Charming Stone House in Bergerac

On a Sunday morning in late spring, you open the French doors off the ground-floor bedroom and the smell of cut grass and warm stone drifts in from the south-facing terrace. Somewhere down the lane, a rooster is doing his thing. The kitchen is already flooding with light—it faces south too—and you're standing there with a coffee, looking out at the enclosed garden, thinking this might be the most at ease you've felt in years. That's the rhythm this place puts you in. This authentic 19th-century Touraine farmhouse sits just outside the village of La Croix en Touraine in the commune of Bléré, right in the heart of the Indre-et-Loire department. It's the kind of address that means nothing until you visit and then means everything. The Loire Valley isn't a backdrop here—it's your actual life on weekends and summers. The house itself is honest and well-kept. Roughly 149 square metres spread across the main building, with a layout that's been thoughtfully configured for real living rather than a developer's floor-plan fantasy. Step through the entrance hall and you're immediately in the thick of it: a large fitted kitchen that flows straight out to the terrace, a cathedral-ceilinged living and dining room of around 40 square metres with original exposed beams, stone walls, parquet floors, and a wood-burning stove that pulls its weight every autumn weekend. The proportions feel generous without being cavernous. In winter, that stove throws enough heat to make the whole ground floor feel like you pulled the house around you like a blanket. The ground floor also includes a bedroom with its own French doors—convenient for guests or for those mornings when you want to slip outside before anyone else is awake—plus an office, a ba ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in La Roche-Guyon, you open the east-facing garden doors and the silhouette of the medieval keep fills the frame. Coffee in hand, the Seine winds silver in the middle distance, and the only sound is the crunch of gravel as a cyclist rolls past on the riverside path below. That view — that exact view — comes with this house. La Roche-Guyon is one of those places that Parisians whisper about and then keep to themselves. Classified among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, this compact riverside village sits where the Seine makes a wide, dramatic loop through chalk cliffs at the northern edge of the Vexin Normand natural park. It's only 70 kilometres from central Paris — less than an hour on a clear drive up the A13 and D913 — yet it feels like a different century. The Tour de France has passed through its single main street. Monet came here to paint. The Rochefoucauld family built their cliff-face château directly into the limestone bluff above town, and on summer evenings the floodlit castle walls turn the colour of warm honey. This 135-square-metre house sits right in the village centre, on 457 square metres of land, and it comes with something you simply cannot manufacture: three genuine troglodyte caves carved into the chalk cliff at the rear of the property. One functions as a proper wine cellar, cool and naturally humidity-controlled year-round — the chalk walls maintain a near-constant temperature that any serious wine collector will appreciate immediately. A second has been set up as a private party space, large enough for a long table and a crowd of friends on a summer evening. The third doubles as a garage, big enough for a car and everything else a second home accumulates over the year ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Queyssac. The kitchen window is open, and somewhere down the lane a church bell marks the hour. The smell of coffee drifts through the room while morning light moves slowly across the old stone walls. This is what you came for. Not a hotel lobby, not a resort pool — this. A house that has been standing for generations, renovated with real care, sitting quietly in one of the most quietly spectacular corners of southwest France. Queyssac is a small village in the Dordogne, tucked between Bergerac and the Périgord Pourpre wine country. It isn't on every tourist map, which is precisely the point. The locals shop Saturday mornings at the Bergerac market on Place de la République, eat confit de canard and walnut tart from the producers who've been showing up there for decades, and drive back through sunflower fields in time for lunch. Bergerac itself is just ten minutes away — close enough to grab a bottle of Monbazillac from a cave coopérative on a Tuesday afternoon, far enough that the hamlet stays genuinely quiet. This stone house sits in a hamlet setting with complete privacy. A dry stone wall wraps part of the garden, and a landscaped swimming pool sits outside with a terrace in front of the house that catches afternoon sun until well into the evening. There's also a covered courtyard — exactly the kind of shaded outdoor space you spend a lot of time in during July and August, when Dordogne summers run warm and long. A dovecote on the property adds to that particular sense of permanence you find in old Périgord houses, the feeling that the place has its own quiet history before you arrived. Inside, 160 square metres have been renovated to a genuinely liveable standard. The ground floor opens into a ge ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in the Dordogne has a particular quality to it. The air smells of cut grass and something faintly herbal — wild thyme, maybe, drifting up from the countryside that rolls away beyond your pool terrace. You open the patio doors from the kitchen and the sound follows: a distant church bell from the village, the soft knock of a shutter, absolute quiet between each ring. This is what you actually bought. This three-bedroom, single-level home sits just outside Issigeac — one of the most genuinely pretty bastide villages in the Périgord Pourpre — and it does something rare for a property at this price point: it's ready. No projects. No compromise on the important things. You walk in, unpack, and start living. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space is the kind of room that earns that overused word "heart of the home" — except here it's actually true. Large double-glazed windows pull the garden into the room visually, and two sets of patio doors open fully onto a covered terrace so that indoor and outdoor living collapse into one uninterrupted space across the warmer months. A wood-burning stove anchors the room for the other side of the year, when Dordogne evenings turn cool and there's nowhere you'd rather be than here with a glass of Bergerac rouge and something slow-cooking on the stove. The kitchen and dining area share the same easy flow, so cooking doesn't isolate whoever's at the hob from the rest of the table — a detail that matters enormously when you're hosting friends for ten days in August. The sleeping wing sits at the opposite end of the house, a sensible arrangement that gives kids or guests real separation from the living spaces. Three proper bedrooms, a shower room, and a separate WC. ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf starts with a smell you can't manufacture: woodsmoke drifting from the fireplace insert downstairs, coffee brewing in the fitted kitchen, and the faint sound of the Seine moving somewhere beyond the garden wall. It's the kind of slow-morning feeling that people spend years chasing and rarely find this close to a motorway junction. This is a five-bedroom Norman manor house in good condition, spread across 235 square metres, sitting in fully enclosed landscaped grounds with a south-facing terrace, a jacuzzi, two garages, an outbuilding, a workshop, and a paved parking area complete with an electric vehicle charging point. On paper, it sounds like a checklist. In person, it reads like a life upgrade. Let's talk about the house itself first. The ground floor opens with a generous entrance hall — proper proportions, not the awkward squeeze you find in newer builds — with a large closet and a separate WC. The kitchen runs to about 25 square metres, fully fitted and equipped, with enough room to cook for a family gathering without anyone getting in anyone else's way. A utility room with a sink connects directly to the garden, which makes returning from a muddy riverbank walk entirely civilised. The living room has a fireplace insert; the adjacent sitting room has its own fireplace. Two rooms with fires. That is not a small thing in a Norman winter. Up on the first floor, three well-sized bedrooms include a master suite with a dressing room and sink — a practical luxury that transforms the morning routine. There's a large bathroom, a laundry room, another dressing room, and a separate WC. The layout gives a family room to spread out without living on top of each other. The second floor ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in Peyrefitte-sur-l'Hers, you wake up to absolute quiet — just birdsong and the faint rustle of wind moving through the orchard below the terrace. The kitchen smells of coffee, the door swings open, and the whole Lauragais countryside rolls out in front of you without a single rooftop to interrupt it. That's the daily reality this house delivers. Not a promise — just Tuesday. Peyrefitte-sur-l'Hers sits in the Aude department of southern France, tucked into the low hills of the Lauragais plain, that wide open corridor of wheat fields and sunflowers that connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean. It's not a place you stumble through — you come here on purpose, because someone told you about it. The village is genuinely small, genuinely quiet, and genuinely French in the way that increasingly rare spots still manage to be. Yet Castelnaudary, famous across France for its cassoulet and the Grand Bassin of the Canal du Midi, is barely fifteen minutes away. Carcassonne — the medieval walled city that still makes first-time visitors stop mid-sentence — is about thirty-five minutes east on the A61. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is under an hour's drive, which matters enormously for international owners who want a second home in France without making the journey feel like an expedition. The house itself covers around 162 square metres, and its layout makes a strong case for flexibility. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen that opens directly onto a raised terrace — that terrace is where the uninterrupted countryside view lives, and it's genuinely the heart of the property during the warmer months. Think long lunches in September when the vines on the nearby Corbières slopes are turning amber, or ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Guingamp, and the bells of the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours roll across the rooftops just as the light finds its way through the tall original windows, casting long rectangles of gold across a century-old parquet floor. That's the moment you understand what this house is. Not just five bedrooms and a walled garden — a living piece of Breton history, waiting for someone with vision and appetite to bring it fully back to life. This architect-designed Belle Époque mansion sits in the heart of Guingamp, a town that punches well above its weight in character. The house was built when architects designed for eternity — high ceilings that make you stand a little straighter, plaster moldings of the kind you simply cannot replicate today, and original parquet floors that creak pleasingly underfoot, the sound of a house that has held generations of stories. The proportions throughout the ground floor are generous without feeling cold. A majestic entrance hall sets the tone immediately. From there, the kitchen, a welcoming dining room, a refined sitting room, and a summer room that opens directly onto the garden follow in sequence, each space distinct but connected by that same through-light that runs the length of the house. A guest WC completes the ground floor with quiet practicality. Upstairs, five proper bedrooms — including a suite — share two bathrooms, and a converted attic has been given over to a library. Spend a rainy Breton afternoon up there with a novel and a glass of Muscadet and you'll understand the appeal immediately. Outside, the walled and wooded garden is an almost absurd bonus for a town-centre address. Enclosed, private, green — it's the kind of outdoor space that city buyers specif ... 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

Sunday morning in Savigné, and the kitchen window is open. The smell of coffee mixes with cut grass drifting in from the meadow out back. Nobody's in a hurry. That's kind of the whole point. This former farmhouse in the Vienne département of Poitou-Charentes has been fully renovated and is move-in ready — no months of waiting on contractors, no difficult decisions about plumbing layouts. Someone has already done the hard work. What you walk into is 130 square metres of comfortable, liveable space that still carries the bones and character of a proper French country property: thick stone walls, outbuildings with real agricultural history, a bread oven that looks like it belongs on a postcard, a barn with a stable, and a former henhouse that has quietly been waiting for someone with imagination to figure out what it wants to be next. The ground floor is practical without being cramped. The kitchen is fully equipped and opens directly into the dining and living area, which means the cook never gets exiled to a separate room while everyone else talks. There's a bedroom on this level too, with its own dressing room — useful if you have guests who'd rather not tackle stairs, or if you want to turn the upper floor into a private retreat entirely your own. A shower room, WC, and a boiler room round out the ground floor. Upstairs, a landing connects three further bedrooms and a second shower room with WC. Four bedrooms in total is a generous count for a French country house in this price range — enough for a family and a couple of friends, or enough to make short-term rental a genuine option during the weeks you're not here. Then there's the land. The enclosed garden is the kind of space where afternoon becomes evening withou ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Saturday morning in late June, and you're already swimming laps in a 9-by-4.5-metre heated pool before the rest of the hamlet has stirred. The Dordogne air is cool but warming fast, the swallows are cutting arcs over the meadow, and through the covered summer kitchen you can smell coffee brewing. This isn't a fantasy borrowed from a magazine. It's Tuesday, actually—because when you own a place like this, every day feels like a day you chose. The house sits in the tiny hamlet of Creyssensac-et-Pissot, tucked into the rolling green hills of the Périgord Vert, a corner of France that still operates largely on its own timetable. Built in 2012 on a generous 3,725 m² plot, the single-storey villa carries none of the renovation burden that comes with older Dordogne stone farmhouses—no crumbling walls, no damp to chase, no ten-year project looming over your holidays. It earned a B energy rating thanks to full double glazing and underfloor heating throughout, which means winter visits are genuinely comfortable, and your energy bills won't make you wince. Inside, the open-plan living space does what good architecture should: it gets out of your way. The lounge, dining area, and fitted kitchen flow together naturally, lit by wide windows that pull the countryside views directly into the room. The log burner in the corner is less of a necessity—the underfloor heating handles that—and more of an occasion. Light it on a wet November evening with a bottle of Bergerac rouge and a board game on the table, and you'll understand why people keep coming back to the Dordogne season after season. Three well-proportioned bedrooms branch off a central corridor, alongside a family bathroom with both bath and shower, plus a ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in Saint-Séverin, the only thing that stirs you is the smell of bread drifting up from the boulangerie two streets over and the faint clinking of bottles as the weekly market sets up on the square. You pad out through the conservatory doors in bare feet, coffee in hand, and stand at the edge of 7,000 square metres of your own French countryside. That's not a fantasy — that's Tuesday here, too. This is a proper Charente stone house. Not a ruin dressed up for photos. Not a weekend project. Solidly renovated, genuinely liveable, and built the way they built things in this part of southwest France — thick walls that stay cool through August, exposed beams that have held up for generations, and a fireplace in the sitting room that earns its keep from October through March. The stone has colour in certain light, going from pale grey to warm amber depending on the hour. You'll notice that. You'll stop noticing other things you used to care about. The main house runs to three bedrooms and flows the way a French farmhouse should — not rigidly, not in a straight line, but through rooms that connect to each other and back out to the garden at multiple points. The ground floor living and dining space anchors everything, anchored itself by that stone fireplace with its inset wood burner. From there you move into the kitchen, which is properly fitted rather than decorative, or into the conservatory, which catches afternoon light and works equally well as a reading room or an extra dining space when the table inside fills up. The main sitting room has its own wood burner too — this house takes winter seriously — and connects through to a study or music room depending on what you need it to be. The master suite oc ... click here to read more

Pull up the private drive on a June morning and the first thing you notice is the silence. Not the absence of sound exactly, but the particular kind of quiet that only comes with 2.2 hectares of your own woodland and gardens wrapped around a grand stone house in the Vienne countryside. Then the birds start up. Then, faintly, the church bell in La Trimouille village counts out nine o'clock. And you realize this is going to be a completely different kind of morning. This is a rare piece of rural France — a three-floor principal residence of 293 square metres plus a fully independent gatekeeper's cottage, tucked down its own private lane just a short walk from the centre of La Trimouille in the Poitou-Charentes region. At €315,650, you're looking at a property that would comfortably command double this price in Dordogne or Provence. The Vienne département still operates on its own timetable, which is one of the many reasons people who discover it tend to stay. The main house has a generous, unhurried quality. Wide wooden floors run throughout all three levels — the kind that creak pleasantly and catch afternoon light differently depending on the season. On the ground floor, the living room opens through double doors onto a south-facing terrace overlooking rolling countryside. You'll eat breakfast out there far later into autumn than you'd expect; this part of France averages close to 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The ground floor also holds a dining room, a well-proportioned kitchen, two offices (useful for remote working or, frankly, finally writing that novel), a bedroom, a shower room, and a separate toilet. Head upstairs and four more bedrooms spread out across the first floor, served by a full bathroom. Above tha ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in the Périgord Noir, you open the shutters and the Vézère valley just sits there below you — mist still clinging to the tree line, the stone walls of the house still cool under your fingertips. There's a smell of woodsmoke somewhere down the hillside. This is Le Bugue on a Tuesday in October, and it's enough to make you wonder why you ever left. This five-bedroom stone house sits elevated above the valley floor, its 3,400 square metres of grounds giving it a quiet authority over the surrounding landscape. From the terrace beside the swimming pool, you look out over one of the most quietly celebrated river valleys in France — the Vézère, which threads its way through prehistoric caves, market towns, and walnut orchards before joining the Dordogne near Limeuil, a village so absurdly picturesque it barely seems real. And yet here you are, looking at it. The house itself is solidly Périgordine in character. The exposed stonework isn't decorative — it's structural, original, the same golden limestone that built the churches and manor houses of this region over several centuries. The stone spiral staircase connecting the two floors is the kind of thing you'd find photographed in a heritage architecture journal. The fireplace in the 39-square-metre living room anchors everything: in January, when the Dordogne countryside pulls on a coat of frost, you'll be grateful for it. Electric underfloor heating runs throughout, so comfort is never a negotiation between atmosphere and practicality. The layout works well for a family or a group of friends. Two bedrooms sit on the ground floor — useful for anyone who prefers not to deal with stairs, or for hosting guests who value a little separation. Upstairs, three m ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Chancelade sounds like this: a distant church bell from the 12th-century abbey down the road, the creak of old oak floorboards under your feet, and the smell of coffee drifting through a kitchen that has fed generations of the same family. Step outside and the light hits the raised stone terraces in that particular golden way the Dordogne does so well — not filtered or softened, just honest and warm. This is what you're actually buying. Set just five minutes from the centre of Périgueux on a plot of just under an acre, this six-bedroom stone property represents something increasingly rare in the Dordogne: genuine substance. The main residence runs across three levels and holds onto its original bones with real conviction — wide-plank floors worn smooth over decades, a sequence of open fireplaces, and a covered terrace finished in pizé du Périgord, that traditional rammed-earth technique you almost never see intact anymore. It's a material that ties the house directly to the region's building history in a way no renovation could replicate. The layout divides naturally into two distinct living zones, which opens up serious flexibility for how you use the place. The main house offers four bedrooms spread across its three levels, with the kind of generous room proportions that older French country homes do so well — proper ceiling heights, deep window reveals, spaces that feel considered rather than carved up. Then, separate from the main residence, the guest accommodation provides two en suite double bedrooms with their own living area, all overlooking the grounds. It functions entirely independently, which matters enormously whether you're hosting friends for a fortnight in August or considering the pro ... click here to read more

On Sunday mornings, the bells from the village church carry clean and clear through the upstairs windows — and from the second floor of this 215-square-metre manor house, you can actually see the steeple they ring from. That's not a detail you find in every property. It's the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-coffee and remember why you came to Normandy in the first place. Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf sits on the south bank of the Seine, a few kilometres from Elbeuf and just 20 minutes by train from Rouen's cathedral city centre. It's a proper Norman town — bakeries that still close on Mondays, a weekly market where the cheese vendor knows regulars by name, and streets lined with the kind of stone-and-brick architecture that takes a century or two to earn its look. This manor house sits on one of those streets, on a one-way road that keeps through-traffic away, behind a large gate that shuts the outside world out entirely. The plot runs to 1,150 square metres, fully enclosed by walls — not a hedge, not a fence, actual walls — and the south-facing orientation means the terrace catches the sun from mid-morning until the light goes golden in the early evening. There's a carport, two outbuildings (one fitted with a rainwater tank for garden irrigation, which in Normandy is less of a luxury than you'd think), and mature trees that give the garden a settled, unhurried feeling. The terrace already has a sun lounger and outdoor table set up. On a warm July afternoon, with a glass of Calvados or a cold Leffe from the fridge, this corner of the garden could easily become your most-used room in the house. Inside, the ground floor is well-configured for daily life. The fitted kitchen connects to a dining room — a layout that actual ... click here to read more

On a still morning in early October, you walk out of the kitchen door onto the south-facing terrace with a bowl of coffee, and you realize you can hear absolutely nothing. No traffic. No sirens. Just the faint rustle of chestnut trees down the slope and, somewhere far off, a woodpigeon. Below you, the grounds roll away toward a private forest where cepes and chanterelles push through the leaf litter after autumn rain. The fruit trees — hazelnut, plum, cherry, pear, apple, grape, even an olive — are heavy at this time of year. This is what €259,950 looks like in the Haute-Vienne. This three-hundred-year-old stone cottage and its attached barn in Domps have been painstakingly transformed over two decades into a warm, practical, deeply liveable home. It's 176 square metres of honest rural architecture — exposed stone walls, original timber beams, thick window reveals — brought properly up to date. New roof. Re-done plumbing and electrics to current French norms. Double glazing throughout. Fibre internet. The bones are ancient; everything that matters is sound. Step inside and the kitchen sets the tone immediately. At 41 square metres, it's a serious room — big enough for a long farmhouse table and still have space to breathe. The centrepiece is an original fireplace now housing a pellet burner that quietly heats the majority of the house. This is the room where the house lives. Coffee in the morning light. Wine before dinner. Guests drifting in from the terrace. Adjoining it, a generous living room with a separate dining area pushes another 41 square metres and opens via French doors onto the front of the property. Its Godin wood-burning stove runs almost for free, given what's standing in your forest. A separate office o ... click here to read more

On a still Sunday morning in Saint-Grégoire-d'Ardennes, the only sound you'll hear is birdsong cutting through the cool air and the faint creak of a shutter as light rolls across the garden. That's not poetry — that's what the mornings actually feel like here, in this former farmhouse on the edge of the Haute-Saintonge, where the rhythm of life runs about three speeds slower than anywhere you've lived before. This is a 230 m² stone house with five bedrooms, sitting on more than 4,700 m² of fenced, wooded grounds between the market towns of Pons and Jonzac. It's priced at €422,000. And while those numbers are useful, they don't begin to explain what makes this place worth serious attention. Step inside and the floor plan immediately makes sense. The ground floor is laid out for living — not for showing off. A wide living room flows into a dining room with a working fireplace, the kind that you'll actually use from October through to March when Charente evenings cool fast and the region's oak forests start smelling like autumn in a way no candle has ever managed to replicate. The kitchen has its own dining area, so morning coffee happens here, not in some separate formal room nobody uses. A utility room keeps the practical mess out of sight, and also on the ground floor: a bedroom, a shower room, and a full bathroom — meaning this house works completely on a single level if that's ever needed. Upstairs, three more bedrooms with original hardwood floors that have the satisfying solidity only old timber gets with age. A quiet study that faces the garden. Two large attic spaces that are currently unconverted — and this is where the real opportunity sits for international buyers. The bones are already there to add guest roo ... click here to read more

Step outside on a crisp October morning, coffee in hand, and the only sound you hear is birdsong. No traffic. No neighbors peering over a fence. Just open agricultural land stretching toward the foothills of the Pyrenees, the kind of quiet that feels almost physically restorative after months of city noise. This is what 17,796 square meters of Gascon countryside does to you—and it happens every single day you're here. This four-bedroom single-storey house in the Gers department of southwest France sits back roughly 30 meters from the D14, which connects Maubourguet to Plaisance-du-Gers. That distance, combined with exceptionally solid insulation added just six years ago, means road noise is essentially a non-issue. The house is rated A on both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—a January 2026 EPC confirmed it. For a rural property of 164 square meters, that's genuinely rare, and it translates directly into heating bills that won't ruin your winter. The layout is all on one floor, which matters more than people realize until they've lived in it. No stairs to negotiate with luggage, no carrying firewood up from a lower level, no thinking twice about ageing parents or young children running between rooms. Everything flows—living room to kitchen to terrace, bedrooms down the hall, garage off the side. Daily life here has a natural, unhurried rhythm built right into the architecture. The living room runs to 32 square meters and centers on a fireplace fitted with an insert, which throws serious heat on January evenings when the temperature in the Gers drops below zero. The separate kitchen—also 32 square meters, notably generous—opens directly onto the rear terrace, making the transition between cooking and eat ... click here to read more

Welcoming you to Bergerac: a quaint town nestled in the heart of Aquitaine, France. A place where timeless charm intertwines seamlessly with contemporary living. Imagine waking up to the harmonious melodies of nature and getting home to breathtaking sunsets painting the sky. That’s the charm of Bergerac life- offering tranquillity, heritage, adventure, wine tours and so much more. One of the notable landscapes that this alluring town has to offer is a serene, idyllic, well-appointed three-bedroom bungalow, located quietly in Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24100, France. This unique property is situated in a restful neighborhood of the town, offering residents comfort, peace and tranquility. This bungalow currently stands in a good condition and requires little work, it will make the perfect home for those looking to infuse their own personality into their new property. Being a single-storey property, it endorses a convenient and smooth lifestyle, free of unnecessary stairs that may cause hassles in day-to-day life. The bungalow spans approximately 120 square meters. It welcomes you with a spacious 28 square meter living room, perfect for cozy family time or creative home decorating. The living space is complemented by a separate kitchen offering ample space for culinary explorations and experiments. Alongside these, three 12 square meter bedrooms create a peaceful refuge for each family member. There is a large comfortable bathroom to ensure personal space and privacy, a cellar for storage or potential conversion and a practical garage for the safety of your vehicles. The house occupies an 800 square meter plot thanks to its garden, generously decorated with fruit trees. This outdoor space doubles as a sweet green retreat whe ... click here to read more

Experience the essence of France's serenity in this beautiful country home, nestled in the lush green landscapes of Bergerac, Aquitaine. Characterized by its remarkable medieval architectural heritage, this 12th-century abode offers an unparalleled lifestyle, meshing the enchantments of history with the comforts of modern living. Upon first glance, this property, enveloped in 49 acres of forests and meadows, extends a serene amalgamation of landscapes and luxuriance. Two tranquil water features and springs are interspersed across the vicinity, their reflective surfaces shimmering under the sun, mirroring the surrounding richness of the natural scenery. Boasting an impressive 665m² of living space, accommodation comes in inspiring variety. Amongst its ensemble, a main house, two bespoke Perigourdines, two towers, and a cozy guardian's house all compose a harmonious cohesion of residential marvel. Together, they effortlessly cater up to 30 people, promising functionality without compromising the approach to luxury. In total, this property comprises twelve spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms designed with meticulous attention to detail. Its thoughtful design factoring tranquility, intimacy, and shared communal spaces cater to every residential need, whether for a sprawling family or for hosting guests. The property's unique features include: - Autonomy in water supply - Field of truffle oaks - Vegetable garden - Preservation from urban nuisances The property is in good condition, radiating charm, and showing off the intricate craftsmanship that echoes its historical narrative. It's a home that wraps you in warmth and whispers stories of the pages of time it has lived through. Bergerac, Aquitaine lies just a shor ... click here to read more

Located in the sublime region of Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24100, France, is a delightful 4-bedroom property you wouldn't want to miss. This house, though in good condition, presents an unrivaled opportunity to make it your own personal haven. Built in a truly characteristic style, this home comprises of an ample interior space of 318 square meters, and it possesses a charm that is uniquely its own. Let’s take a stroll around this lovely abode, shall we? The house brings together the indoors and outdoors with a superb alfresco arrangement, complete with a summer kitchen alongside a functional workshop. The ground floor, a promising spectacle of light and color, houses an entrance that beckons warmly as it opens up to a guest toilet. As you move further inwards, this dwelling bestows you with an impressive, south-facing living room. Measuring about 140 square meters, this area carries a traditional stone fireplace and a wood stove, both made for cozy and mellow evenings. An open bathroom accompanies the downstairs master suite, presenting an opportunity to wake up to the soothing sunshine every morning. As you move upstairs, there is a landing that doubles as another living space, furnished with two bedrooms and a bathroom and WC. A distinctive feature of this property is an independent studio measuring about 58 square meters. This area offers the freedom to experiment creatively, whether it's an art space, a recreational zone, or an office-from-home setup. To add a cherry to the cake, a large terrace offers a tranquil view over the expansive garden and woodland. Perfect for entertaining, this home is ideally placed in a peaceful area, 15 minutes away from the city center. Propertie's features: - 4 Bedrooms - 3 Bathro ... click here to read more

Welcome to Bergerac, Aquitaine; an idyllic town nestled in the heart of the French countryside. On offer is a timeless chateau, a representation of classic heritage blended seamlessly with modern comfort. Set amidst a sprawling area of 16 acres, this tranquil estate entails lush woods and picturesque meadows to embody the essence of natural beauty. The centrepiece of this estate is the manor, boasting nine sophisticatedly designed spacious bedrooms, basking in the glow of heritage architecture combined with a vibe of contemporary elegance. Besides the main residence, there is also a charming guest house which, despite requiring some renovation, is overflowing with potential to be transformed into an exquisite addition to this grand estate. Amidst the calming rural landscape, the chateau enjoys its position, surrounded by versatile outbuildings and attractive, open stables. The delightful aura of the surroundings and the potential versatility of these structures offer an open canvas for creativity and imagination. Housing an ample number of reception rooms and intimate lounges, the manor is perfect for entertaining or simply savouring a quiet, peaceful afternoon. These spaces are conducive for comfortable family bonding, social gatherings, or even running a thriving touristic accommodation. Simply put, this manor is a hub of relaxation and joy, designed with an underlying philosophy of embracing nature. A key feature of this manor includes: - Nine spacious bedrooms - One bathroom - An interior size encompassing 660m2 Assuring a pleasant and refreshing weather throughout the year, Bergerac, Aquitaine is located in the southwest region of France. The climate here leans towards the temperate side, with cool winters a ... click here to read more

Imagine enveloping yourself in an atmosphere brimming with classic French allure, with the serene sounds of provincial life echoing in the background, and the picturesque landscape of Bergerac, Aquitaine inviting you to bask in its tranquil beauty every day. Introducing a delightful villa nestled in this stunning French countryside, waiting eagerly for its new owners to step in and make it their own. This charming residence, located in Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24100, France, holds within its walls the potential of a perfect family home, framed by spectacular village scenery. The quaint villa has been kept in good condition, promising a living space that is ready to move in, and yet open to personal touches and improvements by its new caretakers. Offering approximately 145 square meters of living space, the lavishly-designed Villa seamlessly blends aesthetic elements with functional features. This begins with a spacious entrance which paves the way to a homely kitchen and a stunning verandah. Overlooking the captivating view, the verandah acts as a sanctuary of relaxation, the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee while admiring the sunrise, or enjoying a quiet evening recalling the day's events. The villa is composed further, of a comfortable lounge, providing an ideal retreat for entertaining guests or spending quality time with family. Additionally, the household accommodates a single bedroom, toilet, and a shower room all on the ground floor for the convenience of its occupants. Ascending to the upper level, the villa presents four large bedrooms boasting ample light and space; gracefully framing the astounding country view. Along with the generous bedrooms, a convenient shower-room with a toilet is situated. Ens ... click here to read more

Set in the tranquil region of Bergerac, Aquitaine, this sprawling estate offers a unique opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and embrace the enchanting French countryside. This remarkable property is a true masterpiece combining traditional French architecture with upgraded modern comforts poised for a comfortable dwelling experience. Covering approximately 430 sq m of living space and situated on an expansive land plot of 100,000 sq m, this aesthetically appealing property houses a total of 12 alluring bedrooms and 8 well-equipped bathrooms reflecting a perfect combination of class, functionality and comfort. The property boasts of a painstakingly renovated farmhouse split into two separate dwellings, one measuring 65 sq m and the other 155 sq m. That's just the beginning of the exploration. The property also has two additional houses each covering 110 sq m and 90 sq m respectively. These houses have their own separate entrances, and are currently being rented out, providing an attractive income stream. The property also includes a standalone 25 sq m guest room offering a private and comfortable living space for visitors. As far as amenities go, the property features: - Converted outbuildings including workshops, a cellar, a summer kitchen, garages, a henhouse - A spacious 900 sq m tobacco barn - 10x5m saltwater swimming pool - 2 beautiful spring-water ponds - Approximately 25 acres of lush gardens and verdant meadows Property Features Include: - A farmhouse split into two separate accommodations - Two additional independent houses - A standalone guest room - Outbuildings converted into various usable spaces - A vast expanse of gardens and meadows - A large swimming pool and two ponds With its location near Be ... click here to read more

Introducing an exquisite five-bedroom French country home, located in the heart of Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24100, France. This unique gem perfectly merges the rustic charm of Aquitaine's stone architecture with plenty of lifestyle convenience. Fully refurbished and bursting with character, this residence delivers a serene yet lavish countryside lifestyle right within reach of city advantages. Centrepiece to this unique dwelling is the 415 m² two-storey house, surrounded by approximately 2.5 acres of picturesque gardens, adorned with majestic century-old trees, a well, a stream, and a formidable 200m2 barn. The grounds provide an ample outdoor area, incorporating a swimming pool and pool house – a sophisticated space ideal for hosting guests or simply to sit back, unwind and relish in the calm country ambiance that Aquitaine has to offer. The ground floor of the main house brims with engaging spaces from a fully fitted kitchen, dining room, a cozy library, an office fit for productivity, and a spacious laundry room. Ascending to the first floor, you'll find a generous master suite complete with a dressing room and full bathroom. Two supplementary bedrooms and an additional shower room complete the upper level, further enhancing the building's appeal. An enticing orangery creates a bridge to a wing flaunting two lounges, a sauna, an additional two bedrooms and two more shower rooms. This fusion of classic elegance and modern indulgence makes it a remarkable living space, almost like having an exclusive spa resort at home. AMENITIES 1. Fully fitted kitchen 2. Dining room 3. Library 4. Office space 5. Laundry room 6. Orangery 7. Sauna PROPERTY FEATURES 1. Five bedrooms (one master suite) 2. Three shower rooms 3. Swimmi ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Aquitaine Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush canopy of mature trees surrounding your stone house. Nestled in the serene countryside near Bergerac, this 4-bedroom property offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal vacation home or second residence. A Home That Tells a Story As you step inside, the expansive 80m² living area greets you with its warm, inviting ambiance. The room's centerpiece, a cozy wood burner, promises snug evenings with family and friends, while the vaulted mezzanine above adds a touch of architectural intrigue. Currently serving as a library, this space invites you to lose yourself in a good book or transform it into a creative studio or home office. The ground floor also features a convenient bedroom and bathroom, perfect for guests or those who prefer single-level living. Upstairs, the master suite offers a private sanctuary, complete with an en-suite shower room, while two additional bedrooms provide ample space for family or visitors. Embrace the Outdoors Step outside onto the sun-drenched 60m² terrace, where alfresco dining becomes a daily delight. The 3,500m² garden, with its mature trees and open spaces, offers endless possibilities for outdoor activities, from gardening to hosting summer barbecues. Two garages provide secure storage for vehicles or recreational equipment, ensuring you have everything you need for a leisurely lifestyle. Discover Bergerac and Beyond Located just a short drive from the historic town of Bergerac, this property offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Explore the charming str ... click here to read more

Nestled on the outskirts of the charming town of Bergerac in the Aquitaine region, this two-bedroom bungalow presents an attractive proposition for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while enjoying the comfort of a well-appointed home. Upon entering this 120 square meter property, one is welcomed by an atmosphere that combines practical living with a sense of escape. Each room thoughtfully opens onto the private outdoor area, which features a delightful mix of terraces and cozy nooks. The presence of a serene water feature and a swimming pool completes this oasis, making it not just a house but a retreat from the hectic pace of modern life. The home's layout includes a modern kitchen equipped with all the necessary amenities for home cooking, leading seamlessly into a 33 square meter living/dining area. This space, warmed by a wood burner, provides a comfortable environment for family gatherings and entertaining guests. A separate utility room adds to the functionality of the home, ensuring practical spaces are tucked away to maintain the aesthetic flow of the living areas. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, offering privacy and convenience. There is also a separate toilet for visitors. Additionally, an independent en-suite bedroom serves perfectly for hosting guests, providing them with privacy and comfort. A highlight of this bungalow is its garage and attached workshop, ideal for those who enjoy hands-on projects or require additional storage space. The property is set back from a very quiet road and is accessed via a covered entrance, ensuring both privacy and a welcoming approach. Amenities: - Modern kitchen - Living/dining room with wood burner - Utility room ... click here to read more

Okay, so I’m going to be straight with you, as a busy agent working in global real estate, I get that overseas buyers and expats are looking for homes with some honest info, both about the property and the area. You probably have a million questions, so I’ll try to cover as much as I can without drowning you in estate agent lingo. I’m working on so many properties lately, so let me just dive right in before my phone starts ringing again! So, we’re talking about a stone house located in Berg, which is right near Bergerac in the Aquitaine region, postal code 24100, France. If you’re looking for a place that’s already good to go – not a full-on project or major fixer-upper – but maybe a few tweaks here and there depending on your taste, then this could work for you. It’s a roomy house, big enough for a family or even someone needing that extra space for guests, remote work, or just liking a bit of distance! The house is set in a proper old hamlet, which means you’re not in a noisy town. It’s pretty peaceful, and most of the neighbours are locals, mixed with a few British expats who got lucky with the timing. You’ll be only a few minutes’ drive from all the main shops, services, and good restaurants – honestly the food scene is fantastic around Bergerac, with proper markets, cafes, the bakery. There’s that real French way of life, which is laid-back but not lazy, and things tend to run at a slower pace here, which can take a bit of getting used to. But once you’re here, you realise the perks – fresh produce, local wine (can’t beat the Bergerac reds!), and just an overall safe and family-friendly vibe. Let’s talk about the house itself for a sec. It’s traditional stone, typical for this area, with six actual bedrooms. That ... click here to read more

Discover a delightful opportunity in the picturesque town of Bergerac, nestled in the heart of Aquitaine, France. For those seeking a lively, yet tranquil lifestyle in the charming Southern France region, this spacious 4-bedroom house is certain to pique your interest. As a busy agent with global connections, I've got a keen eye on properties like this that offer international buyers a slice of French life coupled with modern conveniences. First, let's talk about location. Bergerac, renowned for its rich history and wine heritage, offers you a perfect balance of relaxation and culture. Situated along the Dordogne River, the area boasts a scenic beauty that enchants visitors and locals alike. The sprawling vineyards provide an exquisite backdrop, rendering the region exceptionally picturesque. Living here, you would experience a mild climate with warm summers that tempt you into outdoor adventures, and mild winters perfect for curling up by the fire. The property, a fine example of Perigourdine architecture, is ideally positioned on the edge of a serene village, just 7 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Bergerac's town center. For a family looking to settle down or an expat yearning for a home away from home, this location offers a community-driven atmosphere nestled within easy reach of urban amenities. Dwelling on 188 square meters of beautifully crafted living space, the house comes ready for you to make it your own. Although some areas might benefit from further personalization, there's nothing stopping you from moving right in and enjoying all it has to offer. Let's take a moment to walk you through its inviting layout: • Four spacious bedrooms, perfect to accommodate a growing family or visiting guests. • ... click here to read more

Alright, just squeezing this description in between a showing and a virtual call, so bear with me—here’s a property I think will interest a lot of you looking internationally, especially for those expats and buyers wanting a real slice of rural France, but not too far out in the sticks. So first off, to be up front—this is not one of those untouched mansions; it’s a house that’s 215 square meters, and overall, the condition is good. Not a fixer-upper, not run down, but it’s not pristine-straight-from-the-magazines either—good, solid place that’s been renovated over time. Some rooms have a bit more character than others, but everything works and you’re absolutely ready to move in from day one. If you’re looking for perfection, well… might have to add your own finishing touches, but the groundwork’s all here. This property is in Bergerac, Aquitaine, in the Dordogne department, and for those of you not familiar with this part of France, it’s almost like living in a postcard—think vineyards, rolling hills, little rivers winding through the countryside. Bergerac is a real gem for international buyers because it’s a proper town but easy going, nothing too hectic, great food—duck, foie gras, truffles and incredible local wine (Monbazillac, if you’re into dessert wines). The airport here has EU connections, and you’re just a couple hours from Bordeaux. The weather is generally mild, long summers, spring comes early and autumn can be really beautiful. Winters aren’t too cold but you might get some fog—especially in the mornings. There’s a kind of calm vibe; life moves slower, people chat at markets, and neighbours say hi. Living outside Bergerac means you’re only 10 minutes by car from the center where you’ve got everything yo ... click here to read more

As a busy real estate agent working with clients from around the world, I know how important it is to find a property that matches your lifestyle and meets your expectations, especially if you’re relocating internationally. Today I want to tell you more about an interesting house that’s just come up for sale near Bergerac in the Aquitaine region of France. This one stands out because it’s a spacious, 5-bedroom stone house that’s ready to move into, sitting right on the banks of the Dordogne river. I'll do my best to give you a real sense of what day-to-day life could look like here, what the local area has to offer, and what to expect. First things first, let’s talk about Bergerac. If you’ve never been here, Bergerac is a pretty well-known town in southwestern France, part of the bigger Aquitaine region (which is famous for its vineyards and rolling hills). The town itself is lively enough for most everyday needs – you’ve got multiple supermarkets, banks, a handful of international restaurants, weekly markets selling fresh local produce, and even a few English speakers if your French isn’t great yet. Bergerac is an attractive spot for expats and overseas buyers because there’s a real mix of French and international residents here. There’s a distinct relaxed vibe but plenty to do, and you’re about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux if you want big-city shopping or connections to international flights. As for daily living, Bergerac has a mild climate by French standards. Summers are hot and sunny, often reaching over 30°C but rarely feeling too oppressive thanks to the breeze from the river. Winters are mostly mild and rarely dip much below freezing, so you don’t have to worry about hard winters if you’re coming from the UK, ... click here to read more

Situated in the picturesque town of Bergerac, Aquitaine, this delightful five-bedroom house offers both charm and spacious living. Ideal for a family looking to settle in the scenic part of France, or an overseas buyer interested in acquiring a substantial property with a serene river backdrop. Nestled on a generous 2500m2 plot, surrounded by mature gardens, the property offers a peaceful retreat yet is conveniently located at the town's entrance. Whether you're thinking of moving with your family or considering a potential rental investment, this house caters to various possibilities. The house itself spans 190m2, featuring a practical and inviting layout. On entering, the ground floor welcomes you with an open-plan kitchen and dining area that leads out to a beautiful pergola, perfect for alfresco dining amidst nature. The L-shaped living room provides ample space for family gatherings. There is also a bedroom, a full bathroom, utility areas, and a toilet on this level, ensuring comfort and convenience. The first floor houses two additional bedrooms and a toilet, creating a private space for family members or guests. Moreover, at the garden level, accessible from the house and with its own entrance, lies a two-bedroom apartment complete with a kitchen and living area, a shower room, and toilet. This space is perfect for renting out or for accommodating visiting friends and relatives. For those who may wish to run a business from home, the property includes a 19m2 studio, previously used as a beautician’s studio, and a sizable 29m2 garage, offering ample storage or workshop space. The condition of the house is good, with all the modern comforts such as a heat pump and double glazing, blended seamlessly with the air ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Aquitaine region, this exquisite 5-bedroom house offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and the quintessential French countryside lifestyle. Located just a stone's throw away from the charming town of Bergerac, this property is a haven for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing modern conveniences. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves in your own private wooded park, where the morning sun dances across the serene pond. This 215m² Perigourdine-style home, tastefully renovated, is a testament to timeless elegance and thoughtful design. With five spacious bedrooms, including two conveniently located on the ground floor, and two well-appointed bathrooms, this home is perfect for families or those who love to entertain. The heart of the home is undoubtedly the expansive living and dining area, where a cozy wood stove invites you to unwind after a day exploring the local vineyards or cycling through the rolling hills. The separate TV area offers a snug retreat for movie nights or quiet reading. The fully equipped kitchen, with its modern appliances and ample storage, is a chef's delight, ready to inspire culinary creations. Step outside, and you're greeted by a beautiful terrace that overlooks a sparkling swimming pool, perfect for lazy summer afternoons or lively gatherings with friends. The double garage provides ample space for vehicles and storage, while the orchard and well add a touch of rustic charm to the property. Living in Bergerac means embracing a lifestyle rich in culture and history. Known for its wine production, the area offers numerous vineyards to explore, each with its own unique story and flavors. The local markets are a feast for the senses, ... click here to read more

Welcome to your potential new home in the enchanting town of Bergerac, Aquitaine! Nestled in the serene French countryside, this 2-bedroom house promises a peaceful lifestyle amidst lush landscapes, offering a quaint yet captivating living experience. The property is situated in a prime location with two acres of private land, presenting an ideal setting for those who cherish solitude and nature. With no close neighbors to disrupt your peace, this character house provides a perfect escape from the bustling city life. The environment here is truly a breath of fresh air, where the ripple of the nearby Dordogne River and the chirping of birds are the most noise you’ll encounter. Built from wood, the house exudes rustic charm blended with modern touches that maintain its character while providing comfortable living arrangements. It consists of a light-filled lounge that opens onto a beautiful terrace, offering a lovely view of the sprawling greenery and an ideal spot for morning coffees or evening relaxation. The open kitchen is functional and includes a utility room, enhancing convenience for everyday tasks. This cosy abode features two bedrooms, a shower room, and a toilet, ensuring that it fulfills basic family or individual needs. At 65 square meters, the house is compact and easy to maintain yet feels spacious due to its thoughtful layout and abundant natural light. Additionally, the property is fenced with a gate, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. For those concerned about connectivity, the home is equipped with fiber-optic internet, ensuring that staying in touch with the world or remote working is seamless. While the house is in good condition and ready to move into, its new owners might see this as ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Aquitaine in Dordogne, Bergerac offers a welcoming 6-bedroom stone-built house, perfect for families or those looking for a sizable property with revenue potential. This impressive home presents a unique opportunity for buyers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside, while still enjoying close proximity to local amenities and regional attractions. The property itself boasts generous dimensions with an overall size of 182 square meters, complemented by a vast 5000 square meter garden that ensures privacy and ample outdoor space for recreation and relaxation. The residence features a delightful swimming pool, ideal for cooling off during warm summer days or hosting family gatherings. This house contains two well-equipped kitchens, allowing for both culinary exploration and practical day-to-day cooking. The six bedrooms, split evenly across two floors, provide significant flexibility in use, from establishing a quiet home office or study areas to accommodating guests. The four bathrooms enhance the convenience and privacy for residents and visitors alike. While the condition of the property is generally good, the new owners might see this as a canvas awaiting personal touches or modern updates, transforming it into a bespoke dream home. This enhancement process can be as comprehensive or as minimal as desired, depending on one's vision, budget, and time frame. Living in Bergerac is nothing short of delightful with its combination of historical charm and modern convenience. The area is known for its beautiful vineyards, and being a significant wine-producing region, offers numerous tasting opportunities at local châteaux. For families, the locality is ideal wi ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dordogne region, this delightful two-bedroom house in Bergerac offers the quintessential French holiday experience. With its charming blend of rustic allure and modern comfort, this property is an ideal second home for those seeking a serene escape in one of France's most enchanting locales. A Gateway to French Elegance and Tranquility Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with the sun casting a warm glow over your private garden. This is the daily reality in Bergerac, a town renowned for its rich history, exquisite wines, and vibrant culture. Just a ten-minute stroll from the bustling city center, this property offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: With over 140 square meters of living space, this home provides ample room for relaxation and entertainment. - Single-Storey Living Potential: A large 29 square meter room can be easily converted into a third bedroom, making single-storey living a convenient option. - Private Gardens: Enjoy both north and south-facing gardens, perfect for sunbathing, gardening, or hosting al fresco dinners. - Quiet Location: Situated at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this home offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle. - Authentic Features: The property retains its original charm with features like a traditional well, adding to its unique character. - Proximity to Amenities: A short walk brings you to the heart of Bergerac, where you can explore local markets, cafes, and boutiques. The Bergerac Lifestyle: A Dream for Second Homeowners Bergerac is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. Known for its vineyards and the famous Cyrano de Bergerac, this town off ... click here to read more