Join our family and a real home, shared rhythm, space to grow in green Aalter, Belgium

Infos

• 

  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

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Enseignement

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique/internet
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Vie en van

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Technologie

  

  Ferme

  

  LGBT+

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Photographie

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Jardinage

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  Montagne

  

  Nature

  

  Camping
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  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.

• 

  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  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.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Hollandais: Courant
  Français: Intermédiaire
  Allemand: Débutant
  Espagnol: Débutant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  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!
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  Hébergement

  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.

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  Autres infos...

  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.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

  • 

    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Yes, there is plenty of space to do your online job.

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  Espace pour garer des 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.

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  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  We can, after chat & video

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Mes animaux

  Runner ducks

Sécurité du site

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