Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
23 Jan 2025
Reply rate
69.2 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
30
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Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
This is an awesome place perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. Come volunteer in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community with expansive awe-inspiring views focusing on planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with goats and chickens. Great opportunity to live in community and meet people from around the world.
Looking for responsible, bright, fun-loving team players! Carpentry/Maintenance, forest management skills a plus.
Happy people YES! Looking for at least 3 week minimum and longer stays preferred.
Contact us for further information. You will love it here!!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have people coming here from all over the world so it is a fantastic opportunity to meet folks from diverse backgrounds. Being on a solar off-grid farm working towards sustainability would be a great exchange. We also from time to time provide Native American Inipi Sweat lodges which would offer some understanding into native cultural ceremony and teachings.
Help
Opportunities for:
1. Organic Gardening
2. Permaculture
3. Reforestation
4. Food redistribution
5. Cob earth building
6. Solar energy
8. Cabin maintenance
9. Animal care, goats , chickens, Cats.
10. Community meals
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Lodging in cabins or optional tent camping. RV or campers welcome.
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
Host ref number: 776143925745
Feedback (27)
16 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Fin) for host
I only decided to come here last minute in June and it's safe to say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Elena and Eli are lovely, welcoming people who make you feel right at home from the very first. The tasks are straightforward and well organised, allocated each morning over breakfast, and then left to be completed at your own… read more
5 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Victoria ) for host
Seven year late review, but here it is. Lol. Elena’s retreat was my first work away experience and it was truly life altering! I meant some of the coolest authentic people I’ve ever met. The property is stunning and Elena is a wonderful host. I stayed only three weeks which I regret not staying longer, I highly recommend this place!
27 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Iegor) for host
I highly recommend this project!
It’s a gorgeous place in the peaceful remote area!
Everyone who likes being in nature will definitely enjoy it!
The place is located in the mountains, and it has ocean views!
Every night we were enjoying sunsets over ocean!
Property is big, and it has plenty of things to do and explore!
It has few unique designed… read more
It’s a gorgeous place in the peaceful remote area!
Everyone who likes being in nature will definitely enjoy it!
The place is located in the mountains, and it has ocean views!
Every night we were enjoying sunsets over ocean!
Property is big, and it has plenty of things to do and explore!
It has few unique designed… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
16 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Fin) for host
I only decided to come here last minute in June and it's safe to say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Elena and Eli are lovely, welcoming people who make you feel right at home from the very first. The tasks are straightforward and well organised, allocated each morning over breakfast, and then left to be completed at your own… read more
5 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Victoria ) for host
Seven year late review, but here it is. Lol. Elena’s retreat was my first work away experience and it was truly life altering! I meant some of the coolest authentic people I’ve ever met. The property is stunning and Elena is a wonderful host. I stayed only three weeks which I regret not staying longer, I highly recommend this place!
27 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Iegor) for host
I highly recommend this project!
It’s a gorgeous place in the peaceful remote area!
Everyone who likes being in nature will definitely enjoy it!
The place is located in the mountains, and it has ocean views!
Every night we were enjoying sunsets over ocean!
Property is big, and it has plenty of things to do and explore!
It has few unique designed… read more
It’s a gorgeous place in the peaceful remote area!
Everyone who likes being in nature will definitely enjoy it!
The place is located in the mountains, and it has ocean views!
Every night we were enjoying sunsets over ocean!
Property is big, and it has plenty of things to do and explore!
It has few unique designed… read more
26 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Geoffrey) for host
This is a place where you feel a sense of home away from home.
a truly wonderful stay with amazing hosts that give you the freedom to express yourself and your interests. Everyday we would pick a few listed jobs that needed taken care of. The work was always very manageable and left us with plenty of time in the afternoon to hang out and soak up… read more
a truly wonderful stay with amazing hosts that give you the freedom to express yourself and your interests. Everyday we would pick a few listed jobs that needed taken care of. The work was always very manageable and left us with plenty of time in the afternoon to hang out and soak up… read more
20 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Cora) for host
This was my first Workaway experience, and suffice it to say it spoiled me for the rest of my travels! I spent 4 short weeks with Elena, Eli, the cats, the goats, the chickens, and other Workawayers and volunteers who became very close friends. There's something special about this place, something that is hard to put into words but can be felt and… read more
16 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan) for host
Raw genuine human connection. A real life changing experience and incredible community. I recently just left and miss how easy it is to laugh here. The stars and sunset every night are a specialty of this place. While I was using the outhouse a baby chipmunk fell from above me, landed on the floor next to my foot. Stood still for a minute and then… read more
25 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Niloo & Mo)
Niloo has been a delight to have here on our small organic farm for over a month. Niloo is a very conscious and compassionate person who is willing to do any task and very thoroughly. Niloo is intelligent and hard working. She has helped in our organic gardens and has cared for our chickens, goats and cats daily with so much love. She has a knack… read more
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Niloo & Mo) for host
It's been a month since I left and I keep finding myself reminiscing of my time there with a smile, remembering the wonderful people I met, the bonds I felt with them after only a few weeks and the lovely animals I came to cherish. I miss them all so so much.
The place is perched high on top of the mountain, on top of the clouds with a panoramic… read more
The place is perched high on top of the mountain, on top of the clouds with a panoramic… read more
21 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ángela) for host
Ohhh what an amazing place!!! I was there for 2 weeks and I have great memories!
First of all, Elena is a great hostess. She has the power to create an excellent community. She makes sure that everyone feels good. Many times, my English was not good but we communicated perfectly. She also speaks quite a lot of Spanish.
Every day, after… read more
First of all, Elena is a great hostess. She has the power to create an excellent community. She makes sure that everyone feels good. Many times, my English was not good but we communicated perfectly. She also speaks quite a lot of Spanish.
Every day, after… read more
21 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Uffe Grøn) for host
Oh, what a place to stay!
Elena and Elli are on purpose not making their farm look too attractive on WorkAway, and I understand a bit why. This place is fantastic!
At this place you get a ton of freedom under responsibility, which is really great, they give you a lot of trust immediately, which is just lovely. They even left us to take care of the… read more
Elena and Elli are on purpose not making their farm look too attractive on WorkAway, and I understand a bit why. This place is fantastic!
At this place you get a ton of freedom under responsibility, which is really great, they give you a lot of trust immediately, which is just lovely. They even left us to take care of the… read more
15 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matteo & Emanuela) for host
This is an awesome place to join! In the mountain with the nature all around. Elena is so kind and welcoming, and Eli a great cooker and a lovely company!
We had a change to stay with other 4 workawayers and it was great, so much fun and new friends!!! We learned how to milk a goat and make cheese! Just a great experience, we would have liked to… read more
We had a change to stay with other 4 workawayers and it was great, so much fun and new friends!!! We learned how to milk a goat and make cheese! Just a great experience, we would have liked to… read more
8 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (raetlin) for host
The word for us was serendipity. We had the great fortune being our very first Workaway experience, and we couldn't have imagined a better first stop! We stayed for 5 weeks where each day felt like a week, and each week felt like a day. Time melted away on top of the mountain, where Wifi was slow and card games abounded.
The chores were… read more
The chores were… read more
10 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nathan) for host
I'm not the best with words so I'll never be able to accurately describe this slice of Heaven.
All I can say is, every positive review about the place is beyond accurate. It's a hobby farm farm, non-profit, that exudes peace, and encourages exploration. While I was there I got to take amazing and breathtaking hikes, explore my cooking hobby,… read more
All I can say is, every positive review about the place is beyond accurate. It's a hobby farm farm, non-profit, that exudes peace, and encourages exploration. While I was there I got to take amazing and breathtaking hikes, explore my cooking hobby,… read more
21 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Bronwen & Lucy) for host
Where to start...this is an incredible place, we can't say enough positive things about this place. The community and life Elena has created is unique and very hard to encounter. Such a good balance of work hours and free time, as well as structure and the space to dive into your own interests each day. We stayed double the time we planned and we… read more
24 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host
It was my first experience with workaway and maybe I will never have such luck again! 😍
This is a special place where I got to be part of a community, no better, a multicultural family that filled my heart.. Yes, I was lucky to have had a nice and various family here where I was a month and a half. I loved being in the middle of nature, taking… read more
This is a special place where I got to be part of a community, no better, a multicultural family that filled my heart.. Yes, I was lucky to have had a nice and various family here where I was a month and a half. I loved being in the middle of nature, taking… read more
24 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
The three weeks I spent here were so much more impactful than I ever imagined. The sense of community is really something that I will remember for years to come. Immediately upon my arrival I was welcomed by everyone and felt included by all. The tasks are quite reasonable and I learned quite a bit about what it takes to maintain an off the grid… read more
24 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David was a delight to have here on our farm. He is kind, clean, organized and has a good sense of humor. David is very conscientious and helpful and willing to do any task and very thoroughly. He is very intelligent and hard working. He is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of carpentry and can build just about anything. You can trust him to… read more
(Excellent)
9 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Connor & Amy)
Conner and Amy were a delight to have here during their stay and became family to us. They are both very conscious and compassionate people who are willing to do any task and very thoroughly. They are both very intelligent and hard working.They are intuitive about the jobs and work well on their own and with others. They made friends for life… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Connor & Amy) for host
This is a magical place. My partner and I stayed for 2 months and consider the people we stayed with to be part of our extended family. There is a beautiful sense of community and fun here that is infectious. You are given a reasonable amount to collaborate on but enough time to pursue your own interests and the space to build and explore. The… read more
2 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
I could go on and on, but I'm going to keep it simple. The people here are incredible, the food is incredible, and the place in general is incredible. Thanks again for having me Elena! I hope to be back soon!
16 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Christina) for host
Wow what a blessing to get to be a part of this community up in the mountains. Elena and Ellie are such a loving hosts and I felt so welcomed by everyone there. I was there for about 3 weeks and it felt more like home than any other place I can imagine. Everyone put love and care in the work we did, creating a great community and AMAZING meals. I… read more
17 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Wilhelm) for host
I had a wonderful time at this project. Elena is a fantastic human being full of good intentions, compassion and she is always willing to help you feel at home.
Although I had to leave earlier than expected, she was so understanding.
I learned so much during the little time I spent there, and that wouldn't be possible without the help from all… read more
Although I had to leave earlier than expected, she was so understanding.
I learned so much during the little time I spent there, and that wouldn't be possible without the help from all… read more
16 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Gloria) for host
A little late after my stay there, but definitively it has been quite the experience. I stayed there for a month in September 2018 and I had an amazing time with the other volunteers. Elena also has a great community around her and what she is doing is great. I got to learn new things, develop my creativity, rest my soul and body, embrace the… read more
6 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Isobel) for host
Elena has a fantastic community. I learned so much about caring for goats and chickens and got to meet some fantastic people. The food is phenomenal and the place is simply beautiful. Thanks so much for having me!
3 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Angelo & Sabrina) for host
Elena is lovely, the land is beautiful, the community super supportive. it was a joy to visit
and share heart work with this awesome crew. much love to you all. hope to visit again soon.
and share heart work with this awesome crew. much love to you all. hope to visit again soon.
27 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Abby) for host
This is a magical place filled with love. Elena is one of the most generous human beings I have ever met and am so grateful for her generosity and kindness. I miss all of the beautiful animals that I had to the opportunity to care for. A conscious community, that taught me how to live in balance with the environment. Thank you for everything… read more
1 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Justyna) for host
I can't say enough thank you for the experience here. You guys rock! I felt so welcome the moment I have arrived. I was surrounded by the most kindest, sweetest and understandable people ever! You gave me the space and support I needed in order to unleash my inner power and strength. I've started to sing again and I'm very excited about further… read more
8 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Martina & Francisca) for host
Uaaaaaaaaaaau! We don’t really have the right words to describe this place! From the moment we put our feet in that house we felt at home! The amazing house, the beautiful people, the musical instruments, the animals and, for sure, Elena! She is amazing, magical, organized and she cares a lot about what you need and about what you are (always… read more
25 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Adam & Alice) for host
Most beautiful retreat center in the mountains I’ve ever been to. I stayed for two weeks in January and fell in love with the place and the people. The work is easy and worthwhile, the living space is cozy and comfortable, and the experience transformational. There was a beautiful international family of travelers there who welcomed me in with… read more
18 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host
Oh my goodness! I was in this magical place 3 weeks, from December / January. I'm still hung over because I miss this place! The word is "magical" place where you can be free, free to learn, free to discover you, free to love, free to feel as much love as you want to give and receive! Of course this place is so special because there is a precious… read more
