Live in a fairground float and join us on a small natural area with our NPO and relax, bushcraft in Dranouter, Belgium

Details

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  Description

  Join our nature area and eco-farm near the French border – 20h/week in nature with food forest, animals, vineyard & campfires. Lots of freedom, good vibes, our own apple juice, cider, wine or kombucha. Looking for hands-on, nature-loving souls.
  Ideally, we’re looking for a couple.
  
  Hi, we are Piet and Johanna.
  Two souls who found each other among the wild greenery of West Flanders, where we form a new composite family together with four children - aged between 6 and 23. We live on a 1.7-hectare nature area: a living landscape of food forest, permaculture vegetable garden, orchard, vineyard, a small forest, swimming and amphibian pond... and a motley crew of animals - from border collies to sheep, chickens and rabbits.
  We share this beautiful piece of wild nature with our friend and permanent wagon-resident Jarne, a creative soul, musician, painter and many other talents.
  
  We live in/with nature, on the edge of a village, on the border with France. Here you look out over rolling hills and rugged fields, smell the season in the wind, and hear the silence whispering at night.
  
  Our place is more than a home.
  We share the grounds with non-profit organisations working on sustainable and ecological projects. Through our non-profit organisation, we are building together a community that rediscovers self-sufficiency, connection and simplicity. Anyone who wants to help build - with ideas, hands or heart - is welcome.
  
  At the centre of the site, there is an attractive building where all kinds of activities take place: workshops, concerts, yoga, meetings... from silence to exuberance.
  
  Those who really want to unwind can camp with us in the meadows - back to basics, under the motto: ‘rewild yourself’.
  There are also a few simple places to stay for those who want to breathe in this rhythm for longer.
  
  Everything is still taking shape, we are learning, trying, failing and growing.
  Not for profit, but for life. For connection. For conservation. For the joy of something real, together.
  
  And who else are we?
  We love the smell of a wet forest. Passion for bushcraft, swimming in dark lakes, ice baths, making fires, travelling to primeval forests and bustling cities. We read Steiner and Jung, dance at folk festivals, get lost in conversations, cook with wild herbs - or just as happily dine at a good restaurant. We eat with passion, but also fast with curiosity. We seek what is pure, raw and unfiltered.
  
  Step into our story of wild beauty.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Hitchhiking

  

  Music

  

  Books

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Camping

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

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  What can travellers learn and experience here?
  
  This is a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and slow down. You’ll have time to walk, hike, forage, cook, and breathe deeply. But you’ll also be perfectly placed to explore both Belgium and France.
  
  We’re located between Lille, Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres – an area rich in history, culture, and nature.
  You can visit medieval towns, vibrant cities, or WWI battlefields and museums, especially around Ypres.
  
  There’s a bus stop in the village, with direct access to the train station that connects you to all major Belgian cities: Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges…
  And just 5 km away, there’s a French train station (easily reachable by our electric bike) with direct trains to Lille, Dunkirk, and Calais.
  
  In the village of Dranouter you can enjoy ( almost) on weekly basis some folk concerts in the music centre 't Folk. On the first weekend of August, the annual Folkfestival takes place in Dranouter, three days full of music, old and new friends, joy, laughter and some drinks.
  
  It’s the perfect balance between rural peace and cultural adventure – you choose your rhythm.

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  Help

  Looking for a nature area on 17,000 m² of wild beauty?
  
  We’re Piet and Johanna, and we’re looking for two motivated people (a couple or two good friends) to help us on our nature property – surrounded by open fields, right on the French border.
  You’ll work around 20 hours a week, at a chill pace. The rest of your time is totally yours – relax in a hammock, go for long walks, forage wild herbs, explore the area by foot or bike, or just do nothing at all under the stars.
  
  ⸻
  
  What you’ll do:
  
  We’re mostly looking for hands-on, outdoor-loving people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty (work depends on the season):
  • Trimming hedges, mowing grass, caring for grapevines, chopping firewood
  • Helping out in our permaculture vegetable garden, weeding in the edible forest
  • Creating flower meadows, processing food, maybe even making wine (!)
  • Feeding and taking care of the animals on the site
  • Doing small repairs & painting, keeping things tidy and welcoming
  • Sometimes helping to greet camping guests
  
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  Bonus points if you…
  • Bring some experience with permaculture, food forestry and other regenerative or sustainable land
  management methods
  • Love being creative – make something cool from willow branches, paint a happy sign, add your touch
  • Enjoy cooking & experimenting – try outdoor fire cooking, wild recipes, or your favorite dish
  • Like to share meals – we cook & eat together twice a week, food and stories included
  
  ⸻
  
  What you get:
  • Your own big, cozy circus wagon with seating area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom
  • A peaceful, inspiring nature space with campfires, starlit nights, and real quiet
  • Lots of freedom – plan your days in coordination with us
  • Ingredients provided for all your meals
  • Two shared dinners a week to swap flavors and cultures
  • And yes: a local beer or a glass of natural wine is on us, or taste our kombucha or kefir
  
  We’re not strict vegetarians, but we eat consciously. Most of our meat comes from our own animals or local farmers. We aim for organic and fair-trade wherever we can.
  Vegetarian or vegan cooking? Very welcome!
  
  ⸻
  
  Feeling curious? Inspired? Ready?
  
  If you’re a couple or two good friends who’d love to live and work in rhythm with nature – send us a message and tell us about yourself.
  We’d love to build, grow, and celebrate the wild side of life with you.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Beginner

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  Accommodation

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  Where you’ll stay
  
  You’ll have your own private space: a large and cozy fairground wagon with a stunning view over the fields.
  Inside, you’ll find:
  • A comfy living area
  • A kitchen and dining table
  • A bathroom with a shower and eco dry toilet
  • One bedroom with a double bed
  Outside, you have your own little garden with a fire bowl – perfect for chilling out, cooking on a flame, or stargazing. Of course, you’re welcome to enjoy all the peaceful spots around our land.
  
  There’s also a sauna by the natural pool, available for you anytime – take a dip, warm up, unwind.
  
  Your kitchen is fully equipped, and we’ll make sure the fridge is stocked with delicious, fresh ingredients so you can prepare your own meals when you like.
  
  The fairground wagon is next to our permanent wagon-resident and friend Jarne – an artist, musician, and all-round creative spirit. A great neighbour to have.
  
  Prefer to bring your campervan?
  You’re welcome to stay in our meadow – surrounded by nature and just steps away from the shared spaces and everything going on at the farm.

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  What else ...

  ⸻
  
  What else should you know?
  
  There’s a bus stop just next to our place, with easy access to the train – so you can explore the region freely, whether you want to visit cities or just wander further.
  
  This is a perfect place to relax and recharge, surrounded by nature.
  
  In your free time, you’ll mostly be spending time with each other, as we are often busy with our family life and daily tasks.
  That said, we do enjoy connecting! Twice a week, we share meals, drinks, work, or a walk together – no pressure, just good moments.
  There are no obligations – only what feels natural for everyone.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We can give you a nice spot on our property to install your campervan.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  in consultation.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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