Big house near the beach keen to welcome positive travel vibes and some help in Benissa, Spain

Spain

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Favourited 359 times

Host rating
Feedback
44
Last activity
04/12/2022
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 1 day
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2022

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Description
- This is my winter house from october untill march in Spain -

Welcome to the spanish coast and this house with a beautiful garden and relaxed atmosphere.

My name is Jan and together with my irish setter Castard I escape the Belgian winter for the Spanish sun and have a house and garden which are too big and are keen to welcome positive travel vibes and some help in and around the house. Mostly some help with cooking nice food, petsitting when I'm gone and keeping the house in zen shape. You are also welcome to explore some nature trails and helping to keep the environment clutterfree. Always interested in meeting new people and learn new perspectives on life. Some good energy topped with some yumminess are a free bonus here ^^

Let’s share some nice moments. I appreciate open communication, mutual respect and transparency - if u have any question or doubts please ask me.

I’ll will be happy to give u some bearings in and around the house. U will sleep on the first floor with a bedroom, bathroom and rooftop terrace. No drugs or smoking in and around the house please.

There is wifi around the house and some garden areas.

Every single help u can give during your stay is very welcome and appreciated. I’ll facilitate and explain as much as I can. With a fresh smile each morning the practicalities will sort itself out.

As you’ll experience I believe in freedom and responsibility . Setting goals and letting u be a co-architect of your day and the work to be done. If you see another way or think of something don’t hesitate to bring it up.

Projects that could need your help:

Garden

Sweeping

House

Daily mopping the house
Communal kitchen daily clean
Cooking yumminess
Keeping the house in zen shape
Windows cleaning
Car cleaning

Forest

GPS marking forest tracks
Cleaning parks and forest trails
Wild camera maintenance and scoring pictures on cloud platform

Any project u wanna add? Let’s talk
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Meeting likeminded travellers mixed with locals
Help
Gardening , marking forest tracks, projects in the garden, some cleaning and cooking in the house, exploring Belgian beers together with friends
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
U will sleep on the first floor with a bedroom, bathroom and rooftop terrace.
What else ...
Closest airports are valencia and alicante just an hour away by rental car or a bit longer by train and or bus.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (44)

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:
(4.8)

Communication:
(4.9)

08/11/2022

Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host

Jan is such a kind and understanding person. He went above and beyond and I am very grateful. 😊
There are lots of scenic hikes nearby and the beach is a 20 minute walk. I recommend this to someone who is okay with being alone, because there is lots of downtime to read by the pools, swim, and explore the area.

(Excellent )

04/11/2022

Left by Workawayer (Cazé & Tainá) for host

Jan was a lifesaver. We were passing through Belgium and the host who was going to receive us just disappeared. So, we looked for help through Workaway and we found Jan who was ready to help us.
The idea was to stay only one night at his house and we had the great surprise to meet a wonderful person who treated us very well.
Jan, we wish you only… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Lorenzo & Enrico)

Lorenzo & Enrico are on a gap year with a wild plan to discover all of Europe and give a helping hand to workaway hosts. It was their first workaway experience but they blended in very easily in the rhytm and brought good vibes & energy , transparant communication and great work ethics " we will get the job done attitude ". They truly enjoyed… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2022

Left by Workawayer (Lorenzo & Enrico) for host

We spent 3 weeks at Jan's house. He has a true passion for his job but over all he like to share it with workawayers. we really enjoyed exploring the forest with him, discovering the jobs needed to keep it untouched.
There's also the work in the garden and with the woods that could be long, but seeing the work done pay back the effort!
Jan is a… read more

(Excellent )

22/08/2022

Left by Workawayer (Saeed) for host

I spent roughly 3 weeks at Jan's place. His place is located right next to the peaceful Sonian Forest. On the other hand, you can easily walk to the bus station nearby to get to Brussels.

During my stay, as I was helping Jan in either the forest or at the house, I learnt several things, varying from finding a proper spot to plant trees in the… read more

(Very good )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Gherman)

Lela is a free soul with a great thirst for life. An open heart with senses that capture the beauty of life and nature and is keen to discover. I hope many workawayers will have to joy to spent some weeks with you. Pura vida - enjoy today to the fullest. A great help in the house, fabulous cook and open to connect to the other workawayers. May u… read more

(Excellent )

04/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Gherman) for host

Eyeyeyey ! Mersi , gracias , danke , thank you it was like a holiday with friends Jan , Ava , Payton y yo! + Castard ❤️🐒
I stayed 3 weeks más o menos y fue una experiencia que yo necesitaba. I helped around the house keeping it in a ZEN shape (like Jan said hah) I cooked and tried to make my first focaccia (and was gooood yey ) !! Jan is an… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Gabriela & Lucas)

Gabriela & Lucas are true travellers. Vagabonding around Europe whilst helping around so many people. Quite a travel plan eh! They are experienced workawayers who blend in easily in the routines, always keen to help. Great cooks and nice conversation. Open to connect with other workawayers and explore the area together. Happy travels

(Excellent )

31/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Gabriela & Lucas) for host

we stayed nearly two weeks with Jan and Castard (the smartest dog we've ever seen). the house is great, the place is stunning with lots of nature to be explored (mountains, beaches and forests). work is mainly housekeeping and cooking, pretty chilled and easygoing. we enjoyed our stay and had a very nice time! pura vida!

gracias chico, for… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Kim & Ron)

Kim & Ron are a beautifull couple and a blast to host. Keen to discover all the places around the house they really made the most of their stay. They were great helpers in any task and fabulous cooks. Kim & Ron really bring a good flow to the group atmosphere and it's pleasure hearing all the travel stories. Always welcome back!

(Excellent )

28/01/2022

Left by Workawayer (Kim & Ron) for host

This was the first Workaway experience that we had and we couldn't have thought of a better one. When we arrived, there were two other couples, so we didn't have to do much and they explained to us what needed to happen. After two nights they left and we were alone with Jan and could speak our native language for a day, which was quite nice. We… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Kateřina)

Kateřina is one hell of a lady! She is a true traveller at heart and can share some amazing stories travelling overland. Keen to help out, an amazing cook and a very nice swirhl of energy. Great funky soul for the group atmosphere. Happy travels

(Excellent )

24/02/2022

Left by Workawayer (Kateřina) for host

I am so grateful I could stay with Jan for two weeks. Jan is kind, open minded person and a good communicator. I new exactly what I am supposed to do and I felt very comfortable. It was also great cultural exchange. The work is not hard at all and house is located really close to beautiful beaches. It was an amazing experience 😁👍

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Severino Miguel)

Miguel is a very kind soul, bringing with him his very own sun that will lighten your surroundings with happy rays of sunshine from the morning untill the evening. He is keen to do any task and is an amazing cook. He has some great stories to tell from all his travels! If u have the chance to host Miguel do not hesitate

(Excellent )

02/03/2022

Left by Workawayer (Severino Miguel) for host

The essence of excellent workaway hospitality. Jan is kind, polite and attentive to the well being of workawayers. All activities were well defined and everything was carried out as described in the host's profile. I thank you for the opportunity and for all the attention and kindness you have given me. I definitely recommend Jan as a host. Thank… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Janosch)

Janosch is a good and kind hearted soul whom is ready to help out in many tasks. It was nice hosting Janosch because u can see he really enjoys the forest and all the moments shared with the other workawayers. Always welcome. Happy travels

(Excellent )

22/05/2022

Left by Workawayer (Janosch) for host

Jan is very kind and welcoming so if this is your first workaway experience, this is a very good one. He always has time for you and takes care of you. The garden is very beautiful and in the great zonianforest with a lot of fresh air and very delicious natural water. i really enjoyed to work in the forest. He is very generously and you get at… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Liam)

Liam has a great hands-on attitude and was a great swhirl of energy which worked like magic for the group atmosphere. U can see this dude has been travelling and volunteering a lot, he helped in many projects. The exchange felt very organic. He has a great appetite to discover all the sites around the forest. Thanks for the good energy young man,… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2022

Left by Workawayer (Liam) for host

I stayed with Jan for two weeks in August working on various jobs. These mainly included trips into the forest to assist Jan with marking sites and collecting firewood, but I also worked on fixing the workawayer bikes and some basic DIY stuff. I’d say most jobs here would be physical in nature so just keep that in mind. Cooking lunch and dinner… read more

(Very good )

06/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (Davy) for host

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Neutral )

01/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Elias)

Elias is a beautifull soul whom is travelling with all his senses open. The whole workaway exchange went so organic it felt Elias just sensed what could be done. A very open, intelligent, warm and hardworking person - a true privilege to host. I wish u many more travels and always welcome in the forest!

(Excellent )

04/10/2021

Left by Workawayer (Elias) for host

I had a very nice couple of weeks with Jan as my host. We were mostly occupied getting his house and property ready for the winter months and his vacation. The work we did was not too excessive or too strenuous and Henri was insistent that I was able to do it on my own time. My time here was very positive and quite relaxed, whether it was mowing… read more

(Excellent )

01/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Gianni)

Gianni, my man! A free soul and true traveller, it was a true pleasure hosting u. He's very organised, has a hands-on mentality and likes good conversation. Did I mention he's a top cook? If u have the chance hosting Gianni go for it!

(Excellent )

02/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Gianni) for host

I've had the best time with Jan and kastaar (doggo)! from the amazing hospitality to the freedom and open conversation with dinner! his place is one of the best spots I've stayed in a long time! I'm so thankful for this opportunity but also for all the new facts and wide knowledge of the nature around us and ofcourse our little Belgium you've… read more

(Excellent )

01/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Payton)

It was a blast hosting Ava and Payton. I was their first host on the epic one year trip they are making around Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Very enthusiastic, open and communicative in all their endeavours - big and small. They were a great help around the house and always spreading nice energy. Thanks for all the help and may u meet many… read more

(Excellent )

30/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Payton) for host

Where to begin! Jan is such an awesome host and cares so much about his workawayers having as good a time as they can. The work isn’t bad, the hours are flexible, and everything is very straightforward. I had an amazing stay with him and I can’t wait to come back!

(Excellent )

01/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Ava)

(Excellent )

30/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Ava) for host

Payton and I's stay with Jan was incredible! I feel like I've learned so much from being with him and his lovely puppy Castard (I miss him pawing at me for cuddles already)! It felt like we were staying with a friend from day one. In terms of the work that is done at the casa, there is daily sweeping, mopping, taking out the trash, cooking, etc.… read more

(Excellent )

19/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Polina)

Polina really evolved a lot during her stay. It was a pleasure seeing her starting up her first ever garden machine, finding confidence and pleasure in the work and keep coming back asking for more and bigger machines :) She blended in really well with both my friends as with the workawayers - u could see her eyes sparkling more and more every… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2021

Left by Workawayer (Polina) for host

Jan was my first Workaway experience and I couldn't wish for a better one!

I initially planned to come to Jan just for a couple of days (max. 1 week) but it was so good that I couldn't make myself leave and stayed with Jan and his best friend, charming dog Irish Setter Castard for the whole 1 month! I truly believe that the time I spent at the… read more forest with Jan has changed my life and my mindset radically, in a positive way of course ;).

First, my main goal of coming there initially was just to get away from the city life, to change the scenery and to spend some time at the nature but I've received so much more than that from this experience. Besides truly deep connection with nature, doing yoga in the forest, full relaxation, getting new technical skills, daily healthy dose of physical activities, meeting Jan's friends and other nice workawayers from Italy (who became my friends) I've managed to change my mindset from 'I'm afraid, I can't do it' to 'I will try and see if I can do it'. I think it's a really great achievement and I'm so grateful to Jan, Workaway and to myself for this achievement. I've never worked with technical tools in my life and I thought it was something definitely not for me (I was not afraid to try though;). At Jan's place I've learned how to use 2 different grass-cutting machines (1 with electricity and 1 with gasoline), I drove a real tractor that cuts the grass, I've learned how to operate a special machine to cut wood in small pieces, I digged the ground and many other things... I've been all my life really afraid of driving but after working with all these various tools I think I'm not afraid of anything any more :) I've learned that I can do pretty much everything if I want and this gave me a big boost of confidence.

Second, I've changed my mindset from the one of city life full of stress, constant chase for achievements and goals to the relaxing, slow and just living the life one. The favorite phrase of Jan is "No rush in the forest". I understood the idea of it after 1 month there. There is no need to do things fast, this chase is just in our heads but not in the nature, definitely not in the forest where some trees are 300 years old and older, they might have seen Napoleon and much more and they are still standing there...what are our small problems in this timeframe? Also, this helped me to switch the focus from my mind to my body and soul. I think I started to find the balance (still in the process though ;). Not to mention all the delicious recipes I've learned to cook from the culinary book of Jan (which we named "THE book" ;). I can continue forever with the things I've learned there...but it can be a too long review to read ;)

Thank you Jan for everything, I will miss you, your beautiful house, the forest and, of course, Castard! :)

I'm sure we see each other again at some point very soon!

'No rush in the forest' and no rush in life ;)

Cheers,
Polina

(Excellent )

19/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (FABIO)

It was a pleasure hosting Fabio; he came from the big city life with all the hustle and bustle but after a few days he became very attuned to the relaxing rhytms of the forest life. Fabio has a great thirst for new adventures , always keen to learn new stuff and puts his heart into every job. He cooked some delicious food and blended in perfectly… read more

(Excellent )

17/08/2021

Left by Workawayer (FABIO) for host

it was my first experience with Workaway ... and I couldn't ask for better! Jan is a truly formidable person, accommodating ... everything is done with peace of mind, when and how you want ... he explains everything to you. he likes to eat new things, he lets us invent and cook. he took me to work with his colleagues in the forest and really very… read more

(Excellent )

04/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Hanne)

Hanne is full of good energy, enthusiasm and wants to live everyday to its fullest. It was a blast to host Hanne, she blended in straight away with the other workawayers and was a big help splitting the wood. Thanks for all your cooking magic and always welcome back in the forest!

(Excellent )

04/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Hanne) for host

"No rush in the forest"
Well I had an amazing time at Jan's place! For me it's not far from home but it felt like I was abroad. Jan is very generous and always up for campfire night. The room was a luxury one, in my opinion, with an electrical blanket for example! I really want to go back one day to explore the forest and to learn from Jan, who is… read more

(Excellent )

20/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (EMEL)

Emel was a blast to have around the house and in the forest. She wakes up with a smile , is eager to learn and has a can do mentality. We've had many interesting conversations and some good energy in the beach bar ^^ Always welcome in the forest Emel :)

(Excellent )

18/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (EMEL) for host

Being a workawayer at Jan's place was a great experience. He is a great host. Castard is a great host as well, really friendly :)
Small things I learnt from Jan about the forest flora and trees in the Sonian forest will be useful for me in different areas of life. I recommend a long stay for those who are interested in forest and forest related… read more

(Excellent )

31/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Guido) for host

I had an excellent stay in the forest with Jan. He's a great guy and there's a lot do and learn. If you're into working in the forest and around the house, this is definitely the place to go for you! What a nice place :) His friends are also really nice and fun, we laughed so much. They'll show you the nice food and beers Belgium has to offer as… read more

(Excellent )

23/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Guido)

Guido has a great personality! He always put his shoulders and attention to the different projects that we did together. He is a very good communicator and learns fast so that every new project got started in no time. Good with different kind of people, he blends in a group as the best. We had some really nice & fun moments, always welcome back in… read more

(Excellent )

23/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Joshua)

Josh arrived with a great swirhl of energy in the forest. Eager to get going at any project we've spent a nice week working around the house and in the forest. He will give your workaway gang an extra energy boost topped with a smile that never seems to fade. It was a pleasure hosting u Josh, see you some time in the Sonian Forest :)

(Excellent )

23/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host

Jan is a very accommodating person who certainly knows how to create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. His home is located in a brilliant location and offers a very rural feeling whilst still having east access to the city of Brussels. There are a wide range of activities available for volunteers as well as plenty of time to have social… read more

(Excellent )

23/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)

Sophie has some great energy flow. It was a pleasure hosting her and doing different projects, she has a can do mentality, is eager to learn and rich in open communication. A true traveller, she can smoothly adapt to different situations and people and always go ahead with a smile. You are always welcome in the Sonian Forest! Wish u plenty of… read more

(Excellent )

16/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

I spent almost 2 weeks at Jan's. He is a tolerant and calm person, with a knowledge of fauna and flora, always ready to answer any question with patience. I got the chance to work/help in the forest as well as in and out the house according to the weather, Jan's needs and my capacities. Every day was different and interesting. Jan has plenty of… read more

(Excellent )

09/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Piotr)

Piotr is a true traveller, with an open mind and keen to meet new people. We shared some really nice moments throughout his stay. Open your house for some good vibes, vibrant conversation and a smile each morning! Piotr is also known as the Pirate! aarrhhhgg :) Highly recommended to meet or host. Always welcome back

(Excellent )

01/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Piotr) for host

It was a wonderful time! Jan and his friends are wonderful people! I had the opportunity to learn about life in Belgium, try traditional dishes and delicious beer, learn new things. I will come again! 🙂
Dziękuję bardzo! 😉❤🇧🇪🇵🇱 Dank U Jan!

(Excellent )

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