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Come and join us on our ranch in the beautiful Ardennes, Belgium

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    Host is looking for help immediately

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    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    26 Oct 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    91.7 %

    Usually responds within 3 days

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    Feedback

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Country info

If you are not an EU Citizen and planning to visit Belgium to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are Ruth and Marja, originally from the Netherlands, and we have been living in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes since 1997.
    We live in a charming 200 year old Ardenner farmhouse, surrounded by about 20 hectares of land, woods and a small river. It is a peaceful and beautiful place, but life on a ranch also means that there is always something to do!

    Horses have been a very important part of our lives for many years. We have recently stepped back from our breeding programme, at least for the time being. We still have three older mares, our former stallion who is now a gelding, and several young horses. So horses are still very much part of our daily life, although we are no longer running a breeding business.
    We also have our lovely Jack Russell, Daisy, and our chickens.

    We enjoy living in the countryside and sharing our little piece of the Ardennes with people from different countries. We like a relaxed atmosphere, good conversations and, of course, a good laugh.
    We are not looking for help specifically related to a horse business. Instead, we are looking for people who enjoy outdoor life and the variety of tasks that come with maintaining a small ranch and a large property.

    If you love nature, animals, fresh air and don't mind getting your hands dirty, you will probably feel very much at home here!
    And if you love the smell of horses... even better!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Pets
    Farming
    Plant care
    Books
    Photography
    Gardening
    Nature
    Dancing
    Animals
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We live in the heart of the beautiful Belgian Ardennes, so there is plenty to discover when you are not working.
    Nearby you can visit places such as Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bastogne, as well as castles, caves, forests and many beautiful villages and viewpoints.
    If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of possibilities for hiking, cycling, kayaking and exploring the countryside.
    There is a bus stop nearby, and we also have a bicycle that you can use to explore the surrounding area.
    We are always happy to give you tips about places to visit and things to do, and if we have time, we enjoy showing people some of our favourite places ourselves.

  • Help

    Help

    Life on our ranch
    There is always something going on here, but what we do depends very much on the season and on what needs doing. We enjoy having people around who are interested in horses, animals and life in the countryside, and we like to show them what our everyday life is like.
    You may help us with the horses, look after the chickens, work in the garden or help with small jobs around the property. Sometimes we work with firewood or do some maintenance. We always do these things together and we are happy to explain how we do things and why.
    You don't have to be an experienced horse person or handyman. If you have never worked with horses before, we can teach you. And if you already have experience or practical skills, we are always interested in learning from you too.
    We usually find that one day doing things together and one day free works well, but this is something we can discuss with you. We want you to have enough time to explore the area and enjoy your stay with us as well.
    We live in a quiet rural area, so it is probably not the right place if you are looking for nightlife or lots of people around. If you enjoy nature, animals, horses and a peaceful place, and you would like to experience what everyday life on a ranch is really like, you will probably feel at home here.

  • Languages spoken

    Dutch: Fluent
    German: Intermediate
    English: Intermediate
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We offer you your own comfortable apartment on the property.
    The apartment has:
    * a private bedroom
    * a bathroom
    * a fully equipped kitchen
    * a washing machine
    * your own private living space with TV (Netflix)
    * wifi

    You will have your own kitchen and are expected to prepare your own meals. We can provide basic groceries, or alternatively give you pocket money towards your food, depending on what works best for both of us.

    You will have your own private space, but of course you are always welcome to join us for a coffee, a chat or an occasional meal.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We are looking for friendly, reliable and down-to-earth people who enjoy being outdoors, animals and rural life.

    You don't need to be an experienced horse person or have particular practical skills. Enthusiasm, common sense, respect for animals and a willingness to learn are much more important. If you already have useful skills, we'd love to learn from you too!

    Our home is in the countryside, so this is probably not the right place if you are looking for nightlife or a busy social scene.
    But if you are looking for peace, nature, horses, practical experiences and a genuine opportunity to experience rural life while sharing your own culture with us, you might really enjoy staying with us.

    For us, the most important part of hosting is the exchange: sharing our way of life with you, learning about yours, and enjoying the experience together.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Daisy

Host ref number: 812112741165

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Welcome to our home in the countryside of Ardenne Belge, Belgium
Learn new skills and experience navigating an old Dutch Barge from Rotterdam to Amsterdam and beyond, Belgium