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

On a Sunday morning in the Périgord Vert, the church bell from Saint-Pierre de Brantôme carries across the valley before the rest of the world has stirred. You're standing at the veranda doors, coffee in hand, watching the light move across the pool. The figs on the old tree in the garden are almost ripe. This is what you bought it for. Just five minutes from the historic heart of Brantôme — the town they call the Venice of Périgord, carved around a loop in the River Dronne — this 120 m² stone house sits on a generous 1,863 m² garden plot and has been well maintained throughout. It's move-in ready, properly liveable from day one, and the kind of property that rewards you the longer you sit with it. The house itself tells you where it comes from. Original exposed stonework lines the living room walls, rough-cut beams cross the ceiling, and a working fireplace anchors the room when the evenings cool in October. That 30 m² living space is genuinely large enough for a family to spread out without getting on each other's nerves after a long drive from Bordeaux-Mérignac. The fitted kitchen runs practically — well-positioned, light, and leading directly into the veranda, which is where you'll end up spending most of your time anyway. The veranda looks out over the 10x4 swimming pool and the wider garden, and once you've had lunch out there under the afternoon sun with a cold glass of Bergerac Sec, going back to a city apartment feels like a genuine hardship. Three bedrooms across the house, one of them conveniently on the ground floor — a real advantage if you're hosting older family members or anyone who'd rather not deal with stairs. Two shower rooms keep the morning routine running smoothly when the house is full. The who ... click here to read more

On a still morning in the Périgord Noir, the only sounds you'll hear from this hamlet courtyard are birdsong, the faint echo of a church bell drifting over from Castels, and the soft splash of water in a 12-by-6-metre saltwater pool that looks straight out over a valley that hasn't changed much in centuries. That's not a selling point — that's Tuesday. This is a rare opportunity to acquire not one but two authentic Dordogne stone houses sitting side by side on roughly 8,000 square metres of grounds in the commune of Castels et Bézenac. A shared cobbled driveway and a gated private courtyard connect them, and together they form a property that functions equally well as a large family holiday compound, a multi-generational retreat, or a live-in renovation project with serious long-term upside. The asking price of €294,000 for the entire ensemble — pool, dovecote, garage, outbuildings, courtyard and all — is the kind of number that makes people do a double-take when they check it against what comparable Dordogne properties have been selling for. The larger of the two houses is the one that stops you at the door. Ground floor: a proper country kitchen with an adjoining shower room and WC, and a living-dining room anchored by a character stone fireplace and a pellet stove — the kind of room you want to be in when November rain is hitting the terrace outside and a cassoulet is on the hob. French doors open both toward the front courtyard and the rear garden, so the space breathes in summer and feels sealed and warm come autumn. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a small bathroom with WC. It's not complicated. It's exactly what a Dordogne farmhouse should be. The second house, slightly more compact, has its own kitchen, a living roo ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in Louignac, the only thing that wakes you is birdsong. Not traffic, not neighbours, not the hum of a city that never quite switches off. Just the breeze moving through the oak trees at the edge of your garden, and the faint smell of damp grass catching the early light. That's what life feels like in this four-bedroom stone house in the Corrèze — and once you've felt it, it's hard to unfeel. This is rural France as it actually exists, not as it's romanticised on a postcard. Louignac sits in the rolling green Limousin countryside, a place where the land hasn't been manicured for tourists. The fields are real working fields. The stone walls lining the roads are a few centuries old. The weekly market at Objat — just twenty minutes away — sells duck confit, walnuts, and cheeses from farms you could cycle to. This is the kind of France that people spend years searching for, and rarely find still available at a price that makes sense. The house itself is solid and full of character. Stone construction throughout, which means thick walls that keep rooms cool in July and hold the warmth of the pellet stove through January without breaking a sweat. The ground floor is anchored by a generous kitchen-dining room — genuinely fitted and equipped, not the vague claim you see on listings where the "equipped kitchen" turns out to be a single plug socket. This room opens directly into the living room, so the whole social heart of the house flows together as one connected space. In winter, the pellet stove becomes the gravitational centre of every evening. In summer, the doors open and the room breathes out into the garden. Behind the kitchen, there's a laundry room that has a second life waiting for it. The proport ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in the Dordogne, and the air through the kitchen window carries woodsmoke and the faint sweetness of walnut orchards baking in September sun. You're putting on coffee, the terracotta tiles cool underfoot, and through the sitting room's old beams you can hear absolutely nothing except birdsong and the occasional tractor two fields over. This is what you came to France for. Set in Parcoul-Chenaud, a quiet commune in the northern Dordogne where the pace of life has been politely ignoring the 21st century for decades, this four-bedroom Périgord-style house sits on roughly 5,000 square metres of garden and land that gives you genuine room to breathe. At 190 square metres of living space spread across two naturally separated levels, it's a house with real character — not the kind manufactured by a renovation company, but the kind accumulated over generations of French rural life. The layout deserves a proper explanation, because it's one of the property's most interesting qualities. The upper entrance level holds a welcoming hall, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. So far, so practical. But descend to the lower level and the house opens up into something altogether more generous: a large sitting room with original terracotta floor tiles and a beamed ceiling, a proper fireplace for January evenings when the Dordogne mist rolls in, and a staircase climbing to two further bedrooms and a second spacious bathroom. The split-level configuration means a family of six or eight could live here without anyone getting in each other's way. Or you could use the lower level as a self-contained space for guests — the bones are clearly there. A study, utility room, cave, and an oversized g ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in rural Vienne, and the only sound you can hear from the kitchen window is birdsong and the distant clank of someone's tractor heading up a dirt track. That's not a fantasy—that's a Tuesday. This three-bedroom character house in a quiet hamlet outside Civray sits on 2,500 square metres of wooded land, and the second you step through the gate, the outside world drops away entirely. The house itself stretches across more than 200 square metres of living space, with three en-suite bedrooms—a layout that already hints at something versatile. Live in one half, let out the other. Run it as a chambres d'hôtes. Install family in their own wing and keep yours private. The floorplan makes all of this genuinely workable, not just theoretically possible. One portion of the home sits entirely on a single level, which opens up options for guests with mobility considerations or older relatives who want their independence without the stairs. Character houses with this kind of built-in flexibility don't come up in this part of France very often, and when they do, they rarely stay on the market long. Then there's the 40-square-metre workshop—a proper one, not a glorified shed. For anyone with a woodworking habit, a restoration project, a ceramics practice, or simply a stash of tools that deserves a real home, this space is genuinely exciting. Add in the woodshed and the Alpine-style chalet on the grounds and you've got an ensemble that feels more like a small rural estate than a single-family home. Civray itself sits in the Vienne department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, roughly equidistant between Poitiers and Angoulême—two cities worth knowing. Poitiers is about an hour north and carries real historical weight: th ... click here to read more

Picture a Sunday morning in the Périgord Vert. The kitchen window is open, a coffee is brewing, and the only sound reaching you from outside is birdsong and the faint rustle of the walnut trees at the edge of your enclosed garden. No traffic. No crowds. Just 1,560 square metres of private land, a covered pool glinting under its dome, and a pace of life that feels like it belongs to another century — the good kind. This fully renovated three-bedroom house sits in a quiet hamlet just ten minutes from Nontron, a town that punches well above its weight for a place of its size. Nontron is the capital of the Périgord Vert, the green and deeply underrated northern pocket of the Dordogne département, and it wears that title with quiet confidence. The old knife-making tradition still lives here — the Nontron knife, with its boxwood handle and distinct silhouette, has been crafted in the same spot since the 15th century, and you can visit the workshop on Rue Carnot and watch blades being finished by hand. It's the kind of place that reminds you France hasn't been entirely swallowed by modernity. The house itself spans 185 square metres across two levels and has been renovated to a standard that means you genuinely can walk in, unpack, and spend the first evening by the pool rather than drawing up a list of contractors. That matters enormously for buyers coming from the UK, Ireland, or northern Europe who want a second home without a five-year renovation saga attached to it. Good condition here means good condition — solid roof, clean interiors, functional systems. Downstairs, the scale of the living spaces is the first thing that catches you. A single-story living room of 58 square metres flows openly into a 28-square-metre din ... click here to read more

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

On a clear morning in Louignac, before the rest of the world has quite caught up, the view from the pool terrace is the kind that stops you mid-coffee. Rolling green hills, not another rooftop in sight, just the odd buzzard circling over the tree line and the faint mechanical hum of a tractor somewhere far off in the Corrèze countryside. This is rural France doing what it does best — unhurried, unfiltered, and quietly extraordinary. This four-bedroom stone house sits at the heart of one of the Limousin's most genuinely peaceful corners. The region doesn't shout about itself the way Provence or the Dordogne do, and that's precisely the point. Property prices here still reflect reality rather than hype, the markets are full of locals rather than tourists, and the land rolls on in every direction without apology. For buyers chasing authentic French country life — not a postcard version of it — Louignac delivers. Step inside and the kitchen-dining room sets the tone immediately. It's a proper working kitchen, fitted and equipped, with enough space that Sunday lunch becomes an event rather than a logistics challenge. This room opens directly into the living area, where a pellet stove anchors the space — genuinely efficient, low-maintenance, and exactly what you want when October mist rolls in off the hills. The view through the back windows is the kind interior designers try to replicate with wallpaper. You won't need to. Behind the kitchen, a laundry room gives you the practical backbone every country house requires. But it's also a flexible space — with the right desk and a decent internet connection (fibre has arrived in much of rural Corrèze), it converts into a quiet home office without much effort. Remote workers and ... click here to read more

On a still April morning in Lussac-les-Églises, the fields around this old stone farmhouse turn into something you'd struggle to describe to someone who hasn't seen it themselves. Wild orchids push up through the grass in clusters, the kind of thing you read about in nature guides but rarely actually stumble upon. Swallows cut low over the carp lake. The only sound from inside the kitchen is the creak of a wooden beam settling in the warmth. This is what 4.7 hectares of organically managed Limousin countryside looks like when no one's been rushing it. This is a four-bedroom house in genuinely good condition, sitting on land that's been farmed without chemicals for fifteen years, with a small carp lake, maintained paddocks, a polytunnel, and a converted bread oven that serves as one of the most characterful ground-floor bedrooms you're likely to find anywhere in rural France. At 238 square metres, it has enough room to breathe — and enough quirks to make it feel like somewhere, not just somewhere else. The entrance hallway sets the tone immediately. Original encaustic floor tiles run the full length from front door to back, the kind that would cost a fortune to source and lay today. To the right, the living and dining room opens up around a proper fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove, with exposed timber beams overhead that have been doing their job for well over a century. This is a room for long winter evenings, for board games with the grandchildren, for the specific kind of quiet that only deep countryside delivers. Then comes the bread oven room. Fully restored, converted into a ground-floor bedroom, and genuinely unlike anything else in a comparable property. The curved stonework has been kept intact. It's ... click here to read more

Friday morning. You unlatch the kitchen door and step out into the courtyard while the coffee is still brewing. Somewhere beyond the old gates, the weekly market on the Grande Rue is already in full swing — the baker from Rue du Marché has set up his table, and the smell of warm bread drifts over the stone walls. This is what life looks like in Richelieu, and this house puts you right at the centre of it. Cardinal Richelieu didn't just build a palace. He built an entire town from scratch in the 1630s — planned streets, a grid layout, arcaded market halls, and ramparts that still stand. It remains one of the most complete examples of 17th-century French urban planning in existence, and this three-bedroom house sits within those original walls, in the historic heart of it all. You're not on the edge of somewhere interesting. You are somewhere interesting. Step through the large gates into the shared courtyard and the house opens directly into a fitted kitchen of 12 square metres, tiled underfoot and practical in the best French sense — not a showroom, a room for actual cooking. A couple of steps up and you're in the dining room, 24 square metres with a fireplace and the kind of wooden floors that creak just enough to feel alive. Wall panelling in the reception rooms gives everything a settled, unhurried quality. A small door leads to a ground-floor WC, then along to the living room — another fireplace, more wooden floors, another reason to stay inside when October turns the town amber. Upstairs, the landing splits left and right. To the left, a 16-square-metre bedroom with fitted cupboards. To the right, a second WC. Keep going and you reach the shower room — a generous 15 square metres with shower, sauna, and sink. The ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Les Chambons: the wood stove has already taken the chill off the air, coffee is on, and through the south-facing terrace doors you can hear nothing but birdsong and the faint rush of the Lignon River down in the valley. That's the rhythm this place sets. Not a frantic one. Sitting in the municipality of Jaujac in the wild, volcanic heart of the Ardèche, this single-storey house is the kind of property that rarely surfaces — move-in ready, with a heated pool still under warranty, nearly 2,130 square metres of land split across three parcels, and a separate fenced building plot of 750 m² with its own access and panoramic views over the surrounding hillsides. At 86 square metres, the house is compact and efficient, but the life it opens up is anything but small. Step inside and the layout just makes sense. Three bedrooms line up quietly at the back of the house while the open-plan living room and kitchen face south, spilling out through large glazed doors onto a covered terrace that's sheltered from the prevailing winds. Exterior sunshades keep the interior cool when the Ardèche summer gets serious — and it does get serious, regularly hitting the low 30s from July through August. The kitchen is modern and functional, the shower room clean and well-maintained, and there's a separate pantry plus a guest WC that international buyers with families will immediately appreciate. Electric heating handles the mild winters, but the wood stove is the real centrepiece — get it going on an October evening and the whole house feels like a different place. The pool is the kind of detail that changes everything. Heated by a heat pump and surrounded by a large tiled terrace, it's genuinely usable from May through Septem ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in Alba-la-Romaine, you open the shutters and the smell of fresh bread drifts up from the boulangerie two streets over. Church bells knock out a lazy rhythm from the old campanile. Below, the stone-paved lanes are still cool in the shade. By nine, there will be neighbours at the cafe tables on Place de la Mairie, the morning market will be arranging itself around the old fountain, and you will have nowhere particular to be. That is the specific texture of life on Rue Chabrol — and this 113-square-metre village house puts you right at the centre of it. Alba-la-Romaine sits in the southern Ardèche, about twenty minutes west of the Rhône valley and the A7 motorway. It is not famous in the way that Gordes or Les Baux-de-Provence are famous — and that is precisely its appeal. The village has earned its place on the list of France's most architecturally significant historic settlements without becoming overrun. The Château d'Alba crowns the basalt rock above the rooftops, medieval in its silhouette but built on Roman foundations that were themselves raised over a Gallo-Roman town. Active archaeological excavations still turn up finds on the edge of the village, and a small but genuinely interesting local museum — the Musée de l'Ardèche — displays mosaics and pottery recovered from the site. It is the kind of place where history is not performed for tourists; it is simply woven into the stone underfoot. The house itself is on Rue Chabrol, steps from the village core. The ground floor opens around a vaulted room — proper barrel-vaulted stone, the kind that took craftsmen centuries to figure out and nobody builds anymore. It gives the kitchen and dining area a weight and atmosphere that no amount of in ... click here to read more

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

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and you can hear the stream before you see it. The water runs along the edge of the land, cutting through the grass with that particular mountain-cold sound, while the Valliers ridge catches the first light above the treeline. This is the daily opening act at this fully renovated 95m² house in Les Bordes-sur-Lez, sitting on a full hectare of private land in one of the Ariège Pyrenees' most quietly compelling valleys. It doesn't shout. It just pulls you in. The Ariège remains one of the least hyped corners of the French Pyrenees, which is precisely why people who find it tend to stay. The department sits tucked between the Haute-Garonne to the west and Andorra to the south, sharing the same dramatic mountain DNA as its flashier neighbors but without the ski-resort crowds or the inflated prices. The closest town of any size, Castillon-en-Couserans, is just 4 km down the road — a proper Gascon town with a Thursday market where local producers bring raw-milk cheese, duck rillettes, and walnuts by the sack. The Saturday morning market in Saint-Girons, about 20 minutes west, is even larger and worth building a weekend around. The house itself sits on roughly 2.5 acres, fully fenced, with its own private access track — no shared driveways, no passing neighbors. The renovation was done with planning permits, meaning everything is above board and documented, an important detail for international buyers navigating French property law. On the ground floor, an 18m² veranda stretches across the front of the building — the kind of covered outdoor space that becomes your default living room from April through October. Through the veranda, the 28m² open living area is generous by Pyrenean village hous ... 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

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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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 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