D’Annies Rural Arid Farm is situated in a unique part of South Australia, north of the Goyder’s Line. Once you reach Goyder’s Line (running East-West across South Australia) the land is considered unsuitable for cropping due to the low rainfall and predominant saltbush scrub.
Purchased 2 years ago as a refuge to the pandemic, the 77 acre property is currently being developed by Ann (yoga and massage therapist and herbalist) and her friend Danny.
Starting from scratch they ‘sat’ and listened to the land for 12 months, made their plans, changed them and just got to it and made a start on things slowly adding trees and structures.
The completely off-grid property currently has 2 dwellings; Danny in a tiny cabin and Ann in her earth bag haven. Earth bagging is the building of choice in this climate. Currently there is a new earth bag building going up – a pantry/ communal kitchen and shelter for visitors, herbal teaching space that will be completed with bottle windows and soft rendered walls. A living pond is also being added to the property – making use of the big hole in the ground from digging earth for the building bags. This is being surrounded by trees and will eventually be home to some fish, adding to their large aquaponic and vegetable gardens.
Living in such an arid area (the average rainfall is 140mm pa this year they have managed to have 20mm to May) water is a prime focus. Rain tanks and IBCs dot the landscape and anything that can collect rain or condensation has a gutter – including the solar panels. Currently they rely on carting water in from the nearby town for living and garden watering. This may seem like a hard place to live but Ann finds it extremely rewarding and nothing can replace those big skies.
Accommodation for WWOOFers is currently in caravans on site. Food is provided so that you can self cater.
Earth Bagging workshop is due to be held during the year, please contact D’Annies for further details.
