Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
31 Jan 2026
Reply rate
89.5 %
Usually responds within 8 days
Feedback
33
ID verified
Email verified
Country info
Badges (4)
Details
Description
Hello future Workawayer,
We are Leen and Ben, a family living in Aalter/Bellem (near Ghent, Belgium), together with our two teenagers (14 & 13).
We’ve been hosting Workawayers for many years now, and many have become long-term friends who still return — which says more than we ever could.
Our home is a real family home: busy, warm, sometimes chaotic, often joyful.
We are self-employed entrepreneurs, which means life here has rhythm, responsibility, and flexibility — not a fixed script.
Who feels good here
We connect best with young, open-minded people who:
are curious about life and themselves
want to contribute, not hide
enjoy being part of a household rather than being “hosted”
are comfortable with both conversation and silence
are not running away from something, but exploring forward
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You do need to be willing to show up, communicate, and take responsibility for yourself.
This is not a party place, not a place to be rescued, and not a place to disappear into your phone all day.
It is a place to live, learn, work a bit, laugh, eat together, and grow.
The kids
Our children don’t need babysitters — they need friendly humans around them.
Someone to:
kick a football
play Kubb or board games
go swimming
explore a city together
simply be present once in a while
You’re a big-sibling energy, not a nanny.
Daily life & help
There is no strict 4-hour schedule. (you’re encouraged to plan tasks yourself and coordinate your time openly with us).
We prefer people who:
see what needs to be done
can take initiative
communicate their plans
Tasks vary and include:
light household help
garden & land maintenance
helping us build and maintain our small farm (we have ~5000 m² of land)
Yes, your hands will get dirty sometimes.
And yes — afterwards there’s time for the jacuzzi, infra-red sauna, hammocks, bicycles, forest walks, or a good book.
If you need structure and guidance, tell us — we’re happy to offer it.
If you prefer autonomy, that works too.
Food, evenings & connection
All meals are included.
We love:
eating together
sharing food from different cultures
board games, movies, music
relaxed evenings at home
We value open communication. If you plan trips or city visits, we ask you to plan ahead and let us know — mutual respect keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Location & travel
We live close to two train stations (Bellem & Aalter).
From here you can easily visit Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Ostend, and even Paris or Amsterdam.
For Workawayers staying 3–4 weeks in July/August, we offer an unlimited Belgian train pass so you can explore the country together with our kids.
We also have space for tents or campers, including short stays.
One last thing
We’ve hosted many people over the years — some stayed two weeks, some several months, some keep coming back.
What they all had in common:
they showed up as themselves, with honesty and goodwill.
If you’re looking for a place to live well, contribute, and find your footing while traveling, we’d love to meet you.
Please message us with a short introduction and your WhatsApp — we always do a video call first.
Warmly,
Leen, Ben, Axelle & Louis
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Self development
Van life
Sustainability
Technology
Farming
LGBTQ
Charity work
Photography
Plant care
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Cooking & food
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Nature
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural exchange & learning
You’ll be staying right between Ghent and Bruges, with easy access to:
Antwerp
Brussels
The Belgian coast
Even Amsterdam or Paris (by train or bus)
Two train stations are nearby, and we often help with drop-offs or pick-ups.
If you’re under 25, you can buy a Go Unlimited train ticket in summer, allowing unlimited train travel across Belgium for a full month.
If you bring an international driver’s license, you can also use a car when needed.
Beyond travel, the exchange is about sharing daily life: meals, conversations, different cultures, rhythms, and perspectives. Many people who stay with us leave with new friendships — and often come back.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
You’ll help with everyday life in a natural, shared way.
This can include working in the garden, playing football or doing activities with the kids, helping with simple household tasks, and occasionally cooking together.
There is no strict 4-hour schedule (you help plan the tasks and organise your time in open communication with us).
This works best for people who are comfortable with autonomy, responsibility, and seeing what needs to be done.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
French: Intermediate
German: Beginner
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
For people who want to learn dutch, our 2 kids will teach you! If you want to learn the family: French/Eng/Spanish/... you are very welcome! We are willing to learn!
Accommodation
Type of accommodation
Private room with bed (1–2 people), or a gypsy wagon (2 people)
Private shower/bathroom
Free use of jacuzzi, infrared sauna,
You’re also welcome to sleep in a tent or bring your own camper/ tent if you prefer staying outside
We value comfort, privacy, and feeling at home.
What else ...
Free time, surroundings & transport
In your free time, there’s plenty of space to enjoy both nature and movement.
You can go biking (20–40 km routes are easy from here), walk or jog along the nearby canal, or enjoy outdoor sports and open green areas. The region is quiet, safe, and perfect for slowing down while still staying active.
Bicycles and an e-bike are available, and depending on planning and availability, you can also use a car. Public transport is close by, with easy train connections to cities all over Belgium.
After a day out, you’re welcome to relax at home — read in a hammock, enjoy the garden, or use the jacuzzi or infrared sauna.
There is a lot to see, but also a lot of space to simply be.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes, there is plenty of space to do your online job.
Space for parking camper vans
Yes, there is space to put your campervan. There is even a sweet spot at the end of the street where you can watch the sun go down in the water canal. For romantic souls, it's a nice place to be.
Can possibly accept pets
We can, after chat & video
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Runner ducks
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (18)
I spent now quite some time with them. I first went there in April 2025 and came back for the summer holidays (and plan to come back more times ;) )
I simply loved it, they're an amazing family. It was my first workaway expirience and I couldn't ask for anything better.
The work I did included mostly taking… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.9)
I spent now quite some time with them. I first went there in April 2025 and came back for the summer holidays (and plan to come back more times ;) )
I simply loved it, they're an amazing family. It was my first workaway expirience and I couldn't ask for anything better.
The work I did included mostly taking… read more
They did a lot for whole the family. they took care of the garden and the chickens outside :-)
They also did together a great job in housekeeping! thank you so much for that!
it was a great help for us!
hope you can see a lot more of Belgium and discover this beautiful country :-)
greetings, Leen and Ben
It was our first Workaway and it couldn't be better. They are an incredible family, we started building a Greenhouse with Ben, we played football and video games with Louis, we draw and we had our manicures with Axelle, we spent a lot of time talking with Leen about everything and we learned a lot from her. And we also had time… read more
everything went smooth and gentle. they are super friendly.
They are always welcome to come back!
greatings Leen & Ben
We would love to see Maryse back next summer for a little festival in the garden (after covid :-) )
Take care! Have a nice trip & enjoy life!
A lovely lady! She takes care just fine!
If you need a content writer, stop looking for it, you've found her!
Wish you all the best with your travels in EU!
Hope to see you back one day ;-)
B&L
Thank you for staying with us!
You're like a flower walking around in the house! Energy and sun! We loved your presence.
Please do come and visit us again, it's not that far :-)
Have safe and fun travels next years!
See you soon!
Ben & Leen, Axelle & Louis
xxx
He is amazing! We miss him everyday! Still!
Stas stayed 2,5 months with us. He can stay another 2,5 years with us!
If you are looking for one of the best workawayers ever seen? Well just ask Stas to join your family!
Hope to see you back, soon! We miss you!
Ben & Leen, Axelle & Louis.
When I was… read more
Please do not take Meera in, she needs to come back to us :-D
Meera is a fantastic cook! We spend our time like having restaurant diner every night.
Whatever you ask, she will help you, with whatever you want!
We would love to see Meera back for more fun! and delicious meals!
If you have Meera coming over, please put her… read more
It was lovely to have them in the house to look for the children, to help cleaning and ironing.
we enjoyed the time together and always welcome back!
grtz, Leen and Ben
Rosita is a very nice person! She's like a mother keeping the house together!
Cooking skills are amazing! ask for fresh pizza!
Always welcome back in our family!
She's always busy cooking, household without asking,...
If you want to host Sabrina, don't think, just do!
Always welcome back in our family!
They came with us, we were allready hosting 2 workawayers,.. so we had busy times.
Lovely girls! playfull with kids! Cooking skills ... spanish :-p
If you want to host these 2 sisters, go for it!
Always welcome back!
Juli is a very nice person, wakes up with a smile and goes to sleep with a smile.
Juli has skills in house, but also in building, gardening...
She alway's says 'yes'!
Tnx for being with our family, hope to see you back!
I promise you will really satisfy by them:))
Also their location are the best for traveling to Amsterdam, Paris and so on!
Enjoy your time with Roman!
