Charming 5-Bedroom Stone House in Léoville, France: Spacious Living with Guest Cottage Potential

Sunday morning in the Charente countryside sounds different from anywhere else in France. The birds start before the light does, and by the time you've made coffee and pushed open the terrace doors, there's nothing between you and a wide green horizon except your own 7,000 square metres of garden, a few oaks, and the distant church tower of Mansle catching the early sun. That's the daily reality of this four-bedroom house just outside Mansle-les-Fontaines — a genuinely well-built contemporary home from the early 2000s that's been looked after with real care, set in a quiet hamlet a couple of kilometres from everything you actually need. Let's talk about the space first, because 160 square metres of living area spread thoughtfully across two floors makes this feel like a proper family home rather than a weekend squeeze. The ground floor revolves around a 40-square-metre living and dining room that gets generous natural light throughout the day. It's the kind of room that naturally absorbs a family gathering — long lunches that drift into afternoons, kids spread across the floor, someone always in the kitchen. That kitchen, at 19 square metres, is large enough to be genuinely functional, not just a gesture toward cooking. Three bedrooms sit on the ground floor too, alongside a bathroom, a separate WC, and a pantry and laundry room that handles all the practical business of a real home. Head upstairs and there's a fourth room currently working as a bedroom or office, with its own private shower room and toilet — ideal for older kids, guests who want independence, or anyone who needs a quiet corner away from the rest of the house. The underfloor heating on the ground floor is worth pausing on. It's the kind of detail that ... click here to read more

Stand on the terrace on a July evening and you'll understand immediately why the French have always built their finest houses on hills. The Aude valley spreads out below in bands of gold and green — sunflower fields giving way to vineyards, then the jagged silhouette of the Pyrenees catching the last of the light. A glass of Blanquette de Limoux in hand, the bubbles still sharp and cold, the smell of lavender drifting up from the garden. This is not a fantasy sequence from a travel magazine. This is Tuesday. This four-bedroom villa sits at one of the highest residential addresses above Limoux, in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region, and the position alone justifies serious attention. But the house itself earns that attention right back. Three levels of generous, well-proportioned living space — around 186 square metres in total — have been laid out with real intelligence. The heart of the home is a single open-plan space that runs to over 60 square metres, pulling together the sitting room, dining area and kitchen into one fluid room without sacrificing any sense of definition between them. Large glazed doors open directly onto the views. On a clear morning, with coffee on the go and those panoramas unfolding through the glass, it's hard to think of a better argument for a second home in France. A bedroom and bathroom sit on the same main level, which matters more than it sounds — it means the house works for guests who don't want to navigate stairs, or for those weeks when you simply want everything within reach. The first floor adds further bedrooms and a second bathroom, giving the layout real flexibility for families or groups. Below, the lower ground floor is the kind of practical bonus that experienced property ... click here to read more

Stand at the kitchen window on a November morning and watch mist roll off the wooded acres behind the stone walls, curling around the old longère like smoke. The fire's already been lit — the cast-iron stove in the living room takes the edge off fast — and the only sound is the distant caw of rooks settling in the tree line. This is Ménéac, deep-green Brittany, and this place is the kind of property that stops serious buyers mid-scroll. Set in a small hamlet just 2.1 kilometres from the village of Ménéac itself, this substantial granite house sits on roughly 6.3 hectares of mixed land, part cultivated, part wooded. It's been divided into two fully independent dwellings — a detail that changes everything about how you might use it. One wing for your family, one for guests, rental income, or an elderly relative who wants proximity without sacrifice of privacy. The arithmetic of that arrangement is immediately appealing for anyone buying a second home in France who wants flexibility without compromising the experience of actually being there. The main dwelling opens at ground level into a living room anchored by an open fireplace paired with a wood-burning stove — two heat sources, which tells you something about how the previous owners felt about Breton winters. Through from there, a fitted kitchen and laundry room keep the practical side of things contained, along with a ground-floor toilet. Head upstairs and you get a bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom, a second family bathroom, a further bedroom, and a room currently used as an office but easily repurposed. The second dwelling mirrors this layout almost exactly: a living room with fireplace and stove, a kitchen-dining room (combined this time, which most families ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in Guern, the only sounds are the wind moving through the old oak at the edge of the garden and the distant bell from the village church carrying across the fields. You're standing at the kitchen window of a house that has been standing since 1638, watching mist lift off the Morbihan countryside, and thinking you could get used to this. Really get used to this. This five-bedroom stone property sits just ten minutes from Pontivy, a proper Breton market town with a working canal, a 15th-century château, and Saturday markets where the cheese vendor knows everyone by name. Guern itself is a quiet rural commune — the kind of place where neighbors wave from tractors and the post arrives without fail. At 187 square metres of living space on a landscaped plot of around 2,857 m², this is a genuinely substantial home, not a weekend cottage. It has real scale, real history, and the kind of bones you simply cannot manufacture. The oldest section of the main house traces back nearly four centuries. You feel that age in the best possible way — in the weight of the stone walls, the depth of the window reveals, the massive fireplace that anchors the double-height living room. That fireplace isn't decorative. Light it on a November evening with a bottle of Muscadet and a cassoulet on the hob, and you understand exactly why the French have been doing this for hundreds of years. The living room's unceilinged section creates genuine drama, with the mezzanine above looking down over the space — a reading corner, a desk, a spot for teenagers who want to feel separate without being far away. The ground floor layout is practical in a way old farmhouses often aren't. Two independent entrances give the house real flexibilit ... click here to read more

Stand on the upper landing on a clear October morning and the Pyrenees are right there — not a distant suggestion, but a full wall of snow-dusted peaks running the entire width of the horizon. That view alone stops people mid-sentence. Add a hectare of land, a pool, a barn with real potential, and a five-minute walk to one of the friendliest village squares in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and you start to understand why properties like this one in Laàs don't sit on the market for long. Laàs itself is quietly special. It sits in the heart of Béarn, a region that most people outside France haven't quite discovered yet — which is exactly the point. The village has a genuine rhythm to it. On Sunday mornings, the smell of coffee and warm bread drifts out from the boulangerie before eight o'clock. The château de Laàs, a 17th-century manor house with formal French gardens, stands just up the road and opens to visitors through the warmer months. The restaurant near the village centre — and yes, there's one worth going to, not just one that exists — draws locals from across the valley for long Friday lunches that tip over into the early evening without anyone checking their watch. The house itself is spread across 190 square metres and laid out in a way that actually works for family living. Downstairs, the kitchen connects through to a dining room which opens into the living room — the kind of fluid ground floor arrangement that means nobody's stuck in the kitchen alone while everyone else is gathered around the fire. There's also a separate snug, the sort of small room that ends up becoming everyone's favourite: the right size for a book and a glass of Jurançon wine on a winter evening when the mountains turn purple at dusk. Up ... click here to read more

On a still July evening, the only sounds you'll hear from the sun room terrace are the cicadas starting up in the oaks, the faint clink of glasses drifting from the village café a few hundred metres down the lane, and the occasional splash from the pool where someone couldn't resist one last swim before dinner. That's the rhythm of life at this 169 m² single-storey house on the edge of Saint-Maurin, one of the most quietly compelling villages in the Lot-et-Garonne — and a property that genuinely earns the word "immaculate" without you having to take anyone's word for it. Built in 1989 and then thoroughly reimagined by its current owners over the years since, the house sits on 6,875 m² of private grounds just a short walk from the medieval heart of Saint-Maurin. The village itself is the kind of place that still makes you stop walking and stare — a 12th-century abbey, honey-coloured stone arcades, a weekly market that the locals actually use, not one staged for tourists. Summer brings the famous night markets, where the square fills with tables, local Gascony producers set out their charcuterie and Armagnac, and at some point someone wheels out a projector for the open-air cinema. You can walk to all of it in five minutes, then come home to complete silence. Step inside and the architecture does something clever: it keeps things open without feeling exposed. A wide entrance hall with a feature arch sets a quiet tone of quality that the rest of the house follows through on. The living room is generous and very well lit, with three sets of French doors that fold the indoors out into the garden. A handsome brick fireplace with a wood-burning stove anchors the room in winter, while underfloor heating — the sort of detail th ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in southwest France, this is what you wake up to: birdsong filtering through mature oak canopy, the faint smell of dew on old stonework, and the kind of silence that cities charge a premium to escape. Step out onto the balcony off the main bedroom, coffee in hand, and you're looking across more than half a hectare of private park-like gardens that feel entirely your own. No neighbors visible. No road noise. Just the trees, the pool glinting in the early light, and the slow rhythm of Lot-et-Garonne life beginning to stir. This is a house with a genuine story. Built in the 1970s to the design of an architect — someone who clearly cared about proportion, natural light, and character — it has been owned by one family since the day it was completed. That alone says something. Properties like this rarely surface on the market in this corner of Aquitaine, and when they do, they don't stay long. Walk through the gated entrance and the house reveals itself gradually, framed by specimen trees that have had decades to reach their full, impressive height. The façade has a quiet confidence about it — nothing showy, just solid mid-century lines that hold up exceptionally well. Inside, the living room is the heart of everything: generous in scale, with a working fireplace anchoring one wall, a mezzanine gallery adding vertical drama, and light coming in from multiple directions. The parquet floors throughout have the warmth that only real wood develops over time — no laminate shortcut here. Exposed stonework and original plaster cornices add layers of detail that would cost a fortune to replicate today. The four bedrooms are arranged sensibly for a family or for hosting guests across the seasons. One opens onto a ... click here to read more

On a warm July evening in Saint-Maurin, the smell of grilled duck and lavender drifts up from the village square, where the weekly summer night market has spilled across the cobblestones beneath strings of amber light. You pull open the tall French doors in your living room and step straight into the garden, glass in hand, the low Lot-et-Garonne hills rolling out ahead of you in that particular shade of gold that only exists in southwest France at dusk. This is what owning this 19th-century stone house actually feels like. Not a renovation fantasy — a life. Saint-Maurin sits quietly in one of the most genuinely lovely historic villages in the Lot-et-Garonne, the kind of place that shows up on lists of the most beautiful villages in France and somehow still hasn't been discovered by the crowds. The old Benedictine abbey anchors the village center, its warm stone facade unchanged for centuries, and the weekly rhythms here are comfortingly real: a proper épicerie within walking distance, a café where the same faces appear every morning, and a village that actually lives rather than merely performs its heritage. Summer brings the marchés nocturnes that the whole surrounding area comes to — a proper, food-forward evening market with regional producers, live music drifting across the square, and a festive atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. Come September, the vendanges and walnut harvests begin in the surrounding farms, and the air carries that unmistakable mix of woodsmoke and ripe fruit that marks autumn in Gascony. The house itself is 189 square metres of original 19th-century fabric, and it has kept its soul intact. Step inside and the sequence of original details is genuinely impressive: exposed ston ... click here to read more

Picture this: a Sunday morning in Moncaut, the kitchen window propped open, the smell of a café crème drifting up from somewhere down the lane, and absolutely no reason to be anywhere else. That's the particular magic of this three-bedroom 18th-century village house in the Lot-et-Garonne — a part of southwestern France that doesn't try to impress you, because it doesn't need to. Moncaut sits just outside Agen, the kind of small French village that hasn't reinvented itself for tourists and is better for it. The Wednesday market in Agen's old quarter has been running for generations — stalls selling Agen prunes (the area's famous AOC export, eaten fresh in season or soaked in Armagnac in winter), duck confit from local farms, goat's cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves. Life here moves at a pace that feels deliberate rather than slow. The Garonne river runs through the valley below, and on clear mornings you can see mist lifting off the water from the upper floor of the house. The property itself spans 145 square metres across three levels and dates to the 1700s — but don't let that conjure images of damp walls and draughty floors. This house has been properly sorted out. New double-glazed windows keep winters quiet and warm. Aluminium shutters go up or down in seconds. A pellet-burner heating system means running costs stay sensible, and the whole place has been redecorated with a palette that manages to feel both period-appropriate and genuinely liveable — warm tones, no fussy details, nothing you'd want to change the moment you arrived. Walk through the front door and you're straight into the sitting room, which opens directly into the fitted country kitchen. High beamed ceilings make the space feel generous without bei ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and the only sounds you'll hear are the distant moo of Charolais cattle in the field next door and the wood pigeons working the oak at the far end of the meadow. That's Rom. Not a place most tourists pass through, but exactly the kind of unhurried corner of Poitou-Charentes that people who've done the Dordogne circuit a dozen times eventually find their way to — and then quietly start buying. This five-bedroom stone house sits on just over 6,400 square metres of land in the commune of Rom, in Deux-Sèvres, priced at €230,000 all in. At 164 square metres of living space in the main house, plus a fully independent 49-square-metre gîte, a 130-square-metre barn, a gym, a games room, and a carport — this is not a property that runs out of purpose. Walk through the front door and the bones of the place hit you immediately. Exposed limestone walls, thick and cool in summer. Original oak beams crossing the ceilings in every bedroom upstairs. Parquet underfoot. These aren't cosmetic details someone stapled on during a renovation — they're structural, authentic, the kind of craftsmanship that stopped being common practice a century ago. The open-plan kitchen and dining room is big enough to actually feed a crowd, which matters when this becomes the gathering point for extended family summers. Off to one side, the separate sitting room has a stone fireplace with a wood-burning stove — the kind of room that earns its keep from October through March when the Deux-Sèvres countryside turns cool and golden and quiet. Upstairs, four bedrooms with beamed ceilings share a family bathroom with a bath. The ground floor has a shower room and utility room, keeping daily life functional without fuss. The prop ... click here to read more

Stand on the terrace and the Lot River is right there, maybe a hundred metres below, curving through limestone gorges that turn amber in the late afternoon sun. The church bell above tolls the hour. A swallow cuts past at eye level. It takes about thirty seconds to understand why this house hasn't been easy to give up. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has been voted France's favourite village more than once, and the title doesn't feel like marketing. The medieval streets of pale stone, the 15th-century church perched at the top of it all, the painters who've been coming here since the Surrealists — André Breton lived and worked up the road — there's a reason this village on the Lot Valley's cliff edge has drawn people for centuries. And within that village, few houses sit where this one does: directly below the church, on the lip of a sheer 100-metre drop, with a private garden that runs right to the edge. The wrought-iron gate is easy to miss from the lane. That's rather the point. Once through it, the world shifts. Mature wisteria covers a pergola where a summer kitchen and dining table sit in dappled shade — this is where long lunches happen, the kind that drift into evening without anyone noticing. The gardens wrap around the property and along the cliff, a genuinely rare thing here; outdoor space of this size and privacy simply doesn't come up in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Seating areas tuck into different corners depending on the time of day and the angle of the light, and every one of them faces something worth looking at. The house itself is old stone and brick, honest about its age in the best possible way. Terracotta floors, exposed ceiling beams, a wood-burning stove that makes the living room feel like exactly the right place ... click here to read more

On a slow Sunday morning in Le Pin, the smell of bread drifting from the boulangerie two streets over is enough to make you forget the rest of the world exists. The church bell marks the half hour. A neighbour waves from across the lane. Your coffee is getting cold, but you don't much care, because you're sitting on the covered stone porch of an 18th-century village house in southwest France, and there is genuinely nowhere better to be. That's the daily reality of owning this four-bedroom stone house in Le Pin, a quietly confident little village tucked into Tarn-et-Garonne, in the heart of Midi-Pyrénées. This isn't a postcard version of rural France that collapses under scrutiny. It's the real thing — a proper community, real stone underfoot, 900 square metres of land, and a house that has already done the hard work of becoming somewhere worth living. The renovation story matters here. Too many houses in this corner of France sell the dream and deliver a project. This one doesn't. The current owners have gone through the property methodically and spent seriously — new heat pump, double glazing throughout, an energy rating of B, which in this region and this era of construction is genuinely remarkable. The result is a house that runs cheaply and comfortably year-round. You arrive with your bags, you open the shutters, and you start living. That's it. Inside, the bones of the 18th century are still very much present. The original stone staircase anchors the entrance hall. Travertine flooring catches the afternoon light in a way that no reproduction material ever quite manages. Exposed beams run the length of the ceilings in the main rooms, and the proportions throughout are the kind that modern construction simply doesn ... click here to read more

Saturday morning. The log burner is crackling in the sitting room, the smell of woodsmoke drifting toward the open window, and out past the terrace, the rolling valleys of the Tarn-et-Garonne stretch as far as you can see — all golden fields, dark tree lines, and absolutely nobody else. This is the kind of quiet that people spend years trying to find. This 19th-century stone house in the commune of Castelsagrat sits in one of the most underrated corners of southwest France. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 110 square metres of honest, well-kept interior — and then the land, the views, the silence. At €229,000, it's the sort of property that makes you recalculate your priorities. The house itself has real bones. The rendered stone facade is classic Tarn-et-Garonne — solid, thick-walled construction that keeps rooms cool through the scorching July and August heat without you touching a dial. Inside, the sitting room centres on a log-burning stove that earns its keep from November through March. Terracotta-tiled floors run underfoot, exposed oak beams cross the ceilings above, and the country kitchen feels like the kind of room where Sunday lunches start at noon and end somewhere around four. Electric heating supplements the wood-burner during shoulder seasons when it's more chilly than cold. The whole ground floor has a relaxed, unhurried feel — this isn't a house that's trying to impress you. It just works. The storage rooms are worth special mention. Large, with genuine potential — convert them into a gite, a guest annex, a studio, or leave them as generous working storage for a household that actually uses its land. The groundwork is there for anyone who wants to expand the footprint without touching the main character ... click here to read more

On a still morning in Corneilla-del-Vercol, the air already carries warmth before nine o'clock. You slide open the wide glass doors from the living room, step out onto the sun-warmed terrace, and the pool catches the light in that particular way it only does in the Roussillon — deep blue, almost unnaturally vivid against the ochre and terracotta of the surrounding landscape. The Pyrenees are visible to the southwest. The Med is twenty minutes by car. This is the South of France that people actually live in, not the postcard version sold to tourists. Corneilla-del-Vercol sits in the Pyrénées-Orientales, tucked between Perpignan and the coast, in a part of France that locals call the Pays Catalan. It's a genuinely Catalan corner of France — bilingual road signs, sardane dancing in village squares on summer evenings, and a food culture that pulls as much from Barcelona as it does from Paris. The Saturday market in Perpignan's Place de la République sells goat cheese from the Conflent valley, anchovies from Collioure packed in salt the old way, and the blood-orange jurancons that grow practically in your backyard. You get to Perpignan's city centre in under fifteen minutes. The TGV station there connects you to Paris in under five hours, or Barcelona in ninety minutes — which matters enormously if you're buying this as a second home and flying in from London, Amsterdam, or Brussels. The villa itself sits entirely on one level, which sounds like a minor detail until you actually live in it. No stairs. Every room flows directly outward. Three bedrooms, each fitted with oversized windows that push open to let in the evening garrigue breeze — that dry, wild-herb scent that drifts down from the scrubland above the plain. One be ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and the cobblestones of the Grand Rue are already humming — a potter carrying clay, a boulangerie door swinging open releasing a warm rush of butter and crust, a cat stretched across a sun-warmed stone step that's been there since the 13th century. This is the daily texture of life in Cordes-sur-Ciel, one of the most quietly extraordinary medieval hilltop villages in southwest France, and this fully renovated three-bedroom house with a self-contained gîte puts you right in the middle of it. The house sits just off the Grand Rue on the village's south-facing flank, which means light — generous, consistent, south-facing light — floods through every room from morning through late afternoon. That matters in a village where some properties are tucked into the hillside and live in perpetual shade. Not this one. The kitchen-diner downstairs looks directly onto the garden, and there's something quietly satisfying about cooking a Sunday lunch with the window open while the bells of the Église Saint-Michel drift across the rooftops. The renovation here was done properly. New roof, new plumbing, new electrics, double-glazed windows throughout, updated bathrooms — not a cosmetic refresh but a complete structural overhaul. The result is a house that carries all the character of its medieval context — thick stone walls, the particular acoustic stillness that old buildings have — while functioning with entirely modern reliability. The wood-burning stove in the living room isn't decorative nostalgia; on a January evening when the Tarn valley mist rolls in below the village, you'll want exactly that kind of warmth. Upstairs, two large bedrooms share a well-appointed bathroom. The layout is generous fo ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Laroque-des-Albères starts with a sound: swallows cutting sharp arcs over the rooftops, the distant clang of the church bell on the main square, and somewhere close by, someone firing up a wood-fired grill. You open the south-facing terrace door, coffee in hand, and the entire ridgeline of the Albères massif sits right there in front of you — no cranes, no apartment blocks, just the ancient limestone spine of the Pyrenees catching the early Catalan sun. That's the daily reality of this fully renovated single-storey house in one of the Pyrénées-Orientales' most sought-after villages. Two bedrooms, a brand-new kitchen, landscaped terraces, a 350m² garden plot, and energy costs running between €810 and €1,160 per year. At €330,000, it represents serious value for a turn-key second home in French Catalonia. Laroque-des-Albères sits at the precise point where the Pyrenees give way to the coastal plain, tucked just above the valley floor on the road that threads between the French and Spanish Catalan worlds. The village itself has kept its shape — stone houses tight along narrow lanes, a café terrace where old men still play pétanque on weekday afternoons, a weekly market that spills across the square with vendors selling local honey, Roussillon wines, and anchovies from Collioure. It's not a tourist fabrication. People actually live here year-round, which gives the place a grounded, unhurried rhythm that resort towns simply can't manufacture. The house sits in a cul-de-sac less than two minutes' walk from the village centre. That proximity matters more than it might sound on paper. You can leave the car in the garage and forget about it for days. Bread from the boulangerie, a cold rosé at the bar, dinne ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's nine in the morning, the kitchen smells of strong coffee and toast, and through the full-height windows the hills of Quercy Blanc roll out in front of you, pale limestone and dark cypress under an already-warm July sky. You're not on holiday in some anonymous resort. You're in your own place — a converted barn in a hamlet outside Lauzerte, one of France's classified "Plus Beaux Villages", and the day is entirely yours. This is what 226 square metres of seriously well-considered living space feels like when someone with a genuine eye has put it together. The previous owner was an antique dealer, and it shows — not in a cluttered, fussy way, but in the confidence of someone who knows what works. Exposed stone walls meet polished concrete floors. Original oak beams run across ceilings that climb to full height. A Canadian 20kW log-burning stove anchors the sitting room, the kind of stove that makes winter weekends here feel like a gift rather than a compromise. The interplay of raw and refined — reclaimed architectural salvage alongside clean, contemporary lines — gives the interior a quality that photographs well but feels even better in person. The kitchen is properly equipped. Integrated appliances, modern fittings, no compromises for the sake of aesthetics. Three bathrooms across the four bedrooms mean no queuing, no negotiating over schedules, no friction — exactly what you need when you've got a family or a group of friends under one roof. Built-in storage throughout and double glazing on every window mean this isn't just a summer house. You can use it in February and be comfortable. Step outside and the 1,100 square metres of private garden immediately make sense. The 8x4 metre pool is the obvio ... click here to read more

On a still Sunday morning in Monflanquin, the bells from the Église Saint-André carry clear across the bastide rooftops, and if you're standing on the roof terrace of this late-19th-century town house with a coffee in hand, the view rolls out all the way across the Lot-et-Garonne countryside in shades of green and gold. That moment alone could sell this house. But there's so much more. Monflanquin is one of those rare places that hasn't been polished smooth for tourists. It earned its spot on the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France list the hard way — medieval bastide grid, arcaded central square, stone and silence — and it wears the accolade quietly. The Wednesday market on the Place des Arcades draws locals who've been shopping there for decades: wedges of aged Cantal, jars of foie gras, flat baskets of mirabelle plums in late summer. You can walk from the front gate of this house to that market in under ten minutes. Walk back with a baguette and a bunch of dahlias and you've already lived the kind of morning most people only imagine. The house itself was built to impress. Whoever commissioned it at the turn of the last century had ambitions — you can see it in every deliberate detail. The slate roof is laid in fish-scale tiles, a technique that demands a craftsman's patience and looks extraordinary in afternoon light. Original cast-iron gates hang between stone gate posts at the entrance, still swinging on their original hinges. Step through the grand entranceway, with its geometric tiled floor, and you're inside a property that has held its dignity through more than a century without losing its warmth. The sitting room has a log-burning stove that earns its keep on January evenings when the Périgord Noir wind picks ... click here to read more

Tucked away in the charming countryside of Charente-Maritime, in the quaint village of Léoville, this three-bedroom house offers a warm invitation to experience a tranquil rural lifestyle in the stunning region of Poitou-Charentes, France. Situated on a generous 2000 square meter plot, this abode combines the rustic charm of its surroundings with the comfort of modern living,1 making it an ideal choice for those looking to purchase a home overseas as a permanent residence or a holiday retreat. Upon entering the property, one is greeted by a spacious living room that seamlessly integrates with the kitchen, creating a cohesive and inviting environment. The presence of a charming fireplace enhances the room's ambiance, making it a cozy retreat during cooler evenings. Adjacent to this space, a covered dining terrace offers a delightful area for al fresco dining and entertainment, with views of the serene landscape and easy access back into the kitchen. The property features: - A welcoming and spacious living room/kitchen with a fireplace. - A second large reception room, also equipped with a fireplace. - One ground-floor bedroom, convenient for those preferring less stair use. - Two substantial double bedrooms on the upper floor, promising ample space for family or guests. - A practical layout inclusive of two shower rooms and a separate laundry space. For those who work from home or require additional space, the upstairs landing accommodates an office area. Additionally, there is potential to expand into the attic space, offering new owners the flexibility to tailor the property to their needs. Amenities include: - A generous-sized swimming pool with terrace. - A built-in barbecue adjacent to the covered terrace. - A gr ... click here to read more

Located in the serene landscape of Mérignac, Charente-Maritime, within the beloved Poitou-Charentes region of France, lies a delightful three-bedroom detached house just waiting for its next chapter to be written. Spanning a well-distributed 140 square meters, this house reflects a harmonious fusion of comfort and simplicity. Now, my schedule is quite jam-packed dealing with international clients, but this remarkable property deserves its spotlight. Let's delve into what makes this house and Mérignac such gems for overseas buyers and expats alike. First off, the house itself. Starting at the generous garden of about 2000 square meters. It’s entirely enclosed, offering ample space for outdoor relaxation or perhaps a weekend barbecue with family and friends. Spend the sunny French afternoons lounging by the pool or catch some shade under the terrace with a refreshing drink in hand. Stepping inside, you’re greeted with an open-plan double-height living area that stands out for its light, airy feel. It seamlessly connects to the pool area through inviting glass doors. For the winter months, the underfloor heating and pellet burner promise coziness, making it a warm haven during the colder season. The fitted kitchen and utility room are quite ready for those who love to cook, offering functionality with a touch of style. Here’s a breakdown of the house's features: - 3 airy bedrooms - 2 functional bathrooms - Double-glazing for energy efficiency - Modern pellet burner for those chilly nights - Large 2000m2 enclosed garden - Inviting swimming pool and terrace - Plenty of parking space - Garden shed, handy for those gardening tools - Spacious mezzanine perfect for a home office area - Utility room ideal for extra storage - ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charente-Maritime region, this delightful stone house in Montendre offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. With its spacious 120 m² layout, this property is an ideal retreat for those seeking a second home or a vacation getaway in the enchanting French countryside. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of blooming orchards. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom house is set on a generous 3,945 m² plot, providing ample space for relaxation and recreation. The property boasts a peaceful, secluded environment, ensuring privacy and tranquility, yet is conveniently close to local amenities. ### A Slice of French Paradise Montendre, a charming town in the Poitou-Charentes region, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. As a second home owner here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, savoring the region's exquisite cuisine, exploring its lush vineyards, and participating in its lively festivals. ### Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: 120 m² of living space with two large bedrooms and two bathrooms. - Expansion Potential: A convertible attic of 85 m² and an adjoining wine storehouse of 65 m² offer endless possibilities for customization. - Outbuildings: Approximately 200 m² of non-adjoining annexes, including a workshop, barns, and more. - Lush Grounds: A main plot of 3,945 m² featuring an orchard and a well, with the option to acquire additional land. - Convenient Location: Just minutes from Montendre's shops, schools, and leisure facilities. - Accessibility: Quick access to the N10, connecting you to major roads and nearby attractions. - Investment Potential: ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes in Charente-Maritime, you will find a delightful property comprising not just one but two unique living spaces, ripe with potential and possibilities. If you're an overseas buyer or expat looking for a slice of French tranquility in Montendre, this is an opportunity you might not want to miss. Let's start with the main house—a delightful single-storey dwelling built in the 1970s. This home provides approximately 115 square meters of living space, thoughtfully designed to offer a blend of comfort and simplicity. The house boasts a fitted kitchen where tradition mingles with practicality, a cozy dining room ideal for family meals, and a bright living room that's perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the local lures of Montendre. With three commodious bedrooms, it's a great fit for a family looking to plant roots in the area. The property includes one bathroom, fully-equipped with both a bath and a shower, catering to the needs of a typical family while maintaining a separate toilet for added convenience. While the house is in good condition, there remains room for personalization and small upgrades. Some renovation work here would truly make it your own, such as upgrades to the wood and oil boilers for heating and ensuring the sanitation system is fully compliant. If you're handy and love a project, there's also an old stone farmhouse on the plot, perfect for those interested in a genuine fixer-upper experience. This farmhouse, at around 88 square meters, offers a noteworthy entrance hall adorned with vintage cement tiles, a subtle nod to its historical roots, as well as four rooms waiting to be revitalized into whatever suits your lifestyle—be it ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Montendre, Charente-Maritime, in the Poitou-Charentes region of France, this delightful stone country home awaits its new owners. If you're seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, then this property might just be the ideal choice for you. With its rustic appeal and serene surroundings, this is a wonderful opportunity for overseas buyers or expats looking for a new adventure in France. This 3-bedroom house is a testament to careful renovation and thoughtful design. Originally an old barn, it has been yearned into a cozy abode ready for immediate occupancy. The property's 140 square meters of living space provide ample room for a comfortable life. One of the main highlights is the open-plan double-height living area, an inviting space with direct access to the pool area. The doors lead out directly onto the terrace, perfect for those warm French summers. The property beautifully combines character and convenience, offering both underfloor heating and a pellet burner, ensuring warmth throughout the year. Property Features: - 3 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - Open plan double-height living area - Access to terrace and pool - Fitted kitchen - Utility room - Ground floor bedroom with ensuite - Mezzanine office space - Double glazing - Underfloor heating - Pellet burner - Large enclosed garden (2000 sq meters) - Swimming pool - Ample parking - Garden shed Living in Montendre offers a unique experience, especially for those coming from abroad. The town is charming and small, but it cleverly links you to a host of fabulous locations and attractions. Montendre offers the peace of rural France while being conveniently located near bigger towns like Jonzac, which is just a s ... click here to read more

Nestled in the quaint town of Montendre, France, this unique 2-bedroom house holds a world of possibility, waiting for the right visionary to bring it back to life. This is not just a property; it's an adventure, an opportunity to create something genuinely yours. With a price tag of 65,000 euros, this fixer-upper invites you to a part of the French countryside that's rich with history and bustling with potential. Situated at the end of a peaceful dead-end street, this former farmhouse is set on a generous plot of 1,257 square meters. If you’re seeking a project, this could be the one. Built with traditional charm, the main part of the house offers approximately 88 square meters of space, featuring a breathtaking entrance adorned with vintage cement tiles. The intricate design beneath your feet speaks of another era, setting the stage for the story you will unfold here. Imagine yourself exploring the four main rooms, ranging from 14 square meters to 25 square meters each, envisioning how you’ll transform them. The home doesn’t have a bathroom at present, but this gives you the freedom to configure this space as you see fit, unbound by previous designs. Above, a convertible attic spans 97 square meters, ripe for development. Picture it as a spacious master suite, an artist’s studio, or a cozy hideaway amongst the rafters. This property comes with several outbuildings—a barn, a workshop, and a garage—providing additional space for creativity or storage. While the roof is reported to be in good condition, the rest of the property is a blank canvas, ready for your touch. Now, let me take you on a journey through Montendre itself, a charming township located within the Poitou-Charentes region. If you're thinking about rel ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charente-Maritime region, this delightful stone house in Montendre offers a unique opportunity to own a slice of French countryside charm. With its rich history and vibrant local culture, Montendre is the perfect backdrop for your dream holiday home, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural France. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of blooming flowers in your private orchard. This 120 m² house, set on a sprawling 3,945 m² plot, is more than just a property; it's a gateway to a lifestyle filled with relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable memories. ### A Home with Character and Potential This two-bedroom house is in good condition, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The spacious rooms, ranging from 25 to 31 m², provide ample space for you to personalize and create your ideal living environment. The property also features a shower room and a separate WC, ensuring comfort and convenience for you and your guests. For those with a vision, the 85 m² convertible attic and the adjoining 65 m² wine storehouse present exciting possibilities for expansion. Whether you dream of a home office, an artist's studio, or additional guest accommodations, this property offers the flexibility to bring your ideas to life. ### Embrace the Outdoors The expansive grounds are a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The main plot includes a charming orchard and a well, providing a serene setting for leisurely strolls or picnics under the sun. With approximately 200 m² of non-adjoining annexes, including a workshop, awning, and barns, there's plenty of space for DIY projects, ho ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charente-Maritime region, this expansive 8-bedroom house in Montendre offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home or vacation retreat in France. With its blend of traditional Charantaise architecture and modern comforts, this property is a haven for relaxation and a gateway to the rich cultural tapestry of the Poitou-Charentes area. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as sunlight filters through the lush greenery surrounding your home. This is the daily reality at this Montendre property, where tranquility meets convenience. Just a short drive from the vibrant city of Bordeaux and the therapeutic spa town of Jonzac, this location offers the perfect balance of rural charm and urban accessibility. ### A Home with Character and Potential The main house, with its 324 square meters of living space, is a testament to the timeless appeal of Charantaise stone walls and exposed wooden beams. The spacious interiors are bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The potential for expansion into the attic space offers an exciting opportunity for customization, allowing you to tailor the home to your specific needs. ### A Versatile Guest House Adjacent to the main house is a self-contained 3-bedroom guest house, ideal for hosting family and friends or generating rental income. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is perfect for entertaining, while the private bedrooms ensure comfort and privacy for all guests. ### Outdoor Living at Its Finest The property is set on over 1.1 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, providing ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation. The in-ground swim ... click here to read more

This charming three-bedroom house located in the scenic Poitou-Charentes region, in the quaint town of Jonzac, France, flawlessly combines the appeal of country living with proximity to modern conveniences. Having been recently updated, this spacious property presents a unique opportunity for those who appreciate the intrinsic value of both privacy and accessibility. The peaceful surroundings, complete with a heated swimming pool and breathtaking country views, make this a desirable haven for families, especially those relocating from abroad. The main house features expansive living spaces, including a grand double living room which connects effortlessly to a commodious kitchen. Here, the presence of a robust fireplace sets a warm, inviting ambiance, while ample space allows for a generous kitchen table, ideal for family gatherings. The thoughtful layout continues on the lower level, where a striking fireplace accentuates a second high-ceiling living area, enhancing the home’s open and airy feel. On the upper level, a mezzanine-style landing offers potential space for an additional bedroom and large bathroom, with existing permissions considered. Two well-appointed double bedrooms provide peaceful retreats for residents; the master bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe and designated space for an en suite, optimizing convenience and privacy. An additional shower room with a WC is also accessible from the landing, ensuring facilities are close at hand for all household members. Further enhancing its appeal, the property encompasses a fully renovated, self-contained guest apartment. This space, complete with its own living, dining, and kitchen areas, is perfect for hosting guests or could even serve as a rental unit. Give ... click here to read more

Situated in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime, this charming farmhouse in Jonzac, France, offers an exquisite blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Boasting three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this large property, perfectly set in one of the most beautiful spa towns in France, is ready to become your ideal retreat or a savvy investment for rental income. Upon arrival, the welcoming spirit of French countryside living is immediately evident. The farmhouse is accessed via new secure gates, leading to extensive gardens that are fully enclosed and meticulously maintained. The garden, predominantly laid with grass, is adorned with mature trees, shrubs, and flower beds—creating a scenic view that's hard to match. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the large paved terrace, overlooking the heated swimming pool and the surrounding verdant landscape—a perfect start to your day. Let’s step into the main house. The ground floor boasts a very large double living room, seamlessly connected to a generous kitchen. Equipped with a cozy fireplace, the kitchen is not just for cooking but becomes a gathering place for family and friends, with plenty of room for a substantial kitchen table. The lower level is further enriched by an additional living area featuring a double-height ceiling and a grand fireplace, enhancing the open layout and providing a warm, inviting atmosphere. Upstairs, the spacious mezzanine-style landing offers additional possibilities. Easily convertible into a third bedroom with a large bathroom (subject to permissions), it currently leads to two double bedrooms. The master bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe with ample space for an en suite. Completing this level is a convenient ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside just a stone's throw away from the vibrant spa town of Jonzac, this unique 7-bedroom property in the heart of the Charente-Maritime region offers a remarkable blend of rural tranquility and modern convenience. Spread across an expansive 1.5-hectare estate, bordered by a gentle river and featuring its own serene small lake, this property promises a slice of the idyllic French countryside lifestyle. Ideal for those overseas buyers and expats yearning for a serene haven, this house awaits its next chapter with open doors. Let me take a moment to introduce you to this property—it's not just a house, yet it's a canvas for dreams. As you enter the main house through the welcoming entrance hall, you're greeted with a warm atmosphere. The main house is equipped with central heating to ensure your comfort during the cooler months. The heart of the home, the spacious kitchen, flows seamlessly to a covered terrace at the rear. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee here or entertaining guests with al fresco dinners while gazing at the wildlife that frequently visits. The home boasts a generous double aspect living room, perfect for cozy evenings or social gatherings. On this ground floor, you'll also find a convenient WC, a practical store room, and a utility room providing essential space for daily life. One of the seven bedrooms is also located here alongside a well-appointed bathroom, making it convenient to accommodate guests or perhaps even a slower-paced lifestyle. Headed upstairs, you'll discover four more bedrooms. The largest among them has been creatively utilized as a study—a versatile space that could easily serve as a personal retreat or a bustling home office. A shower room and ... click here to read more

On a warm Tuesday morning in Jonzac, you open the terrace doors off the sitting room and the air smells faintly of mineral water and cut grass. Below you, the garden runs downhill in long, generous sweeps — through a canopy of trees, past a woodland patch that filters the light into something almost theatrical — until it reaches the quiet banks of the River Seugne. A heron stands perfectly still at the water's edge. You can hear the church bells from the old town center, just five minutes away on foot. That's the daily reality of owning this five-bedroom geothermically heated house in the heart of one of Charente-Maritime's most quietly compelling spa towns. The property sits less than 500 meters from Jonzac's center, which puts you close to everything without sacrificing the sense of space that defines life here. The upper floor holds three well-proportioned bedrooms, a bathroom with a separate WC, and a triple-aspect living and dining room that catches light from three directions. That room connects directly to the south-facing terrace — the kind of terrace you end up living on from April through October, drinking Pineau des Charentes in the early evenings while the swallows dart over the garden. The kitchen is bright and practical, also opening onto the terrace, so cooking here in summer means constant movement between inside and out. What makes this house genuinely unusual is the lower floor. Two independent guest accommodations sit completely self-contained on that level, each with private access. For a family wanting multi-generational space — grandparents, adult children, close friends who visit for weeks at a time — this layout is hard to find at this price point in France. For a buyer thinking about income gen ... click here to read more

Discover a delightful bungalow nestled in the scenic region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime, Jonzac, France. This property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and convenient proximity to local amenities, catering especially to those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while retaining easy access to essential services. The location in Jonzac is particularly appealing for overseas buyers and expatriates seeking a serene lifestyle surrounded by nature. The house itself boasts practical living spaces, including a kitchen that opens to a spacious living/dining area, providing a warm gathering place for family and friends. A corridor leads to the private quarters of the home, featuring three well-sized bedrooms and a bathroom, along with a separate toilet for added convenience. Each room is designed to maximize comfort and functionality, making it an ideal setting for both daily living and entertaining. One of the unique aspects of this property is the expansive attic space, which presents an excellent opportunity for conversion into additional living areas or storage solutions, subject to obtaining the necessary permissions. It is the perfect project for those with a vision to tailor a home to their specific needs and tastes. Set on a large plot of approximately 8941 square meters, the property is adorned with a beautifully landscaped garden and diverse vegetation, promising a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation. Various annexes and a garage complement the main structure, providing ample storage and utility space. A closer look at the house reveals it as a fixer-upper, presenting an engaging project for those keen to infuse their personal style into their new hom ... click here to read more

Discover the charm and potential of this enchanting 19th-century residence nestled in the serene hamlet of Pouillac, located in the Poitou-Charentes region of Charente-Maritime, France. This spacious 6-bedroom house, set amidst a sprawling 7,000 square meter garden, offers the quintessential rural French lifestyle combined with the convenience of modern amenities and quick access to major cities such as Bordeaux and Angoulême. As you approach the property, you are greeted by the impressive facade of the house that proudly displays its historical architecture, complete with stone walls, wooden floors, grand fireplaces, and exposed beams that tell tales of its rich past. The house spans two levels, each thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and functionality. The ground floor features an inviting entrance hall that leads to a well-equipped kitchen, utility room, and a dual-purpose bathroom/laundry room. A cozy living room, formal dining room, and a games room provide ample space for relaxation and entertainment. Additionally, two bedrooms on this floor each come with their own shower rooms, offering privacy and convenience. The upper level houses four more bedrooms, two of which boast ensuite shower rooms, while the remaining two are partially renovated, waiting for a new owner to infuse their personal touch and finish them to their taste. The property also includes several outbuildings: a large barn, a handy carport with capacity for at least two cars, and a versatile small house/workshop with a mezzanine, petfect for storage or creative projects. Outside, a delightful terrace overlooks the well-tended garden adorned with century-old chestnut trees, making it an ideal spot for peaceful morning coffees or lively fa ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes in the Charente department, the quaint village of Reignac is home to an intriguing property that's sure to captivate any discerning buyer seeking a serene lifestyle. I tell ya, Reignac, located near the bustling interchange of the N10 motorway and the Bordeaux-Angoulême route, offers a unique blend of tranquility and accessibility. It's a place where the rhythm of life is unhurried, and the people are friendly, making it perfect for those who wish to experience the genuine charm of French countryside living, where you can enjoy the slow pace of life while still being close enough to buzzling cities. Now, let's talk about this fantastical house itself. This isn't just any house; it's a former mill that has been thoughtfully converted into a residence, offering a unique living experience. Positioned on a whopping 12,217 square meters of land, the property promises privacy and tranquility, bordered by a stream and a millstream that runs through it. There's a lovely pond here too, about 700 square meters in size, fed by natural springs which simply amplifies the natural beauty and serenity this setting has to offer. Living in this house, you'll find that every day is a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. The ground floor presents a harmonic living space starting with a kitchen that invites you in with open arms, showcasing a fully-equipped area that makes every meal prep feel like a breeze. Adjoining this is a dining area that's just right for family dinners or hosting close friends. As you move along, there's a living room featuring lovely parquet flooring and a delightful fireplace with a large antique bay window. This setup provides a warm, welcoming atmosp ... click here to read more

Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the heart of the picturesque Charente-Maritime region. This delightful 4-bedroom house in Jarnac-Champagne offers not just a home, but a lifestyle steeped in the rich tapestry of French countryside living. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home, this property is a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Nestled in the serene hamlet of Chadenac, this house is a stone's throw away from the vibrant towns of Jonzac and Pons. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the tranquility of rural life and the convenience of nearby amenities. The property is a testament to the timeless allure of Charentaise architecture, with its exposed stone walls and timber beams, lovingly preserved to maintain its original character. Key Features: - Spacious Living: With 206 square meters of living space, this house offers ample room for family gatherings and entertaining guests. - Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Four generously sized bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms ensure comfort and privacy for all. - Modern Comforts: Oil-fired central heating provides warmth during the cooler months, making it a cozy retreat year-round. - Outdoor Oasis: The beautifully landscaped gardens and raised timber terrace offer breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for relaxation or hosting summer soirées. - Secure & Private: Electric gates open onto a private driveway, enhancing security and seclusion. - Potential for Expansion: An attached barn offers ample storage or the potential for further development, subject to necessary permissions. Local Lifestyle & Activities: Living in Jarnac-Champagne means embracing a lifestyle rich in culture and leisu ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Jarnac-Champagne, in the heart of the beautiful French countryside, awaits a house that promises both charm and convenience. Whether you're dreaming of relocating or seeking an investment in the picturesque terrains of France, this property captures all the allure and character that makes living in this region a delightful experience. Upon entering the village of Jarnac-Champagne, you're instantly greeted by its friendly atmosphere and quaint, welcoming community. Located just 14 kilometers from the historic town of Pons and 18 kilometers from the renowned Cognac, this residence is perfectly placed for those who wish to experience the gentle pace of French rural life. This location offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility to vibrant local towns. Let’s take a tour through the home which spans across 134 square meters—split over four accommodating bedrooms and two well-designed bathrooms. The heart of the house is a charming living room that spans 35 square meters, where each corner whispers warmth, urging you to settle down and enjoy those intimate family moments. The living room opens onto a covered terrace that overlooks a well-maintained garden spanning over 2000 square meters, offering an oasis of calm where you can relax after a busy day or enjoy gatherings with friends and family. Living in Jarnac-Champagne means enjoying a moderate oceanic climate, with warm, breezy summers that are ideal for outdoor activities and mild winters that let you appreciate the cozy warmth indoors. The nearby vineyards that surround the area are a testament to the fertile land and perfect weather conditions present here. Moving back to the home, you find a modern open kitchen, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet of Marignac, France, lies a spacious 210 square meter house that beckons for inhabitants. This isn’t just a home; it's a gateway to the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Poitou-Charentes, in the stunning region of Charente-Maritime. As a busy real estate agent for a global real estate network, I often come across intriguing properties, but this one's unique position and advisability stand out to me. So, let’s set the scene. Imagine waking up in a quiet neighborhood where the air is fresh and life moves at a more relaxing pace. The town of Marignac is characteristically French, exuding a warm and welcoming ambience. It is surrounded by country areas dotted with vineyards, which perfectly encapsulates the calm and inviting spirit of rural France. Just ten minutes away, you can also find Jonzac, a market town known for its historic Renaissance château. Here, locals and visitors alike frequent its famous thermal spas and water park. Living here means being just a stone's throw from warm waters inviting relaxation and charming medieval streets asking for exploration. Now let’s step inside the house. Presenting not just one, not two, but four roomy bedrooms, this house is perfect for families or for those desiring extra space for relatives and friends. The ground floor opens into two generously sized reception rooms, where natural sunlight from the south-facing windows floods in, creating a delightful place to host gatherings or unwind after a long day. For those who work from home, two comfortable offices provide the ideal space for productivity, far away from any urban distractions. There's also a smaller reception area that doubles up perfectly as a snug TV room or, if need ... click here to read more