Wage watchers: how much does the owner of a B&B earn?

Johan Leeman, 45, from Leuven, talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What is your job?

I keep a bed & breakfast, De Waterlies in the Redingenstraat in Leuven. I'd always dreamed of having a B&B. Five years ago I came across this modern Art Deco house from 1935, and I was sold. Two weeks later I had made the career switch from teacher to B&B owner.

Do you enjoy your work?

We get a very varied public coming here: business people, tourists and visiting professors. That's enjoyable. With a professor of ancient history I can chat about my passion, while I'm able to help the tourists find a place to have a nice meal. I've nothing against stories about Eddy Merckx, either.

How many hours a week do you work?

It varies. There are busy months – July because of Rock Werchter and October, which is conference month. But you also have to take account of the fact that there are two relatively quiet months in the year, too.

What do you think of the pay?

I'm sure everyone would like to earn a little bit more. With two rooms to let, I make an average of €800 net per month, but the plan is for that to grow gradually. From the €100 I charge for a double room with breakfast, I get to keep about €30 to €35. If you really want to make a living running a B&B you'd need to have at least six rooms, with two people working. I combine this with my second job: I buy and sell art deco. On Saturdays I give regular classes in the B&B on art deco and silver, including lunch.

What takes up the largest part of your budget?

The renovation of my art deco home. For fire protection, for example, I had to have a special folding ladder so that the façade remained clear. That cost €3,000. Also, in such an old house, the energy bills soon mount up.