Living with nature in an old watermill in Limburg, Belgium

Details

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  Description

  Hi there, we are Jan en Helena, both in our 50ties. We decided to live in a place surrounded by nature and so we bought this old watermill with house in the north of Belgium.
  We have 6 children together, but they are grown up and don't live at home anymore, except of one daughter from time to time (she is still studying).
  We have some land that we want to manage as much as possible in consultation with nature. Growing food is one of our goals, but all together it is too much just for the 2 of us, so we would welcome some helping hands. The main goal will be helping in the garden like preparing our vegetable garden, growing vegetables, taking care of the berries, maintaining the garden so we don't have too many snails or plants that repel other plants.
  We are vegetarians and we like to eat healthy food.
  We have a lot of well kept nature in our neighbourhood so if you like to be out in nature, that's very easy accessible. Jan is a nature guide and he knows a lot especially about birds, he's been interested in birds since he was 12 years old! So he can learn you stuff about that if you're interested.
  
  We live somewhere on the outwards of Belgium and we have to tell that public transport is not easy over here, sadly enough. So for example, if you want to go to Brussels, that can take as much as 3 hours with public transport... That's why we advice to go there for a weekend.
  If you come here, you must like nature and being outside in stead of the busy and entertaining life in popular towns.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The place where we live is an old historical place; The first known watermill here was built in the 14th century. There has been a lot of watermills here on this stream (it's not really a river) and some are very well preserved.
  We live in the north of Belgium, in Limburg, where they say that "everything slows down a littlebit" :-).
  Jan was educated as a carpenter and still has old machines from the family factory from his father. It will depend on the timing and how much you're interested if you can help him in his atelier or not.
  Helena is educated as a physiotherapist but doesn't work any longer as a physio. She has her own ceramics atelier and is giving courses in pottery and nature experience for children, youngsters and adults, especially in summer.
  We are very interested in different cultures and habits. Helena once travelled around the world, during one year, with her bicycle and that was an unforgettable experience.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We like the help of strong hands and people that are okaj with doing 'dirty' tasks in the garden. We will try to do as much as possible together, so you're not left alone.
  Growing food is one of our goals, but all together it is too much just for the 2 of us, so we would welcome some helping hands. The main goal will be helping in the garden like preparing our vegetable garden, growing vegetables, taking care of the berries, maintaining the garden so we don't have too many snails or plants that repel other plants.
  In case of bad weather or too bad circumstances in the garden (like too much mud after heavy rainfall t.e.), we can also ask to help inside the house. We are making some small changes in our home as well so helping there is welcome for sure. But the main goal will be helping in the garden.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Swedish: Intermediate
  German: Beginner

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  We have one bedroom with 2 beds inside the house, that you perhaps will share with another worker.
  If you prefer, you can also sleep in a tent in the garden, we also have a bathroom outside.
  We eat mainly vegetarian food, but sometimes we eat fish. It would be nice if you also could help to prepare dinner from time to time, or if you want to make a meal that's typical for your country, you're welcome of course. 3 meals a day

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  What else ...

  Towns nearby worth a visit are Bree (2 kilometers), Hasselt (by bus) and Genk (by bus). But there is also Tongeren (with the statue of Ambiorix) and Sint Truiden. Of course, other nice places like Gent, Brugge, Brussels are fine to visit, but then you better go for a weekend.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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