Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
22 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
52
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
During summer between june and september we are building the second part of our straw bale house. This summer we want to cover the outside walls with a wooden skeleton and strawbales. We put also a new roof on top. There is a lot work to do, building, cooking, cleaning, work in the garden.Experience is not really necessary, but we appreciate it if you have some experience in working outside ,a good pair of hands and a willing mind.
We are a Belgian family of 6, our kids are 25, 23, 18 and 17 years, living on the countryside. We bought our house after returning from almost 4 years of living in South-Africa , where we volunteered for a Belgian NGO. Our family is growing so we need to expand a bit. We chose the most ecological and budget-friendly option.
We want to exchange our culture and experiences with new people from all around the world. We had a wonderful time with workawayers in the last past years.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
After a good day of work, have some wine or a beer, and discuss life and the world. We traveled a lot ourselves, the best moments were the moments we stayed with families and close to local people. It broadened our view on the world.
This is an opportunity for travelers that are interested in building with straw and clay first hand! Manual building techniques, some gardening. We take turns cooking, so we can experience dishes from all around the world :) You are welcome in our family, and we can exchange a lot.
Help
We are renovating the house from 1964 with strawbale - wood skeleton.
2023: finishing installation of the kitchen, finishing the chicken area, installing new watering system, installing a filtering installation with natural elements. Working in the vegetable garden.
2024: we make a new roof over the old house, so we have one house with the new building with wood and straw. We make a wooden skeleton, in between we put straw bales. We cover the walls with traskalk.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Italian: Beginner
Accommodation
We provide a small caravan and small tents in the backyard, with electricity. We provide meals at our place, toilet and shower is in the house. There is also a fireplace. We have extended the wifi up to the backyard now.
What else ...
We are in a rural area, but there are good transportation connections close, bus connections at less than 2 kms, train station at 4 km, you can use a bike (it's flat here). Just 35 mins by train to Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp. 1h - 1h30 to Liege, Hasselt or Ghent/Bruges. There is a lot to discover in those cities!
So if you want to take a day off, no problem, We will mostly be busy in the mornings and have free time in the afternoon, have dinner in the evening. During the weekends we are not working
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We extend the WiFi to the back of the garden so no problem to have internet during your stay
Space for parking camper vans
We have enough place to park a motorhome, only the entrance is limited,so vehicles up to about 6-8 metres long (there is a short turn to enter the place)
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 751297158521
Feedback (25)
4 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marta) for host
It has been a pleasure for me to stay with this family for ten days. I was able to learn many things and to get to know more about a different way of living and some new habits. It was very nice to see the effort you put in trying to have a more sustainable lifestyle and it was very interesting to learn about your eco-house. It was also nice for… read more
3 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Clément) for host
I spent a very nice week workaway-ing with Wouter, Catherine and their family. They were super welcoming and easy-going, and the work was enjoyable.
I chose to spend a week with them as I'm interested in learning more about eco-building, and they took the time to show me the plans of their own projects, the pictures at different stages, brought me… read more
I chose to spend a week with them as I'm interested in learning more about eco-building, and they took the time to show me the plans of their own projects, the pictures at different stages, brought me… read more
28 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Riccardo)
Ricardo stayed 1 month in our family project.
He is an amazing young man with a lot of qualities
He is a very hard working person who is dedicated to the work he has to do. Ricardo loves to work outside, he is a strong person. Every morning he was ready to start. Ricardo is a very friendly and patient person. He is able to work with a lot of other… read more
He is an amazing young man with a lot of qualities
He is a very hard working person who is dedicated to the work he has to do. Ricardo loves to work outside, he is a strong person. Every morning he was ready to start. Ricardo is a very friendly and patient person. He is able to work with a lot of other… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Riccardo) for host
A fantastic family,I was with them for a month, thank you for all, I learned a lot about a manual job and improved my English, I spent unforgettable moments in front of beautiful fires. I met so many beautiful people, from all over the world and at the same time traveled around Europe and visited all of Belgium, hope to see you again soon. It was… 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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
4 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marta) for host
It has been a pleasure for me to stay with this family for ten days. I was able to learn many things and to get to know more about a different way of living and some new habits. It was very nice to see the effort you put in trying to have a more sustainable lifestyle and it was very interesting to learn about your eco-house. It was also nice for… read more
3 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Clément) for host
I spent a very nice week workaway-ing with Wouter, Catherine and their family. They were super welcoming and easy-going, and the work was enjoyable.
I chose to spend a week with them as I'm interested in learning more about eco-building, and they took the time to show me the plans of their own projects, the pictures at different stages, brought me… read more
I chose to spend a week with them as I'm interested in learning more about eco-building, and they took the time to show me the plans of their own projects, the pictures at different stages, brought me… read more
28 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Riccardo)
Ricardo stayed 1 month in our family project.
He is an amazing young man with a lot of qualities
He is a very hard working person who is dedicated to the work he has to do. Ricardo loves to work outside, he is a strong person. Every morning he was ready to start. Ricardo is a very friendly and patient person. He is able to work with a lot of other… read more
He is an amazing young man with a lot of qualities
He is a very hard working person who is dedicated to the work he has to do. Ricardo loves to work outside, he is a strong person. Every morning he was ready to start. Ricardo is a very friendly and patient person. He is able to work with a lot of other… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Riccardo) for host
A fantastic family,I was with them for a month, thank you for all, I learned a lot about a manual job and improved my English, I spent unforgettable moments in front of beautiful fires. I met so many beautiful people, from all over the world and at the same time traveled around Europe and visited all of Belgium, hope to see you again soon. It was… read more
4 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Adriano)
Adriano is a young man with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. He ask a lot of questions and talk all the time. You aren't get bored whit this fantastic guy around you.
He is very friendly and willing to learn. He helped a lot with the other workawayers. Andriano is also a good cleaner. He gave our bathroom a good clean
He is very friendly and willing to learn. He helped a lot with the other workawayers. Andriano is also a good cleaner. He gave our bathroom a good clean
(Excellent
)
2 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Adriano) for host
It has been an amazing two weeks with Catherine, Wouter, the rest of his family and the rest of the workawayers.
They treated me great, you also have a lot of free time to explore the country, and I got along very well with the rest of the workawayers.
Thank you very much for hosting me Catherine, and company! I hope to see you again soon!
Hasta… read more
They treated me great, you also have a lot of free time to explore the country, and I got along very well with the rest of the workawayers.
Thank you very much for hosting me Catherine, and company! I hope to see you again soon!
Hasta… read more
20 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabelle & Cuyler)
It was a pleasure to have Isabelle and Cuyller in our family project
It was only a week but this joung couple is amazing. They have a lot of energy to help in what is needed. They helped a lot in what we call cleaning up the jungle. We have a old fence with big concrete poles that needed to be take out. Cuyller is such a strong young man. The Ork… read more
It was only a week but this joung couple is amazing. They have a lot of energy to help in what is needed. They helped a lot in what we call cleaning up the jungle. We have a old fence with big concrete poles that needed to be take out. Cuyller is such a strong young man. The Ork… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Isabelle & Cuyler) for host
We were only with Catherine, Wouter and their family for 5 days but it felt like we were part of it by the end of the week. They run a tight ship, having hosted many workawayerrs over the past 7 years (as sweetly documented in a notebook you get to write in) but they are very warm and welcoming. Depending on how many workawayers are there during… read more
29 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Susannah) for host
I really enjoyed my time here! This was my first workaway in Europe, and I was warmly welcomed into this wonderful family. I felt comfortable and had a fun time learning from the family, working and having meals with them. I did various projects from weeding to sawing and sanding. I learned that having a coffee and cookie break mid-morning is a… read more
28 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Susannah)
We hade a good time, Suzannah! I (Wouter) really really appreciated the work, time, experience, knowledge, ... you added to the work we did on the windows , building the scaffolding, working in the garden, ... The way you just fit into the whole was very cool. You know where we live, if you are looking for a place to stay :)
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Georgina)
George is a very open, hardworking young girl. She stayed only one week what is definitely to short. We hope to see her back, she fits very good in our project and family
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (corinelli)
Corin is a very friendly handy young girl with a lot of talents. It was really a pleasure to have her in our family and project. She worked on our outside wall to give it the final layer. It looks wonderful. Corin is also a very good cook.
We absolutely love to have her back in our family
We absolutely love to have her back in our family
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Luis Eduardo)
Luis is a very friendly young man who helped us very very well. He is a quiet person and always ready to help out. We enjoyed it to have him in the project for almost one month. Mostly Luis worked outdoor in our garden.
(Very good
)
14 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Luis Alexander)
Luis is a very friendly young man that wants to learn a lot of new skills. He is a quiet person. With some help he can prepare a meal . He is a good helper to work in the kitchen, in the garden, to clean the terras.
(Very good
)
13 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Luis Alexander) for host
Mi primer Workaway. Ha sido una experiencia increible: he podido conocer personas maravillosas, vivir experiencias hermosas y crecer en muchas areas de mi vida. Catherine es una persona super atenta. Woulter es un tío super inteligente y simpatico. Sus hijos son muy abiertos. En particular Andreas, a quién lo conoci dias antes de irme pero que… read more
8 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva & Francesco)
this family is absolutely very nice to have in your project. Eva and Ciccio and there children are very friendly, hardworking, and can cook fabulous italian dishes. It was such a good time together, we are already missing them a lot, especially the children they bring such a young atmosphere in the project.
The jobs Eva and Ciccio did are,… read more
The jobs Eva and Ciccio did are,… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Milena) for host
PEOPLE
Catherine and Wouter are great, as well Simon, Andreas and Hannah…I wish I had more time with them!
They are welcoming and since the first day I felt part of the family.
You can have really interesting talks with them, they are curious people and they lived many experience in South Africa!
PLACE-LOCATION
The place is really nice with an… read more
Catherine and Wouter are great, as well Simon, Andreas and Hannah…I wish I had more time with them!
They are welcoming and since the first day I felt part of the family.
You can have really interesting talks with them, they are curious people and they lived many experience in South Africa!
PLACE-LOCATION
The place is really nice with an… read more
3 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Milena)
Milena is a very nice person to have in your project. She is very friendly, calm, have a lot of working energy, can cook very well
We are eager to meet with her again. One week was to short
We are eager to meet with her again. One week was to short
(Excellent
)
3 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Davy)
Davy is really a nice person to have in your project. He is a hardworking man with a lot of humor.
He is a very good painter, works very nice in our garden, can fix bikes as the best. He is friendly, helpful,calm,
He is a very good painter, works very nice in our garden, can fix bikes as the best. He is friendly, helpful,calm,
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Davy) for host
I hed An great experience with the family , Wouter,Catherine,Andreas,Simon,Hannah,Nelson, Cherpa, there was always An good and open conversation, the working instructions where very clear so you don't need any worry about the work, be advised when you still sleepy @ morning ask twice 😁 so you don't do anythong wrong dat was not asked about 😄 this… read more
3 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ali Efe)
Efe is a quick learner, he is q good helper in our project
It is very nice to have this young boy around. He is very open about his culture and want to learn about ours as well.
It is very nice to have this young boy around. He is very open about his culture and want to learn about ours as well.
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Yannick)
Yannick is a very nice person to have on your project. He really wants to learn a lot. We had a lot of fun together. It was so nice to hear him make music with the others workawayers. Always in for an ice cream. He was always ready and in a good mood to start the day of work and work hard.
(Excellent
)
13 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Yannick) for host
For 3 weeks, I had a great time with them. Catherine and Wouter are very welcoming persons and very cultured. They really know what they do. As it was my first Workaway experience if you want to know more about nature, gardening, and taking care of a household, this is the place. It's been so nice to hangout with the other Workawayers too. Also we… read more
29 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Theo) for host
What a wonderful time I had, even though it was for only two weeks! My experience with the Janssens has been one I'll definitely never forget. They made me feel at home from the very first day; I loved everyone's open and calm nature, and the simple life the family leads. Catherine and Wouter were always available if you needed help during or… read more
4 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
Having Andrew in our family and project was such nice experience. He is a very gentle young man with a lot of courage. He works very good and is careful with the materials he used. Andrew is very helpful in the house as well. We had the opportunity to taste american dishes, he is a good cook. We had a lot of talks about a lot of topics. Andrew is… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host
It was a wonderful time spending a month with the family.
Right from the start I could sense the trust they had in me. If I didn't know how to work something, they always gave clear instructions. I ended up helping with all sorts of tasks including: gardening, mowing, setting up the hanging garden, cutting wood, wiring and plumbing.
My first two… read more
Right from the start I could sense the trust they had in me. If I didn't know how to work something, they always gave clear instructions. I ended up helping with all sorts of tasks including: gardening, mowing, setting up the hanging garden, cutting wood, wiring and plumbing.
My first two… read more
28 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Gaia) for host
I am very happy to have chosen this great family and the project they are carrying out for my first Workaway experience.
We worked on the construction of the house, and some days we did some gardening. Some activities may seem hard but there is always music and good vibes, so the morning passes quickly. They comply with the agreement. We work in… read more
We worked on the construction of the house, and some days we did some gardening. Some activities may seem hard but there is always music and good vibes, so the morning passes quickly. They comply with the agreement. We work in… read more
31 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Gaia)
Gaia is a wonderfull symphatic lovely hard working young women. She 's bringing the sun in your project. We loved to have you among us Gaia and hope to see you back
(Excellent
)
31 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Pau)
Pau is a very hard working and very nice young man to have in your project. We had a very nice time togheter. Two weeks was to short, we love to have you back Pau
(Excellent
)
24 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Pau) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and I must say it exceeded my expectations!
The family was amazing and made you feel like home. It was great to spend time with them and also all the Workawayers from different countries. I was able to learn lots of things from all the countries of the Workawayers and Belgium, I come back home with some new… read more
The family was amazing and made you feel like home. It was great to spend time with them and also all the Workawayers from different countries. I was able to learn lots of things from all the countries of the Workawayers and Belgium, I come back home with some new… read more
16 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Davide & Alessio) for host
It was our first Workaway experience and we can definitely say that not only did it stand up to the expectations but even exceeded them! Wouter,Catherine and their family were great and made this experience unique.
As to the work, it doesn't require any special skill but only goodwill. Get ready to get dirty and have a lot of fun ;)
As to the work, it doesn't require any special skill but only goodwill. Get ready to get dirty and have a lot of fun ;)
16 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Davide & Alessio)
working and living with Davide and Alessio was such a good experience. There are very hard working guys with a lot off energie. There are very social and friendly. The are also very good cooks. They love to learn new languages and for now they learn dutch: Slagroom was the favorite word. We had a lot of fun togheter and we are allready missing you… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Guibert)
We had in real live contact and made arrangements for a long stay. After that we had some more contact true whats App and close to the moment of starting we didn't hear anything any more. We really hope everything is ok with you Eloise
(No show)
7 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas)
Hi Nicolas, I accidentally stumbled upon your profile. How is it going there?
But since this is ment to give feedback, here we go: Nicolas was a hard worker, very open en communicative, and, as an architect, very interested in the concept of straw bale building. Together with the British guys you managed to cover the whole roof with tiles in 2… read more
But since this is ment to give feedback, here we go: Nicolas was a hard worker, very open en communicative, and, as an architect, very interested in the concept of straw bale building. Together with the British guys you managed to cover the whole roof with tiles in 2… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host
This was our first experience volunteering and we have to say that it couldn’t be better. We stayed there for 10 days
and if we had could we would have stayed longer. Since the first moment we arrived we felt totally at home. Catherine and Wouter are very friendly and open-minded people, they have a vast cultural baggage and they taught us a lot… read more
and if we had could we would have stayed longer. Since the first moment we arrived we felt totally at home. Catherine and Wouter are very friendly and open-minded people, they have a vast cultural baggage and they taught us a lot… read more
29 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (EGE) for host
It was my first workaway experience.I am very lucky that i found this place and since i am an architect i learned many things about a strawbale buildings . Wouter and Catherine explained the every detail things very well.
It was so nice to be a part of the family :)
Thank you 🦋
It was so nice to be a part of the family :)
Thank you 🦋
29 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (EGE)
Ege is a very friendly enthusiastic young women with a good energy. We had a lot of fun while working together.
She fits very well in our family and helped a lot. Ege made us nice Turkish dishes. She is eager to learn a lot.
A wonderful person to have in our project. Thank you a lot Ege
She fits very well in our family and helped a lot. Ege made us nice Turkish dishes. She is eager to learn a lot.
A wonderful person to have in our project. Thank you a lot Ege
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrei & Jane)
Andrei and Jane are a very open minded hard working couple. It was very nice to have them in our family and project. They are very interesting in the all project as they want to build there house with the same techniques. We talked a lot and we enjoyed very much to have them here. We hope to visit you in your project some day.
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Andrei & Jane) for host
Our stay there was our first workaway experience and we loved it!
We stayed in a big tent with electricity and wifi and helped with plastering the walls, finishing the floors and working on the ceiling and occasionally helping in the garden and cooking (on a schedule). Everyone, the family and helpers, is eating together at the big table for… read more
We stayed in a big tent with electricity and wifi and helped with plastering the walls, finishing the floors and working on the ceiling and occasionally helping in the garden and cooking (on a schedule). Everyone, the family and helpers, is eating together at the big table for… read more
12 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Tinka) for host
We, two friends, volunteered for a week and after the first day we already felt part of the family. They are super welcoming, and we could easily sit for hours talking on the terrace. They were also super flexible with our veganism and we had a lot of fun using all their vegetables from the garden. The work is super fun as well and Wouter is… read more
1 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Tinka)
Tinka is a very enthusiastic woman . She brought a good energy together with her friend Eluna. She is a very good worker and is not afraid of using heavy machines. The job in our eco building is very well done. Both are good cooks as well so we were lucky to taste a lot of nice meals. We love to have you back Tinka
(Excellent
)
2 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Pierre) for host
This was my first experience as a workawayer, and I really enjoyed it !
This eco-building project is nice and very interesting. Moreover the Catherine, Wouter and their children are such nice people. I spent a lot of good time with them and I look forward to come back again.
This eco-building project is nice and very interesting. Moreover the Catherine, Wouter and their children are such nice people. I spent a lot of good time with them and I look forward to come back again.
1 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Pierre)
We are very happy to have met Pierre. He is a very good worker, very nice person to have in your family. We enjoyed this 3 weeks together a lot. We had nice talks and we worked very good together. He is a quiet person who is very respectful. We will miss you Pierre, and love to have you back.
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Eluna)
Eluna is a very nice person. She have already a lot of travel experience and is a very open minded woman. Together with her friend Tinka she's bringing a good vibe in our project. We had a lot of fun. She is also a very good worker who is not afraid of heavy work even with machines. We had a very good time together. We hope to have you back Eluna
(Excellent
)
27 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Karin) for host
This was a great first work away experience!
It where 7 very nice days with lots of new experience. I felt very welcome and had good conversations.
I learned some great new cleaning techniques from Cathrine. Wouter showed me how he build the house, both very interesting. When I had time off I could borrow a bike or make a camp fire!
I will come… read more
It where 7 very nice days with lots of new experience. I felt very welcome and had good conversations.
I learned some great new cleaning techniques from Cathrine. Wouter showed me how he build the house, both very interesting. When I had time off I could borrow a bike or make a camp fire!
I will come… read more
15 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Karin)
It was very nice to have Karin here for a week. She is very friendly, hardworking person. Karin fits very wel in our family and project. We hope to see her again next summer
(Excellent
)
8 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Johanna) for host
I had a great time staying with Catherine and her family! I wish I could have stayed longer, because they are just so kind and welcoming. I still learned a lot about their amazing project and the work was fun too. I can definitely recommend to stay there and I really hope to visit them again next year!
30 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Cristiano Jasper) for host
You can learn a lot about ecobuildings and recycling with them. Catherine is eager to understand and help us regarding our travel needs. This is quite a valuable thing. They are a nice, openminded, easygoing couple with 3 amazing kids and lots of interesting projects! An excellent host, for sure. A special family in flanders. The accomodations are… read more
21 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Cristiano Jasper)
Chris is a nice person to work with. He is a hard working person who sees a lot of work. He is not afraid to take initiative. It was a nice time, only to short
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alicia & DAVID) for host
This project symbolizes being part of a beautiful and very organized family. Our first workaway experience could not have been better! In addition to participating in the construction of his house and maintenance of his garden, we participated in a host of activities: painting on canvas, cooking, skateboard, hockey, jumper, an afternoon of BBQ… read more
20 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alicia & DAVID)
Alice and Dave are very good, nice and friendly people. They stay for 3 weeks in our family and project. Alice and Dave helped us da lot ! They are wonderfull with the lime we put on the walls in the 2 rooms. Alice and Dave are also very good in serving wonderfull mexican food:) We had a very good time toghetter and we hope to see them back soon
(Excellent
)
11 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nitay & Tamar ) for host
We had such a good time with Catherine, Wouter and the children. From the first moment we felt home. They where kind and thoughtful, and we had a lot of interesting chat. We learn a lot about life from them. The kids are awsome(!) funny and super friendly. The area is rural, quiet and beautiful, and they helped us with advices and bikes for… read more
