Charming 5-Bed Countryside Retreat with Pool & Income Potential in Duras, Aquitaine

Sunday morning in Beauville starts with the smell of bread. The boulangerie on the main square fires up early, and if your bedroom window is open—which it will be, because the air here in July is warm but never stifling—the scent reaches you before your alarm does. That's not a selling point you'll find in any brochure. It's just what life is like in this particular corner of Lot-et-Garonne, and it's the kind of thing that turns a holiday home purchase into one of the best decisions you ever made. This four-bedroom village house sits right in the heart of Beauville, one of the most intact bastide villages in Aquitaine. Built to a medieval grid plan in the 13th century, Beauville has the kind of architectural coherence that planners in other towns spend millions trying to recreate. The covered arcades around the central square, the honey-coloured stone, the church tower that chimes the quarter-hours—it's all still here, and this house is part of it. From the front door, the market square is a two-minute walk. From the top-floor living space, you can watch the whole village go about its business. The house covers around 190 square metres across three floors, and what strikes you first is how much space there actually is. Village properties in the Lot-et-Garonne often look compact from the street and reveal themselves slowly. This one does exactly that. The ground floor has a bedroom that works perfectly for guests who don't want stairs, or for owners who eventually want single-level living as a practical option. The first floor holds three more well-proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms. And then there's the top floor—converted, bright, sitting under the original roof timbers—currently used as a family room and home of ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Lascaux sounds like this: a woodpecker working through the oak stand at the edge of your land, the faint clang of horses being led to pasture somewhere down the lane, and the smell of last night's wood fire still clinging to the stone walls as you open the kitchen doors onto the garden. This isn't a fantasy version of rural France — it's the ordinary Tuesday here. And it can belong to you. This former fermette, a working farm since at least 1768, has been rebuilt from the inside out over three decades into something genuinely rare: three independent homes, a stone barn, a four-bay oak-framed garage-carport, a productive fruit orchard, vegetable garden, and 11,383 m² of mixed land that rolls into distant Corrézienne countryside. Eight bedrooms spread across the three houses. Three bathrooms. 299 m² of combined living space. All of it sitting quietly in the Limousin hills, ten minutes from Arnac-Pompadour. The headline property — the first renovated barn, originally built in 1859 — sets the tone immediately. Ground floor: an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space running to 57 m², Portuguese limestone tiles underfoot with the warmth of underfloor heating radiating up through them, French doors opening straight into the garden. There's a bedroom and shower room on this level too, which makes the whole ground floor workable for guests or elderly family who can't manage stairs. Up top, the mezzanine lounge stops people mid-step. A picture window frames a long view over the fields — the kind of view you don't get tired of — and two en-suite bedrooms sit either side with fitted wardrobes already in place. Gas central heating, a wood-burning stove, energy rating C. This house is move-in ready and properly ... click here to read more

Step into the kitchen of the converted barn on a Saturday morning in October, French doors flung open, the smell of woodsmoke drifting in from the garden, and you'll understand immediately why someone spent years restoring this 1778 farmstead with such patience. The Limousin countryside rolls out in every direction. Nothing but birdsong, the faint trickle of a natural spring feeding an old stone washing basin, and the knowledge that Paris is three hours north and you'd rather stay exactly here. This is a property with real bones and a real story. Built in 1778 and sitting on just over 10,000 square metres of mature gardens, terraces, and lawns in a quiet rural hamlet near Coussac-Bonneval in Haute-Vienne, the estate comprises three separate living spaces — a 173 m² converted barn serving as the main residence, a 124 m² original farmhouse restored as a two-bedroom gîte, and a 29 m² studio apartment currently generating income on short-term rental platforms. That's 325 square metres of habitable space across the full property, plus a workshop, the old pigsty (ripe for conversion), an above-ground pool, and a working well. For a second home that pays for itself, or for two families who want to share a slice of rural France without actually sharing a kitchen, this configuration is genuinely rare. The barn conversion is where the architectural confidence shows most clearly. Downstairs, a 30 m² kitchen anchors the space — big enough to actually cook in, with French doors that open onto two separate terraces so you can chase the shade or the sun depending on the season. A 54 m² living room with fireplace. A laundry room, a WC, and a ground-floor bedroom with en-suite shower, useful when knees or houseguests become a considera ... click here to read more

Sunday mornings here have a particular rhythm. You wake up to birdsong — actual birdsong, not the muffled city kind — push open the shutters, and the 1.13-hectare garden sprawls out in the early light, dew still sitting on the fruit trees, the pool catching the first gold of the day. By ten o'clock you're at the Valence d'Agen market, picking up a wedge of Ossau-Iraty and a bottle of Côtes du Marmandais, and by noon you're back under the covered terrace with a long lunch that somehow stretches into a slow, unhurried afternoon. That's the daily tempo this property sets. Situated in peaceful countryside just five minutes from the prosperous market town of Valence d'Agen, this 19th-century stone house — 160 square metres of it, plus a separate guest cottage — is the kind of place that feels lived-in and genuinely loved. Not a renovation project dressed up as a lifestyle choice. It's in good, move-in condition, furnished with care, and ready to be someone's second home in southwest France from essentially the first weekend. The stone exterior has that unmistakable Gascon solidity: thick walls that keep the interior cool through July and August when temperatures climb into the mid-thirties, and cosy through winter when the oil-fired central heating takes the edge off. Step inside through the entrance hall and the original 19th-century staircase stops you immediately. It's not a decorative feature — it's a structural statement, the kind of craftsmanship that simply doesn't exist in new builds. Exposed beams run across the living room ceiling, the open fireplace sits at the room's heart, and fitted cupboards line the walls in a way that suggests this house was always meant to be used hard and enjoyed properly. The kitchen is ... click here to read more

Step off the gravel drive on a September morning and you can hear absolutely nothing except the wind moving through the oaks and the occasional plop of a frog jumping into one of the ponds. No traffic. No neighbors. Just 2.27 hectares of Mayenne countryside wrapping around a stone house that has been standing since 1685. That quiet — real, total quiet — is rarer than people admit, and here it comes standard. This is a four-bedroom, 240 square metre residence in Livet, a rural commune in the Pays-de-la-Loire that most French people from Paris have never heard of, let alone British or Dutch buyers scrolling through listings on a Sunday afternoon. That obscurity is precisely the point. Prices in Mayenne remain well below what you'd pay for comparable stone properties in Brittany or Normandy, and the landscape — rolling farmland, dense forest corridors, hidden valleys — is every bit as compelling. The house itself was built during the reign of Louis XIV, and while the walls are three centuries old and counting, the property is in good condition and ready to move into or rent out immediately. Wood-burning stoves, stone floors, exposed beams overhead: the bones of this place are the kind architects try to recreate and rarely quite manage. The ground floor kitchen runs to nearly 27 square metres and is anchored by a wood-burning stove that connects directly to the heating system — so on a cold February evening, one fire heats the whole downstairs, the smell of woodsmoke threading through the dining room and into the two reception rooms beyond. The dining room itself is almost 20 square metres, big enough for the kind of extended family dinners that French country houses seem to demand. Two separate living rooms give you optio ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in early October, you step out through the veranda doors into cool Dordogne air and the countryside rolls out in front of you — gold, amber, russet — all the way to the tree line. Not another rooftop in sight. No road noise. Just the faint cluck of distant farmland and the particular stillness that this corner of southwest France does better than almost anywhere in Europe. That's the daily reality of owning this five-bedroom Perigourdine house on its 1.2-hectare private plot just outside Bergerac. This is a proper French country house — the kind that has real architectural bones. The thick stone walls, the pitched roof with dormer windows punching through the upper floor, the way the building sits low and confident in its landscape like it's been there for centuries. It has. But inside, a thoughtful renovation carried out in 2017 means you get all of that character without any of the headaches. The plumbing works. The kitchen is genuinely modern. You're not buying a renovation project — you're buying a house that's already done. The ground floor is more generous than most. A 78-square-metre open-plan living space anchors the home — kitchen flowing into a dining area flowing into a sitting room, with a glazed veranda tacked on the end that catches the afternoon light. In the cooler months, that veranda becomes the best room in the house: warm, bright, watching the mist lift off the fields while you drink your second coffee. There are two bedrooms on this level as well, along with a shower room and WC, making the ground floor entirely self-sufficient if you want to host guests or eventually manage your mobility differently. A laundry room keeps the mess out of the main living spaces. Upstairs, three ... click here to read more

Step out onto the terrace on a Saturday morning in Riantec and you'll hear it before you see it — the low hum of fishing boats heading out across the Rade de Lorient, the calls of gulls cutting through salt-sharp air, and somewhere down the street, the mechanical clatter of a boulangerie shutter rolling up. This is not a postcard version of Brittany. It's the real thing. A working coastal town where the rhythm of the tides still shapes daily life, and where a five-bedroom house with this much space and this much potential doesn't stay on the market long. Built in the 1970s in a style typical of solid Breton residential construction, this 147-square-metre house sits in Riantec with a full basement, an attached garage, a proper garden, and a terrace that asks you to sit down and stay a while. The bones are good. The layout is generous. And the renovation opportunity here is exactly what buyers who know this part of Morbihan have been waiting for. The garden level does something rare — it allows genuinely comfortable single-floor living if you want it. An entrance hall opens into a bright living and dining room, there's a functional kitchen, two bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a separate WC. Come summer, with the terrace doors thrown open and the garden spilling light through the windows, this floor alone becomes a complete holiday retreat. Upstairs, a landing leads to three more bedrooms, two of which come with dressing areas — a detail that matters enormously when you're hosting family for an extended August stay. The second bathroom has both a bath and a separate shower, which anyone who's coordinated a full house of guests will appreciate immediately. The full basement is the kind of space that gets people thinking. ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Saturday morning in late June and the air carries two things simultaneously: the cool, resinous breath of the Camors forest drifting across your garden, and somewhere down the lane, the faint clang of a neighbour closing a gate before heading to the weekly market in Auray. This is life in one of Morbihan's most quietly compelling corners — and this four-bedroom house on a generous 2,800m² plot sits right at the heart of it. The house has been fully renovated and kept in genuinely good condition. Not the kind of "good condition" that means you'll spend your first summer replacing boilers and re-grouting tiles. The previous owners invested properly — in a contemporary aesthetic that feels coherent from room to room, in recent drainage infrastructure, in the kind of upkeep that only comes from people who actually love a home rather than simply occupying it. At 146 square metres of living space across two floors plus a complete basement, there's real room to breathe here. Ground floor life revolves around a fitted kitchen that opens directly into a glazed veranda — the kind of space that makes March genuinely liveable in Brittany. On grey days you're still sitting in light. On sunny ones you slide the door and take your coffee to the covered terrace, where a retractable awning lets you stay outside even when the Atlantic decides to remind you who's boss. The main living room has a fireplace with a wood-burning insert, and on December evenings, with chestnuts from the forest and a bottle of Muscadet sur Lie from a producer near La Chapelle-Hermier, you'll understand why people come to Brittany and never quite leave. A master suite on this level comes with its own shower room — genuinely useful when guests ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Elne moves at its own pace. The market on the Place de la République is already alive by nine — vendors stacking fat Roussillon peaches, wheels of aged sheep's cheese from the Pyrenean foothills, bottles of Banyuls and Maury that catch the light like dark garnets. You walk back up the hill with a baguette tucked under one arm, push open the gate, and drop everything beside the pool. The water is that particular shade of blue you only ever get under a southern French sky. This is what owning a house in Elne actually feels like. Set in one of the most historically layered towns in the Pyrénées-Orientales, this three-bedroom house spans 130 square metres on a 463-square-metre plot — enough garden and terrace space to feel genuinely private without becoming a weekend maintenance project. The property is in good condition and move-in ready, which matters enormously if you're buying from abroad and can't oversee a renovation from another country. The ground floor revolves around a single, generous living space of around 50 square metres. Open-plan kitchens tend to sound better on paper than they live in practice, but this one earns its footprint — the dining and lounge areas flow naturally into each other, and when you throw the doors open in July the distinction between inside and outside more or less disappears. There's also a separate WC on this level and a 22-square-metre garage that international buyers often find more useful than expected: storage for bikes, a surfboard for trips down to the coast, garden furniture through winter. Upstairs, three proper bedrooms — not the shrunken secondary rooms that often get dressed up with that description — sit alongside a dedicated office that works equally wel ... click here to read more

Stand on the covered terrace on a clear October morning and you can see all the way across the Roussillon plain — the vineyards turning rust and gold, the Mediterranean a thin silver line on the horizon, and the Albères mountains pressing up close behind you. This is Laroque-des-Albères. Not the tourist brochure version of southern France, but the real, lived-in one, where the weekly market on the square smells of thyme and grilled blood sausage, where the locals drink their grenache at tables that have never moved, and where the light in late afternoon turns the stone walls the color of warm honey. The property itself is a two-part setup that gives you rare flexibility. A detached villa of around 95 square meters sits at the heart of the plot, solid in construction and in good condition throughout. Ground floor living is set up sensibly: two bedrooms, a shower room, a separate toilet, an independent kitchen, and a living room that opens directly onto a 30-square-meter covered terrace. That terrace is where life actually happens — morning coffee in the shade of the overhang, long lunches that drift into the afternoon, the smell of wild rosemary carried down from the hills above. Upstairs, a third bedroom, a mezzanine space, and an office give you room to spread out, whether you're working remotely for a week or hosting three generations of family across the summer. Beyond the villa, a completely independent T3 apartment changes the entire financial conversation around this property. Two bedrooms, a shower room, an open kitchen flowing into the living area, its own private terrace with that sweeping view over the plain, and a storage shed. The apartment is fully self-contained — guests, family members, or tenants have t ... click here to read more

Picture a Sunday morning in high summer: you open the kitchen door and the smell of warm stone hits you first, then cut grass, then something faintly floral drifting in from the garden. The pool is already glinting in the early light. Nobody else is awake yet. This is what 215 square metres of well-built French country life actually feels like, and it's waiting for you in the Charente. Civray sits in the Vienne department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, a part of rural France that still rewards people who choose to slow down. This isn't the Dordogne with its tourist caravans and inflated prices. Civray is real, working, lived-in France — a market town with a proper Saturday market on the Place du Marché, a Wednesday morning brocante that turns up the occasional serious find, and a Romanesque church facade on the Saint-Nicolas that art historians make detours to see. You walk to the boulangerie before 8am and you're back with a still-warm baguette before the household stirs. That's the rhythm here. The house itself is substantial. At 215 square metres of habitable space, it's built to the kind of standard that was common in this part of France in the late twentieth century — solid concrete and stone construction, thick walls that keep things cool through July and August without air conditioning fighting the heat. The layout is practical rather than fussy. On the ground floor, a 46-square-metre open-plan dining and living room is anchored by a fireplace that earns its keep from November through March. French doors push open onto the terrace and, from there, directly to the pool. The kitchen — 18 square metres, fully equipped — sits adjacent, so meals move naturally from prep to table to outdoors. The ground-floor bedr ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in Saint-Étienne-de-Maurs, the smell of bread drifting from the boulangerie on Rue du Commerce reaches you before you even open the kitchen window. That's the kind of place this is. A village where people still nod to strangers, where the weekly market on the square sells raw-milk Salers cheese and jarred walnut confiture made two valleys over, and where a 265-square-metre house with an architect-designed extension can still be yours for a price that would barely buy a two-bedroom flat in Lyon. The property itself is a genuinely rare find in the Cantal. The original stone building — solid, unpretentious, the kind that's been weathered into character rather than manufactured with it — has been extended by an architect with a confident eye. The result is a 65-square-metre living area that floods with southern light through oversized glazing, the kind of room where the boundary between inside and the garden terrace quietly dissolves on warm evenings. A suspended mezzanine floats above the dining room below, visible from the kitchen, adding a vertical drama you simply don't expect in a village house at this price point. It's the detail that stops you mid-tour. The layout is thoughtful in ways that matter day-to-day. The fitted kitchen opens directly into the dining room — not through a corridor, not around a corner — so cooking for eight people on a Friday night feels social rather than isolating. The original building retains a master suite with its own shower room and WC on the ground floor, meaning guests or older family members never need to navigate stairs. Three further bedrooms and a well-equipped bathroom with both bathtub and shower occupy the main sleeping wing, while the upper level — c ... click here to read more

Stand on the patio on a still September morning and watch mist lift off the surface of your own one-acre lake. The water lilies have opened. A kingfisher cuts across the far bank. The only sound is the creak of the old oak at the water's edge. This is not a postcard. This is Tuesday. That is the kind of morning that comes with this four-bedroom house on the quiet edge of Dournazac, a compact, self-sufficient little village deep inside the Perigord Limousin Regional Natural Park. The property sits on just over two hectares — roughly 21,283 square metres — and includes not one but two private spring-fed lakes. That detail alone puts this in a completely different category from almost anything else available in this price range in southwest France. The house itself was built in the mid-1970s to an individually commissioned design, and the quality of its construction is still obvious today. Solid materials. Wide windows that pull in far more light than you'd expect from a house of this era. The rooms feel generous without being cavernous, and the whole place has been kept in good condition — move-in ready while leaving room for a buyer who wants to put their own stamp on the interior. Think of it as a sound, well-maintained canvas rather than a renovation project. Ground floor living revolves around a large lounge with a proper wood-burning stove and a dining area that opens directly onto the patio through French doors. On a warm evening, that threshold between inside and out effectively disappears. You're eating outside, the lake thirty metres in front of you, the sun dropping behind the treeline. A well-equipped modern kitchen sits just off the main living space, practical and ready to use from day one. Two bedrooms and ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Tuesday morning in July, and the only sound reaching you through the open kitchen window is birdsong and the faint rustle of wind through the oak trees bordering your garden. No road noise. No neighbors. Just 140 square meters of 1800s Quercy stone, your swimming pool catching the early light, and absolutely nowhere you need to be. That's the daily reality at this four-bedroom farmhouse on the elevated plateau above Montaigu-de-Quercy — and once you've spent a morning here, the idea of going back to city life gets harder to justify. The house itself has been through a careful restoration that didn't sand away its soul. The original stone staircase is still there, worn smooth by two centuries of footsteps. Exposed oak beams cross the ceilings the way they were intended to — not as a design affectation, but because they're structural, honest, and genuinely beautiful in the way that only old things can be. The stone walls, thick enough to keep the interior cool through August without air conditioning, bear the marks of the craftsmen who laid them. This is a building with a geological patience to it. On the first floor, two generous double bedrooms look out across open countryside toward the rolling Tarn-et-Garonne patchwork of sunflower fields and walnut orchards — the view changes colour almost month by month. Downstairs, the country kitchen with its traditional terracotta-tiled floor is the kind of room that makes you want to cook slowly. A built-in wood-burning stove anchors the living room — and from November through March, when the Quercy plateau gets cold and clear and the stars over the garden are ridiculous, that stove becomes the centre of everything. The practical side has been handled pro ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Saint-Groux moves at its own pace. The kitchen window is open, the smell of damp grass rising from the park, and somewhere beyond the barn a woodpigeon is calling. You pour a coffee, lean against the stone sill, and realize — genuinely realize — that this is what you came to France for. Saint-Groux sits in the Charente, one of those quietly magnificent corners of southwest France that hasn't been discovered by the tour buses and hasn't tried to be. The village is small, the roads narrow, the countryside rolling and thick with oak. But it's not remote — Mansle-les-Fontaines is five minutes by car, the N10 puts Angoulême within easy reach, and Poitiers is just over an hour north. This is the Poitou-Charentes region, famous for Cognac, Pineau, limestone villages, sunflowers in July, and some of the most affordable rural property left in France. The house itself is a proper characterful residence — 287 square metres of living space built when rooms were made to last, with thick walls that keep things cool in August and hold the warmth in February. Step through the entrance hall and you move into a layout that actually makes sense for family life or hosting: a dining room large enough for a long table and twelve people, a functional kitchen with a pantry behind it, a bright living room, and a separate office that has already served a hundred different purposes over the decades and will happily serve a hundred more. A hallway connects to a WC and shower room on the ground floor, keeping things practical for arrivals from the garden or the barn. Upstairs, a broad landing opens onto six spacious bedrooms — yes, six, though the listing counts five — and a dressing room, plus a former WC that could easily be c ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in the Charente, you wake up to nothing. No traffic, no sirens — just the faint ticking of cooling stone walls as the sun climbs over the cypress trees lining the garden, and the smell of coffee drifting up from a kitchen that was clearly built for living rather than showing off. This is Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie. Small, unhurried, and quietly extraordinary. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse sits in a village that most people drive past on their way to somewhere louder. That's exactly the point. Set within the rolling Charente countryside of Poitou-Charentes, the property spans 201 square metres of thoughtfully renovated living space arranged around a generous gravel courtyard, with a heated pool, a private tennis court, and the kind of silence you actually have to travel to find. At €375,000, it's the sort of property that makes buyers wonder why they waited so long. Pull up through the wrought-iron electric gate and the first thing you notice is the scale of it. The main house commands the courtyard with the quiet confidence of a building that has stood through several centuries — original stonework, weathered and golden, contrasting with the crisp glazed facade that was added during renovation. Step inside and the 78-square-metre open-plan living space genuinely stops you in your tracks. Soaring ceilings, exposed timber beams, stone walls that stay cool even in August, and a wood-burning stove at the heart of it all. The room flows from lounge to dining area to kitchen without feeling like a floor plan exercise — it feels like someone actually thought about how a family moves through a space. A mezzanine overlooks it all from above, useful as a reading perch, a home office, or a sixth sleeping spo ... click here to read more

Some mornings you wake up to the distant sound of boots on gravel. Pilgrims passing through Bach on the Way of St. James, heading southwest toward Cahors before the long push to Spain. You pour a coffee, step out onto the south-facing terrace, and the Lot countryside does what it always does — sits there quietly, certain of itself, needing nothing from you. That's the rhythm of this place. Unhurried. Real. This is not one house. It's a small private hamlet: three independent dwellings sitting on nearly 9,000 square meters of flat, wooded land just 500 meters from the village center of Bach. At 210 square meters of combined living space, seven bedrooms, and six bathrooms spread across the buildings, the property works equally well as a multi-generational family retreat, a gîte operation, a bed-and-breakfast, or a combination of all three. Very few properties along the Lot offer this kind of structural flexibility at this price point. The heart of everything is the main house. Walk into the living room and you feel the scale immediately — generous ceiling height, thick stone walls that keep things cool through July and August, a fully equipped kitchen designed for actual cooking rather than show. Three bedrooms upstairs each have their own private shower room and toilet, which matters enormously if you're hosting guests who don't know each other well, or family members who do know each other too well. The covered south-facing terrace on the ground floor catches the afternoon light and becomes, without any effort, where everyone ends up after dinner. Then there's the dovecote. Not a decorative one — a real, working piece of Quercy architectural history, built from the pale limestone that defines this corner of France. Th ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in La Faye sounds like this: the distant chime of the church bell in Ruffec carrying across the fields, a coffee going cold on the kitchen windowsill because you got distracted watching a pair of hoopoes pick through the garden. That's the pace of life here, and once you've had a taste of it, it's very hard to go back. This five-bedroom stone house sits just outside the small village of La Faye in the Charente department of Poitou-Charentes — rural southwest France at its most quietly compelling. Five minutes by car puts you in Ruffec, a proper market town with a covered market, a decent boulangerie on the Rue du Marché, and a weekly Wednesday market where local producers bring in their chevre, walnuts, sunflowers, and duck confit in jars. It's not a tourist circuit. Real people live here, shop here, grow things here. That's exactly the point. The house itself is built in the classic Charentais style — solid stone walls that keep rooms cool through July and August without air conditioning, high ceilings that make every space feel unhurried. At 231 square metres across two floors, this isn't a weekend bolt-hole; it's a proper family base for extended stays. The ground floor was designed with genuine practicality in mind: a fitted kitchen with a utility room directly off it, a formal dining room that seats everyone comfortably, and a living room with enough light in the afternoons to make you forget you intended to do anything productive. There's also a master suite on the ground floor with its own private bathroom — a detail that matters enormously when you have teenagers upstairs and grandparents visiting. Head upstairs and you'll find four more bedrooms and a dedicated office. That office isn't an afte ... click here to read more

Welcome to a charming slice of French countryside living in the picturesque village of Duras, nestled in the enchanting region of Aquitaine. As a busy real estate agent on the ground here, I've seen my fair share of properties, and I must say, this one is quite special. With a panoramic view over the Lot et Garonne valley, this recently renovated stone house is not only a home; it is an experience waiting for you to embrace. This stone-built property, with a total of four bedrooms and two bathrooms, offers a genuinely comfortable and open-plan living space that is both generous and full of character. Each room tells a story, and as you walk through, you can feel the essence of its historical charm which meshes perfectly with modern comforts. It's not every day you find a place that stands so solidly while inviting you into its warmth. Located on an elevated piece of the countryside, it affords stunning vistas that change with the seasons. Here in Duras, the climate is as inviting as the people — mild winters and warm, sun-kissed summers grace the valley, allowing for outdoor activities and relaxation for much of the year. Speaking of the outdoors, the property boasts its own unique charm with a 950 square meter plot. While it's lovely to have the countryside to gaze upon, having your very own chunk of it is a luxury. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the terrace, or perhaps a glass of regional Bordeaux wine as the sun sets, painting the valley in shades of gold and violet. Living in a house means more than just the space within four walls; it is about the lifestyle that surrounds it. For families, this dwelling provides ample room for everyone, with its four spacious bedrooms offering plenty of personal oasis. T ... click here to read more

In the beautiful countryside of Duras, a stunning stone-built Maison de Maitre awaits its new owners. This is no ordinary house; it’s an extraordinary opportunity to embrace the idyllic lifestyle in Aquitaine, a region known for its exquisite landscapes, rich history, and exceptional charm. This sprawling property spans over 5906 square meters, offering ample space for a family or anyone seeking a retreat to the peace of the French countryside. Just a short distance from the center of Duras, this property offers a unique blend of seclusion and convenience. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, the home provides ample room for large families or for those who might want to host visitors who wish to experience the beautiful region with you. Living in Duras means embracing a slower pace of life where you’ll find yourself sipping local wine from one of the nearby vineyards or exploring the Duras Castle, just a short drive from your new home. The long drive up to the house builds anticipation as you approach, with mature trees lining the entrance, providing dappled shade and a sense of tranquility. The Maison de Maitre itself stands impressively, built from local stone, providing a visual anchor to the region's historical architecture. Once inside, generous accommodation unfolds, inviting you to make it your home with personal touches. The kitchen is spacious, offering a perfect spot for family gatherings or hosting friends. Imagine preparing meals here with fresh produce picked up from the local market, which is bustling with life and colors every week. The living rooms, with their tall windows, provide sunlit spaces that bring warmth even in the cooler months. The climate in Duras is typically mild, with warm summers and ... click here to read more

Discover the charm of French countryside living with this captivating farmhouse nestled in the serene landscapes of Duras, Aquitaine, in the department of Lot-et-Garonne. Ideal for those looking to embrace a more bucolic lifestyle or seeking an investment to tailor to their taste, this property offers a blend of privacy, space, and rustic appeal. The farmhouse spans an impressive 360m² and cleverly integrates two independent living units, each boasting its own unique character and accommodations. These units are adjoined by a high stone wall, which ensures privacy while maintaining a sense of unit integrity. The primary residence unfolds largely on one level, featuring three cozy bedrooms, a practical study room, and commodious living areas including a kitchen, living room, and utility room. The setup is designed to facilitate a comfortable lifestyle that complements its rural surroundings. The upper level of the main house includes an extra bedroom paired with a shower room and a dressing room, providing a private retreat within the home. Adjacent to the main dwelling is a smaller, yet equally charming house. On the ground floor, it offers a welcoming entrance, living room, kitchen, utility room, bedroom, and a bathroom, ideal for guests or potentially as a rental opportunity. The first floor accommodates two additional bedrooms and a shower room, perfect for family or visitors. For those who dream of revitalizing a space to make it their own, this property stands as a promising canvas. While in good condition, new owners might find exciting opportunities to enhance and personalize the interiors or refresh the façades to elevate this home’s inherent charm and functionality. Property Features: - Total size: 360m² - ... click here to read more

Nestled in the enchanting region of Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, in the charming commune of Duras, this captivating farmhouse offers an idyllic setting for those seeking the perfect blend of rural tranquility and modern comfort. With its stone construction, set beautifully in nearly two hectares of lush land, this home provides privacy in abundance, with no close neighbors to disturb your peace. As you wind your way to the property along a secluded, no-through road, you might find yourself feeling as if you've stepped into your own private paradise. Upon entering this charming abode, you are greeted by a grand entrance that welcomes you into a luxurious kitchen full equipped for all your culinary adventures. The kitchen is a true heart of the home, with patio doors that spill onto a covered terrace – just imagine enjoying morning coffees or evening wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the French countryside. As you explore the downstairs, you’ll find a separate dining room that oozes charm with its feature fireplace, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. The spacious lounge, complete with a woodburning stove, is just the place to curl up with a book on those cooler evenings. A convenient laundry room and a modern shower room round out the ground floor accommodations, ensuring functionality and convenience. Wander upstairs, and you'll find a large landing area leading to four generous bedrooms, each equipped with reversible heating/air-conditioning, ensuring comfort across all seasons. One of the bedrooms boasts its own en-suite shower room, providing a private retreat. Meanwhile, a family bathroom serves the other bedrooms. An additional room on this floor is currently styled as a dressing ro ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Aquitaine, this delightful four-bedroom house is waiting for its next owner. With a total size of 176 square meters, this home is located in the charming town of Duras, in the scenic Lot-et-Garonne region of France. Known for its rolling vineyards and historical landmarks, Duras offers a unique living experience with its tranquil rural setting yet vibrant community life. The property itself is in good condition, making it an ideal investment for those looking to move in immediately without the hassle of many renovations. The layout is well thought out, accommodating modern living with a touch of rustic French charm. On the ground floor, you'll find two comfortable bedrooms one of which has an ensuite, perfect for guests or family members who prefer single-level living. The ground floor is also home to the spacious lounge/diner area, which flows seamlessly from the kitchen and extends to a generous covered terrace, perfect for entertaining or quiet family dinners. The French love their indoor-outdoor living, and this house captures that essence beautifully. Venturing upstairs, you’ll discover a large family room. The room is versatile enough to serve as an office, hobby room, or an additional bedroom, depending on your needs. As a busy agent, I can say these kinds of spaces are gold when it comes to adding function and value to a home. Outside, the garden beckons those who enjoy a bit of sun and relaxation. The pool area offers a refreshing escape during the warm summer months. France’s weather is known for its diversity, and here in Duras, you can enjoy long sunny days in the summer with mild winters. The pretty outlook from the garden adds nothing less than a peace of mind, a ... click here to read more

Welcome to Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, Duras, France, a beautiful enclave of peace, charm, and sophistication. A 5-bedroom property situated exactly halfway between the quaint towns of Duras and Eymet is available for purchase. This impeccable habitation, with hint of rustic charm, is set against the serene backdrop of the sprawling vineyards surrounding the area. The property is unique in design as it comprises of a main house, two guest cottages, an ancillary barn, and a former 'piggery', all thoughtfully positioned within 1.5 hectares of blooming gardens. The surrounding landscape gifts the property with awe-inspiring views over the vast vineyards, making it an idyllic retreat. Each building in this establishment retains its original features, combined with the comforts of modern living. The main house unfolds into an welcoming entrance hall and a cloakroom. A stunning, shaker style kitchen equipped with granite worktops, an island, and a separate utility room, blends functionality with elegance. The dining room adds to the warmth with its fireplace, inclusive of a log burning stove. The living room finds its place, just a step up from the dining room. Two bedrooms and a bathroom with a roll top bath are positioned on the ground floor, while the master suite, with a dressing area and en-suite shower room, is upstairs. The guest cottages are designed to ensure comfort and luxury. Both cottages feature central heating, travertine flooring, open plan living areas, a double bedroom, and a travertine wet room. Sold furnished, these cottages are ready for immediate occupation, a potential gîte business. These cottages have a separate driveway to ensure privacy from the main house. The proximity of a bakery adds to the cha ... click here to read more

Discover the rustic charm and untapped potential of this tactfully restored six-bedroom stone cottage nestled in the scenic and peaceful countryside of Duras in the region of Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, France. This property, which offers fabulous views stretching over the tranquil, undulating landscapes of the surrounding area, presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the serene, pastoral life of southwestern France. Property Features: - Size: Approx. 200 sqm - 6 bedrooms: Featuring 4 upstairs (2 en suite) and 2 on the ground floor. - 6 bathrooms: Conveniently distributed across both floors. - Kitchen: Large, farmhouse style with an island unit and travertine flooring. - Dining area: Adjacent to the kitchen with access to the patio. - Lounge: Includes exposed stonework, original timbers, and a cozy wood stove. - Heating: Heat pump with radiators, supplemented with an air conditioning unit for comfort in any season. The property also includes double glazing throughout. - Additional Living Space: A quaint separate guest house offering excellent potential for family use or rental opportunities, featuring a rustic open-plan living/dining kitchen with a wood stove. - Outbuildings: A well-maintained stone barn with potential for development, ideal for storage or conversion (subject to necessary permissions). Amenities and Surroundings: - Outdoor space: Expansive lawned gardens with shrubs and mature trees. Space is available for adding a swimming pool, enhancing the landscape (subject to permissions). - Local Markets: Nearby towns such as St Foy Le Grande, Duras, and Monsegur offer weekly markets, supermarkets, and specialty shops. - Accessibility: Conveniently located with nearby airports ... click here to read more

Welcome to a find that embodies both the charm of rural France and the practical comforts of modern living! Nestled near the storied town of Duras, in the heart of the Lot et Garonne region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, this 3-bedroom stone-built house presents an exciting opportunity for overseas buyers and expats looking to immerse themselves in the serene and picturesque lifestyle of the French countryside. Let's picture this: The moment you step into this property, you're presented with an expanse of 3.6 acres of lush garden space. As you wander outdoors, you can take in the breathtaking views stretching across the Dropt Valley, perhaps while lounging by your own swimming pool—a refreshing 9.5m x 4.5m oasis perfect for those warm summer days. Now, let me take you in for a closer look: Located on the ground floor, the expansive, open-plan living room becomes the heart of the house—a space that invites both relaxation and entertaining. With exposed beams overhead and a cozy fireplace complete with a fitted wood burner, it's a place that feels both grand and welcoming. The room flows seamlessly into the adjoining dining area and well-equipped kitchen, each framed by beautiful tiled floors and also leading out to a covered terrace. Somehow you can already imagine late-night dinners with friends or quiet mornings with just a book and a coffee in hand. For those who work from home or need a quiet study, there's a dedicated space specifically for that purpose. Meanwhile, a practical utility room and a boiler/laundry room ensure that life runs smoothly in the background. As you wander up to the first floor, the landing area opens up into a spacious dressing area, providing plenty of storage for your belongings. Bedrooms ... click here to read more

Nestled amid the scenic vineyards and gentle rolling hills of the Lot-et-Garonne region in Duras, France, this inviting stone house captures the essence of countryside living while offering proximity to the charming town of Duras, just a short drive away. The property boasts a generous plot of about one hectare, providing ample space for gardening, recreation, and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The house itself spans approximately 219 square meters of living space and is laid out thoughtfully, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the French country lifestyle. It features five bedrooms, with the first-floor bedrooms each having an ensuite, which could conveniently accommodate family living or even guests. The potential to operate a bed and breakfast business is certainly viable thanks to its considerable size and layout. A distinct character feature of the house is the conservatory (18.45 m²), offering a lovely space for relaxation and enjoying the views, no matter the weather. The ground floor living room (32 m²) with an additional kitchen (14.40 m²) includes a fireplace that not only becomes a focal point but also provides warmth during cooler months, further accentuated by electric radiators and reversible air conditioning. Additionally, a centralized hoovering system, fibre optic for high-speed internet access, and double glazing are present to enhance living comfort. Those with a penchant for remodeling will find the property in good condition, yet with room to imprint one’s personal touch to create a dream home. The ample land around also provides a blank canvas for landscaping or further developments. Property Features: - Large conservatory - Spacious living area with kitche ... click here to read more

Introducing an Authentic French Farmhouse Nestled in the tranquil and picturesque region of Duras in Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, this 5-bedroom farmhouse offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Steeped in the region’s pastoral ambience, this farmhouse is an idyllic retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in France’s bucolic beauty, all while enjoying proximity to the local cultural hubs of Duras and Eymet. Property Features Include: - A traditional stone-built farmhouse consisting of a main house and 2 guest cottages - 4 well-appointed bathrooms - The main house beautifully accommodates a spacious entrance hall, a cloakroom, and a shaker-style kitchen complete with granite worktops and a kitchen island - Separate utility room enhances practicality - Warm dining room featuring a fireplace with a log burning stove, contributing to the home’s cozy atmosphere - Ground floor hosts 2 bedrooms and a classy bathroom with a roll-top bath - Upstairs, a master suite includes a dressing area and an en-suite shower room - Extending hospitality, the 2 guest cottages each are equipped with central heating, travertine flooring, open-plan living areas, a double bedroom, and a travertine wet room - Outbuildings include a sizeable stone barn attached to the main house, double carport, and a detached former piggery presenting potential development opportunities (STPP) Local Area and Lifestyle: Duras, with its deep historical roots and vibrant local culture, provides an enriching living experience. The local climate is typically temperate with warm summers and mild winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. The landscape, characterized by rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and lush vegetation off ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lot-et-Garonne region, this exquisite Maison de Maitre in Duras offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of French elegance. With its grand architecture and modern comforts, this property is the perfect second home for those seeking a tranquil escape in the enchanting Aquitaine countryside. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush greenery surrounding your home. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in Duras, a charming town known for its rich history, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. Property Highlights: - Size: 397 square meters of refined living space - Bedrooms: 7 spacious bedrooms, ideal for family gatherings or hosting guests - Bathrooms: 4 modern bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience - Kitchen: A fully equipped country kitchen with a grand range cooker, perfect for culinary enthusiasts - Living Areas: Two large reception rooms with log-burning fires, creating a cozy ambiance - Dining Hall: A vast dining area leading to a walled garden, ideal for al fresco dining - Outdoor Space: A 7-meter swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens - Additional Features: High ceilings, original wooden floors, and vibrant decor - Accessibility: Just 30 minutes from Bergerac Airport, making travel a breeze The Duras Experience: Duras is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. As you stroll through the town's cobbled streets, you'll discover a tapestry of history and culture. The local markets are a feast for the senses, offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines from the surrounding vineyards. For those who love the outdoors, the region is a paradise. From hiking an ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Aquitaine Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the serene countryside of Duras, France. This 4-bedroom house, nestled in the picturesque Lot-et-Garonne region, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal vacation home or second residence for those seeking a peaceful escape. A Home That Tells a Story As you step into the main house, you're greeted by a spacious living room that seamlessly flows into an open kitchen, creating a warm and inviting space perfect for family gatherings or entertaining friends. The kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, invites you to explore the rich culinary traditions of the region, from preparing a classic coq au vin to experimenting with local cheeses and wines. The main level also features three well-appointed bedrooms, including a master suite with an adjoining shower room, offering a private sanctuary for relaxation. A separate bathroom and a convenient laundry area add to the home's functionality. Upstairs, a cozy study provides a quiet nook for reading or remote work, with views of the lush landscape that inspire creativity and tranquility. A Guest Cottage with Endless Possibilities Adjacent to the main house, the independent guest cottage offers a charming retreat for visitors or potential rental income. The ground floor features a comfortable living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom with a dry toilet, and a cozy bedroom. Upstairs, a mezzanine provides additional space for sleeping or leisure activities, making it a versatile addition to the property. Embrace the Outdoors Set on nearly 2 hectares of land, this property is a haven for nature lovers. The expansi ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Duras Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as the first rays of sunlight filter through expansive picture windows, illuminating your serene sanctuary. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Duras, France, this contemporary 5-bedroom house offers a harmonious blend of modern comfort and rural tranquility, making it an ideal vacation home or second residence. A Day in Your New Home Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on the covered terrace, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the crisp morning air. As you sip your coffee, take in the uninterrupted views of the rolling countryside, a perfect backdrop for planning your day's adventures. The open-plan living and dining area, with its sleek kitchen and central island, becomes the heart of your home. Here, natural light floods the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this space adapts to your every need. Seasonal Delights and Local Charm Duras, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of activities throughout the year. In the summer, explore the local vineyards and indulge in wine tastings, or take a short drive to the bustling bastide town of Monsegur, known for its lively markets and charming cafes. Autumn brings a tapestry of colors to the landscape, perfect for scenic hikes or leisurely bike rides. As winter sets in, cozy up in your private cinema room for a movie night, or transform the billiard room into a creative studio to explore your artistic side. Architectural Elegance and Modern Amenities This property boasts five spacious double bedrooms, three of which ... click here to read more

Nestled in the enchanting region of Aquitaine, in the department of Lot-et-Garonne, this three-bedroom house in Duras presents a splendid opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in French country living while enjoying modern comforts and the potential for further development. Priced at 350,000 Euros, this property offers good value with its additional buildings and ample space, making it ideal for a family or an investor. The main residence, an elegantly restored barn completed in 2018, seamlessly combines rustic charm with contemporary features. The house boasts bespoke aluminium double glazing, air conditioning in the bedrooms for those warmer months, and a cozy wood-burning stove alongside efficient electric radiators for the cooler seasons. The living accommodations include a commodious living room and a fitted kitchen/dining area that invites family gatherings, while a convenient laundry room and a wheelchair-accessible wet room on the ground floor ensure practicality aligns with comfort. The upper floor houses three generously sized double bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring privacy and ease for all family members or guests. The exterior of the home extends living spaces outdoors with an expansive rear decked terrace, measuring 11m x 10.5m, complete with an integrated swimming pool and solar shower—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the serene views of the surrounding countryside. For those with a vision for enhancements or a desire to undertake a rewarding project, the property includes an additional stone barn and a tobacco barn. The stone barn is already partially converted with planning permissions in place, offering a fantastic opportunity for customization or development into a s ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, the charming town of Duras offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home in the heart of France. This 150-year-old farmhouse, with its attached pigeonnier, is a canvas waiting for your personal touch. With a price of €235,400, this property is not just a house; it's a gateway to a new lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the River Dropt. The farmhouse, though in need of renovation, holds the promise of transformation. Its generous entrance leads you into a world of possibilities, with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and study on the ground floor. A bedroom, shower room, and separate WC complete this level, offering a glimpse into the home's potential. Upstairs, a vast landing awaits your vision. Whether you dream of a games room, a cozy reading nook, or additional bedrooms, the space is yours to shape. Two further bedrooms provide ample room for family or guests, making this property ideal for those looking to create a welcoming retreat. The true allure of this property lies in its expansive grounds and additional structures. Three barns, two attached to the main farmhouse, offer endless possibilities. Whether you envision artist studios, vehicle storage, or even a space for animals, these barns are ripe for development, subject to necessary permissions. The independent tobacco drying barn adds another layer of potential, inviting you to dream big. The 8000 sqm of largely flat grassland, dotted with fruit trees and vines, is a haven for nature lovers. The perimeter of the land is yet to be defined, offering the possibility of expansion should you desire more space. With easy access to th ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, this charming stone house in the quaint town of Duras, France, presents a wonderful opportunity for those seeking a blend of rustic French charm and modern living. With its authentic architecture, this five-bedroom property embodies the spirit and history of the region, offering a true taste of French countryside life. Situated just a few kilometers from the bustling villages of Duras and Monségur, this home is not only an ideal family residence but also offers great potential as a holiday rental or gîte, subject to the necessary permissions. This could be a great investment opportunity for those looking to dip their toes into the lucrative holiday rental market. Let's dive into the potential of this remarkable home and explore its many features: - Five spacious bedrooms - Six well-appointed bathrooms - Total living area of 384 square meters - Two secure swimming pools - Each flat boasts a private covered outdoor space - No direct neighboring properties for added privacy - A beautiful, wooded garden perfect for outdoor activities - A petanque area that adds a touch of local culture - Ample barn storage space for cars and garden equipment - Charming stone construction that exudes character - Proximity to popular villages and amenities The property radiates an understated elegance, reflecting the traditional French style known for its timeless beauty. Step inside and you'll find generous living spaces flooded with natural light, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and friends. Each of the five bedrooms is designed to offer comfort and serenity, making it an ideal retreat after a day exploring the scenic surroundings. Duras is ... click here to read more

Introducing an exquisite 8-bedroom estate situated in southern France, nestled between the charming towns of Duras and Marmande in the Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne region. The residence boasts of original classic French designs harmoniously intertwined with an impressive attached barn conversion, currently serving as an integral part of the family home. This arrangement presents a unique option to segment the estate into two independent properties, thus offering immense investment and income potential. The property spans a generous 575 square meters, comprising of six well-appointed bathrooms and offering flexible living accommodation to suit various requirements. Its traditional charm is further enhanced by the presence of two separate barns. The first, a beautifully renovated dwelling completed in 2018, exudes a rustic yet chic allure with its exposed beams and vaulted ceilings adorning the first floor. Notable features of this conversion include bespoke aluminium double glazing, air conditioning in the bedrooms, as well as a cozy wood-burning stove and electric radiators. The second barn, a two-story stone marvel, is brimming with character. It holds planning permission for transformation into a residential dwelling and the current owners have commenced the transformation process with an unmistakable air of anticipation. Complementing the main house is a generously-proportioned, double-width garage equipped with two remote controlled roll-up doors. The grounds that envelope this property are predominantly covered in a lush green lawn, dotted with thriving fruit trees, shrubs and a productive vegetable garden. These verdant surroundings bask in the majestic beauty of the surrounding French countryside. Amenities: - ... click here to read more

Imagine waking up in the heart of the captivating French countryside, where the quaint village of Duras welcomes you with its tranquil charm. Situated in the delightful Aquitaine region, this remarkable villa offers a taste of the serene lifestyle many desire in the Lot-et-Garonne department. With a location that blends rural beauty and modern convenience, this property truly stands out. This exquisite 19th-century Maison de Maître, a sophisticated village house, awaits your arrival. Step right into the essence of traditional French living as you explore this home boasting six spacious bedrooms. It's perfect for a large family seeking both comfort and ample space or anyone who has ever dreamed of operating a thriving guest house in a picturesque setting. The villa's current condition is quite remarkable, offering the perfect blend of history and modern convenience, ensuring an effortless transition for its new owners. The thoughtful layout is sure to captivate you upon entering. Let's take a closer look at the features that make this one-of-a-kind villa stand out: - 6 spacious bedrooms, five of which have private shower or baths - A cozy ground floor master bedroom with direct garden access - Bright living and dining areas enriched by high ceilings and period fireplaces - Original floors adding a touch of history and warmth - A fully equipped kitchen flowing effortlessly to a covered terrace for al fresco dining - A stunning landscape complete with cherry, plum, and pear trees - A large, heated swimming pool (11 X 5) perfect for family enjoyment - An adjoining barn full of potential for various projects - Convenient pool technical room, table tennis area, generous storage, a cellar, and mezzanine - Double glazing, up ... click here to read more