Help renovating a vintage caravan & gardening near Margaret River, Western Australia

Details

Description

We are a small family of 2 and a half, dedicated into sustainable farming practices.
At the moment, we are restoring an old vintage caravan and need help either with this project or to look after our 3yo boy. We also need some help in the garden. We are seeking people with a genuine interest in simple living and for who the following resonates: "Be the change you want to see in the world.".
Type of help

Gardening
Building
Babysitting / child care
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Farmstay
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Language practice
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

You will live on our small farm, surrounding by animals and a beautiful nature.
You will learn lots about renovation, sustainable living and natural farming. If you too wish to live a more sustainable life and learn about resilience in a relaxed environment, you might find yourself at the right place with us.
Help

We are looking for like-minded helpers for a mobile bio/eco food farming project, that want to know more about sustainable agriculture or bring some experience. Now and depending on your skills or interest, the position either involves building and painting jobs for the caravan renovation or babysitting, cleaning and help with cooking. Some gardening and picking will also be needed since we have a veggie patch.
Languages spoken

English and French
Accommodation

You will live with us in the house, having your own bedroom with queen size bed and lots of books available about farming, cooking and healthy lifestyle. You will be part of our family in regards of sharing lunch which also involves sharing some of the daily chores (i.e. help with cooking, washing dishes, cleaning).
What else …

We are located in a amazing and peaceful place, very close to Hamelin Bay and the impressive Boranup Karri Forest, in the middle of picturesque vineyards and not far away from the Blackwood River. Of course, it's handy to have your own vehicle to explore and enjoy the surroundings of the Margaret River region on your free time. Plenty of activities are waiting for you like fishing, surfing, food, wine and beer tastings, kayaking, walking or biking on nature trails, cultural driving escapes, whale watching, swimming and snorkelling…

One final note: we enjoy hosting reliable and motivated people. Unfortunately, we've had several Workawayers say they're coming but then not arrive. Please be aware that if we arrange for you to come, our family will have made plans for your stay. So if you don't come, everyone misses an opportunity! Thanks for your understanding.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?

Two
Hours expected

Average 4 hours a day

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (13)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)

Cultural exchange:
(4.7)

Communication:
(4.7)

25/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Priscilla) for host

Mel, Phil, Louis and Bob – being with you was amazing! A caring family, loving and with a very generous heart. Arriving in Australia and having you as your hosts was critical. Mel helped me before, during and after my time in Karridale. Thank you so much! I felt part of the family! The work was simple, helping Mel, taking care of little Louis,… read more helping with meal preparation, cleaning and organizing the house, and helping with the garden. Mel's food is delicious! The leisure time was amazing. Phil and Mel made sure to take me to the surf spots I dreamed of meeting. Unforgettable moments, when you see dolphins in the estuary; touch giant stingrays and picnic the beach watching the sunset in Hamelin Bay; boating in Augusta; Knowing one of the best surf spots in the world on Margaret River was surreal, speechless. The farm environment was always peaceful and welcoming. I loved to walk in the woods with Louis and Bob and watch the stars at night. I hope soon Phil will finish the caravan renovation and have beautiful experiences across Australia. Maybe we meet somewhere … I would love to 😉 And if you go to Brazil, I await you in Florianópolis 🙂 Our friendship remains! With love, strong hug 🤗♥️

(Excellent )

19/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (kelly & Daisy)

Dear Kelly & Daisy,
thank you very much for your help on the farm, unfortunately too short.
It's great to see motivated, eager helpers as you were and we are sorry you couldn't find what you were looking for with us.
We wish you both happy travels and a memorable time in your journey around Australia.
Take care and see you soon,
From us all xx

(Excellent )

22/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (kelly & Daisy) for host

Thank you Phil, Mel, Jenny and Mario.
Our stay was short, but a great and memorable experience.
We hope to return and purchase some wine!

Thank you for teaching us organic and sustainable farming techniques in the short time we were there. Thank you for your generosity, especially in regards to the food and wine.

You have a wonderful family… read more and I would highly recommend this experience to everyone. Thanks for welcoming us into your home. We miss you guys… especially Bob and Kira (the dogs)!

See you soon hopefully and thanks again.

DAISY AND KELLY

(Excellent )

14/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessy & Samantha)

Dear Sammy, dear Jessy,

I'm finally able to find some time while my little tornado is asleep to write a review.

I only can tell that it's a true blessing to have had the opportunity to meet you both and have spent over a month seeing your joyful contagious smiles and easy-going personalities. You are an adorable couple, super keen to learn new… read more things, to do anything and always hard-working. You were amazing with Louis and you spoiled us so much with your so yummi dishes, such good cooks you are! Oh my God, and this brownie…. just a killing… I made it twice already! 😉 Surely I forget tones of other cool things worth mentioning but I will stop there and say to you a big THANK YOU!!! You did make a difference and we are forever grateful.
Much love from us and happy travels xx
Mel

(Excellent )

10/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jessy & Samantha) for host

Thankyou to Phil, Mel, Mario and Jenny for our stay. We spent 5 weeks at their farm doing a range of activities including fruit/veg picking, gardening, weeding, greenhouse assembly, grape picking and vineyard maintenance. Overall, we had a great experience at the farm and absolutely loved hanging out with Phil and Mel and Louis at their house.… read more They are a very generous and hospitable family and Mel is a wonderful cook! Also thank you to Jenny who cooked lunch for us every day – she sometimes had to cater for very big groups and did it very well!!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Very good )

31/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Simone & Mischa G.)

Thank you so much guys for your motivation and hard work during your stay with us. We really enjoyed meeting you and are missing our interesting and enthusiastic conversations. 🙂
All the best and hoping to see you one day again. Take care and lots of love from us all. xx

(Excellent )

27/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Simone & Mischa G.) for host

We worked at McLeod's Creek Wines for two and a half weeks – six days a week, from 8 to 12, on Tuesdays and Fridays two extra hours in the afternoon for picking vegetables and fruits for the market. Our daily tasks included harvesting vegetables and fruits, putting compost on the soil, planting seedlings, weeding, cutting off sick/dead leaves,… read more cutting leaves in the wine gardens, cooking lunch for everyone, doing the dishes, and babysitting Louis.
We liked the work in the garden, we learned a lot about the cycle and the growing of vegetables. Phil, Mario, Mel and Jenny would answer our questions with lots of experience and patience. Don't hesitate to ask them for instructions, when you are uncertain about what to do next.
The familiar atmosphere was nice to see, at lunch and at the many occasions having a glass of the farm's own wine, after a couple of hours of work. It was nice talking with each one of the family about gardening, cooking, the history and politics of Australia, and about plenty of new projects going on (worm-composting container, building up new greenhouses, repairing old caravans, …). The farm is set on a peaceful place, and with a bicycle or car the seaside is very close. We recommend to stay at the farm for at least two weeks.

(Excellent )

02/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Susan) for host

I really enjoyed my time with you Phil, Mel, Louis, Mario and Jenny. You have been generous in your hospitality and I have valued your conversations, teaching and the laughter. You have opened my mind and I have learned so much from my time with you. You have a lovely farm and home, thank you for sharing it with me.

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent )

17/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Madelaine )

We were so pleased to have met you and shared this lovely time with you. We did appreciated your laid back attitude, curiosity, motivation, your valuable daily help and kindness. Thank you so much Maddie!
We hope you are enjoying your time in Japan, with lots of snow and we hope to see you again.
Take care xx
Mel

(Excellent )

07/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Madelaine ) for host

Thank you so much Phil, Mel, Mario and Jenni! I had a really peaceful and healthy time at the farm. I couldnt have asked for any better then this. Easy going, generous and fun family! Hopefully I will come back soon 😉

(Excellent )

12/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Amelia) for host

A wonderful 3 weeks! If you're looking to head to the Margaret River area, and want to stay with a down-to-earth family in a beautiful corner of Australia then this is your spot! The work was varied and there was no shortage of it if you want to keep busy- from weeding or building to babysitting little Louis. Phil and Mel went out of their way to… read more show me some awesome local spots as well as getting me involved in every aspect of the family and farm. Jenny provided delicious lunches every day, which were, without fail, divine and Mel made a tonne of super healthy, tasty meals! Mario is a character i'll never forget and I truly feel grateful that I got to become a part of this family for the short time that I did. I learnt a lot of skills, from brewing to concrete mixing and welding as well as getting a pretty good insight into the hard work which keeps a family run organic veggie farm and vineyard. Thanks again, and I'm sure I'll see you guys again at some point in the future!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent )

03/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sergio ) for host

Hey, Phil!! I can't believe it took me so long to leave you this feedback! I'm so sorry about it!!
I had an amazing time staying at Phil's caravan last December, for a few weeks. I was lucky enough to have the whole place to myself, so I could fix my own breakfast in the morning, read a book or just chill and watch the stars at night. The caravan… read more is very cozy and the bed extremely comfy!!
The bit of work required is quite fair. General farm work. I had a great time working alongside with Phil and Mr. Mário (a lovely Italian gentleman, Phil's dad), who taught me about the challenges of growing vegetables and shared their life stories. They also shared with me the wine and the beer they produce, so very much appreciated!!
I suggest you have a car, then you're just a few minutes away from surfing spots, stunning beaches, and hidden caves.
Tha nature is graceful over there. Kangaroos everywhere… just beautiful!
Not forgetting the two adorable dogs, they bring even more life to the farm!
Thanks for everything, Phil! You're great!
Cheers, mate!

(Excellent )

30/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Miriam & forest) for host

We had a good time with Phil and his family!
We worked for 3 ours a day, could choose when to begin, that was nice, we did mainly pruning.
Everyday we got a delicious and healthy lunch cooked by Mel! And ate fresh farm eggs everyday!
We felt very welcomed in the farm.
Thank you for teaching us about farming and veggie maintenance!
All the… read more best to Phil and his family !
– Forest and Miri

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent )

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Help renovating a vintage caravan & gardening near Margaret River, Western Australia

Description

Type of help

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else …

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected