Charming 4-Bedroom House with Gite in Champagne-Mouton, Ideal Second Home in France

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and the air smells like damp grass and woodsmoke. Somewhere down the lane a church bell marks the half-hour. The kitchen has a wood burner going, the coffee is strong, and through the window you can see all the way across the bocage — that ancient patchwork of hedgerows, meadows, and apple orchards that makes this corner of Normandy feel like somewhere time forgot to rush. That's the daily reality of owning this early-1900s stone house in Tinchebray-Bocage, and it's hard to overstate how quickly it gets under your skin. The house itself sits on just under 1.5 acres, which in this part of the Orne département means genuine privacy, genuine quiet, and genuine space. At 106 square metres across two floors, the layout is generous without being unmanageable — the kind of house you can open up fully in summer and hunker down in warmly during the colder months. The previous owners clearly put in the hard work already: the property is in very good condition throughout, with double-glazed windows keeping the heat in and the renovation done to a standard that means you arrive, unpack, and start living rather than start snagging. The ground floor sets the tone immediately. The living room stretches to over 26 square metres and has a fireplace at its heart — on a wet November afternoon, this room becomes the centre of the universe. Beside it, the fitted dining kitchen runs to nearly 17 square metres and comes equipped with its own wood-burning stove, so even cooking here has a particular warmth to it, both literally and in atmosphere. A utility room handles the practical side of country life — muddy boots, wet coats, firewood — and a ground-floor shower room with WC adds real convenience for guest ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in La Roquette: the bells of Villefranche drift across the valley, a faint smell of woodsmoke still lingering from last night's fire, and from your terrace you look out over a medieval village that hasn't changed its roofline in three centuries. That's the view from this 160 m² stone house. Not a simulation of rural French life — the real thing, at a price that still makes sense. La Roquette is the kind of hamlet that doesn't appear in guidebooks. It sits in the Aveyron, a department that most international buyers fly over on the way to somewhere flashier, which is precisely why property values here remain grounded while quality of life absolutely doesn't. This is deep southwest France: the Rouergue plateau, walnut orchards, limestone ridges, rivers cold enough to swim in well into August. The local dialect is Occitan, the bread is dense and sour, and the Wednesday market in Villefranche — ten minutes down the road — has been running since the bastide town was founded in 1252. The house sits elevated above the village lane, giving it that unobstructed sweep across the rooftops and out to the surrounding countryside. Stone houses in this part of Aveyron are built to last centuries, and this one carries all the hallmarks: thick walls that keep rooms cool through July and warm in January, original stonework on the facade, and the kind of solidity underfoot that modern construction simply cannot replicate. The condition is good — this isn't a renovation project waiting to swallow your budget, but a property you can move into and gradually make your own. Downstairs, the layout is genuinely liveable rather than just photogenic. The 32 m² living room with its fireplace is the heart of things — big enough to ho ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Sauzé-Vaussais and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie on Rue du Marché drifts through the kitchen window before you've even put the coffee on. The cathedral ceiling above you catches the early light, throwing long shadows across original stone walls that have stood here for well over a century. This is what slow French living actually feels like — not the postcard version, but the real one. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse in the heart of Deux-Sèvres sits on the edge of one of Poitou-Charentes' most genuinely liveable market towns. At 234 square metres of interior space plus multiple stone outbuildings, there's a generosity here that's increasingly rare at this price point in rural France. The property is in good condition throughout — meaning you can arrive, unpack, and start living rather than project-managing. Walk through the entrance hall and the double-height living room stops you. Properly stops you. The open mezzanine gallery floats above, a cast-iron wood-burning stove anchors one wall, and the exposed beams overhead give the room a warmth that no interior designer can manufacture — it just accumulates over decades. On a January evening with the stove lit and rain on the old stone courtyard outside, this room earns its keep in a way no modern open-plan ever quite manages. The kitchen is the other great room. Stone-flagged floors, a traditional range cooker, a fireplace fitted with its own log burner, and a dining area large enough for the whole extended family to argue cheerfully around. It's the kind of kitchen where Sunday lunch becomes a four-hour event. The ground floor also includes a bedroom — genuinely useful if you have older relatives visiting or simply prefer not to c ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Villecomtal sounds like this: a church bell somewhere above the rooftops, the clatter of a shutter being thrown open two doors down, and the faint smell of bread drifting up from the boulangerie on the square. You're standing on your lower terrace, coffee in hand, and the village is just waking up around you. This is the kind of morning that made you start looking for a place in France in the first place. This house has been here since the 14th century — and it looks it, in the best possible way. The stone walls are thick enough to keep rooms cool through the fiercest August heat. The slate roof, regularly maintained, does what good roofs are supposed to do: nothing dramatic, just quietly keeps everything below it safe and dry. A 19th-century extension added breathing room without disrupting the logic of the original structure, and a recent renovation has brought the whole 150 sqm into genuine comfort without filing away the edges that give the place its character. Walk through the front door and the main living area — roughly 43 sqm — opens up in a way that makes you exhale. The kitchen, dining area, and sitting room flow into each other naturally, and the fireplace with its wood-burning stove anchors everything. On a cold January evening in the Aveyron, that stove isn't a decorative detail. It's the reason you'd rather be here than anywhere else. Three bedrooms occupy the garden level, which sits below the main living floor and opens onto the lower terrace — the more sheltered of the two outdoor spaces, screened from the lane, genuinely private. The master suite runs to around 31 sqm with its own bathroom and WC. The two further rooms, at 19 sqm and 13 sqm respectively, work well as guest rooms, ki ... click here to read more

Step through the heavy oak door on a Saturday morning in October and the smell hits you first — old stone warmed by a wood-burning stove, with just a trace of whatever someone baked in that antique bread oven a century before you arrived. That's the thing about a proper French longère. It carries its history lightly, without making a fuss about it. Valdelaume sits in the heart of Deux-Sèvres, a département that most international buyers haven't discovered yet — which is precisely the point. This isn't the tourist-worn Dordogne or the sun-scorched Côte d'Azur. It's rural Poitou-Charentes at its most honest: rolling bocage countryside, sunflower fields that stretch to the horizon in July, and village life that still runs on its own unhurried clock. Your nearest town, Melle, is just a short drive away, and it punches well above its size — a Romanesque church that's part of the UNESCO-listed pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, a weekly market on the square that's been running longer than anyone can remember, and a handful of decent restaurants where the duck confit is the real thing. The property itself sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, which in practice means you hear almost nothing from the road. What you do hear: wood pigeons, the occasional tractor working a field somewhere in the distance, and in the evenings, absolute silence. The fully enclosed plot runs to over 1,700 m², giving you genuine privacy on all sides — no neighbours looking over a fence, no holiday park noise, no compromise. At 165 square metres of living space, the house has real substance. The ground floor flows from an entrance hall into a fully fitted kitchen — the kind of kitchen that actually functions, with proper appliances already i ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in Brie, the kind of quiet that cities charge a premium for, you open the French doors off the first-floor living room and step onto the terrace with a coffee. The Charente countryside rolls out in front of you — pale gold fields in summer, mist-softened green in autumn — and the only sound is a distant tractor and whatever bird has claimed the courtyard wall. That's the morning this house gives you, reliably, every time you show up. Brie is a small commune in the Charente department, deep in the Poitou-Charentes region of southwestern France. It sits in that comfortable middle ground that serious buyers of French property know to look for: rural enough to feel genuinely removed from the pace of modern life, but close enough to real infrastructure that you're never stranded. The commercial hub at Champniers is just a few kilometres away — hypermarket, hardware, the practical errands done in twenty minutes. Angoulême, one of the most underrated cities in France, is eighteen minutes by car to the main station, which puts you on a direct TGV to Paris Montparnasse in under two hours. Bordeaux is roughly ninety minutes south. This is not a remote retreat you'll eventually resent; it's a genuinely usable second home in France. Angoulême deserves more than a passing mention. The city runs on two great obsessions: comics and cognac. The Festival International de la Bande Dessinée, held every January, transforms the old town into an open-air gallery and draws visitors from across Europe. Year-round, the medieval ramparts above the Charente river offer some of the best walking in the region, and the covered market on Place des Halles — open Tuesday through Sunday — sells Charentais melons so ripe in Jul ... click here to read more

Stand at the back of this house on a quiet Tuesday morning in October and watch the Orne River catch the light through the tree line. The mist lifts slowly off the water. A heron lands on the far bank without a sound. That's the pace of life here, and once you've felt it, a weekend in the city starts to feel like a poor trade. Noron-l'Abbaye sits within the Suisse Normande — a stretch of Normandy that surprises people. They come expecting flat wheat fields and leave talking about the gorges, the river bends, and the ridgeline walks above Clécy. The nickname "Swiss Normande" wasn't given ironically. The Orne carves through ancient rock here, creating cliffs and forests that feel genuinely wild, just a couple of hours from Paris on the A13. This four-bedroom character house occupies a 2,425 square metre plot directly on the banks of the Orne. The setting alone would justify a detour. But what you're actually getting is a property with serious bones — a living room anchored by an original stone fireplace, a fully fitted and equipped kitchen, a dedicated office space, two bathrooms, and a 105-square-metre attic that's ready for conversion. That attic is worth thinking about carefully. Opened up properly, it could become the kind of master suite or open studio that you'd never find in a new-build, all with exposed timber and river views. The plot comes with a secondary house in need of renovation, plus a collection of outbuildings: cellar, garage, workshop, and carport. For buyers who've been burned by properties with no storage or no room to grow, this is the kind of compound that rewards forward planning. Convert the secondary house as a rental unit or a guest cottage for family visits, and suddenly you've got a self-sup ... click here to read more

On a still morning in the Cantal countryside, the only sound is a wood pigeon calling from the oak at the edge of the field. No traffic. No sirens. Just the creak of old timber, the faint smell of woodsmoke still lingering from the stone fireplace the night before, and light coming in slow and gold through windows that frame a landscape unchanged for centuries. This is Bessé — and life here moves at a pace most people have forgotten is still possible. This six-bedroom stone house sits in a quiet hamlet in the Cantal department of Auvergne, one of the least-visited, most quietly rewarding corners of rural France. It's the kind of property that stops you mid-conversation the moment you step through the door. The exposed stone walls have a solidity to them that feels almost geological, and the heavy oak beams overhead give the interior that particular warmth you can't fake with renovation. The proportions are generous — genuinely generous, not estate-agent generous — with a ground-floor living room stretching to around 80 square metres, anchored by a period fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. On a January evening with snow on the hills and a Truyère stew on the stove, this room becomes the entire world. The layout works well for a large family or a rotating cast of guests. Three bedrooms on the ground floor, three more upstairs, a shower room, a bathroom, and sensible separation between sleeping and living spaces. The house is in good condition — you're not buying a project that swallows summers and savings. You're buying something that's already liveable, already warm, already itself. Outside, the grounds include a well — useful and evocative in equal measure — plus a collection of outbuildings that opens up ser ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Melle, and the smell of something baking drifts up from the boulangerie on Rue de Niort before you've even opened the shutters. You pad downstairs in socks, fire up the log burner in the kitchen, and the whole ground floor starts to warm up. That's the rhythm of life in this corner of Poitou-Charentes — unhurried, deeply French, and nothing like the tourist-saturated south. Melle is one of those towns that rewards people who actually look. Sitting in the Deux-Sèvres department, it punches well above its weight: three Romanesque churches dating to the 11th and 12th centuries, a working silver mine that once supplied coins to the Frankish kings (the Mines d'Argent des Rois Francs is genuinely fascinating, not just "historically significant"), a weekly market on Saturday mornings where local producers sell Charentais melon, goat's cheese rolled in ash, and the area's distinctive Pineau des Charentes. It's about 70 kilometres south of Poitiers and 80 kilometres east of La Rochelle — close enough to the Atlantic coast for a spontaneous beach day on the Île de Ré, far enough to feel worlds away from the summer crowds. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits right in the commune and has been finished to a level you don't often find at this price point. At 201 square metres, it gives everyone room to breathe — which matters enormously when you're sharing a holiday home with extended family or hosting friends from abroad. The centrepiece of daily life here is the large eat-in kitchen, anchored by a log burner that turns it into the kind of room where conversations last hours. On grey November afternoons or cold January evenings, when the courtyard stones glisten with rain, this is where you'll want to be. ... click here to read more

On a still Tuesday morning in the commune of Pers, just outside Sauzé-Vaussais, the air smells of cut grass and warm stone. A rooster somewhere across the fields. The kitchen window frames a stretch of open Deux-Sèvres countryside that hasn't changed much in a century. This is what 288 square metres of authentic French rural life feels like — and it's waiting for someone with vision. This is a serious property. Not a weekend renovation fantasy, but a genuine multi-building complex in good condition, sitting on approximately 6,763 m² of garden and land, with 13 rooms across three separate structures. Two independent houses and a studio. Seven bedrooms total. A family could move in tomorrow, or an investor could start generating gîte income within a season. Few properties in this price range in Poitou-Charentes offer this kind of immediate flexibility. The main house grounds you from the moment you step inside. The living room has the kind of proportions that make you want to leave the furniture where it is and just sit for a while. The eat-in kitchen is genuinely spacious — not the architectural lie of most listings — with room enough for a long Sunday lunch with extended family. Three bedrooms on this side of the property, two bathrooms, a separate WC, and a utility room that takes the practicality of country living seriously. Cross the garden and you're in a fully independent second house. Four more bedrooms, its own living room, kitchen, dining room, and two bathrooms with WC. The layout is exactly what you'd want if you're running a gîte operation, hosting friends from London or Amsterdam who want their own front door, or eventually housing adult children who need space but want to stay close. The separation is rea ... click here to read more

On a quiet morning in Villemain, the only sound you'll hear is birdsong cutting through cool air and the distant creak of a wooden shutter swinging open somewhere down the lane. That's the pace of life here — and once you've felt it, the city you came from starts to feel very far away indeed. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse sits on the edge of the village of Villemain, a small commune in the Deux-Sèvres department of Poitou-Charentes, in a part of France that most international buyers haven't discovered yet. That's both an honest observation and, frankly, a significant advantage. Property prices here remain well below those of the Dordogne or the Lot, yet the quality of the landscape, the food, and the way of life is every bit as rewarding. The house itself is in good condition — no project property requiring months of contractors, just a well-built, characterful home that's ready to live in from the first weekend you arrive. Pull through the iron gates onto the broad gravelled driveway and the house announces itself properly. The full stone frontage stretches the width of the plot, and there's room to park four or five cars comfortably — useful when family comes down from Paris or friends fly in from London through Poitiers-Biard airport, barely an hour's drive north. Step through the front door and the entrance hall does something that very few rooms manage: it makes you want to slow down. Original terracotta tiles underfoot, a fireplace for the cooler months, and a wooden staircase that curves upward with the kind of confidence that only comes from being built to last. This is not a house that was thrown up quickly. The lounge runs wide across the front of the building, wooden floors worn smooth with age, a stone ... click here to read more

The wood-burning stove in the kitchen is already lit when you picture yourself here on a grey November morning, a pot of something slow-cooking on the range, the smell of oak smoke drifting through the ground floor, and nothing outside the window but your own seven thousand square metres of French countryside. That's the pull of this place. It doesn't try to impress you. It just quietly gets on with being exactly what rural France is supposed to feel like. Set in the village of Messé in the Deux-Sèvres département of Poitou-Charentes, this three-bedroom house sits on a generous plot that extends well beyond 7,000 m² — land that includes a large barn ripe for conversion, several outbuildings, a workshop, and a wood store. For buyers hunting a proper second home in France with room to grow, this is a rare find under the €200,000 mark. The property is in good condition and liveable right now, but the real story here is what it could become over time. Walk through the front door and the entrance hall opens into a kitchen that makes you want to cook. Not open a packet — actually cook. It's fitted, it's generous in size, and it has both a range-style cooker and a wood-burning cooking stove that doubles as the heart of the home on cold evenings. The living and dining area flows from here with its own wood-burning stove, creating the kind of ground-floor warmth that central heating alone never quite manages. A shower room with WC completes the downstairs layout, practical and neatly arranged. Upstairs, a landing connects three comfortable bedrooms and a family bathroom with WC. The heating system is cleverly thought through: the stoves handle the ground floor, while an air-to-air heat pump covers the upper level — a mixed sys ... click here to read more

Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning to the faint toll of church bells drifting across the rooftops of Brux, pulling on a linen shirt, and walking two minutes to the local boulangerie for a still-warm baguette before the rest of the village stirs. That's the pace of life here. Quiet, unhurried, and real. This four-bedroom renovated stone house in the Vienne department of Poitou-Charentes isn't just a property — it's a doorway into one of rural France's most genuinely liveable corners, at a price that makes it one of the smartest second home opportunities in the country right now. The house itself pulls you in from the street. The traditional stone façade gives nothing away — you have to step through the front door to understand what's been done here. Whoever renovated this place clearly loved it. Exposed stone walls run through the open-plan living and dining room, where timber beams cross the ceiling overhead and wide wooden floorboards run underfoot. A wood-burning stove anchors the room, and on a cool October evening with the fire lit and a bottle of local Charentais Pineau opened, you'll understand exactly why people fall for French country houses and never quite recover. The kitchen is the kind that makes you actually want to cook. A central island, generous worktop space, well-thought-out storage, and a direct door out to the courtyard — so you can hand plates through to guests without navigating a corridor. The materials are authentic: stone, wood, solid fittings. Nothing feels like a shortcut. On the ground floor, there's a bedroom with its own modern shower room. For families with older parents or guests who can't manage stairs, this is genuinely useful. Upstairs, three further bedrooms hold onto the build ... click here to read more

You set your glass of Pineau des Charentes on the stone ledge, look out past the mulberry tree toward fields turning amber in the late afternoon, and feel your shoulders drop about three inches. That's the moment this house gets you. It happened to everyone who walked through before you, and it'll happen to you too. This maison de maître sits in a quiet hamlet in north Charente, the kind of village where the Sunday morning air smells of woodsmoke and someone's always got a baguette tucked under their arm heading home from Ruffec. It's not the France of Instagram postcards — it's the real thing. Slow roads, big skies, neighbours who actually wave. The house itself has generous bones. At 189 square metres, it breathes. Previous owners renovated it with obvious affection rather than a quick cosmetic flip — you can feel the difference the moment you step onto the travertine floors and look up at the exposed beams. Light tracks through the rooms from east to west across the day, and the house seems to understand this, with windows positioned so you're always chasing a patch of warmth or shade depending on the season. The open-plan kitchen anchors daily life here. It opens directly onto a courtyard — flagged, sheltered, sized for a table that seats ten without anyone knocking elbows. This is where the long lunches happen. The ones that start at one and end somewhere around six when someone finally puts a lid on the rosé. From the kitchen you move into a very large reception room dominated by a fireplace, the kind of proportions that handle both a family Christmas and a quiet Tuesday evening with equal ease. A sage-panelled study sits off the ground floor, calm and book-lined in your mind already, and there's a near self-con ... click here to read more

The kitchen window faces east, and on a clear morning in Civray, the light comes in low and golden across terracotta floors that have been worn smooth over generations. There's a particular stillness to this corner of the Vienne — not emptiness, but the kind of quiet you have to actively seek out and rarely find. This is that place. The house is a stone longère, which is the long, low farmhouse form that defines rural Poitou-Charentes. These buildings were built to last, and this one has. Thick limestone walls keep the interior cool in July when the sunflower fields along the D1 are baking in 30-degree heat, and warm in February when morning frost whitens the lawn. At 243 square metres, the proportions are genuinely generous — you feel it the moment you step through the entrance hall and realize this isn't a weekend cottage stretched thin across too many rooms, but a proper family house with room to breathe. The heart of everything is the dining room. Cathedral ceilings, exposed oak beams, a fireplace wide enough to stand in, and a mezzanine gallery above that catches afternoon light beautifully. This is the room that will make your guests go quiet for a moment when they first see it. It's the room where Christmas happens, where Sunday lunches run until four in the afternoon, where the kids eventually claim the mezzanine as their own private territory. The country kitchen sits adjacent — practical, substantial, with a dining area and a large utility room behind it that serious cooks and rural living both demand. There's also a sitting room with a wood-burning stove and a quieter room that works perfectly as a study or reading space, the kind you actually use rather than just photograph. A ground-floor bedroom with its ... click here to read more

Stand at the kitchen door on a July morning, coffee in hand, and look out across half an acre of enclosed garden as the Périgord hills roll away in every direction. The swimming pool catches the early light. Somewhere down the lane, the boulangerie on the village square is pulling its first trays. This is Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac — and this five-bedroom house on its quiet edge might be one of the most honest opportunities left in the Dordogne. Honest, because it doesn't pretend to be finished. The 1960s-built house, spread across 167 square metres of living space, needs updating throughout — new bathrooms, fresh interiors, modernised finishes. But the bones are solid, the layout is generous, and the plot is extraordinary. At just over 2,300 square metres, the fully enclosed garden wraps around the property with far-reaching views that no renovation budget can buy. The eight-by-four-metre pool and paved terrace are already in place. You're not starting from scratch; you're putting your own stamp on something with real foundations. The ground floor sets the tone. The sitting room stretches to 20 square metres, anchored by a stone fireplace fitted with a wood burner — the kind of thing you fire up in October when the chestnut trees along the D6 start turning amber and the evenings get that particular Dordogne chill. Original wooden floors run through the sitting room, dining room, and kitchen, giving the whole floor a warmth that modern builds rarely manage. The 16-square-metre dining room is big enough for the kind of meals that go on for three hours. The kitchen opens directly onto the garden. There's a ground-floor WC and a study that could just as easily become a snug or a work-from-home room. Upstairs, the ... click here to read more

Stand on the covered terrace on a July evening, a glass of Buzet red in hand, and watch the last light of the day settle over a medieval village rooftops and rolling Gascon hills. Church bells drift up from the valley. The smell of wild thyme rises from the stone walls. This is not a fantasy — this is Tuesday night at this three-bedroom stone house perched above one of Lot-et-Garonne's most quietly captivating corners, just minutes from the royal town of Nérac. The house itself is the kind of place that takes a moment to fully comprehend. Walking through the entrance hall and into the main living room, your eye goes straight up — a genuine cathedral ceiling, double-height, with exposed oak beams crossing overhead. The wood-burning stove sits at one end of the room like it has always been there, because it has. Original fireplaces anchor two separate reception rooms, and the stonework throughout speaks to construction that predates most countries on earth. At 175 square metres spread across three distinct levels, this is a home you can spread out in, not just visit. The layout rewards the way families and groups actually use a holiday home. Ground floor offers two bedrooms, each with its own private shower room and WC — so two couples can share without negotiating bathroom schedules at 8am. The mezzanine level, currently a sun-filled home office with beautiful beam detailing, leads to the third bedroom with its own en suite. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms total. Privacy is built into the architecture. Down on the garden level — and this is where the property genuinely surprises — you find a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room with real character, a second sitting room with fireplace, and a bright veranda that the cur ... click here to read more

Step outside on a clear October morning and the entire Pyrenees range is just sitting there, spread across the horizon like a wall of silver and slate. Not glimpsed between rooftops. Not partially obscured by trees. The full panorama, uninterrupted, from the flat land that wraps around this single-story farmhouse in Marignac-Lasclares, a small village tucked into the rolling countryside of Haute-Garonne. It stops you mid-coffee, every time. This is the kind of property that doesn't announce itself loudly. No grand gates, no ostentatious facade. What you get instead is a completely renovated, 133 square meter stone farmhouse that works — genuinely works — as a home. Solid. Functional. Lived-in in the best possible sense. The renovation has been done with care, preserving the honest character of the original structure while making everything inside comfortable and ready to use from day one. No peeling plaster to address, no outdated wiring to budget for. You arrive, you unpack, and you're home. The property sits on flat, fully fenced land. For families with young children or anyone who's ever tried to garden on a slope, that matters more than it sounds. There's real usable outdoor space here — room for a terrace table long enough to seat everyone, a kitchen garden if you want one, or simply a stretch of lawn where nothing in particular happens except relaxation. Three bedrooms give the layout genuine flexibility. A couple using this as a second home in the French southwest will find the extra rooms genuinely useful — one for guests, one as a workspace or reading room for those weeks when you're not quite on holiday but not quite at the office either. Families will appreciate the spread. The single bathroom is well-appoi ... click here to read more

This charming, south-facing, 2-bedroom country house in Champagne-Mouton, Poitou Charentes, France, is brimming with potential. The countryside dwelling may be habitable, but will benefit from loving refurbishment efforts. The age of this property only adds to its charm. With a history dating back 300 years, it offers a unique blend of traditional French architecture and stunning countryside views. The property is nestled in the heart of a serene country setting and is conveniently located a few miles from the picturesque town of Champagne-Mouton. Known for its scenic landscapes and tranquil lifestyle, the town features quaint local shops, traditional restaurants, and a bustling market place. This 140 square-meter country house awash with character details such as wooden floors, rustic stone walls and age-old oak beams. On the ground floor, a homely sitting room boasting a cosy wood burner invites you to unwind, followed by the kitchen complete with tiled floors, fitted units and original stone walls. A bedroom with ensuite bathroom can be found on this floor, adding to its practical layout. The upper floor consists of a generous guest bedroom/mezzanine and a second bathroom. Furthermore, there is another large-sized bedroom, allowing the owners to accommodate guests comfortably. Please note that some oak beams on this floor are low, providing a cosy, rustic atmosphere. The property sits on a sizeable plot of 1885 square meters, with a beautiful mature garden, featuring an abundance of fruit trees. Imagine relaxing on the south-facing terrace, savoring the spectacular views that stretch beyond the horizon. The courtyard at the rear provides plenty of space for car parking. This home is also accompanied by a fabulo ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene landscape of Champagne-Mouton in Poitou-Charentes, this enchanting 4-bedroom stone mill offers a unique living experience, blending historical charm with modern amenities, set on a sprawling estate of over 8 hectares. The property is secluded, ensuring maximum privacy and uninterrupted views of lush greenery, a delightful river that stretches for 450 meters, and features including a waterfall, a sizable lake, and a variety of flourishing plant life that adds to its idyllic charm. For individuals or families planning to relocate or invest in France, this property provides a tranquil retreat with the potential for rental income through its self-contained gite and independent studio. The main house promotes comfortable living spaces across the ground floor, complete with a newly fitted kitchen, dining, and lounge area adorned with a functional wood burner—an inviting spot for family gatherings. The estate's grounds are a nature lover's paradise, with five natural springs, extensive woodland and fields ideal for exploration or agricultural activities. The presence of an orchard bearing fruits such as cherries, apples, and apricots offers delightful gardening opportunities and a constant supply of fresh produce. Equestrian enthusiasts will find the land adaptable for horses, with several kilometers of paths perfect for riding. Outdoor activities in Champagne-Mouton are plentiful. The region offers peaceful bike rides or drives through rolling landscapes, with local amenities easily accessible, providing a gentle balance of rural living with convenience. The surrounding areas also boast a variety of hiking trails, historic sites, and typical French markets, ideal for leisurely weekends soaking in the l ... click here to read more

Discover the charm of rural France with this delightful three-bedroom house in the serene village of Champagne-Mouton, located in the picturesque region of Charente. This house, while presently in good condition, offers immense potential for those looking to inject a personal touch into their next home. Priced at an inviting €70,000, the property spans 140 square meters, providing a spacious environment perfect for family living or as a serene countryside retreat. The house greets you with a cozy layout comprising a well-sized kitchen featuring a traditional wood-fired oven, creating a rustic feel that awaits your modernizing touches. The adjacent living room, complete with sturdy wooden floors, offers a warm space for family gatherings. Two of the bedrooms are conveniently located on the ground floor, while the third bedroom, nestled upstairs, presents a quiet haven. Additional spaces such as a back kitchen and a store room add to the functional aspects of the home. Part of the excitement of this property lies in its potential: the large attic and an additional room on the first floor are poised for transformation, perfect for those who delight in renovation projects. While the property does need a new septic tank system, new windows, doors, and a general refreshment, these updates are an excellent opportunity to add value to your investment. Outdoors, the property does not disappoint, featuring a 700 square meter garden filled with beautiful trees, creating a peaceful outdoor area ideal for relaxation and family activities. A sun terrace fronts the property, offering a perfect setting for enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Living in Champagne-Mouton is living amidst the quiet charm of rural France. The village its ... click here to read more

Discover the charm of French country living with this spacious 5-bedroom house nestled in the serene village of Champagne-Mouton, in the Poitou-Charentes region of Charente, France. This property, which enjoys a rich historical context having previously served as the village shop and undergoing partial modernisation post-war, offers a delightful blend of traditional architecture and modern conveniences, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a tranquil rural lifestyle. Set over a generous 166 square meters, the house is thoughtfully designed with ample living spaces that include a welcoming entrance hall, a cozy living room with direct access to the lush garden through glazed doors, and a study/library which could serve a variety of uses from a quiet reading room to a productive home office. Additionally, the first floor hosts two more well-proportioned bedrooms complementing the ground-floor bedrooms, ensuring space and privacy for all residents. Key Features: - Five well-sized bedrooms - Two bathrooms including a large ensuite - Modern oil-fired central heating - Double glazing throughout - Solar-powered shutters on the main windows - Spacious eat-in kitchen with modern amenities - Attached large garage and workshop - Sprawling deck and mature garden - Extensive plot of just under half a hectobe ideal for equestrian pursuits - Former attic with potential for conversion (subject to planning permission) The heart of the home is undoubtedly the kitchen, which offers a large dining area and direct access to the decked outdoor space—ideal for al fresco dining and gathering with friends and family. The serene outdoor setup is accentuated by established gardens flanked by mature trees and shrubs, inviting a sen ... click here to read more

Presenting a unique property opportunity in the picturesque French village of Champagne-Mouton, Poitou Charentes – a charming 100 sqm barn ripe for renovation. Nestled within the rolling hills and lush landscapes of Poitou Charentes region, this barn offering is the epitome of a delightful fixer-upper, making it a perfect choice for those looking to imbue their personal touch in a property with great potential. The barn, currently masked by rusticity, can be easily converted into a beautiful house boasting remodeled spaces. It features two spacious rooms that provide a blank canvas for designing, both measuring 75 sqm and 25 sqm respectively. Each room features a concrete floor with damp-proof course underneath, allowing for sound architectural foundation or potential personalized renovations. The current condition of the property is good, with the roof remarkably well-maintained and showing no signs of leaks or damage. However, please note that no plumbing system or electricity connection exists within the property yet, but these can be easily installed with connection services readily available in the local area, adding to the convenience of the future renovations. The plot measures 1050 sqm, including an adjoining garden that potential owners can convert into a lush outdoor space, perhaps with a charming French-style garden or a cosy alfresco dining area. An additional bonus includes three non-attached plots of woodland on a total of 3410 sqm, amalgamating into a sizable chunk of lush land that ensures peace, privacy, and a connection to nature for the future inhabitants. Amenities: - Fixer-upper property - 100 sqm barn - Two rooms - Damp-proof flooring - 1050 sqm garden - Non-attached woodland plots (3410 sqm) ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Poitou-Charentes Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, as the first rays of sunlight filter through the skylight, casting a warm glow across the seagrass flooring. This is the serene lifestyle awaiting you at this exquisite 5-bedroom farmhouse in Champagne-Mouton, nestled in the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region of France. A Home Steeped in Character and Comfort Step inside to discover 280 square meters of beautifully renovated living space, where traditional charm meets modern convenience. The heart of the home is the expansive 63 m² living room, featuring two wood-burning stoves and oak beams that exude rustic elegance. It's the perfect setting for cozy family gatherings or lively soirées with friends. The fitted kitchen, complete with an "Aga" cooker, invites culinary adventures, while the French door opens to an east-facing terrace, ideal for savoring your morning coffee and croissant as the sun rises over the horizon. A Haven for Equestrian Enthusiasts Set on over 2 acres of lush land, this property is a dream come true for horse lovers. Two substantial stone barns offer endless possibilities for equestrian facilities, workshops, or creative studios. The expansive grounds provide ample space for paddocks, riding trails, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the countryside. Embrace the Outdoors The exterior is a paradise for those who cherish outdoor living. A south-facing terrace offers stunning views of the rolling landscape, while the 8m x 4.5m swimming pool beckons for a refreshing dip on warm summer days. With walking and cycling routes right on your doorstep, every day is an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of t ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet not far from the picturesque town of Champagne-Mouton in the region of Poitou-Charentes, France, this charming 3-bedroom stone house offers a delightful blend of traditional architecture and natural surroundings. With a price tag of €129,000, this property serves as an inviting sanctuary for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside. This elegant home spans approximately 180 square meters over two stories, combining rustic appeal with spacious living areas. The ground floor of the house features a cozy, fitted kitchen measuring 20 square meters, complete with a tiled floor, a wood burner, and exposed beams that add to its rustic charm. Adjacent to the kitchen is a welcoming lounge, a generous 30 square meters in size, featuring lustrous wooden floors, another wood burner, and captivating stone walls which open out to the garden. A modest office space and a bathroom equipped with tiled floors, a bath, sink, and WC are also located on this floor, along with a dining room enriched with beams and a unique atmosphere provided by another wood burner. Ascending to the first floor, you are greeted with a wooden-floor landing area that leads to three bedrooms, each maintaining the same charismatic wooden beams and floating floorboards, creating a warm, homely feel. The most spacious of these is 30 square meters and offers ample space for both rest and activities. Additionally, a practical shower room on this floor includes a shower, sink, and WC. The exterior of the property does not disappoint, boasting a large barn covering 150 square meters, with a durable roof protected by a membrane. The attached garden is expansive at 842 square meters, providing a lush, green esc ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Poitou-Charentes, in the commune of Champagne-Mouton, this charismatic three-bedroom country home presents a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace a tranquil rural lifestyle in France. With its generous plot size of 5173m² and an overall living space of 230m², the property promises ample room both inside and out. The residence itself exudes rustic charm, accented by its traditional golden stone exterior and lush surroundings that feature beautifully manicured gardens, a variety of fruit trees, and a sophisticated eco-friendly automated self-watering system. The serene ambiance is further enhanced by the absence of busy roads, making this an ideal retreat for peace and privacy. The house is designed thoughtfully, with spacious, luminous interiors and a layout that encourages a flow of natural light. The ground floor includes an expansive living/dining room with a chimney flue, adding to the home's cozy atmosphere. Additionally, there is a large, luminous second living room that offers spectacular views of the valley of L’Argentor, making it a perfect spot for relaxing or entertaining guests. The fitted kitchen is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, complemented by modern amenities and a generous size of 27m². For convenience, there is a bedroom on the ground floor equipped with an en-suite shower room, providing easy access and privacy. Upstairs, you will find two more bedrooms and a period-style bathroom featuring a characterful bath, alongside additional space that could potentially be converted into further bedrooms, subject to necessary approvals. The property is equipped with double glazing, electric and underfloor heating systems to ensure comfort through ... click here to read more

Nestled in the beautiful heart of the Charente region in France, within the quaint village of Champagne-Mouton, lies an expansive seven-bedroom maisonette, embodying both history and potential. It's a house where tradition meets the ease of daily conveniences, offering a unique lifestyle that combines the tranquility of rural France with modern needs. Imagine waking up each day in this grand mansion house, which provides not only a substantial living space of 303 square meters but also a touch of history and mystery with its walled facade and secluded wooded courtyard. The property sits on a generous plot of 2670 square meters, offering you the luxury of space – something increasingly rare in today's world. Living in Champagne-Mouton means you'll be residing in an area renowned for its natural beauty and sheer tranquility. The Nord Charente region is famed for its picturesque landscapes. It's a place where you can breathe in the pure country air and embrace the slower pace of life. The local area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like siestas by the riverbank, picnics with family and friends, and delightful strolls through unspoiled countryside trails. This property itself isn't just about living; it's about living well. As you enter through the entrance hall covering 39 square meters, you are immediately greeted by an open-plan living and dining area of 57 square meters—a perfect space for entertaining guests or simply unwinding with family. The kitchen, which spans 20 square meters, is ripe with potential, ready to be transformed into a culinary haven. For those who work remotely, the 10-square-meter study provides the ideal space for concentration and productivity, making working from home both feasibl ... click here to read more

Welcome to this substantial 7-bedroom maisonette nestled in the scenic community of Champagne-Mouton, a charming village in Poitou-Charentes, Charente, France. Boasting a generous living space of 303 square meters set on a plot of 2670 square meters, this unique property is an ideal choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in French village life while enjoying the space to grow and personalize their home. Constructed in a style reflective of the region's historic charm, the residence forms part of a rare, walled mansion complex. Complementing the main house are extensive additional structures including vast barns and a secondary stone house awaiting renovation. These offer new owners a magnificent opportunity to either expand their living space or develop business ventures, subject to necessary approvals. The house itself is securely located in a beautifully secluded, wooded courtyard, providing privacy and tranquility. Yet, it benefits from proximity to the village center where you can find all essential commerce, quaint boutiques, and delightful restaurants within walking distance. The weather in Champagne-Mouton provides a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and comfortable summers, perfect for enjoying the picturesque outdoors and the rustic charm of the local area. Internally, the home presents a traditional yet functional layout: - The ground floor features a grand entrance hall, an expansive open-plan living and dining area of 57 square meters, a cozy study, a practical kitchen, a laundry room, and a comfortable bedroom complete with a bathroom. - The first floor is home to further six bedrooms, two of which enjoy ensuite bathrooms, and one additional standalone bedroom. This arrangement is ... click here to read more

This charming 3-bedroom country home is set in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes in Charente, Champagne-Mouton, France. Embraced by 5173 square meters of verdant gardens, this home with its rustic golden stone facade offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping views over the L’Argentor valley. The property encompasses a generous 230 square meters of living space, featuring a roomy 42 square meters of living area that provides ample room for family gatherings and relaxation. The home is perfectly equipped for those seeking tranquility away from bustling city life, yet it retains connections to urban conveniences. Angoulême is just a 45-minute drive away, offering further amenities and transport links to major European destinations as well as international locales. In terms of layout, the ground floor introduces an entrance hall, a convenient laundry room, a kitchen fitted out for culinary enthusiasts, and dual living rooms—one of which is 42 square meters, perfect for enthralling family and friends. Additionally, there’s a bedroom complete with an ensuite shower and dressing area providing comfort and privacy on the same level, enhancing its accessibility. The original oak staircase leads to the upper floor, where additional bedrooms and bathroom facilities are present. The attic is accessible and offers potential expansion space, which could cater to additional bedrooms or a hobby area, subject to approval. Living in Champagne-Mouton provides residents with a serene atmosphere complemented by the simplicity and beauty of the rural French countryside. The local area teems with outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding, and scenic walks through lush landscapes. Moreover, residents are integrated into a warm ... click here to read more

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of Poitou-Charentes, in the scenic region of Charente, this idyllic country home in Champagne-Mouton offers a tranquil retreat that resonates with the rustic charm of the French countryside. With a total built size of 230m² and sitting on a generous plot of 5173m², this three-bedroom property positions itself as a serene haven, ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle or a picturesque escape from city life. The residence, built from charming old rustic golden stone, commands sweeping views of the lush valley of the L’Argentor. It's surrounded by approximately 5000m² of beautifully manicured gardens adorned with an array of fruit trees and an aesthetic water feature. A south-facing terrace lets you bask in the natural beauty of your surroundings, and the property features an eco-friendly automated self-watering system, ensuring maintenance is as effortless as it is effective. The home's interior exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, with high ceilings and generous dimensions throughout. An impressive oak staircase links the two levels of the house, further enhancing the home's character and charm. The layout is thoughtfully designed with a ground floor bedroom and a bathroom ensuring accessibility, alongside a well-appointed kitchen and a spacious living/dining area with a chimney flue ready for cozy evenings by the fire. Upstairs, the landing leads to two more bedrooms and a beautifully styled bathroom featuring a period bath, offering a touch of elegance and an aura of times past. The potential for additional bedrooms exists, subject to necessary approvals, making this a versatile space suited to a variety of needs. For those considering taking on a project, this home, while ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene and picturesque landscape of Poitou-Charentes, France, is a uniquely positioned farmhouse that carries both the charm of a traditional home and the amenities of contemporary living. This spacious property, located in the tranquil region of Champagne-Mouton, offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life, without being isolated—ideal for overseas buyers and expats looking to settle in the French countryside. Imagine waking up each morning to the sight of rolling fields and the distant echo of rural France in a farmhouse that's just the right balance of old and new. This 280m² haven offers five spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms—plenty of room for a growing family or to entertain guests frequently visiting the French countryside. The airy layout is immediately felt as you enter a vast 63m² living room, complete with a tiled floor, two traditional wood-burning stoves, and accentuated by robust oak beams that elicit a feeling of warmth and homeliness. Adding to the allure of this traditional farmhouse is its generous plot of 8196m², where two adjoining barns provide ample storage or potential for creative projects—just waiting for someone with a vision. One might explore converting a barn into an artist’s studio, a workshop, or even more living space. Such potential caters perfectly to those who want to put in their own stamp whilst living in a place that is already move-in ready. There is yet another touch of rural France that makes this farmhouse stand out: its very own swimming pool. A perfect place to cool off during the warm summer days. Speaking of the climate, Poitou-Charentes promises a generally mild and pleasant weather pattern, with warm summers ideal for poolside ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, in the quaint village of Le Bouchage, France, this charming three-bedroom house offers a perfect blend of comfort and rural tranquility. Anyone seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life will find this home an ideal fit. With 180 square meters of living space priced at an inviting €165,000, this property represents not just a home but a delightful escape into nature. This well-renovated house exudes warmth and character, brought to life by skillfully handcrafted materials. As you step inside, you are welcomed into an entrance hall that leads directly into a cozy fitted kitchen, designed to cater seamlessly to family needs and culinary experiments. Adjacent to the kitchen, a storeroom provides ample space for storage needs, ensuring the home remains clutter-free and organized. The living room, spacious and inviting, features a wood-burning fireplace that promises warmth and comfort during the cooler months. It's the perfect space for gathering with family, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire. Windows frame bucolic views of the surrounding countryside, painting a picture of pastoral bliss with every glance. On the upper level, the residence boasts three well-appointed bedrooms. The master bedroom is a particular highlight, complete with an en-suite shower and WC, offering privacy and convenience. Another family bathroom equipped with a shower and an additional WC ensures that mornings are hassle-free, making this home suited for family dynamics. Outdoor space includes an attached garden at the rear, which overlooks stretching fields—a peaceful retreat for gardening, relaxation, or play. Additi ... click here to read more

1 Bedroom Country Home in Chassiecq, Charente Located in the scenic Chassiecq within Poitou-Charentes, this charming one-bedroom country house offers a serene and idyllic lifestyle set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Charente. Perfect for those looking to enjoy peaceful rural living, the home boasts a generous plot size of 3522 m² and a total built size of 130 m², providing ample room for outdoor activities or future expansions. The living area comprises 40 m² of space, creating a light and airy feel, thanks to recent renovations including a new kitchen, modernized bathroom, and updates to the heating system with gas central central heating and double glazing. The large windows bathe the space in natural light, enhancing the fresh, newly-laid carpets and floorings that run throughout the property. For practicality and charm, the well-equipped kitchen spans 25 m² and includes new fixtures, perfect for home-cooked meals. The property features a beautifully restored staircase leading to the expansive 40 m² master bedroom upstairs, showcasing enchanting exposed beams. This space offers flexibility and could be configured to include an additional bedroom. Property Features: - Generous living area of 40 m² - Restored kitchen of 25 m² - Spacious 40 m² master bedroom with potential for additional sleeping area - Modern bathroom - New gas central heating system - Double glazed windows - 15 m² terrace - 3522 m² of attached flat land with countryside views Living in Chassiecq provides a calm and tranquil environment, complemented by its proximity to the market town of Champagne Mouton, only ten minutes away, where local markets, shops, and cultural activities bring the community together. For those seeking a broader range ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet of Chassiecq in the celebrated Poitou-Charentes region of Charente, France, this charming country home presents an appealing prospect for those looking to immerse themselves in tranquil country living. Recently refurbished, the one-bedroom property spans across a generous plot of 3522 square meters, with a constructed area of 130 square meters and enjoys panoramic views of the lush surrounding countryside. The home itself, having undergone a considerable restoration, offers a living space that radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ground floor features a spacious living area of 40 square meters, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings. Adjacent to this, the modern kitchen extends 25 square meters, equipped with contemporary amenities and fixtures, catering to all culinary needs. Upstairs, the master bedroom covers an expansive 40 square meters, with rustic exposed beams adding character and the potential to partition the room to create additional bedrooms if desired. Additional accommodation includes a versatile office space, currently utilized as a second bedroom, ensuring ample space for family and guests alike. This property is especially appealing for those with a penchant for outdoor living, boasting a 15 square meter terrace from which to enjoy the idyllic rural setting. The extensive flat land that surrounds the property also offers countless possibilities for gardening, outdoor recreational activities, or even installing a swimming pool. While seclusion is a key attribute of this delightful country home, connectivity and access are not compromised. Convenient road and TGV links are nearby, enabling easy travel to larger cities and airports that serve the region, faci ... click here to read more

Welcome to this stunning 1 bedroom country house, delicately placed amid the tranquil locale of Chassiecq, in the Poitou-Charentes region of Charente, France. Boasting an all-around panoramic marvel of the exquisite French countryside, this 130 m² property exhibits the true essence of a country home. Imagine waking up to the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the comfort of your home, perched amid 3522m² of level grounds. This picture-perfect panorama invites you to start your day with a refreshing outlook. The charming house enjoys a unique architectural form that blends seamlessly with the tranquil surroundings. The alluring country house has been beautifully refurbished and is ready for immediate occupancy. Offering a generous living area of 40m², ample space to sit back, relax or entertain guests. The interior is perfectly formed and derogated, capturing the essence of a French country home. Insightful attention to detail showcases a modern and well-equipped 25m² kitchen. Offering a fresh dimension of functionality and style, it is your perfect companion for those culinary endeavors. Upstairs, the incredibly spacious master bedroom of 40m² occupies the lion's share of the dominance. Exposed wooden beams span overhead, effectively enhancing the sense of spaciousness and manifesting a rustic charm. This space holds the potential to be effectively transformed into an extra bedroom if desired. The house also encompasses a fully renovated bathroom and an office which also doubles up as the second bedroom. The quality renovation includes double glazing, gas central heating, brand new staircase, flooring, and carpets, along with refreshing redecoration. Living here, you're delicately cradled amidst ... click here to read more

Tucked away in the charming village of Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette, this picturesque house invites you to embrace the tranquil beauty of the French countryside. If you're seeking a home that seamlessly combines modern convenience with traditional charm, this property could be your dream come true. As a busy real estate agent, I'm thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to buyers looking to establish roots in one of France's scenic towns, especially those from overseas who are eager to experience the tranquil life with an exquisite view. This delightful 3-bedroom home is a gem located in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, Charente. Imagine living in a house where every window frames the picturesque backdrop of the rolling valley and where each sunrise offers a reason to smile. Situated on a generous plot, this property boasts not just stylish interiors and comfortable living spaces, but also stunning outdoor arenas that emphasize the joy of al fresco living. Stepping into the house, you're welcomed by a good-sized, modern fitted kitchen/diner. It's a cook's paradise, featuring underfloor heating to keep those toes toasty during the colder months, a range cooker ready for culinary adventures, a dishwasher to ease your post-dinner tasks, and a roomy fridge. From here, a rear entrance leads to a useful pantry/utility room and a convenient WC. This space was designed for practicality and ease of living, keeping the family chef in mind. - 3 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Fitted kitchen with underfloor heating - Vaulted ceilings in living areas - Large terrace with stunning views - Double-glazing windows - Oil Central Heating - Double staircases - Large ensuite Master Suite - Home office/library space - Mezzanine area - Large cellar wit ... click here to read more