Truffle farm and building of a straw bale house in the beautiful wine growing region of Yarra Valley Australia

Australia

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Favourited 228 times

Host rating
Feedback
55
Last activity
11/01/2021
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 3 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

Description
We are a couple with adult children who have all left home and we live in the beautiful Yarra Valley wine region. We have 10 acres of land that we are cultivating with Truffle and building a straw bale house and enjoy helpers visiting.

Our comfortable home is 5 minutes drive and 20 minutes walk from the land and we are located 7km from the local township of Yarra Glen and surrounded by wineries and farms.

We provide delicious home cooked meals and are happy to help with transport when you want to visit one of the towns in the Yarra Valley.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are both in the education field and have hosted many people from other countries. There are plenty of opportunities for conversation if that is what you are looking for. The Yarra Valley is a special place for people who enjoy wine and nature. The local community is multicultural, warm and friendly. Many Europeans, Japanese and Americans travel in the area to work in the vineyards.
Help
Building tasks depending on the stage of the build. The walls and roof are now complete and we are preparing for the lime rendering. You don't need special skills for these tasks but be fit and willing to work. If you do have some experience building or with tools you would also be a great helper.

Planting trees, hand weeding and removal of scrub using hand tools. We are raising organic truffles.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Our comfortable home has two guest rooms (each with a double bed) with own bathroom. The living area, kitchen and laundry would be shared and we provide delicious home cooked meals if you would like. You will join in and help with cooking and cleaning each day.
What else ...
The Yarra Valley is a wine growing region that is beautiful. The surrounding area has fine bushwalking, canoeing, kayaking and camping places. The local town is well serviced. There are buses around the local area that travel to a train station (Lilydale) about 20km from Healesville. A bicycle or car is an advantage but not essential.

Our home is very comfortable.
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
5 hours a day 5 days a week or 6 hours a day 4 days a week depending on the type of work

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Feedback left by and about host (55)

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:
(4.9)

24/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host

Great experience in a beautiful place with very welcoming hosts. I had a great time both during work and the free time. The house is in its final stages, so there is a lot to learn from Fiona and John about how it was built. I had some interesting conversations with them and totally enjoyed the food cooked by Fiona. One of the best volunteering… read more

(Excellent )

21/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)

Andrea is a great worker who is diligent and fit. He thinks carefully about the work and makes really helpful suggestions. He is also a great contributor as a house guest and very good company. We got a lot of work done with Andrea's help.

(Excellent )

13/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Patrick & Rhianna) for host

Fiona and John are excellent hosts, we initially planned to stay for 3 weeks and ended up staying 8. We are planning to build our own strawbale house and came for the learning experience - Fiona and John were very generous with their time and information sharing. The accommodation is very comfortable, we stayed in the middle of winter and were… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Patrick & Rhianna)

Patrick and Rhianna are wonderful workers and house guests. Skilled, good thinkers, great communicators, hard workers, and very good cooks.

They were involved in digging trenches (in rock !), installing tamped earth floors, installing ceilings and looking after our Truffiere, chopping vast quantities of wood and plenty of other building and land… read more

(Excellent )

15/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Mathys) for host

Fiona and John are wonderful hosts, they are really welcoming and nice. They also cook magnificent meals.
As for the work on the Straw Bale House, it was really interesting and sometimes challenging but overall it was an awesome experience, I learned few things and it reminded me that I like physical work.

I highly recommend this workaway, you… read more

(Excellent )

15/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Mathys)

Mathys is a terrific worker and a wonderful house guest. Hard-working, careful and strong, Mathys did a fantastic job working on our Strawbale house. Mathys was a great house guest, clean and tidy. He is also a very good cook and made us some wonderful feasts.

(Excellent )

15/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)

If six stars were possible then Thibault would have six stars. He is a great worker. Thibault is fit, strong, has good skills, thinks things through, contributes really helpful ideas, has a great work ethic and contributes really well in the house. He is also a good cook.

(Excellent )

09/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Terri-Louise & Chris)

Chris and Terri were terrific house guests and workers. They both have great spirit, work well and are keen to learn and contribute. They worked on the building of our home. It is heavy dirty work on a beautiful site. Chris and Terri pitched in and are fondly remembered.

(Very good )

16/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Terri-Louise & Chris) for host

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Fiona and John. They instantly made us feel at home, prepared a lot of amazing food, and fresh juice in the mornings. We are huge foodies and quite active people; so being able to share our interests with them culturally as well as physically was key to a successful voluntary exchange.

Not only did we learn… read more

(Excellent )

02/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Shelby)

Shelby is a terrific worker ! She made a huge contribution to the rendering of our house which was hot tough work. Shelby is hard working, careful and thorough. She has a happy attitude to life and is good fun to have around. She is also a fabulous house cleaner, so thorough.

(Very good )

02/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Brooke & Kate)

Brooke and Kate are terrific workers ! They are sensible, hard-working and diligent. They did a fantastic job helping with the rendering of our house. It was tough, hot work. Around the house they are really tidy and make a great contribution. Kate makes a vegan fudge to die for and Brooke has an awesome Chocolate Brownie recipe. Both girls are… read more

(Very good )

01/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (Alixandria & Charles) for host

We had an absolutely wonderful time with John and Fiona. They are truly excellent hosts and made us feel at home. We stayed with them over Christmas and they made us feel like part of the family during all the celebration. Fiona is an excellent cook and prepared amazing food every day.

During our stay we helped with rendering the first layer of… read more

(Excellent )

31/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Alixandria & Charles)

Alix and Charlie are the dream work away visitors. Hard-working, practical, good thinkers and team players. They are also fun house-guests who make a big contribution to the chores. We have invited them back anytime they would like.

(Excellent )

24/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sally) for host

I stayed with Fiona and John for almost three weeks and they were great hosts! From the moment I arrived they made me feel at home and were extremely generous. Tasks varied from helping with the straw bale house build to working on the surrounding land, weeding etc. Looking forward to staying/working with you again in the new year

(Excellent )

20/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sally)

Sally was a fantastic worker and great house guest.

(Excellent )

20/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Siel)

Siel was a delightful worker and visitor, full of fun and good laughs.

(Very good )

28/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Peter & Jana) for host

John has all our respect for building straw-bale house in his age. He was very friendly, supportive, and talkative. Ha gave us opportunity to learn a lot about building a house, and went into deep details everytime we asked something.
Fiona is excellent cook - every dinner was more like restaurant visit with fabulous food, amazing wine and nice… read more

(Very good )

19/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Rowan)

Rowan is an excellent worker. He is a very quick learner, good at working with others, has a good eye for safety and always provides thoughtful constructive suggestions for doing things better. Rowan is fun to be with and a good house guest always contributing to the house tasks.

(Excellent )

17/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Rowan) for host

I stayed with Fiona and John for 3 weeks. Communication prior to arriving was fantastic, and I was made to feel part of the family straight away. Working up on the house with John was a lot of fun and he is extremely enthusiastic about teaching you new skills. I didn't really know anything about construction, and had minimal experience with power… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Daniel was a terrific worker and house guest. He has good building and gardening skills, a great work ethic, contributes well around the house and a fun conversationalist.

(Excellent )

23/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jeremy Lee) for host

I had my first work away stay with Fiona and John and it was absolutely amazing. I landed in Melbourne and took a train to lilydale, where Fiona picked me up. Later in the afternoon John showed me around on their property, where they are building their straw bale house. Fiona is an amazing cook and can provide for all kinds of diets, whether it's… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeremy Lee)

Jeremy is a terrific worker, hard working, diligent and thoughtful. He brings excellent skills and great problem solving ability. Jeremy is also a great house guest, tidy, contributes and good fun.

(Excellent )

26/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Florian & Jessica) for host

This was my first workaway experience and I really liked it so, that I even was extending my stay multiple times. The work is very varying since they really build a house from sketch and is always fun. You always have dinner together with John and Fiona. Fiona is a great chef and the food always has a very good quality can recommend John and Fiona… read more

(Excellent )

28/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Jessica)

Florian is a fantastic worker, very well organised and clever. He is also a great house guest, contributing to the tasks, tidy and helpful. We miss his good company.

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (James) for host

This was my first Workaway experience - and I loved it! Staying with Fiona and John was a great experience, I was made to feel welcome from day 1 and was even invited to family events! The work was challenging and very interesting - without being too hard. Fiona is an amazing cook - home made cakes and ice cream were always on the go.
I worked a… read more

(Excellent )

03/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (James)

James is a very hard worker who takes his time to get things done well. He is also a great house guest who contributes in a big way to the daily house tasks and has a great sense of humour. One of the best !

(Excellent )

17/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Fernando)

Fernando is a great helper, good company and a tidy house guest.

(Excellent )

15/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Devon) for host

Fiona and John, thank you for your amazing hospitality, you go far and beyond to make guesses feel welcome. Immediately as soon as you arrive you feel right at home. Fiona's cooking is next level, accommodating to all dietary requirements, very healthy and a proud supporter of the local produce. It's Summer here in January, so John and Fiona takes… read more

(Excellent )

14/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Devon)

Devon is very hard working, thinks about what he is doing and uses his initiative. He is also a great house guest, good company, helps out and is tidy.

(Excellent )

09/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Andrea & Sarah) for host

It was our first workaway experience and it was great, Fiona and John welcome us with open arms! We were six workawayers and the work at the moment is the straw bales walls construction, which was very interesting to know how does it work. We worked all together in a good atmosphere. Fiona did fabulous homemade cakes and you will have all the… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea & Sarah)

Andrea and Sarah are terrific workers that are also great house guests. They contribute really well to food preparation, keeping the house clean and general help. Andrea is also a good cook.

(Excellent )

05/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Imaine & Etienne)

Etienne is a fine willing worker with a wonderful sense of humour and great spirit. He is also a great house guest who is always helping with food preparations and cleaning.

(Excellent )

05/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Imaine & Etienne) for host

I stayed two weeks in the Fiona’s house and I had really good time ! The job is interesting, I could learn a lot of new things about construction. We were 6 workawayers at the end but even with many people Fiona has always prepared delicious meals that you must try !
I highly recommend this workaway

(Excellent )

27/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Qingping)

Ping is a good worker and great contributor in the house. She is good company and really willing to take on work.

(Very good )

13/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Yvan)

Yvan is a great worker and quick to learn new skills. A great house guest who is fun and tidy.

(Excellent )

13/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (erwan)

Erwan is a hard worker with a great spirit. He is keen to learn new skills and picks things up quickly. He is a tidy house guest and good fun.

(Excellent )

06/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (léo)

Leo is an exceptional worker and house guest. With a curious mind, happy personality, excellent english and so willing and capable at so many tasks on our property. Conversation was always great fun and such a lot of work completed on our property. We are very grateful.

(Excellent )

04/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (léo) for host

My experience with Fiona and John was really wonderful! I stayed with them for the end-of-year holidays so I had the opportunity to meet their family. I finally saw what cricket was even though I didn't understand everything .. (sorry if I offend Australians) and once again I discovered new recipes! mmmmmmh
It was a pleasure to work with them and… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Shayne Carla)

Shayne is a good worker who is thorough and diligent with tasks. She is also good company, has excellent english and tidy around the house.

(Excellent )

02/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Shayne Carla) for host

After almost a decade of office job, staying with Fiona and John and helping with gardening and farming are exactly what I needed. Theirs is a home away from home with magnificent views from the porch. Fiona and John are lovely hosts. I learned a lot from Fiona ,preserves making, cooking (she cooks only delicious meals!) and John who is a great… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Heli)

Heli is good company, has a good sense of humour, is easy going and makes a good contribution to housekeeping. She also is a reliable, capable and diligent worker who is happy to take instructions, work on a wide range of work tasks and follow through thoroughly. A delight to have stay.

(Excellent )

19/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Heli) for host

Fiona and John are very welcoming and friendly people with many an interesting story to share. The work on the land is quite physical but also quite therapeutic especially if you come straight out of an office job like I did! The house is very comfortable with nice views and plenty of wildlife. The hosts helped me with transport as well so not… read more

(Excellent )

15/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Eri) for host

I stayed at their place which is comfy for 9 days. John and Fiona are incredibly great host. John picked me up at the train station and Fiona cooked special meals. Thanks to them, my first workaway experience was really good. Also,Their project is impressive. I'm sure I'll go back :)

(Excellent )

14/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Eri)

Eri is a delightful house guest and good worker. We are hoping that you will visit us again.
Fiona & John

(Excellent )

27/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ming-Feng) for host

We are happy to meet you. John and Fiona are very nice host. John makes wonderful orange juice every morning. I love it. Fiona is a great chef. Everyday, I am excited to eat dinner. And the jobs there are pretty easy. Therefore, we had many free time to do what we want to do . I had a great great great time. Thank you.

Mike

(Excellent )

27/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ming-Feng)

Mike and Peggy are hard workers, friendly and tidy around the house. They are welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

27/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Victor)

Victor is a really great hard worker and good company. Tidy around the house and easygoing we would welcome Victor back to visit anytime.

Fiona & John

(Excellent )

08/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (April & Fei) for host

We were so lucky to begin our first walkaway with Fiona and John, who picked us up and saw us off at train stations. it turned out a perfect experience! They were so nice and generous host, the provided rooms and foods were so good and we felt so comfortable and felt at home. We liked the work, and enjoyed the communication and the time in the… read more

(Excellent )

05/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (April & Fei)

April and Fei are terrific workers and great fun. They would be welcome again any time.

(Excellent )

05/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nicola) for host

It was a delight to stay with Fiona and John. Their project is impressive and their enthusiasm for their dream house and truffle farm is infectious! They are warm, generous hosts and Fiona's Cordon Bleu cooking skills made every meal a convivial
occasion. The work was hard but enjoyable thanks to the stunning scenery.

(Excellent )

25/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicola)

Nicola is hard working and has great plant knowledge. She cleared a whole section of tea tree for us. Nicola is great company and a tidy house guest.

(Excellent )

25/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Daniel is a hard worker and great company. He is also a tidy and happy house guest.
We really appreciated the huge area of tea tree that Daniel cleared in just a few days.
We would welcome Daniel back anytime.

(Excellent )

25/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicola)

Nicola is hard working and has great plant knowledge. She did great work clearing a whole big section of tea tree for us. Nicola is a good house guest who is tidy and good company.

(Excellent )

25/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Rafidah)

Rafi is a diligent, careful and hard worker who is great fun to have as a house guest. We were thrilled with the amount of work that Rafi did while with us. Rafi's english is excellent and she is careful to ensure she understands the task well before commencing. We would love Rafi to visit again.

(Excellent )

02/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Rafidah) for host

Apologize for the late feedback.
I spent nearly 20 hours in Fiona's property. The task given are pretty easy and Fiona empower me to perform the task when she's not around. The first things Fiona stress on was the safety. She supply me with basic first aid kit, food, water (fresh coffee :)) and useful advice in order that I can be more alert of… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 867666276761

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