JUNE 2025

Hillsley is an historic cattle farming enterprise situated some 55 kilometres south of Adelaide, on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula adjacent to the renowned McLaren Vale wine region.

We’re seeking an active individual or couple who love rural life, enjoy farming, and value being part of a family-run agricultural operation - while also maintaining their own independence and lifestyle.

The property features two separate residences: one for us, and one for you.

This caretaker role can be tailored to suit your needs. It may be a simple “house for hours” arrangement, or - if you're seeking more involvement, there is flexibility to expand the scope of responsibilities.

At its core, the position includes general caretaking duties such as property maintenance, security, gardening, and light stock work, primarily involving stock rotation and feed-out during autumn.

Our current caretakers have been with us for nearly 12 years and speak fondly of the lifestyle - active, engaging, and community-connected. They’re now moving on to their next chapter, and we’re looking for the right person to step into their boots.

Hillsley operates in conjunction with Sturt Vale Station near Burra, with a focus on growing out young steers and heifers to circa 450kg then selling. This helps manage stocking pressure up north while making the most of southern pastures. New cattle yards are under construction, alongside an ongoing program of fencing and property improvements.

The main homestead sits within an established and evolving garden, requiring regular lawn mowing, pruning, and upkeep. You’ll have access to a side-by-side Kubota, plus the usual array of machinery - tractor, excavator and ride-on mower - to make the work as smooth as possible.

As with any farm, unexpected jobs will always arise - but that’s part of the charm.

Ideally, you’ll have solid cattle knowledge and an appreciation for regenerative farming principles, which we’ve been applying here over the past five years.

If you’re hands-on, self-motivated, and comfortable operating machinery, Hillsley offers a stunning rural setting and a rewarding lifestyle.

The caretaker home is a well-maintained, solid-brick three-bedroom residence with polished floorboards, a slow-combustion stove, wide verandas, a carport, garage, and a private fenced garden.

Trust is central to how we work. We’re looking for someone honest, loyal, and personable - someone who respects the balance of privacy and community that this arrangement requires.

This opportunity is flexible and can be shaped to suit the right applicant. Living on-site is essential. A genuine love of rural life is non-negotiable. Workload and responsibilities can be discussed and agreed upon to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement, but most importantly it’s about compatibility in approach and understanding.

To apply, feel free to contact Damien on 0412 000 497 for a confidential discussion before submitting your resume or application of interest.
Email: admin@brownfamilyoffice.com.au

Start date: Ideally within the next three months, but we’re happy to negotiate timing to suit the right applicant.