Charming 5-Bedroom Farmhouse with Expansive Gardens Near Villebois-Lavalette

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

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 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

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 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

Discover the charm of rural France with this spacious 5-bedroom farmhouse located in the picturesque region of Villebois-Lavalette in Poitou-Charentes, Charente. Perfect for those seeking a serene lifestyle amidst the French countryside, this property offers an expansive living space of 180 sqm, set within its own 4000 sqm of fenced gardens and lands. For families or expats contemplating relocation, this property promises a blend of tranquility and community spirit found in Villebois-Lavalette. The area is renowned for its scenic landscapes, historic sites including the stunning Villebois-Lavalette Chateau, and a warm, welcoming local community that embodies the rural French charm. The house itself, though in good condition, presents a wonderful opportunity for customization to truly make it your own. The ground floor features a large fitted kitchen with a cozy wood burner and a utility room, ideal for family gatherings. The kitchen opens to two living rooms and a dining area, establishing a flow ideal for entertaining and daily living. Also on this level are three bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring ample space for family and guests. The first floor contains two additional bedrooms and a toilet, providing privacy and space for a growing family or visiting friends. The presence of double glazing and central heating throughout ensures a comfortable living environment year-round. External features include several useful outbuildings, two garage blocks, and a gated gravel driveway offering plenty of parking space. These outbuildings represent potential for various uses, whether storage, workshops, or even conversion into additional living space subject to the appropriate permissions. Living in Villebois ... click here to read more

Located in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes in Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, France, this 5-bedroom house offers a delightful blend of historical charm and abundant potential. Sprawling over a sizable plot of nearly 30,000 square meters, the property features a picturesque setting, complete with a traditional water mill. Surrounded by lush pasture suitable for horses or livestock, and with private access to the river, the residence provides a peaceful and private lifestyle that's hard to find. The mill itself, a historic structure, is habitable but awaits the personal touch of a new owner ready to undertake a bit of renovation to restore and perhaps modernize it. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to invest in a property with character and make it their own. The total built area of the property is 256 square meters, including a comfortable living area of 44 square meters. The outside space includes a terrace of 30 square meters, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying the serene views, complemented by a generous pool. For heating, the property uses a hybrid system combining wood and gas, enhanced with heat pumps and solar panels, making it environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective in the long term. Additional outbuildants on the property offer further development potential, subject to planning permissions, whether you're considering extending the living space or creating facilities for hobbies or storage. The climate in this part of France is generally mild, with distinct seasons that each bring their own charm—from vibrant spring blooms to warm, sun-filled summers, and crisp autumns. This makes the region ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying nature year-round. Living in Blanzague ... click here to read more

Welcome to the captivating, rustic charm of rural France, specifically to the quaint community of Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, nestled in the region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente. In this serene locality, we present to your consideration, a unique and truly French property - a distinguishable five-bedroom house complete with its own historic water mill. Lending itself beautifully to the rustic French countryside, this house is perfectly set up within a private garden sprawled across 29898m². The total built size is a sizeable 256m² with the living area at 44m². The house boasts a terrace size of 30m² that overlooks the verdant vistas of its pastures. This could be a domain for horses or any livestock, offering complete privacy and a tranquil lifestyle. Indeed, the wind whispers tales of history and tradition as you walk up the secluded driveway. The water mill is habitable and is an excellent canvas for those wishing to leave an individual print on unique, historical architecture. Further warming up to this singular property, you would find the heating system is an eco-friendly, hybrid one utilizing wood/gas, heat pumps, and solar panels. Outside, the terrace area basks in the sunshine and looks out to the generous pool, making it an ideal place for summer soirees. The large open barn and various outbuildings tease with potential for further development, subject to planning. One of the property's unique features is its private access to the river. This charming feature invites those invigorating morning walks with the chorus of nature providing the soundtrack. Living in Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard guarantees a tranquil, slow-paced life. This place is blessed with the typical French 'joie de vivre'. It is an excellent loca ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this delightful stone house in Gurat offers an idyllic escape for those seeking a second home in France. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Gurat is a hidden gem that promises a tranquil yet fulfilling lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of blooming flowers in your private garden. This two-bedroom house, lovingly renovated to blend traditional charm with modern comforts, is a sanctuary for those yearning for a peaceful retreat. A Glimpse into Your New Home: - Spacious Living Area: The ground floor welcomes you with a cozy corner kitchen, perfect for preparing local delicacies. The dining room, adorned with a classic stone fireplace, invites warm gatherings with family and friends. - Versatile Space: An additional room on the ground floor offers flexibility, whether you envision it as a bedroom, a creative studio, or a serene lounge. - Comfortable Bedrooms: Ascend the stairs to find two inviting double bedrooms. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience. - Modern Amenities: New double-glazed windows, shutters, and garden doors enhance the home's comfort, providing energy efficiency and a touch of modernity. - Outdoor Oasis: The mature garden, brimming with colorful flowers and fruitful trees, is a secluded sanctuary where you can unwind and reconnect with nature. - Potential for Expansion: The barn offers exciting possibilities for transformation into a two/three-car garage or a creative studio space, subject to proper permissions. The Allure of Gurat and Beyond: Gurat is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. This charming village is ... click here to read more

Pull up on a Tuesday morning and the only sound is a wood pigeon somewhere in the old oak at the far end of the garden. The Charente valley rolls away below the infinity pool in shades of green and gold, and the stone walls of the house are still cool from the night. This is what you came for. Not the TGV timetable, not the Bordeaux wine list — just this specific silence, in this specific corner of southwest France, that you simply cannot manufacture anywhere else. Dignac sits in the gentle hills of the Charente, a département that most international buyers overlook on their way to the Dordogne or the Basque Coast. That's their loss and your opportunity. The village itself is small and unassuming — a boulangerie that opens at seven, a butcher who knows his suppliers by name, a bar-tabac where the dominoes come out after lunch. Real life, in other words. And yet Angoulême is barely twenty minutes down the road, with a TGV station that puts you on the platform at Paris Montparnasse in under two hours, or in Bordeaux Saint-Jean in forty minutes. The combination of deep rural quiet and genuine transport connectivity is rarer than it sounds. The house is a proper Charentais stone property — the kind built to last centuries, which it has. Thick limestone walls keep the interior cool in July without air conditioning. The renovation has been done with the sort of restraint that takes real confidence: natural stone floors left exactly as they are, oak beams cleaned up but not sandblasted into submission, original oak doors rehung on new hardware. The current owners didn't strip the soul out of it chasing a minimalist aesthetic. Instead, every room feels like it earned its character. The living room fireplace is the honest centr ... click here to read more

Property Overview: Delve into the charming lifestyle of Champagne-et-Fontaine with this classic four-bedroom stone house, ideal for those seeking a genuine French countryside experience. Positioned in the heart of a quaint village that boasts a friendly local bar, this property offers a blend of comfort, character, and convenience, presenting itself as a perfect full-time residence or a holiday retreat for a family. Property Description: This inviting residence encapsulates the essence of rural French architecture with its timeless stone construction. Within its walls, the house encompasses four well-appointed bedrooms and two shower rooms, including an ensuite, making family living both practical and private. The large farmhouse-style kitchen serves as the heart of the home where meals and memories are made, complemented by two additional spacious reception rooms that can serve multiple purposes, whether it be a cozy lounge for relaxation or an activity room for children. Step outside to discover a charming walled garden and a picturesque courtyard entrance, creating a safe and secluded environment for children to play or for hosting outdoor gatherings. Adding to the ample space and potential of this property are the substantial outbuildings, which could be transformed into workshops, studios, or additional storage solutions. Despite its evident traditional charm, the residence is in good, liveable condition, yet leaves room for new owners to imprint their style and enhancements, truly making it a 'home'. New residents might consider some refurbishing to modernize and personalize the space further, particularly to maximize the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the outbuildings. Local Area and Amenities: Champagn ... click here to read more

Experience the tranquil lifestyle of Vendoire, nestled in the picturesque region of Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. This charming four-bedroom stone house offers a delightful blend of rustic appeal and modern amenities, perfect for those looking to enjoy the peaceful French countryside. Set within a beautifully managed estate, this property provides residents with the benefits of low-maintenance living. Highlights include access to a large communal swimming pool, tennis court, boules court, and wonderfully maintained gardens. Whether you are looking for a serene holiday home or a permanent residence, this house caters to all needs with its comprehensive facilities and stunning surroundings. The house itself has been thoughtfully renovated to a good standard. The ground floor features a spacious kitchen equipped with modern appliances, leading into a cozy lounge complete with a wood burner and doors opening onto a lovely terrace. Here, you can unwind and enjoy views over the pool area and lush estate grounds. Additionally, a convenient downstairs bathroom adds to the practical layout of this home. Ascending to the first floor, the master bedroom boasts an en-suite shower room, offering privacy and comfort. Three additional bedrooms and a family shower room ensure there is ample space for both family and guests. Living in Vendoire provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy an array of activities. The estate is a mere ten-minute drive from a vibrant town that hosts supermarkets, a variety of shops, and restaurants. Explore local markets, indulge in traditional French cuisine, or partake in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling that the region is famous for. For overseas buyers ... click here to read more

Embrace the serene countryside lifestyle in this charming 3-bedroom property in Vendoire, located in the Dordogne region of Aquitaine, France. Tucked away in a peaceful hamlet among the rolling hills and abundant greenery lies a beautiful stone barn, lovingly converted and extended into an immensely characterful home. This residential marvel weaves the charm of traditional construction materials with the sophistication of modern amenities, all seamlessly brought together by a blend of professional craftsmanship and building techniques of the highest standards. One eye-catching feature is the unique 'pigeonniere' tower that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property, complemented by three terraces boasting stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Key property features: - A spacious kitchen (29m2) - Large living room (56m2) - Utility room - Pigeonnier tower - 2 bathrooms - 3 bedrooms - Size: 162m2 - Price: €299,000. Privileges of the Property: 1. Kitchen: Encapsulates the heart of a home, this roomy kitchen sports free-standing wood and brushed steel units, a Rangemaster bottled gas double-oven range, an electric griddle, five hobs, and an extractor fan for outstanding culinary adventures. The presence of a dishwasher, dryer, and space for an American-style fridge/freezer makes it incredibly user-friendly. Limestone flagstone floors add the perfect rustic touch. 2. Living Room: An entertainer's dream, this spacious room brings together limestone flagstone floors, massive oak beams, and a custom-made sliding glass barn door with an electric shutter for a comfortable gathering. 3. Bedrooms: All three bedrooms are brimming with charm and character, with solid oak flooring, ample plug sockets, and be ... click here to read more

Located in the picturesque commune of Champagne-Et-Fontaine, Aquitaine, 24320, France, awaits this charming 2-bedroom house ready to be called home. For those looking to embrace the essence of French countryside living while still being close to essential amenities, this property serves as a delightful intersection. Nestled amidst the tranquil scenery of the region, this character property comes with multiple attributes, making it a splendid investment or a lovely abode for those seeking a serene lifestyle or even considering a potential gîte business (subject to necessary permissions). The property has been tastefully renovated, ensuring modern comforts without losing its rustic charm. Property Features: - 2 bedrooms - 1 bathroom with shower and WC - Combined living/dining room with kitchenette - Well-maintained garden - Potential for a guest house/gîte business - Located in a quiet yet accessible area - Size: 67m² - Land Size: 612m² - Price: €178,200 Step into the story: Upon entering, you'll find yourself welcomed by a cozy living and dining area combined with a practical kitchenette. This open space exudes warmth and invites you to imagine cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. On this same floor, there's a bedroom that could easily serve as a snug guest room or a home office. Venture upstairs, and a spacious second bedroom awaits, offering ample room for relaxation. The modern shower room and WC are conveniently located on this floor, ensuring easy access and providing the necessities of everyday living. The property retains the charm of the former gamekeeper's house, seamlessly blending historic elements with contemporary updates. The renovations have been done with care, preserving the character whi ... click here to read more

Discover a charming, well-presented 1-bedroom house located in the serene and picturesque area of Nanteuil-Auriac-de-Bourzac in Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. This detached property offers a unique living experience, nestled within a generous plot that includes additional land across the lane. It features a recently added pigeonnier, enhancing the typical French architectural charm of the home. Upon entering the home, you're greeted by the cozy living room situated in the pigeonnier which smoothly transitions into an inner hallway. This space leads to a practical shower room and a separate toilet. The house provides versatile living spaces including two smaller rooms currently utilized as bedrooms, an office area, and a charming mezzanine. The dining kitchen is spacious, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for family meals and gatherings. The romance of the property is elevated by the bedroom located on the first floor of the pigeonnier, which includes an en-suite shower room and double doors opening onto a quaint balcony. This is the perfect spot for morning coffees or quiet evening reflections. Outdoor living is equally gratifying with seating areas both at the front and rear of the house. The rear garden features an above ground pool surrounded by a deck, ideal for sunbathing and al fresco dining, allowing one to fully embrace the tranquil rural lifestyle. The local area of Nanteuil-Auriac-de-Bourzac is peaceful and typifies rural French charm, yet the property is not isolated. The bustling village of Verteillac is approximately 7 kilometers away and offers a good range of everyday amenities including shops, cafes, and a lively community atmosphere. For wider travel connections, Angouleme with its TGV links is a ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this charming villa in Salles-Lavalette offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking a second home in France. With its serene surroundings and proximity to local amenities, this property is a haven for relaxation and adventure alike. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of nut and fruit trees that envelop this delightful villa. The morning sun filters through the windows, casting a warm glow over the cozy living area, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before stepping out onto the raised terrace. Here, the panoramic views of rolling fields stretch out before you, inviting you to savor the tranquility of rural France. The villa's design seamlessly blends comfort and functionality. The ground floor features two well-appointed bedrooms, a practical kitchen, and a bright dining room and lounge area. Large windows on three sides ensure that natural light floods the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for family gatherings or quiet evenings with a good book. Downstairs, the basement offers a private retreat with a third bedroom, complete with its own shower room and toilet. A sitting area with patio doors provides direct access to the garden, where you can enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The expansive 1,890 m² garden is a true gem, offering multiple shaded areas perfect for picnics or afternoon naps. The back of the property, with its unobstructed views, is ideal for sunbathing or hosting barbecues with friends and family. An above-ground swimming pool, though in need of a new liner, promises refreshing dips on warm summer days. Salles-Lavalette is a charming village that embodies the ... click here to read more

Experience the ambiance and stunning views of French countryside with this charming residence nestled in the rolling hills of South Charente and Dordogne, situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Salles-Lavalette, Poitou-Charentes, France. This stately property with an asking price of €795,000, offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary convenience, boasting no less than 13 bedrooms spaciously spread over the 499 m² estate. This captivating, characterful house provides an array of possibilities for prospective owners. Whether you dream of a roomy family dwelling, a guest cottage for itinerant family members, or a cozy bed and breakfast establishment, the property has the adaptability to suit your aspirations with minor modifications, or perhaps none at all. Property features include: - 13 roomy bedrooms - 5 well-appointed bathrooms - Multiple inviting reception rooms - Several comfortable lounging areas enhanced by natural stone fireplaces - A practical, sophisticated kitchen - An airy mezzanine featuring a sitting area - Various terraces, relaxation spaces, and panoramic views Discover the charm of authentic French architecture with every corner of the house offering a picturesque view over the charming local landscape. Enjoy the flow of natural light throughout the residence, amplifying the beauty of the home’s rustic details and infusing the entire structure with warmth. Outside, the 5500 m² of land features a meticulously maintained, landscaped garden; a spacious, heated pool; a tastefully designed sheltered outdoor kitchen area; a useful garage; and even a dedicated area for a sauna. All of these features are carefully curated to offer a complete rejuvenation experience. Ameni ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Salles-Lavalette and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie two streets over drifts through the tall kitchen windows before you've even put the coffee on. That's not a fantasy — the bakery is genuinely that close, and yes, it's the kind of village where the baker knows your order by your second visit. This is Charente at its most unhurried, and this six-bedroom stone house sits right at the heart of it. At 293 square metres across a thoughtfully restored, characterful layout, the property is substantial without feeling cavernous. Step through the entrance hall and you're immediately in the 44-square-metre grand salon — a proper room with genuine presence, the sort of space where long dinners stretch past midnight without anyone feeling crowded. Original timber-framed doors and windows have been kept throughout, which matters enormously in a house like this. The bones are old and honest; the comfort is modern and discreet. That balance is hard to find and harder to get right, but whoever restored this property understood it. The ground floor also holds a rustic kitchen with real personality — this isn't a showroom kitchen, it's one you actually want to cook in — plus a second petit salon that flexes easily into a library or home office depending on your needs. A cloakroom completes the ground level. Upstairs, the six bedrooms and three bathrooms are arranged across a layout that makes genuine sense for families or groups, not just on paper but in daily use. Adjoining rooms on both the ground and first floors carry real development potential, subject to the usual permissions, which opens up everything from a self-contained annexe to an expanded B&B operation. Speaking of which — this house is ge ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Salles-Lavalette, this delightful three-bedroom house offers a unique opportunity to own a slice of French countryside charm. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home or a vacation retreat, this property combines modern comforts with the timeless allure of rural France. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of village life, with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the local bakery just a short stroll away. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in Salles-Lavalette, a quaint commune in the Charente department, renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: With 96 square meters of living space, this house offers ample room for family gatherings and entertaining guests. - Modern Amenities: Recently renovated, the property boasts new electrics, plumbing, and a septic system that meets current regulations. - Comfortable Climate: Double glazing and pellet central heating ensure a cozy atmosphere year-round. - Outdoor Oasis: A 300 square meter garden provides a serene escape, perfect for alfresco dining or simply soaking up the sun. - Additional Potential: Above the garage, an apartment with three rooms awaits your personal touch, ideal for a gîte or summer lounge. - Village Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of a local bar/restaurant and bakery within walking distance. - Scenic Views: The terrace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, a perfect backdrop for relaxation. The Salles-Lavalette Experience: Salles-Lavalette is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. This charming village is a gateway to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, known for its rolling hills, historic architectur ... click here to read more

Introducing a charming detached bungalow property nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Gout-Rossignol, in the bright and lively French region of Aquitaine, Dordogne. With a size of 178 sqm, this property radiates potential and character, ripe for a touch of personalization. This property comes with a 3 bedroom bungalow that has been fully renovated, and a 2 bedroom maison d’amis, an adjoining mini house that is full of character and flair. Both houses have been recently upgraded ensuring a fresh and comfortable stay. The cheerful homes both come with double glazed windows, creating a quiet and cozy atmosphere. The property also takes advantage of clean electricity through electric heaters. To add a touch of rustic charm, a woodburner can be found in each house, perfect for cozy winters in the French countryside. A careful look to the main building reveals a thoughtful open plan design with an L-shaped kitchen-dining-living room, promising a spacious and comfortable living. It also has three comfortable bedrooms and a modern shower room. The elegance of the design is further intensified with not just one but two sets of double doors in the living room that lead to a sunny southern-facing terrace. These stunning doors frame a picturesque view of the expansive fields. The maison d’ amis offers a similar charm, with an entrance hall, living room, kitchen on the ground floor. The first floor holds an attractive bedroom, a modern shower room and an occasional room perfect as a children’s room or a personal project space. The property is situated on a 3560m² plot, befitting its lovely location. The rear garden adds character to the property with its far-reaching views, perfect as a backdrop for intimate luncheons or a pl ... click here to read more

Located in the serene region of Poitou-Charentes, this charming three-bedroom house in Vouzan, France offers buyers a delightful mix of old-world charm coupled with modern amenities. The house is an ideal retreat for those who prize tranquility and the picturesque beauty of the French countryside, as well as an appealing project for those looking to instill their personal touch in their new home. Spread across 134 square meters, the layout includes two cozy reception rooms, each featuring a traditional fireplace that adds warmth and character to the space. The welcoming kitchen is well-fitted with modern conveniences, serving as a perfect spot to enjoy family meals. The home comprises three comfortably sized bedrooms, offering ample personal space for all members of the family, and two bathrooms ensuring convenience. Additionally, the residence features a practical dressing room, a garage for safe vehicle storage, and a storeroom for additional storage. The heating in the house is efficiently managed by the lovely fireplaces and supplemental electric radiators, to keep the ambiance warm during cooler months. The wooden framed windows and recently insulated upstairs ceilings enhance the home's energy efficiency and comfort. Though in good condition, the house presents a unique opportunity for those looking to engage in light renovation. Unused spaces such as the pantry and attic can be transformed to expand the living areas or to create new functionalities tailored to the new owners’ needs. This makes it a commendable choice for those looking to imprint their personal style into their home. Externally, the property opens to a beautifully landscaped, private courtyard facing the southeast—perfect for morning teas envel ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene and picturesque village of Palluaud, in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, this five-bedroom house offers a delightful living environment, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside. Set on a generous plot of nearly half an acre, this property features a well-tended garden, complete with an above-ground pool, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and outdoor entertainment. The residence comprises two houses and a one-bedroom apartment, offering ample living space and flexibility, ideal for accommodating family and guests or for potential rental opportunities. The main house exudes rustic charm, equipped with a fitted kitchen and breakfast room that leads into a spacious salon. This living area is enriched with a cozy fireplace, a wood burner, and exposed beams, adding to the home's character. The bathroom on this floor benefits from underfloor heating, ensuring comfort during the cooler months. Upstairs, the sleeping quarters consist of two bedrooms, with one open to the mezzanine, offering a unique architectural element. A convenient WC with a wash basin is also located on this floor. The second house features a large living space on the ground floor and two bedrooms upstairs, along with a bathroom, offering privacy and tranquility. Additionally, an external terrace area enhances this structure, perfect for enjoying the peaceful outdoor surroundings. An independent one-bedroom apartment provides additional accommodation or could serve as a private retreat for guests. The property also boasts a games room and a barn, which houses the central heating boiler and laundry facilities, adding practicality to its charm. The garden is a true ... click here to read more

Welcome to the sunny and picturesque province of Aquitaine, nestled in the charming countryside of Dordogne, where we're offering an inviting 4-bedroom house that might just be the home for you. Located in the tranquil commune of Saint-Martial-Viveyrol, this property spans over 185 square meters and is perfectly poised for those seeking a combination of rural serenity and the classic French lifestyle. Thanks to my busy schedule, I've got to point out this particular property truly stands out in its own way, offering the beauty of countryside living with all the comforts you might seek. Saint-Martial-Viveyrol lies in the heart of the French countryside, providing a harmonious blend of peaceful environment and rich historical culture. Infused with small-town charm, this area is perfect for expatriates and international buyers who are searching for a genuine French experience. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, indulging in regional foods, wines, and an array of cultural festivities that dot the calendar year-round. The town itself is surrounded by lush rolling hills that mark the picturesque landscape of Dordogne, giving residents stunning panoramic views and a sense of calm. It's a place where tranquillity and history come together gracefully, capturing the essence of rural France. You're only a short drive from the noted markets of Riberac and the engaging Dordogne River, where you can enjoy delightful canoeing experiences amidst the overall serene climate that blesses this region. Let me take you on a journey about the home itself. It's equipped with four spacious bedrooms, allowing ample space for family and friends. The bedroom dimension breakdown is as follows: Bedroom 1 measures 14.10 sqm and ... click here to read more