Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 Apr 2024
Reply rate
96.4 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
41
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
In 2019, I came across a magnificent Protected heritage building of 100y old that has been empty and abandoned Since 30y. I was immediately in love and quit my job to renovate it and restore it back to its grandeur of a century ago. It was built to be a cafe, restaurant, performance art center, hotel - which I want to bring back expanded with workcenters for pottery, weaving, woodcraft, and breadovens. The atmosphere should breathe health, inclusion, music, crafts, and the center should be helping people in need and be accessible for people without money as well.
Many people share this dream with me, and want to help bring this building back to life volunteering for renovation or supporting the events created to start a community linked to this project.
We organised many events already: live concerts, a nostalgic fancy fair, World War 2 re-enactment, several music festivals,…
We would also love YOU to join our team!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Many aspects of the renovation of protected heritage come into play here - many skills can be learned and practiced. We will prepare the building first, and turn it into a community center vibrant of music, nature, health and care for others - far away from the hastiness of profit focussed society.
So also mental growth though introspection and altruïsme are part of the journey.
Help
All help is welcome: cleaning up the building or the garden, sanding, repairing, wood construction, plumming, painting, but also research on the internet for materials, supporting fund raising events,...
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
all accomodation in place - except for heating (great open fire place though).
We even have a piano and a chill room for the workawayers with games and table tennis.
What else ...
The area is very green and great for hiking, biking, sailing, etc. Belgium is centrally located and a good stop over during travel though Europe.
We prepared a complete floor to host up to 12 workawayers. Most of the time there are 6-8 there at the same time having a good time together, also during free time. The atmosphere is fantastic, be assured you will have a fun learning experience on top of adding value to the World!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good wifi all over the place
Space for parking camper vans
Any size fits: the terrain is big
Can possibly accept pets
Any non biting animal is welcome to stay
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5hrs a day, 5 days a week (standard recipe I discovered)
Host ref number: 639746133744
Feedback (34)
28 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (YUIKA) for host
This is my first workaway. At first I was very nervous,but the host family and teams were so kind. I think stay there is one of the best choice in my life. I hope to come back again.
4 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Riccardo) for host
My experience at the hotel casino was incredible. The place is truly magical, even though it was cold during the winter, Lawrence never left us without anything. I had the opportunity to learn a lot of jobs and hone many others. I loved the fact of living together with other Workawayers (at times there were even more than 10 of us) and this, I… read more
1 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Ro) for host
This has been a great workaway experience. Lawrence makes sure to give every newcomer a tour of the whole place and all the ongoing, past and future projects and honestly his passion for this project is contagious. During my stay, we did a lot of sanding and painting and Lawrence also taught us how to cut glass and replace broken windows. I really… read more
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
28 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (YUIKA) for host
This is my first workaway. At first I was very nervous,but the host family and teams were so kind. I think stay there is one of the best choice in my life. I hope to come back again.
4 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Riccardo) for host
My experience at the hotel casino was incredible. The place is truly magical, even though it was cold during the winter, Lawrence never left us without anything. I had the opportunity to learn a lot of jobs and hone many others. I loved the fact of living together with other Workawayers (at times there were even more than 10 of us) and this, I… read more
1 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Ro) for host
This has been a great workaway experience. Lawrence makes sure to give every newcomer a tour of the whole place and all the ongoing, past and future projects and honestly his passion for this project is contagious. During my stay, we did a lot of sanding and painting and Lawrence also taught us how to cut glass and replace broken windows. I really… read more
4 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Johannes) for host
A great host and agreat place. Work was fun and diverse as well as the people. The only two things that I see critical ist the lack of guidance for new workawayers and the missing heating.
26 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
I had the pleasure to host Maria during the month of September. She was a great help and fitted well in the group. She was helpful, not afraid to do more heavy or dirty work. She helped with cleaning, sanding, painting and plastering and created a wooden board with a nice slogan on it. Recommend volunteer!
(Excellent
)
4 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maren) for host
I had an amazing time at the casino. I stayed for two weeks and met so many nice people. We were between 4 to 10 volunteers. Lawrence is super nice, and always makes sure everyone is feeling good.
We usually cooked for ourselves, but there was always enough food in the kitchen. During the two weeks I plastered, sanded and painted the wall. I also… read more
We usually cooked for ourselves, but there was always enough food in the kitchen. During the two weeks I plastered, sanded and painted the wall. I also… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Helena) for host
The two weeks I spent in Mol were awesome, and I couldn't be happier with the experience, Lawrence and the team of workawayers I met there.
Me and my boyfriend joined the team for 2 weeks, and we were welcomed by a group of other workawayers from all parts of the world who were already there. The vibe is good, you can make friends and socialize… read more
Me and my boyfriend joined the team for 2 weeks, and we were welcomed by a group of other workawayers from all parts of the world who were already there. The vibe is good, you can make friends and socialize… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Victor Hugo) for host
This place and Mol are forever in my heart.
Lawrence is a legend. Knows how to handle big projects and have experience with it. Easily reachable, can guide you through the work that its being made and have o lot of fun with it.
While working, I was doing sanding majority of my time. The stage needed proper sanding before the painting process.… read more
Lawrence is a legend. Knows how to handle big projects and have experience with it. Easily reachable, can guide you through the work that its being made and have o lot of fun with it.
While working, I was doing sanding majority of my time. The stage needed proper sanding before the painting process.… read more
1 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Dorien)
What an amazing person she is! Cheerful, energetic, eager to learn, great communicator, hard worker, just fun to be with.
She was part of the volunteering family from day one - do not hesitate to pull her in!
She was part of the volunteering family from day one - do not hesitate to pull her in!
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (M.E. (Emily)) for host
If you are considering traveling here, you are due to have a lovely time. I befriended people from all around the world at the Casino. Lawrence provided ample food and tools to us Workawayers, encouraging us to be creative, experimental, and self-reliant. To me, he assigned carpentry and woodworking projects after I expressed my wish to pursue… read more
20 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Brian) for host
It was an amazingly warm and welcoming place. I only stayed a week but I enjoyed my time so much and wish I was able to stay longer! It truly is such a community vibe there, and Lawrence is so approachable and trusting of his volunteers, which really allowed us to feel independent and capable when completing our work. I can’t wait to see the… read more
12 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Xiaomei)
Kathy was a gift from heaven: always cheerful. fast learner, great cook, super team player, respectful to everyone, very good work ethics and just fun to be with. In four weeks time she felt like a friend for life! I would recommend this workawayer to any host in the world 😃
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Xiaomei) for host
I had an absolutely amazing one-month staying here with our lovely workaway family! 🥰 Lawrence is such an amazing person I feel very blessed to meet and learn from! He's so kind, genuine, wise, open-minded, inspiring, funny... I can keep writing lots and lots more. Even after one month I'm still shocked 😆 how every day he has such positive active… read more
2 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gabriele) for host
I've stayed for a month at the casino and absolutely loved the experience. It's a huge and sometimes messy (but really fun) construction site with countless possibilities to learn and develop new skills. I've sanded, plastered, banged stuff with a big hammer, built scaffolding and countless other things. I even had the opportunity to drive the… read more
7 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Aisling & Moniek) for host
I (Aisling) stayed in the casino for a total of 8 weeks, 2 weeks at the start of March and at the start of May onwards and Moniek joined for 3 weeks also. We both only have great things to say about this great place and the even greater host!
Even though the building is being renovated, Lawrence has managed to make it so that if feels very… read more
Even though the building is being renovated, Lawrence has managed to make it so that if feels very… read more
3 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (JOAN) for host
Lawrence is a great person with immense generosity. In the casino nothing is missing, plenty of food at all times and all kinds of tools to develop the work.
I have spent five weeks here and it has gone by very quickly, I have met great people and made good friends. It is true that it is cold in the building, but it is not a problem as there is a… read more
I have spent five weeks here and it has gone by very quickly, I have met great people and made good friends. It is true that it is cold in the building, but it is not a problem as there is a… read more
25 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Patricia) for host
Thank you Lawrence that I got to be part of this wonderful project and your family of workawayers! Besides all the possibilities to learn (renovating a ceiling, cooking for a big group of people, driving a truck,.. ) I particularly enjoyed how much trust you always place in us workawayers.
I will miss the casino itself almost as much as the nights… read more
I will miss the casino itself almost as much as the nights… read more
20 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Patricia)
Patricia has been such a great addition yo our team!
Very good work ethics, full of joy and energy, always happy to help. She enjoyed heavy lifting, driving a truck, sanding plastering and painting, did a fabulous job in renovating a ceiling in our heritage project.
Fun person to be with, great team player, and a good cook!
I strongly recommend… read more
Very good work ethics, full of joy and energy, always happy to help. She enjoyed heavy lifting, driving a truck, sanding plastering and painting, did a fabulous job in renovating a ceiling in our heritage project.
Fun person to be with, great team player, and a good cook!
I strongly recommend… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Thea) for host
I stayed two weeks in early April and wished it had been longer. It was an awesome experience, with the casino being a beautiful place and an amazing project! I learned about lime plastering, wood restoration, and renovation in general and I really appreciated how much freedom Lawrence gave us workawayers in chosing what area of the work we are… read more
10 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kurt) for host
Unfortunatly I didn't have much time to help with this amazing project but I really enjoyed the short time I was there. It is inspiring to see the passion Lawrence has for the project and even I was there only 5 days I still managed to learn something about plastering and sanding wood. I hope to return in a later stage.
10 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan)
after 15 months of working with Workaway, and having hosted nearly hundred volunteers, I felt connected with most of them, but a few people I will remember for the rest of my life. Dylan is one of those people. When he first started at the project, I immediately noticed he is kind, joyful, intelligent, creative, a real people person, and fun to be… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dylan) for host
Where do I even start. Wow!
This was my first workaway and it absolutely exceeded my expectations!
Firstly, Lawrence: is an incredible man! He really goes over & above to make everyone feel comfortable, welcomed & at home. Often times even doing little things that were never expected of him to bring up everyone's day. He is however very busy with… read more
This was my first workaway and it absolutely exceeded my expectations!
Firstly, Lawrence: is an incredible man! He really goes over & above to make everyone feel comfortable, welcomed & at home. Often times even doing little things that were never expected of him to bring up everyone's day. He is however very busy with… read more
30 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
The casino is truly one of the most special places I've stayed at in my life. It can be a bit of a shock when you first walk in- it's actively under construction and is very cold and drafty in the winter months- but the people there make it feel like home right away. I stayed for about 6 weeks and got to learn how to do some plastering and work on… read more
16 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Benedicte & Kathrine) for host
I really enjoyed my stay at Lawrence's place and would definitely recommend it to others!
It was my first experience with workaway and I felt very welcome and safe there! Lawrence is so welcoming and he treats the volunteers very well, the kitchen is always full of good food, and there are many different types of projekts to work with. You don't… read more
It was my first experience with workaway and I felt very welcome and safe there! Lawrence is so welcoming and he treats the volunteers very well, the kitchen is always full of good food, and there are many different types of projekts to work with. You don't… read more
14 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Geert) for host
I've spent about 6 weeks in this beautiful building at the ending of 2022. It's amaezing that this place is so close to my hometown.
Lawrence is a great guy. Very passionate, energetic and always positive!
He is incredibly generous with all he provides for the volunteers. I really enjoyed the pingpong table, the beamer to watch movies, all the… read more
Lawrence is a great guy. Very passionate, energetic and always positive!
He is incredibly generous with all he provides for the volunteers. I really enjoyed the pingpong table, the beamer to watch movies, all the… read more
12 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (AnneliesC)
Annelies stayed with us for 2 weeks in January. She was a great team member taking responsibility, participation in the household, and helped to think how to organize the work. Always available and offering to help. She left a nice mural on a wall representing the Casino with all the workawayers, which was really cool. She did a lot of sanding… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (AnneliesC) for host
Thanks guys for everything!
Yes it is VERY cold in winter all day long and yes it is VERY dusty the whole time (so be aware), but the people make up for it. You get to co-create and be a part of a small temporarily community, help out renovating a building that will serve eventually as a non-profit cultural centre and visit nearby places like… read more
Yes it is VERY cold in winter all day long and yes it is VERY dusty the whole time (so be aware), but the people make up for it. You get to co-create and be a part of a small temporarily community, help out renovating a building that will serve eventually as a non-profit cultural centre and visit nearby places like… read more
7 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Cylia & Nelly) for host
This experience was amazing !!!!
Lawrence is passionate about this manor and you can feel and see that. You can learn a lot in this place, cutting glass, plastering, cutting wood, sanding…. The good point is you never feel bored because you can do a new thing everyday. Lawrence is very generous and the food is not an exception!
It’s not possible… read more
Lawrence is passionate about this manor and you can feel and see that. You can learn a lot in this place, cutting glass, plastering, cutting wood, sanding…. The good point is you never feel bored because you can do a new thing everyday. Lawrence is very generous and the food is not an exception!
It’s not possible… read more
6 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)
Alessandro has been a really great addition to our team. He is smart, has a very broad knowledge and experience that is helpful in many circumstances, is self motivating, entrepreneurial, curious, a good cook, open for input from others, and just fun to be with. He felt like a friend to me from the beginning we met. I would highly recommend any… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alessandro) for host
The time spent here has probably been the best period of the year for me, despite being a particularly chill project (pun intended).
I absoulutely loved the place from the very first moment and I got along marvellously with all the volunteers and Lawrence. The best thing was to be in a big group, with people from all around the world (if half the… read more
I absoulutely loved the place from the very first moment and I got along marvellously with all the volunteers and Lawrence. The best thing was to be in a big group, with people from all around the world (if half the… read more
27 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Katherine & William) for host
We had a wonderful time at this place! Lawrence is dedicated and passionate about restoring a piece of history. He believes in the workawayers that stay at the place, allowing them a great deal of autonomy in the work they are doing. While there we had 6-8 other workawayers at the location, each provided a room. They quickly became like family to… read more
10 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lilla) for host
Dear future volunteers, everything the workawayers have already written is true :) I know this because I lived and worked with Felipe, Philip, Xiaomei, Quentin, Vanessa, Liv, Nicola and many other young people. I also planned to stay for a few weeks at first, because I didn't really have experience in this kind of work, but after 3 weeks I had my… read more
30 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Felipe) for host
What Lawrance wants to do with this place is amazing. It is something that he will forever remembered, so if you want to make part of this beautiful history you are welcome here. Lawrance is always eager to learn from you which is fantastic.
The place is great to learn, to teach, to make connections if you are really interest. You have a large… read more
The place is great to learn, to teach, to make connections if you are really interest. You have a large… read more
20 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Philip) for host
Lawrence was my 63rd host. I volunteered for 5 weeks in August 2022. He has adopted a 100-year-old community centre that will eventually become a hotel and event venue, on the condition that it is restored to its original state. Do not be deceived by the profile pictures, this is a real building site littered with scaffolding, crumbling ceilings,… read more
9 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nicola) for host
This it was my firts workaway and... It was amazing.
Lawrence is a very nice person, always ready to help, have fun, share he's knowledge....
Tha building is huge and beautiful. There is a lot of work to do but this is also good because you can learn a lot of new different skill.
I think that the most beautiful, think is the community that we… read more
Lawrence is a very nice person, always ready to help, have fun, share he's knowledge....
Tha building is huge and beautiful. There is a lot of work to do but this is also good because you can learn a lot of new different skill.
I think that the most beautiful, think is the community that we… read more
1 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Quentin) for host
English below
Ce premier workaway, dans le cadre de mes études d'ingénieur, a été une véritable expérience sociale.
J'étais venu pour valider mon diplôme, je suis reparti avec des amis, des souvenirs incroyables et l'envie de revenir le plus vite possible !
Lawrence est une personne véritablement à part. Sa bonne humeur et son énergie gagne… read more
Ce premier workaway, dans le cadre de mes études d'ingénieur, a été une véritable expérience sociale.
J'étais venu pour valider mon diplôme, je suis reparti avec des amis, des souvenirs incroyables et l'envie de revenir le plus vite possible !
Lawrence est une personne véritablement à part. Sa bonne humeur et son énergie gagne… read more
27 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Vanessa) for host
This was my first Workaway and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Lawrence is the nicest and most helpful person on the face of the earth, his passion for his project is infectious, to the point that it is always difficult to leave the building. I found a perfect balance between shared and private space, each guest has their own room and… read more
20 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Liv) for host
My stay here was amazing. The freedom to work when we wanted, learn the new skills that interested us, and all while being surrounded by amazing people was more than I could have hoped for. Lawrence is an amazing host: providing you with practically anything you need or want and always available to help and make you feel comfortable. I arrived… read more
31 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Geof) for host
Lawrence has a terrific project going here with so much work to be done. He is full of enthusiasm and a can do spirit. It was great to spend time with the other workawayers from different countries who were prepared to work hard and learn new skills. Lawrence provides plenty of food and the volunteers prepare their own meals. I had a fun birthday… read more
23 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Kei) for host
I stayed here for four weeks. My experience there has been wonderful and valuable for me. The unique feature of the workaway here is that you can live with other workawayers from different countries. We can have meals together, watch movies, and even go on little trips on the weekends.
Work is fun every day and doesn't worry if you don't have any… read more
Work is fun every day and doesn't worry if you don't have any… read more
28 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Iván) for host
I had a great time here! I've been one and a half week, but I would have liked to stay longer. The place is wonderful! the building is beautiful, it's really interesting to think how it was used back in the days, and the improvement one can work in to bring it back to life. The area is a really nice too, a few tipical Belgium towns around, the… read more
