Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
29 Apr 2025
Reply rate
88.6 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
34
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
I live with my husband and 7 year old daughter on a hobby farm in south east Melbourne, I have a background of natural horsemanship/ classical dressage/positive reinforcement training and if people are keen to learn about horses, I am happy to show/teach you what I know. I love nature, animals, good company, and learning new things :) Please note if you are interested in horse riding, on a case by case basis we always start with learning with the horses on the ground which progresses into liberty and ridden training. I do not provide riding gear etc, you will need to provide your own safety gear.
During COVID I started some hobbies including dabbling with plants/veggies and sourdough bread with a background of loving baking beforehand. Hubby loves wheels and outdoor activities, he can speak Chinese much better than me (I am an ABC).
We are happy to help assist with transportation to train stations etc and help with advice about shopping for cars etc if you are here on a WHV. We welcome you as part of our family during your stay. We are a non-smoking, drug free family.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experience life on the farm, in nature and around animals. Happy to teach you what I have learnt about horsemanship/training, gardening, baking if interested and teach you what we have learnt so far living on the farm.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We would love help around the farm - we have a Weimaraner dog named Willow, mini goats and sheep, horses in the paddock, gardening or there is always something to do with maintenance and projects on the farm.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
Chinese (Cantonese): BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
My husband speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, we are encouraging our daughter to learn Mandarin. I have minimal Chinese skills, understand basic Cantonese and even less Mandarin.
Accommodation
Farmhouse. We have a spare rooms with a queen sized bed and another room with a double bed available for your use and a bathroom shared between the two rooms. We are happy to share cooking if that suits or do your own thing. We have mains water, split system for heating and a panel heater in the bedroom if needed, unlimited satellite internet. Digital piano, gym beam and bars, massage chair.
What else ...
We are about 1 Hr from the city, 10 mins from the freeway and also train station. It’s about 6km from the house to the train station down the hill and flat going to the train station. Happy to help drop off/pickup if we are able to. Lots of lovely areas to explore nearby depending on your interests, golf course, winery, forest, hiking
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have satellite internet
Space for parking camper vans
We are on 40 acres and have had tiny homes here before
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 914183828298
Feedback (14)
29 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma Kate & Edmond )
Thank you Emma, Ed and Claire for all the helping around the farm in the veggie patch, paddocks and help with the animals before our trip and helping to keep the farm going whilst we were away for 2 weeks. It was great to get to know you and we wish you all the best for the rest of your stay in Melbourne and eventually the trip across the desert!!
(Excellent
)
10 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Carlotta & Marie ) for host
We spent two incredible weeks with Jen, chi lye, Alannah and Willow as we felt at home the minute we arrived in their home. We worked on a brick pathway and built some steps in their vegetable garden. Jen was always eager to help and had lots of advice for us. With her support we were happy to learn new skills such as making sourdough bread, red… read more
15 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlotta & Marie )
It was a pleasure having Carlotta and Marie stay with us for two weeks. They quickly became part of the family, demonstrating a great work ethic and strong teamwork. Both were eager to learn new skills and were a joy to have around. Their love for animals was evident, and they brought so much fun to the kitchen as well. They also bonded… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
We had an awesome three weeks at Jennifer and Chi Lye‘s farm. They welcomed us into their home and home and made us feel like we were a part of their family. Their daughter Alannah is the most wonderful companion to have fun with and made our stay unforgettable.
We got to help with garden maintenance such as laying brickpaths, weeding, watering… read more
We got to help with garden maintenance such as laying brickpaths, weeding, watering… read more
9 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)
It was an absolute pleasure hosting Linda, Lena, and Anna from Austria for just over three weeks. These three ladies were a joy to have around and brought so much positive energy to our farm. They had an excellent work ethic and were incredibly fast workers, always offering to help with anything that needed doing. Whether it was in the garden, the… read more
(Excellent
)
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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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
29 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma Kate & Edmond )
Thank you Emma, Ed and Claire for all the helping around the farm in the veggie patch, paddocks and help with the animals before our trip and helping to keep the farm going whilst we were away for 2 weeks. It was great to get to know you and we wish you all the best for the rest of your stay in Melbourne and eventually the trip across the desert!!
(Excellent)
10 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Carlotta & Marie ) for host
We spent two incredible weeks with Jen, chi lye, Alannah and Willow as we felt at home the minute we arrived in their home. We worked on a brick pathway and built some steps in their vegetable garden. Jen was always eager to help and had lots of advice for us. With her support we were happy to learn new skills such as making sourdough bread, red… read more
15 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlotta & Marie )
It was a pleasure having Carlotta and Marie stay with us for two weeks. They quickly became part of the family, demonstrating a great work ethic and strong teamwork. Both were eager to learn new skills and were a joy to have around. Their love for animals was evident, and they brought so much fun to the kitchen as well. They also bonded… read more
(Excellent)
9 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
We had an awesome three weeks at Jennifer and Chi Lye‘s farm. They welcomed us into their home and home and made us feel like we were a part of their family. Their daughter Alannah is the most wonderful companion to have fun with and made our stay unforgettable.
We got to help with garden maintenance such as laying brickpaths, weeding, watering… read more
We got to help with garden maintenance such as laying brickpaths, weeding, watering… read more
9 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)
It was an absolute pleasure hosting Linda, Lena, and Anna from Austria for just over three weeks. These three ladies were a joy to have around and brought so much positive energy to our farm. They had an excellent work ethic and were incredibly fast workers, always offering to help with anything that needed doing. Whether it was in the garden, the… read more
(Excellent)
13 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alina) for host
I had the honor of spending 9 weeks at this magical place and being part of this wonderful family. It's hard to do this experience justice with words, but I had a truly exceptional time. There was a broad variety of tasks, and I’m deeply grateful for the skills I was able to acquire during my stay. From using a chainsaw to fixing fence posts,… read more
14 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alina)
We had the pleasure of hosting Alina for nearly 9 weeks, and she quickly became a beloved member of our family. Alina is a conscientious and hard-working individual with a wonderful attitude. She has a deep love for animals and nature, and it was clear from day one that she genuinely cares about the well-being of the animals and the farm.
Alina… read more
Alina… read more
(Excellent)
12 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Lillian) for host
I had a great time staying at Jen's and Chi Lyes Farm! It was my first Workaway experience and I'm really glad how it turned out.
Jen and Chi Lye are friendly, kind, open and hard working.
I learned a lot from them about their life on the farm, natural horsemanship, and Australia. Chi Lye is an amazing cook and I will definitely try some of the… read more
Jen and Chi Lye are friendly, kind, open and hard working.
I learned a lot from them about their life on the farm, natural horsemanship, and Australia. Chi Lye is an amazing cook and I will definitely try some of the… read more
9 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lillian)
We were so lucky to have Lillian and her friend Anton stay with us for the past month! Lillian brought a wonderful energy to our home—she’s kind, fun, eager to learn. She was always ready to help, in the garden, around the house, in the kitchen, helping with cooking, baking, and hopefully we were able to teach you some things to bring back home in… read more
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Anton)
We had the pleasure of hosting Anton and his friend Lillian for the past month who were a lovely addition to our family. Anton is a lovely person—polite, considerate, happy to give things a go, work hard and fun to be around. He was wonderful with our daughter and got along great with the other workawayers. Anton’s communication was excellent, and… read more
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kassandra )
We had the pleasure of hosting Kassandra, and she was wonderful! She’s easygoing, friendly, and hardworking. Kassandra also got along really well with our daughter, and they formed a lovely bond. She was always happy to try new things, whether it was making sourdough bread/pizza ❤️ or diving into landscaping/gardening/helping around the house or… read more
(Excellent)
16 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Aelin) for host
I had a wonderful time, the five weeks I stayed at Jen, Alannah and Chi Lye’s place! They welcomed me in their home and made delicious sour dough bread and dinners. When I was there, there was also another workawayer which was really fun. We worked five hours a day for five days a week and could always send Jen a message with questions (even… read more
10 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Aelin)
We had the pleasure of hosting Aelin for the past five weeks, and we are grateful to have had such a kind, thoughtful, and lovely person join our family. Aelin quickly became a wonderful part of our daily life. She was fantastic with my daughter, who grew very attached to her over the weeks. She also dove right into the farm projects, showing a… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Doshia) for host
I had a wonderful time at Jen's farm. I am very grateful for the experience I had during my stay there. I worked on building steps and helping out in the garden. Jen taught me about the Parelli program and natural horsemanship. It was really interesting and I'm very grateful for all the knowledge she taught me. Chi Lye is a wonderful cook and I… read more
6 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Doshia)
We had a great time hosting Doshia for a few weeks at the farm. She was very friendly and got along well with everyone, especially my daughter and helped us around the farm, garden and animals. We enjoyed learning more about your life experiences and adventures, tasting your mum’s Texas caviar salad and most of all your company. Thanks for all… read more
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel & Nora Joyce)
We enjoyed hosting Daniel and Nora during their visit to Melbourne for a couple of weeks - thanks for being part of the team. We enjoyed your company and are very grateful for your help around the property in the garden, kitchen, animals and also helping with decorating for Christmas 🎄 we wish you all the best for your future travels around… read more
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Nora Joyce) for host
Our two weeks with this wonderful family were an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, we felt welcome and at home, and it’s truly sad that we couldn’t stay longer.
The meals were excellent, and we really enjoyed sharing them together. The work mainly consisted of gardening – depending on the project, it could be a bit more… read more
The meals were excellent, and we really enjoyed sharing them together. The work mainly consisted of gardening – depending on the project, it could be a bit more… read more
12 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucie & Charles) for host
We had a great stay with Jen and her family! They were super welcoming and knowledgeable about the local area and Australia. The food was wonderful with home cooked dinners and homemade sourdough and cakes. Jen was very communicative about the work that needed to be done and took the time to teach us about some horse basics (which was something we… read more
9 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucie & Charles)
It was a pleasure to host Lucie and Charles for a couple of weeks. It was great to get to know you, thanks for the company, your help around the farm/garden and animals, teaching us more about the President and awesome pudding 🤩 we hope you have a wonderful time in Tassie and the rest of your time in Oz 🙏
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Martha) for host
I really enjoyed my stay on this farm. I felt welcome safe at all times. I had so much fun learning about gardening, all of your projects and horsetraining. You have a lovely home, bake amazing bread and cook great food. You were really helpful, kind and it was easy to communicate about the work.
Thank you so much for hosting me and beeing a part… read more
Thank you so much for hosting me and beeing a part… read more
1 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Martha)
We enjoyed hosting Martha and the 3 weeks felt really short! She helped us with a lot of things during her time here, with the animals and the garden. She was great with the horses too and was keen to learn new things. Best wishes and safe travels up north 🙏
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Yuma) for host
Thank you very much for having me, sharing beautiful time with me.
I stayed at them for 5 weeks, it went by so quickly!
They made me feel at home, animals gave me a feeling that I am one member of their group, I appreciate all of them very much! 🐕 🐴 🐑🐐🌲🌹
I enjoyed feeding horses, weeding, making new garden, clearing the broken trees by the… read more
I stayed at them for 5 weeks, it went by so quickly!
They made me feel at home, animals gave me a feeling that I am one member of their group, I appreciate all of them very much! 🐕 🐴 🐑🐐🌲🌹
I enjoyed feeding horses, weeding, making new garden, clearing the broken trees by the… read more
2 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Yuma)
It was a pleasure to host Yuma over the past 5 weeks, it flew past and she was a really great help to our family. Lovely person to be around, nature lover, great initiative, hard worker, kind and considerate. She helped with the animals, around the house and the garden! Thank you for helping teach me more things about the garden and inspiring me… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma is a lovely young capable woman whom helped us keep running the farm whilst we were away and then also helped out around the house/farm/animals and gardens after we returned. We have never organised for a workaway to come whilst we were away before, but with great communication it was possible and Emma was very trustworthy. Thanks again for… read more
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomoka)
Thank you Tomoka, it was wonderful to get to know you during your stay with us in August into September. Tomoka is a very capable young woman who we enjoyed spending time with. She helped us with animal care, in the garden and around the farm and was happy to learn new things that presented themselves along the way :) Thank you for all your help… read more
(Excellent)
14 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Mashael)
We had a lovely time getting to know Mashael over the couple of weeks she spent with us during her uni holidays. She was keen to be involved, help out and have a go and I am sure you will be one day having your own farm of your own in the future 🥰. Keep in touch and best wishes for your other adventures x
(Excellent)
23 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mashael) for host
I'd like to start with saying I really enjoyed staying at Jen and Chi Lye's for two weeks in July, even though it wasn't that long but they did't fail to make me feel like I'm home. I got to experience what farm life is like and I learnt so many different things like how to feed the horses and interact with them, gardening and most importantly is… read more
10 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Adele Selma & Jakob) for host
Thank you Jen and Chi Lye for the wonderful five weeks of Aussie-life!
The family has a lot of responsibility with their many animals and large property and there is always something to do. Since I already had experience with horses, I was primarily entrusted with looking after them, while Jakob preferred to take on the manual work. Over the… read more
The family has a lot of responsibility with their many animals and large property and there is always something to do. Since I already had experience with horses, I was primarily entrusted with looking after them, while Jakob preferred to take on the manual work. Over the… read more
11 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Adele Selma & Jakob)
We really enjoyed hosting Adele and Jakob and highly recommend them to future hosts. They are loveliest couple to be around, friendly, thoughtful, great attitudes, work ethic, polite, put their best effort into everything and helped us in so many ways, with our animals, including one of our elderly dogs who had to be shortly euthanised early… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie joined her friend Lea for a weeks Workaway at the end of her travels in Australia at our farm. Thank you for your help during the week, around the house, farm, animals, and garden. It was lovely to get to know you, pity it was not for longer as the week flew by. Safe travels and all the best for your future Workaway adventures 🙏
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
I've spent one week in June, as I was joining a friend who's staying longer at Jennifer's and Chilye's farm, it was my first workaway and it was really great !
My friend and did general maintenance in the house and the garden (cleaning the window's frames, cutting blackberries...), and we had to feed the horses as well. I had the opportunity to… read more
My friend and did general maintenance in the house and the garden (cleaning the window's frames, cutting blackberries...), and we had to feed the horses as well. I had the opportunity to… read more
28 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ramille & Lizandra) for host
Thank you so much for making us feel welcomed in your home! We felt included as part of the family. We’ll definitely keep watching the tv shows we started with you, and duolingo.
The work varied each day, from house, garden, cleaning, horses and dogs. We learnt so many different things during our stay, and got a taste of what hobby farm life is… read more
The work varied each day, from house, garden, cleaning, horses and dogs. We learnt so many different things during our stay, and got a taste of what hobby farm life is… read more
26 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ramille & Lizandra)
Thank you Mille and Liz, we loved getting to know you, learning more about Brazil, tasting some yummy treats and the animals will miss your care and company too 🙏 These two lovely ladies helped us in many ways from animal care with the dogs and horses, helping around the house, gardening, and helping with my daughters birthday party oh and helping… read more
(Excellent)
8 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)
Thank you Liss, it was lovely to meet you and all the very best for your travels. Liss was a lovely young lady who helped look after our household, dogs and plants for a couple of weeks whilst we were away travelling, and then stayed on for a little bit after we got back. Thank you very much for all your help, your gardening and interior design… read more
(Excellent)
