also cats. Our pets were gratified and satisfied to get so much warm attention. (I believe they still miss Quentin). This young man was quite willing to learn new tasks around the… read more
(Very good)
