Charming 2-Bed Stone House with Outbuildings on 2216m² in Sourdeval, Basse-Normandie – Renovation Potential!

There's a particular kind of quiet you don't find easily anymore. Stand on the veranda of this stone cottage on a Tuesday morning in October, coffee in hand, and you'll hear it — the faint rustle of chestnut trees dropping their load, a crow somewhere across the valley, nothing else. No road noise. No neighbors. Just the old Limousin countryside doing what it's done for centuries. That silence is something people drive three hours from Paris for and never quite find. Here, it comes with the property. Sitting roughly halfway between Meuzac and Coussac-Bonneval on a quiet country lane in Haute-Vienne, this one-bedroom stone cottage is the real thing. Not renovated into some sanitized holiday pastiche — it's a genuine old Limousin farmhouse, the kind with thick granite walls that keep rooms cool in July and warm on damp November afternoons. The bones are solid. The character is intact. Inside, the living room is anchored by a wood-burning stove. Light it on a cool spring evening and the whole space transforms. The kitchen runs adjacent — functional, honest, and large enough to actually cook in, not just heat things up. Through to the bedroom, which is generous for a single room, the kind of space where you actually sleep rather than lie awake. The bathroom has a proper bath, WC, and the utility room adds a shower and second WC — a practical layout that works just as well for a couple spending six weeks a year as it does for someone planning longer stays. But the veranda is where life really happens in this house. Decked and enclosed enough to use in shoulder seasons, it opens to a view that rolls out across open farmland with no rooftop or telegraph pole to spoil it. Morning light comes in from the east. Evenings turn go ... click here to read more

On a quiet morning in Troche, the smell of woodsmoke drifts from a neighbor's chimney and the church bell marks eight o'clock. You're standing at the kitchen window with a coffee, looking out at the rear garden where the light is still low and golden. This is what life in rural Corrèze actually feels like — and this four-bedroom stone house puts you right at the center of it. The house itself tells its own story in the way only old French stone construction can. Thick walls that keep rooms cool in August and hold the warmth of a fire in January. The renovation has been done properly — no cosmetic shortcuts, no half-finished rooms — and the result is a home that's genuinely move-in ready without sacrificing any of the original character. The large living room is the heart of it all: high ceilings, a working fireplace that you'll actually use, and doors that open directly onto the garden. On rainy autumn afternoons, this room becomes everything. Books, wine, the fire going, the sound of rain on old stone. The layout is generous for a village house of this size. Four bedrooms means real flexibility — a master suite with its own shower room, three further rooms that can rotate between guest quarters, a home office, or space for children to claim as their own territory. A bathroom with WC, a separate WC for busy mornings, a dedicated laundry room so the practicalities stay out of sight. Downstairs, a large vaulted cellar with proper stone arching — the kind of space that begs to be used for something: wine storage, a workshop, cold storage for produce from the local markets. And above it all, an attic with genuine conversion potential, should you want to add living space or create something entirely new. Vehicle access to ... click here to read more

Stand on the upstairs terrace of this place on a clear morning and you'll understand immediately why people drive three hours south from Paris just to breathe this air. The Corrèze countryside rolls away from you in every direction — deep green, almost shockingly quiet, broken only by the occasional church bell drifting up from Troche below and the sound of wind moving through the oak trees at the edge of the property. This is not a backdrop. It's the whole point. The property itself is genuinely unusual — two separate stone houses, each with its own character and floor plan, joined together by a custom-built glass veranda that has become the heart of the home. That veranda is where you'll end up spending most of your time. It pulls in light from both sides, looks out onto the wooded plot, and has this wonderful in-between quality: sheltered enough for a rainy afternoon with a book, open enough in summer that you barely feel indoors at all. It's the kind of space that takes a moment to understand and then becomes impossible to give up. The first house is anchored by a generously sized fitted kitchen with a wood-burning stove — the sort of stove that makes the whole room feel like somewhere you actually want to be from October through March. A ground-floor bedroom and shower room sit adjacent to it, keeping things practical for guests or for those who'd rather avoid stairs. Head up and the mezzanine living room opens directly onto that terrace with its long countryside views — this is the view you'll be photographing every season, watching it shift from the pale green of April to the amber and rust of late October. A second bedroom and a full bathroom with toilet complete this upper level. The second house runs on its ... click here to read more

Sunday mornings in Payzac sound like this: a wood pigeon calling from the oak trees at the back of the garden, the faint creak of a neighbor's gate, and the smell of pine resin warming in the sun. By 9am you've already walked the village, picked up a baguette from the nearest boulangerie in Saint-Paul-la-Roche, and you're back at the kitchen table with coffee going cold because you got distracted staring out at the 861 square meters of garden that is now, improbably, yours. That's the pace of life this house delivers. Solid, unpretentious, and genuinely liveable, this 1980s village house in the Dordogne sits in the heart of Payzac — a small commune in the northern Périgord Vert, where the countryside rolls in deep greens and the population still knows its neighbors by name. At 106 square meters of living space, plus a full basement and a 64 square meter attic ready for conversion, there is far more room to grow here than the price of €148,000 might suggest. The layout works the way a family home should. You come in through a proper entrance hall — not a door that dumps you straight into a living room — and from there the house opens logically. The fitted kitchen is functional and ready to use from day one. The living room has a fireplace insert, which matters more than people realize until their first Dordogne November, when the mist sits low over the Auvézère valley and you want nothing more than a real fire and a bottle of Bergerac rouge. Three bedrooms, a shower room, and a toilet complete the ground floor. Below it all, the basement holds a garage and an office — practical spaces that international buyers often find invaluable for storage, a workspace, or housing a car year-round. The attic is the quiet opportunit ... click here to read more

Stand in the courtyard on a Tuesday morning and listen. A cockerel somewhere down the lane, the faint clatter of a tractor crossing a distant field, and absolutely nothing else. That's Saint-Germain-les-Belles — a village in the green, rolling middle of the Haute-Vienne that most people drive past on the A20 without realizing what they're missing. This traditional stone farmhouse, complete with a two-storey barn and a clutch of outbuildings on roughly 1,300 square metres of land, is exactly the kind of find that people spend years searching for and rarely locate at this price point. Let's be honest about what's here. The farmhouse itself is small — two ground-floor rooms, a kitchen with an open fireplace that you can already imagine lit on a January evening, and a bedroom. Above, an attic that's structurally ready to be opened up into additional sleeping space. It's not a finished holiday home. It's better than that. It's a blank page in stone and old oak timber, and the potential locked inside this plot is genuinely unusual for under 60,000 euros anywhere in France. The barn is the real headline. Two full storeys, each around 50 square metres, built from the same honey-coloured local stone as the farmhouse. Converted, and the combined living space on this property tips past 150 square metres — a four or five-bedroom maison de caractère that would sit comfortably in any estate agent's window at three or four times the acquisition and renovation cost combined. That's not wishful thinking; it's what's happening all along the Corrèze and Haute-Vienne corridors as buyers from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany quietly and methodically renovate these properties and either keep them as generous family holiday bases or let ... click here to read more

Stand at the upstairs mezzanine window on a still Tuesday morning and you'll understand immediately why people come to Corrèze and never quite manage to leave. The rooftops of Saint-Sornin-Lavolps spread out below, and beyond them, the sweeping grass of the local racecourse catches the early light. No traffic noise. Just birdsong, possibly a distant tractor, and the kind of quiet that city dwellers pay a fortune to find. This four-bedroom house sits on an elevated cul-de-sac — genuinely the kind of position where neighbours are close enough to wave to but far enough that you'd never hear them. The elevated plot gives you those racecourse views without any effort, framed from the living room, the garden, and that mezzanine perch upstairs that could be a reading room, a studio, or the best-connected home office you've ever had the pleasure of working from. The ground floor is practical in the best French sense: nothing wasted, everything considered. A proper entrance hall greets you — not a corridor you squeeze past, but a hall that sets the tone. The fitted kitchen leads naturally into daily life here: morning coffee before the market run, long lunches that drift into afternoon, the kind of cooking that happens when you're not in a hurry. The living room anchors the social heart of the house with a fireplace insert — and if you've never spent a Corrèze winter evening with a fire going while rain taps the windows and something slow-cooked on the stove, that's an experience you've been missing. Four bedrooms sit across the ground floor, one of which has its own shower room en suite — a small detail that makes a significant difference when you have guests. A separate shower room and two toilets handle the morning rush for ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in the Dordogne has a particular quality to it. The bells from the village church drift through the upstairs windows, the courtyard is already warm by nine, and the boulangerie in Montagrier is just a five-minute drive away. That's the rhythm you're buying into with this five-bedroom village house in Tocane-Saint-Apré — and at €141,700, it's one of those rare finds that still exist in deepest Périgord Blanc. This isn't a polished renovation project with an inflated price tag. It's an honest, substantial village house in good habitable condition, with real bones and real character — stone walls, high ceilings, a generous living and dining room that feels like it was made for long lunches — and a private courtyard just off the kitchen where you'll find yourself drinking coffee long after everyone else has gone back inside. The kitchen opens directly onto this sheltered outdoor space, which makes summer evenings here genuinely easy. No hauling dishes across the garden. Just step out, sit down, let the evening stretch. Five double bedrooms across the upper floors means this house handles a full family or a rotating cast of guests without anyone feeling squeezed. Three bathrooms keeps the morning routine civilised. The large attic adds headroom for storage or, with the right vision and the necessary permissions, something more interesting still. Two cellars for wine — this is the Dordogne, after all — and a utility room with an oil-fired boiler complete the practical picture. Then there's the annexe. Attached directly to the main house, a separate 55m² structure that currently works well as workshop or storage space. With renovation — again, subject to the usual permissions — it becomes a self-contained gîte ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in Tocane-Saint-Apre, you wake to birdsong and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting from a neighbouring farmhouse. You pad downstairs, throw open the kitchen window, and the garden just sits there — unhurried, green, completely yours. That's the rhythm this house has kept for three decades, and it's one you can step straight into. This four-bedroom house in the heart of the Dordogne has been the summer anchor for the same family since the early 1990s. That kind of loyalty tells you something. The property sits in Tocane-Saint-Apre, a genuinely lived-in village rather than a tourist set piece, about 20 minutes northeast of Périgueux along the D939. Local life here revolves around the weekly market in Brantôme — the so-called Venice of the Périgord — just 14 kilometres up the road, where you'll find duck rillettes, walnut oil pressed from trees grown a field away, and strawberries from the farms around Vergt that are, frankly, absurd in their sweetness. The house itself is symmetrical in plan, which gives it an unusually calm, balanced feel the moment you step inside. The entrance hall acts as a natural spine: to one side, a dual-aspect living and dining room with a wood-burning stove that throws out serious heat on autumn evenings; to the other, the kitchen and a shower room with WC, plus a separate guest WC — practical for a family who's actually using the place, not just looking at it. Upstairs, four proper double bedrooms, all generously proportioned in that unhurried way older French houses tend to be. Above that, a full attic accessible by stairs. Storage now, potentially a fifth bedroom or studio space later, subject to the usual planning considerations. Outside is where summer really h ... click here to read more

Pull up to the rue on a warm September morning and you'll already understand why people keep coming back to Perpignan. The air carries a mix of grilled sardines from a nearby brasserie, a faint salt edge rolling in from the Mediterranean forty kilometres east, and the dry warmth that the Roussillon plain holds long after the rest of France has surrendered to autumn. This is a city that doesn't perform for tourists — it simply lives, loudly and confidently, and this four-bedroom detached house on a quiet street close to all amenities puts you right inside that daily rhythm. The house sits on three free-standing sides with no overlooking neighbours, which in a Catalan city packed with character and density is genuinely hard to come by. At 110 square metres across two levels, the layout currently runs as two separate dwellings — a feature the original owners used pragmatically, and one that hands the next owner serious options. Keep both units intact and you have a ready-made rental setup in a city with strong year-round occupancy, driven by students at the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, medical tourism at the Centre Hospitalier, and the steady stream of visitors drawn to the Côte Vermeille from April through October. Knock through and reconfigure, and you get a generous four-bedroom family home with space to breathe in ways that most city-centre properties at this price point simply don't allow. Yes, this is a renovation project. Let's be straight about that. Floors, kitchen, bathrooms, heating, insulation — all of it needs attention. But that's also exactly the reason the price sits at €142,000 for a freestanding house in a southern French city where the food is extraordinary, the sun shows up reliably about 300 d ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Saturday morning in early October, the air carrying that particular Normandy sharpness that makes coffee taste better, and you're standing inside a gutted stone shell of a house in Grand-Couronne — walls thick enough to muffle the outside world, a cellar beneath your feet, and 110 square metres of pure possibility above you. No compromises inherited from someone else's taste. No awkward wall you wish wasn't there. Just raw space and good bones waiting for your vision. Grand-Couronne sits on the south bank of the Seine, about 10 kilometres from Rouen's city centre. It's not a tourist postcard, and that's precisely the point. This is a working town with a real community — butchers, bakers, a weekly market — where property prices haven't yet caught up with the quality of life on offer. For buyers coming from Paris, London, or Amsterdam, the contrast is striking. You're paying a fraction of what you'd spend in the city, and you're getting a proper stone house with a plot of land, within commuting distance of one of France's most historically significant cities. The house itself has been completely stripped back to its structural core. That sounds daunting on paper, but for anyone who's ever tried to renovate around someone else's plumbing or inherited a floor plan that makes no sense, this is actually the scenario you want. The layout is entirely yours to define. The current configuration of the plot and footprint makes it realistic to create four bedrooms across the two levels — genuinely useful if you're thinking about a family second home or a rental property. The cellar adds practical square footage for storage, a wine room, or a utility area, depending on how you build the project out. The stone ... click here to read more

Step off the gravel path on a Tuesday morning in late September, coffee in hand, and the only sound you hear is a woodpigeon somewhere in the oak trees behind the barn. That's what life feels like in this quiet hamlet just outside Chalais, a small market town in the Indre département — deep in the Berry region of central France, where the pace is unhurried and the countryside rolls out in every direction without apology. This is a genuinely move-in ready house. No leaky roof to negotiate, no outdated wiring to rewire before you can sleep comfortably. The current owners have put real thought into making it efficient and livable — reversible air-conditioning keeps things cool through the warm Berry summers and takes the edge off autumn evenings, while a pellet stove in the living area becomes the social heart of the home from October onwards. There's even a fiber-optic internet connection, which matters more than people admit when you're working remotely from a French hamlet or staying for longer stretches. The electric vehicle charging point in the detached garage signals that someone here was thinking ahead. The ground floor opens into a single flowing living space: lounge, dining area, and kitchen in one connected room. Double-glazed windows pull in generous light throughout the day, and patio doors swing open directly onto the rear garden — so on warm evenings, the line between indoors and out disappears entirely. There's a ground-floor bedroom here too, which makes the house genuinely accessible for guests or family members who'd rather avoid the stairs. The shower room beside it is newly fitted: a large walk-in shower, a proper vanity unit, clean and modern without being cold. Upstairs, one generously proportioned ... click here to read more

The kitchen window faces east, and on a clear morning in the Périgord Vert you get the light before the rest of the house does. Stand at the sink with a coffee, and through the glass you're looking out over nearly two hectares of your own land — meadow rolling gently toward an oak grove on the far side of the lane. Church bells from a neighbouring village drift over occasionally. That's the opening scene of daily life at this four-bedroom farmhouse on the edge of a tiny cul-de-sac hamlet between Mareuil and Nontron, and it sets the tone for everything else. At 154,500 euros, this is the kind of French country property that doesn't stay on the market long — and for good reason. The house itself has been thoroughly renovated and sits in excellent condition, with 120 square metres of living space and a total floor area of 180 square metres. Nothing here needs tearing apart or starting over. Move in, unpack, and start living. The 38-square-metre living room is the heart of it: original hardwood floors that creak in exactly the right way, walls that have absorbed a century of winters and summers, enough space for a generous sofa arrangement and a dining table that seats eight without anyone knocking elbows. There's a real generosity to the proportions here that photographs don't fully capture — you have to stand in the room to feel it. The kitchen runs to 23 square metres, which is significant. In a French rural property this size, a kitchen that large is not accidental — it's a statement of priorities. It's a room designed for slow Sunday lunches that drift into the late afternoon, for friends crowding around while someone makes a walnut tart, for the kind of cooking that takes time and company. The Périgord Vert is truff ... click here to read more

Stand at the edge of the courtyard on a still October morning, coffee in hand, and listen. Nothing. A distant tractor, maybe a wood pigeon. The air smells of damp earth and cut grass, and the old tobacco dryer casts a long shadow across the yard. This is Civray, deep in the Vienne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and this sprawling 330-square-metre ensemble of rural buildings is the kind of thing you simply don't find anymore at a price that leaves room to dream. At 34,000 euros for the lot — the main house structure, a 110-square-metre barn, a 125-square-metre attached hangar, and a 95-square-metre former tobacco dryer — this is raw, honest potential on 2,000 square metres of land in a small hamlet tucked into the soft agricultural folds of the Charente border country. The bones are solid. The vision is yours. Let's talk about what you're actually getting here, because the numbers tell only part of the story. The tobacco dryer alone is a piece of living regional history. The Vienne and surrounding departments were once significant tobacco-growing country, and these tall, louvred timber structures — built to allow maximum airflow for curing leaves — have become the architectural emblem of this corner of France. Convert one into a guest suite with double-height ceilings and you'll have something no boutique hotel can replicate. Leave the louvres in place. Let the afternoon light stripe the floor. That's a room people will drive across Europe to stay in. The barn at 110 square metres gives you the kind of volume that architects get genuinely excited about. Open-plan living space, an artist's studio, a workshop, a games room for visiting grandchildren — the agricultural zone classification means agricultural use and sto ... click here to read more

Picture a Thursday morning in late June. You've driven seven minutes down a quiet lane from La Fouillade, windows down, and the air already smells of cut grass and warm stone. Back at the house, coffee is on, the fireplace insert still holds a little warmth from last night, and through the kitchen window you can watch a buzzard circle lazily over your 8,617 square metres of land. This is what it feels like to own a piece of the Aveyron — unhurried, deeply French, and entirely your own. This former farmhouse in the commune of Bor-et-Bar has the kind of bones that reward a buyer with vision. At 126 m² across two floors plus a full basement, the main house is solid and liveable right now, while the constellation of outbuildings surrounding it opens up a range of possibilities that few rural French properties at this price point can match. A 50 m² double garage. A 60 m² former pigsty. And then — the showstopper — a 300 m² stone building that once housed livestock and could, with the right project, become gîtes, a workshop, an artists' residency, or simply extraordinary storage for the serious hobbyist. Planning permission in this part of the Aveyron has historically been sympathetic to thoughtful rural conversions. That 300 m² building alone makes this property worth serious attention. Inside the main house, the ground floor revolves around a generous 38 m² open living space where kitchen, dining, and sitting areas flow together around a fireplace with an insert — the kind that throws real heat on a January evening when the Ségala plateau gets its occasional frost. Three bedrooms of 9, 13, and 14 m² sit off this level, along with a bathroom and a separate WC. Upstairs, three further bedrooms, a second WC, and a convertible ... click here to read more

Stand on the balcony on a clear October morning and you'll understand immediately. The valleys below are wrapped in a low mist, the tree canopy has gone amber and rust, and the only sound is the wind moving through the pines. This is Limousin at its most elemental — and this little stone cottage sits right at the top of it all. Saint-Gilles-les-Forêts is not a village that makes headlines. That's precisely the point. Tucked into the wooded hills of Haute-Vienne, about 30 kilometres southeast of Limoges, it belongs to a part of rural France that many people drive through on the way to somewhere else and later wish they'd stopped. The rolling forested landscape here is part of the wider Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin territory, and the surrounding countryside has the kind of unhurried quality that simply cannot be manufactured. The air actually smells different — a mix of damp earth, pine resin, and woodsmoke drifting from farmhouse chimneys on cool evenings. The cottage itself is built in the traditional Limousin stone style, that characteristically dark granite that seems to absorb the light differently at each hour of the day. At around 40 square metres of habitable space, it's compact and honest — there are no pretensions here, just a well-proportioned one-bedroom home that has been kept in good condition. But the real story is what lies beyond those walls. The attic holds genuine conversion potential, and the basement adds further flexibility for anyone who wants to expand without sacrificing the character of the existing structure. Planning something bigger? The bones are already there. The enclosed plot is tree-lined and private, with a wood shed that will earn its keep the moment the first autumn cold s ... click here to read more

Step through the wide sliding door of a former barn on a quiet hillside above Morlhon-le-Haut, and the first thing that hits you is the scale of the place. That 65-square-metre living room opens up before you like the inside of a cathedral — timber overhead, light slanting in from the south-facing terrace, a wood-burning stove already crackling on a November afternoon. It smells faintly of oak and old stone. Outside, the orchard is dropping its last apples into the wet grass, and across the flat, open grounds you can count two wells and a fish pond without taking a single step. This is the kind of property that takes a few minutes to fully comprehend. At just under ten kilometres from Villefranche-de-Rouergue and a short drive from Rieupeyroux, the address sits at a genuinely quiet crossroads of rural Aveyron — a département that most international buyers haven't yet discovered but seasoned France-watchers have been quietly watching for years. The land here is a deep, folded green, crossed by the Dourdou de Conques river valley and threaded with country lanes where you might go twenty minutes without seeing another car. The nearest TGV connection runs through Figeac or Rodez, both reachable in under an hour, and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport — the main gateway for international arrivals — sits roughly two hours southwest. You're remote enough to properly decompress, close enough to civilisation that it never becomes inconvenient. The main house, the converted barn, is where the real story of this property begins. The original structure — massive, honest stonework dating back generations — has been carefully opened up rather than gutted. Entering via a sloping ramp that still echoes the barn's working past, you arrive in the ... click here to read more

Stand on the terrace on a Saturday morning and the only sounds you'll catch are birdsong, the distant bark of a hunting dog somewhere in the oak woods, and the faint clatter of a tractor on the lane. That's life in Roziers-Saint-Georges — unhurried, grounded, and genuinely rural in a way that most of France has long since traded away for tourism infrastructure. This three-bedroom stone house sits in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, a region most international buyers haven't discovered yet, which is precisely what makes it worth paying attention to right now. The house itself is honest architecture. Thick granite walls — the kind that keep rooms cool in July without air conditioning and hold warmth in October without the heating working overtime. The original stone structure has been extended with a timber-clad addition that widens the ground floor living space and gives the interior an unexpected texture: rough-hewn stone on one side, warm wood on the other. Single-level living runs across the main floor, making the everyday practical and comfortable. Head upstairs and the sloping ceilings of the upper floor add a certain character — the kind of attic-ish charm that adults secretly love and children turn into dens within minutes of arriving. At 85 square metres, this is a manageable property. No vast rooms to heat or maintain, no sprawling grounds to upkeep when you're back in your home country. The garden is real enough to feel like a garden — space to eat outside, to grow tomatoes, to sit and do absolutely nothing — without becoming a burden. A stone terrace extends the living space outdoors through the warmer months, and given that Limousin enjoys genuine summer heat from late June through September, that te ... click here to read more

Early on a Tuesday morning in Villefagnan, the weekly market on the square is already buzzing—farmers unloading sunflowers and Charentais melons, a boulanger selling still-warm pain de campagne from the back of a van. You could walk there from this property in under ten minutes, or take three minutes by car if your arms are already full of last night's wine bottles. Either way, you'd be back before the coffee in the kitchen's old stone fireplace alcove had gone cold. This is rural Charente at its most liveable. Not a sleepy nowhere—a proper working French village with a school, a pharmacy, a few local businesses, and that particular kind of quiet that city people spend years chasing. Villefagnan sits in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, a region that rarely makes the glossy magazine covers but that seasoned France-lovers return to again and again. The light here in July is long and golden. The summers are reliably warm without the punishing heat of Provence. And in October, when the cognac vineyards around Jarnac and Cognac—barely an hour south—shift from green to deep amber, the countryside becomes something else entirely. The property itself is a genuine Maison de Maître, that distinctly French architectural form built to project quiet authority: symmetrical façade, high ceilings, solid stone construction that keeps rooms cool in summer and holds warmth through the Charente winters. This one sits on just under a hectare of land—enough space to feel genuinely rural, not enough to become a full-time landscaping project. The grounds are divided into formal garden areas and open land, with a large hangar at the far boundary that has serious practical value for storage, vehicles, or conversion. And that's where things get i ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Normandy, this charming 5-bedroom farmhouse in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of comfort and potential. Situated in an elevated position, the property boasts stunning views and is surrounded by nearly 2 acres of private land, including a garden and paddock. This inviting home presents a perfect opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the rural beauty of France while having the possibility of completing a custom renovation project. The main house is in good condition, renovated and ready for immediate occupation, featuring an "L" shaped lounge with a cozy wood-burner set in a granite fireplace, and exposed beams that enhance its rustic charm. Wooden floors flow throughout the downstairs living areas including the dining room, which receives ample natural light from the front-facing windows. The kitchen is practical, with space and plumbing ready for modern appliances, leading out to the garden which offers a serene retreat or a delightful entertaining space. Upstairs, the personalization of space continues. The landing doubles as a study area, while each of the bedrooms come with features like sloping ceilings, exposed beams, and stone walls that add to the farmhouse's character. The bathroom includes modern comforts such as a bath with an overhead shower and a radiator. Adjacent to the main residence is a gîte, partially renovated and awaiting completion. This offers an ideal project for those looking to create a customized guesthouse or a potential rental property. The initial structure is already in place, with frames and basic installations ready for finishing touches. The property includes several outbuildings that provide additional storage solutions or co ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, France, this remarkably spacious farmhouse is a dream for anyone seeking a serene rural escape. Located in the inviting town of Sourdeval, it combines the charm of a traditional French farmhouse with the potential for personal adaptation, making it perfect for overseas buyers and expats looking for that idyllic European lifestyle. Sourdeval and its surroundings boast a rich history, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant community spirit. Known for its quintessential French charm, the area is surrounded by lush meadows, rolling hills, and scenic woodlands that define the region's character. This is not just a place to live but a lifestyle to embrace. This 244 square meter farmhouse set in nearly five acres of lush Normandy landscape captures the essence of country life while offering ample space for families. A large five-bedroom house complimented by a separate two-bedroom gîte provides both comfort and opportunity. While the property is in good condition, it offers ample potential for customization and improvement—a chance to create the perfect retreat tailored to your vision. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of nature, enjoying a leisurely breakfast surrounded by panoramic views, or exploring your own productive gardens with rows of fruit-bearing trees and vibrant vegetable patches. The outdoor space is nothing short of wonderful, with beautifully landscaped gardens that have been lovingly maintained for decades. There's also a charming orchard and paddock, ideal for those looking to cultivate their own produce or keep animals. The separate gîte offers potential for guest accommodation, a rental opportunity, or simply a serene private dwelling offering rust ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque southwest region of Normandy, near the boundaries of Manche and Calvados, this charming 2-bedroom country home offers a tranquil retreat with a delightful opportunity for customization and enhancement. Situated just 3 kilometers from the town of Sourdeval—rich in community offerings and conveniences—this property blends the allure of rural serenity with the benefits of nearby town facilities. The country house itself has been attentively renovated over the past 17 years, providing a cozy yet modern living experience. Showcasing a blend of rustic and updated elements, the home includes double-glazed wood-frame windows that ensure year-round comfort. The property spans two floors, featuring tiled floors, an exposed stone wall, and wooden beams that add character to the spacious lounge, which is also equipped with a wood burner within a striking granite fireplace. The ground floor hosts a well-sized kitchen/dining area that leads directly to the rear garden. The kitchen is fitted with modern necessities and ample space for culinary exploration. Transitioning to the first floor, you are greeted with a landing area that reveals exposed beams and a sloping ceiling, creating a cozy, attic-like feel. The two bedrooms offer peaceful personal spaces, with the main bedroom including a walk-in wardrobe—an ideal addition for extra storage needs. While the main house is in good condition, the property also features an attached gîte that awaits finishing touches. Reflecting the layout of the main house, this space offers great potential for rental income or guest accommodation once completed. Outside, the landscape envelops the home with a sense of privacy and space. The garden, adorned with mature trees ... click here to read more

Imagine yourself nestled in the heart of Normandy, in the charming region of Manche, Sourdeval. It’s a sanctuary of peace balanced perfectly with vibrant local life, ideal for those considering a move to France. I'm here to tell you about a truly captivating property that offers not just a place to live, but a chance to integrate seamlessly into a welcoming community with the bonus of potential extra income. This delightful property comprises not one, but two distinct and charming homes—a 4-bedroom house and a 3-bedroom gite. Whether you're an expat looking to find a new home base, or an ambitious individual eager for a potential income venture, this property provides flexibility and comfort. For those seeking a more subdued lifestyle, the atmosphere in Sourdeval promises both tranquility and opportunities for exploration. ### Discovering the Houses: The main residence boasts character and convenience. As you enter the primary house, your journey begins in the entrance dining room. It’s a warm area featuring a wood stove and chimney, perfect for cozy meals with loved ones. The granite fireplace sets a scene of timeless charm—a touch of classic Normandy. - Entrance and Dining Room: Wood Stove, granite fireplace - Kitchen: Granite worktops, breakfast bar, fitted kitchen - Sitting Room: French windows, garden access, wood burner - Bedrooms: Four comfortable spaces - Shower Room: Equipped with modern fittings - Master Bedroom: Ensuite shower room - Utility and Boiler Room: Practical storage solutions In addition to the main house, the property features a three-bedroom gite, offering a taste of authentic French living. The Gite provides an open plan kitchen and dining space with character beams—a nod to its traditional r ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene heart of Normandy, France, this charming 2-bedroom country home is an idyllic retreat set against the lush greens of the Manche countryside, right near the quaint town of Sourdeval. This property is not just a house but a chapter waiting to be written into the lives of those who seek tranquil living with a touch of French country charm. Over the last 17 years, the current owners have lovingly renovated this residence, crafting it into a cozy haven with an expansive garden waiting for a new family to call it home. The house stands promising with its double glazed wood frame windows, designed to keep the charm of country living while offering modern comforts. For those considering investing or seeking additional income, there’s also potential here. Adjacent to the main house is a gîte that mirrors its structure, providing an exciting project for those who enjoy putting a personal touch on their dwellings. This gîte is wired separately for water and electricity, making it an ideal setup for rental opportunities or housing guests. Key Features of the Property: - 67 square metres of living space - 2 spacious bedrooms on the upper floor - Cozy lounge with exposed stone wall & wood-burner - Kitchen/dining area with tiled floors - Standalone shower room with character - Parking space for 2 vehicles - Lawned garden with mature trees & shrubs - Large attached workshop for all your DIY needs - Mains water & electricity - Drainage via an all-water septic tank Living in Normandy promises peace and authenticity—far away from the bustling cities. Sourdeval, a nearby picturesque town, offers all required everyday amenities including supermarkets, banks, and local markets. Every Tuesday, the vibrant produce mark ... click here to read more

Nestled on the outskirts of the charming village of Sourdeval, this picturesque country home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and opportunity for those seeking a serene lifestyle in the heart of Normandy, France. As a busy real estate agent, I've seen many properties, but this one stands out with its unique charm and potential, drawing attention from investors and expatriates alike. Sourdeval, located in the Manche department of Normandy, is a delightful locale where the pace of life slows down, allowing residents to truly savor each day. The local area is adorned with rolling fields, traditional French countryside architecture, and friendly locals who embody the region's warm hospitality. If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll find how community-driven this place is, with market days every Tuesday showcasing vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, regional cheeses, and more. The property itself is a true countryside gem, boasting a lovely garden spanning over an acre with mesmerizing views of the surrounding fields. This country home, thoughtfully renovated over 22 years, still retains its authentic character while offering modern comforts. It features a separate old stone house that's ideal for ambitious projects – a perfect renovation opportunity for those looking to add their personal touch to a historic structure. With three floors of living space, the main house offers: - 3 cozy bedrooms, filled with natural light - 2 well-equipped bathrooms - A spacious lounge/dining room featuring traditional exposed beams and a welcoming woodburner - A well-sized kitchen, ready to handle all your culinary adventures - A separate shower room convenient for guests or quick refreshes For those who delight in a mix of ... click here to read more

Nestled charmingly in the picturesque village of Sourdeval in Normandy, France, this delightful town house is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat without straying too far from local amenities. As a global real estate expert, I understand the magnetic draw of the French countryside, and this location is an exceptional choice for international buyers and expats looking to immerse themselves in the idyllic lifestyle France offers. The property itself is positioned within close proximity to the village's bakery and cozy bar/restaurant, making everyday conveniences just a short stroll away. For those who treasure the chance to step out and mingle with the friendly local community, you'll find this neighborhood to be quite welcoming. With a pleasant climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round, Sourdeval is where you can enjoy the full breadth of Normandy’s seasons, from blossoming springs to balmy summers. Let's delve deeper into what this property has to offer. It's a quaint 2-bedroom house with 95 square meters of living space that is meticulously maintained. The high ceilings add an airy feel to the already bright and inviting rooms. Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat or somewhere to settle, this house radiates the promise of a warm, welcoming home. Property features include: - 2 spacious bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - Loft space with potential for master suite - High ceilings throughout - Woodburner in the lounge - Electric heating - Mains drainage, water, and electricity - Fibre optic internet - Laundry room and workshop in the basement - Gravel parking space - Terraced garden with mature shrubs and hedges Though the house is in good condition, the loft's potential conversion into a master suite ... click here to read more

Introducing an idyllic 2-bedroom cottage nestled deep in the picturesque countryside of the Manche department, in Normandy, France. This attractive house is located in the serene, quiet commune of Sourdeval, giving you a unique opportunity to experience the relaxing, rural French lifestyle. The tranquil hamlet surrounds you with its mesmeric charm, yet you are never far from modern conveniences. A small, friendly village is located only 2 kilometres away, where you will find a welcoming bar and bread depot. Meanwhile, just a 10-minute drive brings you to the bustling town of Sourdeval, which boasts numerous amenities. The exterior of the house offers a quintessential French cottage feel with a beautiful blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary style. The countryside allure is further encapsulated by the beautifully maintained garden that measures 0.19 of an acre, offering a wonderful sense of peace, privacy, and tranquillity amongst the lush greenery of Normandy. At a comfortable size of 80 square meters, the interior of the house is spotless, cozy, and full of character. The ground floor houses the main living area which includes an open-plan sitting and dining room. The rustic stone fireplace and wood burner in the sitting area provide a warm and homely ambiance during the cooler months. Additionally, the fitted kitchen area is modern, functional, and ready for your culinary creations. The first floor is equally inviting, featuring a landing area, two bedrooms measuring 18.7 m² and 9 m² respectively. The bathroom is generously sized at 6.2 m² and fitted with a bath, shower, and WC. The house also benefits from electric heating and the aforementioned wood burner, ensuring you are always cozy and warm whateve ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, in the charming village of Sourdeval, this inviting 3-bedroom country house is now available for sale. This delightful property, situated in the department of Manche, offers a serene and peaceful lifestyle with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With a price tag of €150,000, this charming country house provides an exceptional opportunity for those looking to embrace the tranquility of rural life in France, whether as a family home or a second residence. Property Features: - Property type: country home - Condition: Good but requires some modernisation - Location: Normandy, Manche, Sourdeval - Bedrooms: 3 - Bathrooms: 1 - Total area: 90 sqm - Price: €150,000 - Land: Nearly 7 acres, gently sloping - New fuseboard installed around 10 years ago - Exterior insulation added - Potential to extend into loft space - Outbuildings suitable for conversion into gîtes - Mains water, electricity, and telephone connected - Gas-fired central heating - Double glazed PVC windows with shutters - Septic tank drainage (needs replacing) - Taxes Foncières: Approx. €561 per year Property Description: As you walk up the driveway, surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, this charming country house welcomes you with its rustic stone façade. The house, though requiring some modernisation, has ample potential to become a beautiful family home or an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ground floor features a spacious kitchen/dining room (6.05 x 4.34m), complete with part-glazed door and windows offering lovely views of the landscape. The room is equipped with a double stainless steel sink, a cozy fireplace with an open hearth, and plenty of space for a freest ... click here to read more

Tucked away in the serene landscape of Normandy, this captivating 3-bedroom country home in Sourdeval offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside. This detached stone "Maison de Maître" boasts a chic and recent renovation that has tastefully enhanced its rustic charm while incorporating modern comforts. Located in a tranquil role, yet within reach of both local culture and nature, this property makes for an ideal family home or a peaceful getaway. The ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room, where a recently fitted kitchen includes modern appliances and ample storage spaces, complemented by an inset wood burner in the living area that adds a cozy feel during the cooler months. Tiled floors and access to the basement and upper floors meld functionality and style seamlessly. The first floor reveals three bedrooms enriched with laminate flooring and versatile ambient light, along with a dressing room attached to the master bedroom. The shower room on this floor includes a vanity unit and heated towel rail, supplying added comfort. For the visionary, the loft presents an excellent opportunity for conversion, suggesting possibilities for additional living space or creative room tailored to your needs. Practical features include a tandem garage and utility areas in the basement, poised to accommodate household needs from storage to laundry. Local Area and Lifestyle Living in Sourdeval, residents relish in the weekly market offering from fresh produce to livestock, located among a variety of traditional shops, bars, and restaurants which boast an authentic French culinary experience. Lifestyle amenities are plentiful, spanning golf clubs, a sports c ... click here to read more

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Sourdeval, France, this charming four-bedroom country home offers a serene escape amidst 15 acres of verdant land. Perfect for those yearning for a peaceful rural lifestyle, this delightful farmhouse combines the beauty of rustic living with the convenience of modern amenities. The property is in good condition and features a spacious open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen area. This expansive space is accentuated with wood flooring and large windows, bringing abundant natural light into the home. The kitchen is well-equipped with built-in units, modern appliances, including a dishwasher, and a cozy breakfast bar for casual meals. Living in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of idyllic countryside and accessibility to essentials. The town is just a short drive away, boasting a selection of supermarkets, banks, and weekly markets where locals gather every Tuesday to shop for fresh produce and connect with the community. For the outdoor enthusiast, the property's location is nothing short of a dream. The surrounding area is ripe for exploration, whether it's a peaceful walk through the nearby Saint Sever forest, a day of fishing or boating at Lac de la Dathée, or perfecting your swing at the 18-hole golf course, all less than 15 minutes drive away. The coast, with its beautiful beaches, is only an hour away by car, making it an accessible destination for a sunny weekend getaway. The house is also equipped as an office and utility room, offering practical solutions for those looking to manage work-from-home requirements or daily household chores efficiently. Upstairs, the bedrooms are well-appointed with wooden floors, soothing views of the surrounding landscape, and ample ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy's picturesque countryside, this delightful country home in Sourdeval offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a second home or vacation property in France. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture, Normandy is a dream destination for international buyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A Slice of French Countryside Living Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of apple blossoms wafting through your window. This charming two-bedroom stone house, lovingly renovated in 1984, is surrounded by a lush garden and a quaint apple orchard, providing a serene and private oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Property Highlights: - Location: Situated in a tranquil rural hamlet, just a few kilometers from the vibrant town of Sourdeval. - Size: 91 square meters of cozy living space, perfect for intimate family gatherings or quiet retreats. - Bedrooms: Two spacious bedrooms with wood flooring and ample natural light. - Bathroom: A well-appointed shower room with modern amenities. - Kitchen/Dining Room: Features a granite fireplace with a Godin wood-fired cooker/heater, perfect for cozy winter evenings. - Lounge: A spacious area with tiled floors and large windows, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. - Garage: Attached garage with electric door, providing secure parking and additional storage space. - Garden: Beautifully landscaped with mature trees, shrubs, and flower borders, plus a charming apple orchard. The Normandy Lifestyle Living in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The town is a short drive away, providing access to essential amenities such as banks, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, this notable farmhouse in Manche presents a beautiful blend of classic charm and modern conveniences. Situated near Sourdeval, a quaint town that perfectly captures the spirit of rural France, this property promises more than just a home—it offers an idyllic lifestyle to those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of this region. With its detached stone structure, this farmhouse stands proud, boasting a stunning elevated position surrounded by nearly 2 acres of lush, green land that invites you to experience the timeless allure of the French countryside. One of my favorites things about this farmhouse is that it’s already ready to move into, although its adjoining gîte still awaits completion, offering you a wonderful opportunity to tailor the space according to your unique vision. The main house promises comfort with its renovated interiors, perfect for those who seek a balance between modernity and the classic charm of a rural home. The gîte is the proverbial "blank canvas," just bursting with potential to become a heartwarming retreat or a guest residence. Features of the Main House: - Five cozy bedrooms mix classic elements like exposed beams with contemporary updates. - The lounge features a charming granite fireplace, ideal for cozy evenings. - A spacious dining room, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. - Two bathrooms on hand for convenience, one on each floor. - Original wooden floors not only add to the charm but make maintenance simple. - A country-style kitchen with modern amenities, promoting a delightful cooking experience. - Radiators throughout to keep you warm even when the temperatures drop. - A noteworthy 'L' shaped ... click here to read more

Discover the Charm of Rural French Living in This Quintessential Country Home in Sourdeval Nestled in the serene landscapes of Normandy, this lovely 2-bedroom country house offers an inviting atmosphere with its thoughtful renovation and a companion gîte still open to customization. Situated on a generous plot of 3/4 acre, this property presents a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace the tranquil lifestyle of the French countryside, with the added possibility of developing an income-generating project. Property Features: - Spacious living room with a classic granite fireplace and enchanting wood-burner - Kitchen/Dining Room equipped with essential appliances and ample storage options - Two cozy bedrooms; the master featuring exposed beams and a walk-in wardrobe - Bathroom featuring substantial shower space and natural lighting - Recently installed double-glazed wood-framed windows throughout - Comprehensive electrical setup with separate meters for the main house and gîte - Generous rear lawn with mature trees and landscaping potential - Large attached workshop and convenient two-car parking The main home has been lovingly renovated, ensuring modern comforts blend seamlessly with rustic charm. The attached gîte echoes the structure of the main residence but requires some finishing touches, offering new owners the chance to impart their personal style. Local Area and Lifestyle: Sourdeval, a mere 3 kilometers away, encapsulates all the charm expected from a Normandy town. It provides a full range of amenities including supermarkets, banks, and a lively weekly market renowned for its local produce and crafts. Beyond merely meeting day-to-day needs, Sourdeval hosts a unique livestock market, enriching the comm ... click here to read more

Nestled in the quaint region of Normandy, this substantial detached house in the Manche department, situated near the bustling market town of Sourdeval, offers a fantastic opportunity for those looking to relocate to the picturesque heart of France. Just a stone's throw away from the vibrant locale of Sourdeval, this residence is not just a house, but the beginning of a new lifestyle filled with local wonders and breathtaking landscapes – suitable for overseas buyers and expats eager to immerse themselves in French countryside living. With its four bedrooms, this house stands ready to be transformed into the home of your dreams. It's a blank canvas just awaiting your touch, which is perfect if you have an eye for renovation and love putting down roots in a place that reflects both your style and sensibilities. There's no denying this is a fixer-upper, but think of this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The property is ripe with potential, allowing you to create a custom living space that suits your every need. The house is structurally sound—it's bursting with possibilities for those with vision. Accommodation is generous; the ground floor features a spacious junction of rooms that could be adapted to suit your living requirements. This includes: - Canopy entrance hall - Dining room with granite fireplace - Kitchen with a double stainless steel sink - Expansive lounge with exposed stone walls - Bedrooms offering plenty of space The garden is predominantly level, turning your outdoor space into a sanctuary of peace with its mature trees, vegetable garden, and a charming stream. This lush land spans over two acres, providing ample opportunity for gardening enthusiasts or those dreaming of outdoor gatherings wi ... click here to read more

Nestled in the quaint and vibrant town of Sourdeval, located in the captivating region of Normandy, France, this charming house is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. As a busy global real estate agent, my time is often stretched thin, but when a property like this comes along, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities it offers. Spanning 94 square meters, this spacious four-bedroom house is ideally situated for those looking to embrace a harmonious blend of community life and pastoral beauty. Upon entering through the partly glazed door, one is welcomed by a warm and inviting entrance hall. The tiled floor hints at the practical yet cosy design that permeates the entire home. The ground floor seamlessly combines functionality with comfort, featuring a utility room to make everyday chores a breeze, and a cloakroom for guests. As you move into the heart of the home, the kitchen/breakfast room offers a delightful space for culinary endeavours. Its access to the terrace and rear garden ensures bright and airy mornings as you sip coffee overlooking the garden. The house isn't shy about space, either. The lounge/dining room stretches across the breadth of the house, with glazed double doors and sliding patio doors creating a fluid connection with the outdoors. The promise of afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows is a comforting thought, making it perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. Moving upstairs, the first floor offers four well-proportioned bedrooms, each boasting a unique view and perspective of the surrounding area. The main bedroom, with its ample built-in storage and window overlooking the rear elevation, offers a private retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The remaining ... click here to read more

Situated in the charming town of Sourdeval in the picturesque region of Normandy, this delightful townhouse presents a unique opportunity for those looking to own a piece of French countryside. With its proximity to various local amenities and scenic surroundings, this property offers both convenience and a tranquil lifestyle, making it ideal for a holiday home, a first-time purchase, or a potential rental investment. Property Highlights: - Address: Sourdeval, Normandy, Manche, France - Price: €44,500 Property Features: - Three bedrooms - One bathroom - Overall size of 70 square meters - Double glazed hardwood windows, installed approximately 12 years ago - Central heating system via a back boiler on the woodburner (requires maintenance before use) - Full basement for ample storage As you enter the house, you're greeted by a partly glazed front door that leads into an entrance hall, adorned with a tiled floor and offering direct access to both the basement and the upper floors. The ground floor hosts a cozy lounge area, featuring a fireplace with a woodburner and wood flooring, making it the perfect spot for relaxing evenings. The kitchen/dining room includes a ceramic sink, space for appliances, and glazed double doors that open up to a decking area, which awaits renewal to become a splendid outdoor entertainment space. The stairs guide you to the first floor where you will find two bedrooms, each boasting wood flooring and radiators. The bathroom on this floor is equipped with a hip bath, hand basin, and tiled floor. Ascending to the second floor reveals an additional bedroom and access to the attic, providing extra storage or could be converted into a functional space depending on your needs. Local Area and Ameni ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene town of Sourdeval in the Manche department of France, this charming 3-bedroom semi-detached house offers a prime opportunity for international buyers or expats seeking a slice of French living. Priced at €118,400 and spanning 84 m², the home sits on a generous plot of 1,232 m², complete with a courtyard, land for gardening or leisure, and a 40 m² garage, providing ample storage or workshop space. The house features traditional architecture and is structurally in good condition but may benefit from some updates and personal touches by its new owners. It’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a project home that doesn't require extensive renovations but allows for creative input. Ground floor: - Entrance hall - Fitted kitchen ready for culinary adventures - Cozy living room with a fireplace for evening relaxation - Boiler room - Conveniently located WC Upstairs: - Landing leading to all rooms - 3 well-proportioned bedrooms - A shower room with WC Additional features: - Attic space, offering potential for conversion - Efficient double-glazed windows - Gas heating system ensuring warmth throughout the seasons - Septic tank sanitation Living in Sourdeval means embracing the tranquil pace of life typical of rural Normandy. The town is small yet vibrant, providing all the necessary amenities for daily life including shops, restaurants, schools, and medical facilities. The local community is active and welcoming, often organizing events and markets that celebrate both the history and gastronomy of the region. The area is a paradise for nature lovers. Numerous walking trails and parks invite residents to enjoy the outdoors, and the proximity to the English Channel allows for easy weekend ge ... click here to read more