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Description
Host Farm • Garden Kitchen & Cooking School
The house was conceived by us as a self-sufficient 20-acre farm through which we can learn, develop and hone our paddock to plate skills. Overall, we have created a place where we can share our interests and knowledge with people that love animals, gardening and cooking. We have conceived this special place that can support the interest of many and a community of like-minded people.
With Trace's overnight of all things Agricultural, you will get to develop some active skills in gardening, farm management through to animal husbandry. With (my) Ronnen's love of cooking, there is always produce that needs to preserved be it cheese making with our own milk through to pickling and jams. Entertaining and meeting people is something we love doing.
Although not a certified Organic Farm, we continue to hone traditional subsistence farming methods that look at seasonal, full-cycle productions of Meat, Poultry and Vegetables; through composting, worm farming and sustainable agriculture. The farming systems allow us to produce the majority of our food requirements; which we channel into a variety of Salumi, Cheeses; as well as Preserves, Pickles, Cordials and Jams.
Our farm at Elevated Plains is 10mins from Daylesford or even close to Hepburn Springs. Daylesford Hepburn region has an amazing history dating back to the Gold-rush Era where Chinese, Italian Swiss & Germans brought elements of culture to our region – making it interesting, diverse and rich . So there are some many things from Mineral Springs to Museums, Producers Markets etc. to explore. It is also a region very accepting of people from many different backgrounds and has a strong LGBTQ community.
Our happy family bridges: 2x Cairn Terriers + 2x Maremma Sheep Dogs, a Breeding Wessex Saddle-back Sow + Berkshire Black Boar; Poultry + Ducks + Geese; as well as 2x Dairy Cows.
We blessed with stunning views and the ability to connect with the seasons; affording us the ability to watch the weather change. We have a beautiful architecturally designed hime with comfortable lodgings, and can accomodate singles and couples with their own private quarters.
The house is 10 mins by Car or 35 mins cycling from Daylesford. And; 7 min by Car or 20 mins cycling from Hepburn Springs. Bicycles available to Workaway guests. Our nearest train-stations are Castlemaine or Ballan, which are an hour or so from Melbourne.
We would love to hear more about what you would like to learn and experience... and gain from your visit to Daylesford, Australia.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will benefit from a balanced farm life – sustainable living, in a truly beautiful setting. We have amazing array of animals and pets that are cute and friendly. Along the way you will have the opportunity to meet some amazing people doing similar things to us and participate/help running some of participatory classes.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
As a working farm, it would be beneficial that people coming to stay have a strong interest in one or all of the following: Animal care, Gardening & Farming maintenance &/or Cooking and Food Preservation. We have a broad range of skill that we can impart to those interested.
Daily tasks and chores will generally start early, 7.00am running through to mid-morning with a break. Core task(s) for the day may involve manual labour and some physical work.
Tasks could include:
_Daily feeding of Animals
_Milking of Cows
_Gardening: Seed-raising to propagation, composting, mulching, weeding and more...
_Cleaning & preparation of Animal Sheds and bedding
_Cleaning and Farm organisation
_Light Machinery use (if comfortable with equipment) i.e. Moving & Snippering
_Food preparation/preserving i.e.. Jams, Fruit Bottling, Labelling, etc.
Tasks/Duties however will be fashioned according to the skills and interest of each Workaway guest.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have two settings to accommodate Workaway guests. A self-contained bunk room with a queen-size bed; the other a bunk unit with two single beds + and a queen-size bed. Both have plenty of natural light and storage, as well as electric blankets in winter to make them cozy. We can accomodate Singles and Couples.
Guest will also have use of an impressive Farmhouse Kitchen, we on some accessions we may share a family meal. Wi-fi is also available to all guests.
What else ...
Set in picturesque Elevated Plains, 15 mins from Daylesford and 7 mins from Hepburn Springs. The Goldfields or Central Highlands have much to explore in terms of interesting townships from Ballarat & Bendigo to Maldon, Kynenton and Castlemaine. There is much history to explore, list natural mineral springs and our renown spas to some beautiful bush walks.
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
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (4)
Even by reading the profile of Ronnen and Trace I thought that their place would be great to work and learn new skills but I can say that I underestimated the experience I was gonna live.
Their farm and amazing well designed house, their loved animals, the landscape they 're living in, the… read more
I will… read more
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)
Even by reading the profile of Ronnen and Trace I thought that their place would be great to work and learn new skills but I can say that I underestimated the experience I was gonna live.
Their farm and amazing well designed house, their loved animals, the landscape they 're living in, the… read more
I will… read more
We wish them well on their travels, and in amassing… read more
