Every house holds a story, and the one you’re staying in has roots as deep as the trees of the forest it overlooks. Ours is a story of love, adventure, and a shared dream that started in the cobblestone streets of Ghent.
We met as students at Ghent University, two souls drawn together by curiosity and a shared love for the world. Back then, travel had to be affordable, and our first adventure together took us to Hungary, where we Couchsurfed with strangers who quickly became friends for life. Those days were simple, raw, and unforgettable.
As the years passed, the need for a little bit more comfort grew, and the idea of sleeping on couches lost its appeal. But one thing never changed: our desire to travel like locals. Staying in bustling hotels felt too distant from the heartbeat of a place. Instead, we wanted to immerse ourselves in the rhythm of local neighborhoods, meeting the people who made each destination special.
We discovered Wimdu and later Airbnb, platforms that became our gateways to authentic experiences. Over time, we racked up more than 25 Airbnb stays across the globe, learning what makes a host exceptional: warmth, attentiveness, and those personal touches that make you feel truly at home. With every trip, the dream of hosting our own space grew stronger, waiting for the right moment.
Life eventually led us to Leuven after a few wonderful years in Ghent, a city that had captured our hearts. Leuven became our new base, offering us a practical location closer to work. However, it was in Oud-Heverlee, surrounded by the serenity of the trees and the whispers of nature, that we discovered the place that would fulfill our dream. The house you’re staying in today was once an unloved gem, tucked away in the Brainestraat. Before it was even for sale, we had already fallen for it. We lived in an apartment nearby, and every time we passed this house, we couldn’t help but dream about its potential.
We still remember the moment Sharon came home with the news. “You’ll never believe which house is for sale!” she said, her excitement filling the room. It was the house—the one we’d admired countless times, imagining all that it could become. Within two days, it was ours.
The road from then to now wasn’t easy. The house needed love—new plumbing, modern wiring, countless late nights, and a vision that kept us moving forward. But as we worked, we thought of you. We thought of the stories you’d create here, the mornings spent sipping coffee with the forest as your backdrop, and the moments of peace that this space would bring to travelers like us.
And so, dear guest, welcome to Woodland Retreat. This is more than just a house—it’s a reflection of our journey, our love for authentic connections, and our dream of sharing a piece of this beautiful world with you.
Make yourself at home, explore the nearby forest trails, and if you’re looking for a tip or two, don’t hesitate to ask—we’ve got plenty to share!
Warm regards,
Tom & Sharon