Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
19 Jul 2023
Feedback
49
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are restoring / upgrading / fixing-up a 1905 built houseboat in Nieuwegein/Utrecht for ourselves. As a workawayer you get to live (or camp, as we are still building facilities) on this houseboat! The spot is beautiful and very close to Utrecht which is a bustling Student city. This is a private - not for profit undertaking.
This is a new project, reviews below are from our previous project.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We will be working together and having meals together on workdays so plenty of time for exchange. Living on houseboats is a very specific part of the Dutch culture. We know a lot about this and will introduce you to it. At the moment there is an exhibition on this in Amsterdam where we'll happily take you. There is also a lot to learn about all the work that we are doing. If you like to improve your Dutch English or German I am happy to help. I understand French but I am not much good teaching that;-) Of course we will also help you find your way around!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
There is a lot to do: painting, carpentry, plumbing, cleaning, even a bit of gardening.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
Happy to share my knowledge of the languages I speak and also keen on practicing them. I'd love to learn some Spanish.
Accommodation
You get to live on the houseboat! (We are not living there yet, so it will be all yours, maybe together with a / some other Workawayers) This will be a bit like camping as we are still building. Electricity, water and toilet are available to start with. Hot water and a shower are on the priority list to get organised.
What else ...
There is plenty to do in and around Utrecht. We can provide bikes to get around.
We are looking for non-smokers and we do not want drugs and drunks around.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
If you want, your car or campervan can be parked (free) next to the houseboat. It is officially not allowed to sleep in it. That won't be necessary as you can sleep on the houseboat.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
2-3 days a week
Host ref number: 423177578889
Feedback (22)
16 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Radmir)
Radmir and Elena have been wonderful. They are friendly, reliable and entrepreneurial. They have been a great help and did not mind uncomfortable work. Radmir is clearly a good technical guy, both practically and theoretically. He is always looking for the best solution, has good ideas and is also practical in getting things done in an attainable… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Radmir) for host
Thank you very much to Ronne to his wife Bouke and the daughters Inge and Lieke for the warm welcome. We spent two weeks next to this wonderful family. We lived on a fishing boat which has everything you need (kitchen, toilet, bedroom, shower on the houseboat) and helped Ronne with insulation the house on the water. The work was not easy due to… read more
25 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jelmar)
Jelmar is a great guy! Very friendly, open, tidy and always happy to help. Here he has been prepping and painting the bottom of a sailing yacht and a large cabinet. He did both very well and with attention to detail. Perfect! Highly recommended. Thanks Jelmar!
(Excellent
)
22 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
This was my first workaway experience and what a a start...
Ron and he's family where great hosts and very welcoming..
The work was mainly on rons houseboat which was wood work and painting..
It was a very enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend to other workawayers...
Thanks Ron :)
Ron and he's family where great hosts and very welcoming..
The work was mainly on rons houseboat which was wood work and painting..
It was a very enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend to other workawayers...
Thanks Ron :)
Feedback
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:
(5.0)
16 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Radmir)
Radmir and Elena have been wonderful. They are friendly, reliable and entrepreneurial. They have been a great help and did not mind uncomfortable work. Radmir is clearly a good technical guy, both practically and theoretically. He is always looking for the best solution, has good ideas and is also practical in getting things done in an attainable… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Radmir) for host
Thank you very much to Ronne to his wife Bouke and the daughters Inge and Lieke for the warm welcome. We spent two weeks next to this wonderful family. We lived on a fishing boat which has everything you need (kitchen, toilet, bedroom, shower on the houseboat) and helped Ronne with insulation the house on the water. The work was not easy due to… read more
25 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jelmar)
Jelmar is a great guy! Very friendly, open, tidy and always happy to help. Here he has been prepping and painting the bottom of a sailing yacht and a large cabinet. He did both very well and with attention to detail. Perfect! Highly recommended. Thanks Jelmar!
(Excellent
)
22 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
This was my first workaway experience and what a a start...
Ron and he's family where great hosts and very welcoming..
The work was mainly on rons houseboat which was wood work and painting..
It was a very enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend to other workawayers...
Thanks Ron :)
Ron and he's family where great hosts and very welcoming..
The work was mainly on rons houseboat which was wood work and painting..
It was a very enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend to other workawayers...
Thanks Ron :)
29 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hazel) for host
A huge thank you to Ronne, Bouke, Inge, and Lieke. We felt so at home with this wonderful family.
We had so much fun for the 2 weeks that we stayed on the sailboat. We loved the challenging work on their rental houseboat outside of Amsterdam and had many good days with Ronne talking about the state of the world and learning about Amsterdam on our… read more
We had so much fun for the 2 weeks that we stayed on the sailboat. We loved the challenging work on their rental houseboat outside of Amsterdam and had many good days with Ronne talking about the state of the world and learning about Amsterdam on our… read more
23 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucie & Wayde)
We had a great time with Lucie and Wayde. They laid a hardwood floor, demolished a bathroom and made a good start building a kitchen. Lucie and Wayde are great to have around, friendly, responsible, good company and great help. They are self-starting, handy and make their days count. Waydes experience as a carpenter is a great asset of course!… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lucie & Wayde) for host
Wayde and I spent 3 great weeks with Ron and his beautiful family working on the huge house boat! We enjoyed every minute of it. Ron is very kind and a great host when it comes to living in a new area for the first time. We felt extremly taken care of. We have definatly caught the 'life on a house boat' bug. We are so greatful to now add this to… read more
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Cassie & Damon) for host
What a wonderful few months we got to spend with Ronne and family. The accommodation is really unique, very comfortable and private. You have everything you need. He even had the perfect bikes for us, so we were mobile from day one, which is important to us. The work was very interesting, at times challenging, but never hard. Ronne makes sure you… read more
26 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassie & Damon)
Cassie and Damon have been excellent! They are a great aussie couple; friendly, thoughtful, responsible, and great to have around in general. It was a pleasure to have them around for a couple of months. Work wise Damon has experience in many trades and Cassie is handy too, picking up any task quickly and working meticulously. If you get the… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pilvi) for host
One of my most impressive memories on my way traveling around Europe. It was super interesting to get to see the project and get to help with renovating this big houseboat. The boat is going to be a beautiful home one day. Also, I think, it was Ones in a lifetime-thing to get to live in a sailing boat almost in the heart of Amsterdam. Thank you so… read more
7 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Pilvi)
Pilvi has been a great guest. She is very friendly and responsible. She has done great high gloss paint and varnishing work. The renovating she did on our vintage chairs was really amazing. She did the upholstery fast and to a high processional standard. Great! Thank you very much Pilvi!
(Excellent
)
18 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hannes) for host
This was a superb experience and perfect introduction in this business! The family is a wonderful alive and kicking bunch, full of ideas and energy. Never shy to get in touch, always interested in life and new people like you and an insider's tip up their sleeve. The construction work happened mostly with Ron's support, who was eager to choose a… read more
7 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannes)
Hannes has been a great guest; Very friendly and responsible. He has also done a good job on high gloss lacquering a ceiling and building plywood furniture. Thank you very much Hannes!
(Excellent
)
16 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (limaver165)
Bryan and Mariel are amazing! They are great people, friendly, responsible and good fun! Whatever the task, they got it done; fixing a heater and an engine; building a cabinet, doing electrics and lighting. Bryan and Mariel get it done in a self starting and proactive way. Fantastic!
(Excellent
)
2 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Harriet) for host
What a fabulous introduction to Workaway- and to Amsterdam! Ron and Bauke are in a very central part of Amsterdam, friendly and safe area. The family were very welcoming and lovely to be around! Ron is trusting, and encouraging of any potential; I was encouraged to learn new things and to take responsibility for projects, to take initiative. The… read more
17 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Harriet)
Harriet is absolutely fabulous! Read her profile and if you think, can that all be true? Yes it can, and is! Friendly, considerate, eloquent, handy, creative, smart, understated.. you get the picture. If you get the chance to host Harriet, don't miss out on it! Thanks Harriet for the wonderful time and your great help! We're all looking forward to… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host
In volunteering at this Workaway opportunity my goal was to continue building upon working experience aboard seafaring vessels and existing skills as an interior craftsman. The one month I had initially planned to live with Ronne and his family before continuing on to my next placement very easily turned into three, and I couldn’t have made a… read more
17 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)
Benjamin has Workawaying down to an art; you couldn't wish for a more friendly, reliable, motivated, responsible, helpful and so on and so on guest. Ben has been a great help in carpentry, paintwork and whatever work popped us. We all had a great time with Ben. Highly recommended! Thanks again Ben!
(Excellent
)
21 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Katrina)
Michael and Katrina have been great guests and good helpers! Painting, electrics, carpentry; all well done. Thanks guys! and sorry for the late review.
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michelle & Martin) for host
What an amazing unique opportunity to explore Amsterdam and learn all about boat building from a boat builder. Working on a canal boat has been our dream for many years and because of Ronne we got to finally make the dream come true! Ronne and his family were very welcoming and we just loved staying on the boat even though we weren’t sure if we… read more
10 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Michelle & Martin)
Michelle and Martin are lovely people. Very friendly, cheerful and kind. Always good for a positive twist, a laugh or a new idea. Great people to have around! They have been a big help in our building project and took very good care of the boat they stayed in. Highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jonny) for host
Very cool project, and very nice people to work with and get to know! Coffee breaks and Soccer with the family was awesome! Thanks Ron and Bauka for encouraging me to ride south on a scooter. I’m in Barcelona now and my scooter with NL plates is parked outside!!!! :muscle::motor_scooter::thumbsup:
18 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonny)
Jonny is a great guy. He is very friendly and open and a good guest to have around. He has been painting for us and did a great job on it. Definitely professional quality. Highly recommended. Thanks Jonny!
(Excellent
)
6 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Andreas & Sophie)
Andreas has been a great help. He has done all kind of jobs like AutoCad drawing, painting and carpentry. He is a good guy to have around, friendly, considerate and always there to lend a hand when needed. Thanks Andreas!
(Excellent
)
2 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Andreas & Sophie) for host
Stayed almost a month here. I managed to get a place to live quite quick, othwerwise I would of happily stayed longer!
Ronne is a great host that gives you lots of freedom, advice and always a good chat. The work on the boat is really cool and its becomming to look really nice. Definitelty comming back in a month or so to drink a coffee and to… read more
Ronne is a great host that gives you lots of freedom, advice and always a good chat. The work on the boat is really cool and its becomming to look really nice. Definitelty comming back in a month or so to drink a coffee and to… read more
14 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Mitchell )
Mitch has been a great guest and a great help! Good company and able and responsible as an electrician, painter, carpenter, you name it.. Not bad with bbq's either. If you get a chance to host this guy, don't forego it!
(Excellent
)
2 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ivy )
Ivy & Justin have been helping us with carpentry work on our houseboat for 4 weeks. We've had a great time with them; They took care of some quite difficult work, have been good company and left us with a bike more than we started with! Simply Excellent!
(Excellent
)
8 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Andy)
Andy is Amazing! Its obvious that he is an educated engineer with lots of practical experience; he can both think out how to construct things and build them. He needs no guidance; he'll ask when he needs input. The result is work of the highest quality; just great!
Andy is also a great guest to have around; friendly, respectful, widely… read more
Andy is also a great guest to have around; friendly, respectful, widely… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Josiah)
Thanks for your good help Joe. Sorry you had to leave. Hope all is well.
(Excellent
)
19 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Josiah) for host
Ron and his family were so kind, generous and welcoming of me. I felt so privileged to be able to stay with them and help out with Ron's very cool project. Such as easy going and fun family. Sadly I was only able to stay for one week for personal reasons but would definitely recommend this workaway. Thanks again Ron!
10 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike)
Mike has been staying with us for about three months; we all enjoyed his company a lot! Mike is a good at carpentry and has been a great help with various carpentry jobs on our project where we are changing a former freighter into a houseboat. His help is being missed!
Mike is a great guy; He is easygoing but responsible and good to have… read more
Mike is a great guy; He is easygoing but responsible and good to have… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Mike) for host
I stayed with Ronne, Bouke, Lieke, and Inge for three months in their sailboat Bo, and partly in their freighter turned houseboat while they were in Scotland for a month. The whole experience was really enjoyable. They are such a lovely and welcoming family, I really felt at home with them. If it wasn’t for the impending winter I probably would… read more
22 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
Matt has stayed with us working on our houseboat for about a month. He has been a good help in different types of carpentry work. He is also a good guest to have around; nice, friendly, neat, dependable. Only good things to say...
Thanks Matt!!
Thanks Matt!!
(Excellent
)
12 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host
I stayed with Ron for about a month and I cannot say enough good things about it! Ron and his family were some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting, they opened up their home and really made me feel welcome (not to mention helped me learn a bit of Dutch!!). They were very flexible about travel and gave plenty of chances and… read more
4 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Peter & Leah) for host
We stayed with Ronne, Bouke, Lieke and Inge for 5 weeks.
We couldn't have asked for a better experience in the Netherlands!
The work balance was very fair giving us a good opportunity to thoroughly explore Amsterdam.
The houseboat is in a perfect location and the sailboat is great accommodation!
The work was interesting and making progress… read more
We couldn't have asked for a better experience in the Netherlands!
The work balance was very fair giving us a good opportunity to thoroughly explore Amsterdam.
The houseboat is in a perfect location and the sailboat is great accommodation!
The work was interesting and making progress… read more
30 Jun 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter & Leah)
Peter and Leah are great! They have stayed with us for five weeks in which they have done mainly metal work (cutting, grinding, welding of mild and stainless steel) and some woodwork on the barge that we are converting to a houseboat. They worked quickly, delivering good quality while being careful as well. They only need half a word to… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Alexander) for host
The month i could spend with Ron and his family was so great.
Living on a yacht was a expereince for a lifetime as working with Ron and Sandra.
I am so thankful to had this opportunity.
It was great to learn how to work with powertools and that Ron gave us the chance to contribute to his project.
The location was very impressive and opened new… read more
Living on a yacht was a expereince for a lifetime as working with Ron and Sandra.
I am so thankful to had this opportunity.
It was great to learn how to work with powertools and that Ron gave us the chance to contribute to his project.
The location was very impressive and opened new… read more
1 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander)
Alex has been a good help working on our houseboat. We had dirty work to do (which is now done, thank you Alex!) but that was not a problem for Alex. Alex did not have a lot of experience with power tools, but he tried them all, and still has all his fingers. Alex also proved to be a creative film maker. I hope to be able to provide a link to some… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sandra) for host
Ronne and his family have been great hosts. I stayed with them for two months, helping to build their houseboat, working with different (power) tools and what I loved about it is that you can work independently and figure out together how is the best way to do something - you really can contribute to the project in every way. It has been great fun… read more
1 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra)
Sandra has been a great help working on our houseboat. She is handy, accurate, hard working, trustworthy and good company. Sandra seems to never run out of energy. She has been working with power tools, manual tools and brushes, all with the same ease. The dirty work we had to do (and which is now finished, thank you Sandra!!) was never a problem.… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Scott) for host
Awesome family! Living in a sailboat! Learning about boats and experiencing Dutch culture?
I'm so thankful for everything, Ron!
I'm so thankful for everything, Ron!
2 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Scott)
It has been a great pleasure having Scott around for about a month. He is smart, strong and sociable. He was a great help working in the conversion of our river barge to a houseboat and very good company in general. We had interesting discussions and good laughs and at the lunch table. Scott took good care of our sailing boat in which he has been… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Henri & Rachel) for host
We could not have asked for a better workaway experience. Ronne, Bouke, Lieke and Inge are such a generous, warm and hospitable family and we were truly sad to leave.
The work we did with Ronne was fun and he genuinely appreciated all that we did. When not working on the boat we could cycle to the centre of Amsterdam where there is so much to… read more
The work we did with Ronne was fun and he genuinely appreciated all that we did. When not working on the boat we could cycle to the centre of Amsterdam where there is so much to… read more
31 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Henri & Rachel)
Henri & Rachel are a great couple. They are smart, cheerful and polite. They have been working very hard helping us prepare and paint the decks of our houseboat, taking maximum advantage of a week of dry weather. Luckily they will be in Amsterdam for a while doing internships so we’ll get to enjoy their company some more.
(Excellent
)
13 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Kipras) for host
It was truly wonderful experience to help Ron finishing the houseboat for his lovely family and to see the most beautiful Amsterdam. After some harder days their charming girls would come back from school and always remind you that life is beautiful no matter what. Prepare for economical and political discussions during the dutchy lunch!
I hope… read more
I hope… read more
6 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Kipras)
Kipras stayed with us for about a month and did all kinds of work including some dirty cleaning work (without complaining!) and woodwork. He is a friendly and nice person. Thank you Kipras and wish you good Skiing! Ron
(Very good
)
6 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (KatrinNomad)
We very much enjoyed Katrins company and help during the two moths she stayed wit us. Katrin is responsible, self-starting and accurate. She has done all kinds of jobs here, a.o. painting and woodworking. As a guest she is self reliant and good company. Thank you Katrin and hope to see you later! Ron
(Excellent
)
18 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (KatrinNomad) for host
I spent two wonderful months working with Ron and meeting his lovely family. The work was interesting, very diverse and seemingly endless. I especially liked that I was expected and allowed to work independently. Thank you also for the many interesting discussions during coffee and lunch break, they definitively widened my horizon. I hope to be… read more
31 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
We had a good time with David. He is good and experienced in construction and good company as well. Thank you David!
(Excellent
)
