Charming Village House - St-Mars-sur-Colmont

Pull up to the rue on a warm September morning and you'll already understand why people keep coming back to Perpignan. The air carries a mix of grilled sardines from a nearby brasserie, a faint salt edge rolling in from the Mediterranean forty kilometres east, and the dry warmth that the Roussillon plain holds long after the rest of France has surrendered to autumn. This is a city that doesn't perform for tourists — it simply lives, loudly and confidently, and this four-bedroom detached house on a quiet street close to all amenities puts you right inside that daily rhythm. The house sits on three free-standing sides with no overlooking neighbours, which in a Catalan city packed with character and density is genuinely hard to come by. At 110 square metres across two levels, the layout currently runs as two separate dwellings — a feature the original owners used pragmatically, and one that hands the next owner serious options. Keep both units intact and you have a ready-made rental setup in a city with strong year-round occupancy, driven by students at the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, medical tourism at the Centre Hospitalier, and the steady stream of visitors drawn to the Côte Vermeille from April through October. Knock through and reconfigure, and you get a generous four-bedroom family home with space to breathe in ways that most city-centre properties at this price point simply don't allow. Yes, this is a renovation project. Let's be straight about that. Floors, kitchen, bathrooms, heating, insulation — all of it needs attention. But that's also exactly the reason the price sits at €142,000 for a freestanding house in a southern French city where the food is extraordinary, the sun shows up reliably about 300 d ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Saturday morning in early October, the air carrying that particular Normandy sharpness that makes coffee taste better, and you're standing inside a gutted stone shell of a house in Grand-Couronne — walls thick enough to muffle the outside world, a cellar beneath your feet, and 110 square metres of pure possibility above you. No compromises inherited from someone else's taste. No awkward wall you wish wasn't there. Just raw space and good bones waiting for your vision. Grand-Couronne sits on the south bank of the Seine, about 10 kilometres from Rouen's city centre. It's not a tourist postcard, and that's precisely the point. This is a working town with a real community — butchers, bakers, a weekly market — where property prices haven't yet caught up with the quality of life on offer. For buyers coming from Paris, London, or Amsterdam, the contrast is striking. You're paying a fraction of what you'd spend in the city, and you're getting a proper stone house with a plot of land, within commuting distance of one of France's most historically significant cities. The house itself has been completely stripped back to its structural core. That sounds daunting on paper, but for anyone who's ever tried to renovate around someone else's plumbing or inherited a floor plan that makes no sense, this is actually the scenario you want. The layout is entirely yours to define. The current configuration of the plot and footprint makes it realistic to create four bedrooms across the two levels — genuinely useful if you're thinking about a family second home or a rental property. The cellar adds practical square footage for storage, a wine room, or a utility area, depending on how you build the project out. The stone ... click here to read more

Step off the gravel path on a Tuesday morning in late September, coffee in hand, and the only sound you hear is a woodpigeon somewhere in the oak trees behind the barn. That's what life feels like in this quiet hamlet just outside Chalais, a small market town in the Indre département — deep in the Berry region of central France, where the pace is unhurried and the countryside rolls out in every direction without apology. This is a genuinely move-in ready house. No leaky roof to negotiate, no outdated wiring to rewire before you can sleep comfortably. The current owners have put real thought into making it efficient and livable — reversible air-conditioning keeps things cool through the warm Berry summers and takes the edge off autumn evenings, while a pellet stove in the living area becomes the social heart of the home from October onwards. There's even a fiber-optic internet connection, which matters more than people admit when you're working remotely from a French hamlet or staying for longer stretches. The electric vehicle charging point in the detached garage signals that someone here was thinking ahead. The ground floor opens into a single flowing living space: lounge, dining area, and kitchen in one connected room. Double-glazed windows pull in generous light throughout the day, and patio doors swing open directly onto the rear garden — so on warm evenings, the line between indoors and out disappears entirely. There's a ground-floor bedroom here too, which makes the house genuinely accessible for guests or family members who'd rather avoid the stairs. The shower room beside it is newly fitted: a large walk-in shower, a proper vanity unit, clean and modern without being cold. Upstairs, one generously proportioned ... click here to read more

Stand at the edge of the courtyard on a still October morning, coffee in hand, and listen. Nothing. A distant tractor, maybe a wood pigeon. The air smells of damp earth and cut grass, and the old tobacco dryer casts a long shadow across the yard. This is Civray, deep in the Vienne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and this sprawling 330-square-metre ensemble of rural buildings is the kind of thing you simply don't find anymore at a price that leaves room to dream. At 34,000 euros for the lot — the main house structure, a 110-square-metre barn, a 125-square-metre attached hangar, and a 95-square-metre former tobacco dryer — this is raw, honest potential on 2,000 square metres of land in a small hamlet tucked into the soft agricultural folds of the Charente border country. The bones are solid. The vision is yours. Let's talk about what you're actually getting here, because the numbers tell only part of the story. The tobacco dryer alone is a piece of living regional history. The Vienne and surrounding departments were once significant tobacco-growing country, and these tall, louvred timber structures — built to allow maximum airflow for curing leaves — have become the architectural emblem of this corner of France. Convert one into a guest suite with double-height ceilings and you'll have something no boutique hotel can replicate. Leave the louvres in place. Let the afternoon light stripe the floor. That's a room people will drive across Europe to stay in. The barn at 110 square metres gives you the kind of volume that architects get genuinely excited about. Open-plan living space, an artist's studio, a workshop, a games room for visiting grandchildren — the agricultural zone classification means agricultural use and sto ... click here to read more

Stand on the balcony on a clear October morning and you'll understand immediately. The valleys below are wrapped in a low mist, the tree canopy has gone amber and rust, and the only sound is the wind moving through the pines. This is Limousin at its most elemental — and this little stone cottage sits right at the top of it all. Saint-Gilles-les-Forêts is not a village that makes headlines. That's precisely the point. Tucked into the wooded hills of Haute-Vienne, about 30 kilometres southeast of Limoges, it belongs to a part of rural France that many people drive through on the way to somewhere else and later wish they'd stopped. The rolling forested landscape here is part of the wider Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin territory, and the surrounding countryside has the kind of unhurried quality that simply cannot be manufactured. The air actually smells different — a mix of damp earth, pine resin, and woodsmoke drifting from farmhouse chimneys on cool evenings. The cottage itself is built in the traditional Limousin stone style, that characteristically dark granite that seems to absorb the light differently at each hour of the day. At around 40 square metres of habitable space, it's compact and honest — there are no pretensions here, just a well-proportioned one-bedroom home that has been kept in good condition. But the real story is what lies beyond those walls. The attic holds genuine conversion potential, and the basement adds further flexibility for anyone who wants to expand without sacrificing the character of the existing structure. Planning something bigger? The bones are already there. The enclosed plot is tree-lined and private, with a wood shed that will earn its keep the moment the first autumn cold s ... click here to read more

Saturday morning, and the boulangerie on Rue de la République is already pulling trays of pain au levain from the oven. You can smell it from two streets away. That's the kind of neighborhood Le Grand-Quevilly is — compact, lived-in, genuinely French in the way that tourist brochures can never quite capture. This 35 m² townhouse sits quietly on a fenced plot of 252 m², and it's the kind of find that doesn't stay on the market long. The numbers make sense immediately. At €109,900, with an approved building permit already in hand, this isn't just a property — it's an open door to something bigger. For an investor looking to build equity in the greater Rouen metropolitan area, or a buyer planting roots in Normandy for the first time, the groundwork has already been done for you. Step inside and the house surprises you. What reads as compact on paper feels considered in person. The ground floor kitchen is functional and ready for your own vision — whether that means a sleek modern fit-out or something warmer and more rustic, the bones are there. Climb the stairs and you land on the first floor, where parquet flooring runs underfoot and the space opens up more than you'd expect. It works equally well as a living room or a generous bedroom — fluid, adaptable, genuinely useful. The bathroom here is modern and sharp: walk-in shower, toilet, vanity unit — everything finished, nothing left to guess at. Up another floor, the top-level bedroom has its own parquet floors and a quiet, settled feeling that makes you want to linger. What sets this property apart practically is the list of updates already completed. New electrical wiring throughout. A new water heater. Double-glazed PVC windows keeping the Seine-Maritime winters at ba ... click here to read more

There's a particular kind of quiet you only find in this corner of France. Standing on the private terrace on a Sunday morning, coffee in hand, you hear nothing but birdsong and the faint rustle of leaves from the garden's edge. No traffic. No sirens. Just the deep, unhurried exhale of rural Limousin. That's what this two-bedroom house in Rochechouart offers — and once you've felt it, you'll understand why people come here and never quite want to leave. Rochechouart sits in the Haute-Vienne department, about as authentically French as a town can get without being on a tourist poster. It's built on the rim of a 200-million-year-old meteorite impact crater — yes, an actual crater — and the local Musée de la Préhistoire documents this remarkable geological history in ways that'll have even skeptical visitors lingering longer than planned. The medieval château dominates the hilltop, and on market days the square below it fills with vendors selling Limousin beef, local walnuts, and cheeses that have no business being as good as they are. This isn't the manicured, postcard-perfect Dordogne that gets all the magazine coverage. It's better. It's real. The house itself is a compact, single-story bungalow — 56 square metres of well-proportioned living that gets the essentials exactly right. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, and four rooms total, arranged in a way that feels practical rather than cramped. The kitchen-diner is the heart of the home: a proper gathering space with a fireplace where the whole point is to sit around it on October evenings with a bottle of local wine and absolutely nowhere to be. The living room opens to views across the private garden, and the terrace catches the afternoon light in a way that makes you reth ... click here to read more

Picture a Tuesday morning in summer: you step out of your front door, still holding a coffee, and within three minutes you've nodded to the boulanger on Rue du Marché, bought tomatoes that were on the vine yesterday, and are back in your courtyard under a lime tree before the morning gets warm. That's not a fantasy — that's just Tuesday in Chef-Boutonne. This five-bedroom townhouse sits right in the middle of it all, and at under €100,000, it's one of those rare finds that makes you stop scrolling. Chef-Boutonne is a small market town in the Deux-Sèvres department of Poitou-Charentes, the kind of place that French people from the cities quietly buy into while property prices elsewhere have gone sideways. It sits in a gentle limestone valley about 40 minutes southeast of Niort, roughly an hour and a half from Poitiers, and about two and a half hours from Bordeaux if you take the N10. La Rochelle — with its Atlantic beaches, its old harbour, and its year-round flights from the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands — is under an hour and a half away. The practical reality for international buyers is strong: fly into La Rochelle or Poitiers, pick up a rental car, and you're here before lunch. The house itself sits on three levels and gives you 174 square metres to work with — serious floor area for a family or for anyone thinking about rental income. On the ground floor, the entrance opens into a living and dining room that gets good afternoon light, with a kitchen alongside and a ground-floor bedroom complete with its own shower room and WC. That ground-floor suite is worth noting: it works well for elderly relatives or guests who'd rather avoid stairs, and for rental purposes, it functions almost as a self-contained annexe. U ... click here to read more

On a quiet Tuesday morning in Charroux, you can walk out onto your wooden terrace with a coffee and hear almost nothing. A church bell in the distance. Maybe a tractor somewhere beyond the stone walls. The air carries that particular mix of cut grass and old limestone that you only get in the Vienne countryside, and the view out over the surrounding hills doesn't have a single billboard, rooftop antenna, or modern intrusion to break it. This is what €130,780 buys you in one of France's most overlooked medieval villages — and once you've spent a weekend here, you'll struggle to understand why more people haven't discovered it already. Charroux sits in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, a region that most international buyers race through on their way to the Dordogne or the Vendée coast without realizing what they're passing. That's your advantage. The village itself is classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France — a designation earned by fewer than 160 communes in the entire country — and it earns that status honestly, with its 11th-century abbey ruins, cobblestone lanes barely wide enough for a Citroën, and a Saturday market where the same families have been selling goat cheese and walnuts for generations. The centre is a five-minute walk from this house. Not a vague "close to amenities" five minutes — a genuine, flat, pleasant walk past honey-coloured stone walls. The house itself has been fully renovated and is genuinely ready to move into, which matters more than it sounds in this part of France where "good condition" can sometimes be a generous interpretation. Here, the work has been done properly: double glazing throughout, electric shutters, and — crucially — an air-to-water heat pump system that keeps ene ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Civray starts with a sound you won't hear in Paris or London — the unhurried clatter of market stalls being set up along the town square, vendors arranging towers of local goat's cheese, bunches of sunflowers, and baskets of walnuts from the Charente countryside. From this house, you can walk there in under ten minutes. That's not a selling point dressed up as a lifestyle — it's just Tuesday. Or Saturday. Or any day you choose. Civray sits in the southern tip of the Vienne department, in a region that most international buyers haven't discovered yet — which is precisely why it still feels real. The Charente River curves lazily around the edge of town, and the surrounding landscape is the kind of unhurried, rolling farmland that makes you slow down involuntarily. If you've been looking at overpriced Dordogne villages or the increasingly crowded Lot, the Vienne is quietly offering something comparable for a fraction of the cost. This house is a proper maison bourgeoise — the kind of solid, high-ceilinged French townhouse that was built to last centuries and very much has. At 103 square metres, it's not enormous, but every room breathes. The ground floor draws you in through a living room lined with decorative wood panelling that catches the afternoon light in a way that feels almost theatrical — warm, amber, like the inside of a French film you can't quite name. That room flows into a lounge with an ornamental fireplace, and beyond it, a fitted modern kitchen that somehow manages to feel at home alongside all the period character. French doors off the kitchen open directly onto the terrace, so summer dinners happen naturally outside — a carafe of Haut-Poitou rosé, the garden going gold in the evening ... click here to read more

Picture this: a Saturday morning in early June, the air carrying the faint sweetness of flowering linden trees, a rooster somewhere in the distance, and nothing but the sound of your own footsteps on old stone as you walk across the courtyard to figure out what this barn could one day become. That's the kind of quiet that Clussais-la-Pommeraie deals in. It's not dramatic. It's not performant. It's just deeply, genuinely peaceful — the kind that people from Paris or London or Amsterdam spend years trying to find and then overpay for somewhere more famous. This is Poitou-Charentes, one of France's most underrated rural regions, sitting right in the soft belly of the country between the Loire Valley to the north and the Cognac country to the south. The Deux-Sèvres department doesn't have the international name recognition of Provence or the Dordogne, and that's precisely why a stone property complex on roughly 2,400 square metres of land with a courtyard, a garden, a 240-square-metre barn, and multiple outbuildings is available for €70,000. Let's talk about what that number actually means. For the price of a decent second-hand car in London or a semester of private school fees in Switzerland, you're acquiring a genuine piece of rural France — original stone construction, exposed beams, a fireplace still intact, an attic that adds another 46 square metres of potential living space above the 90-square-metre ground floor. The property needs full renovation, and that's the point. It's a blank canvas, not a compromised one. Someone hasn't already ripped out the character and replaced it with laminate flooring and recessed lighting. The bones are there, waiting. The barn alone changes the arithmetic of what's possible here. At ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in La Bazouge-du-Désert sounds like this: a wood fire ticking quietly in the kitchen insert, the smell of coffee cutting through cool Breton air, and birdsong coming in through a window that looks out over 462 square metres of your own garden. No neighbours at your elbow. Just countryside, quiet, and the kind of unhurried morning that most people only manage once a year on holiday — except here, it would be yours whenever you wanted it. This compact stone country house sits in the northern Ille-et-Vilaine, the oldest corner of Brittany, in a rural commune that most visitors driving toward Saint-Malo never bother to slow down for. That's exactly the point. At €54,800, it's one of those rare entry points into genuine French rural property ownership — the kind of deal that doesn't appear often in a department where coastal prices have been climbing steadily and even inland villages are attracting more attention from buyers priced out of Normandy. The ground floor is functional and liveable right now. A kitchen with a wood-burning insert fireplace anchors the space — this is the room you'll be in most, and in October when the temperature drops and the trees turn, it earns its place. The living room flows from there, with one bedroom and a shower room/WC completing the footprint at around 60 square metres of living space. It's honest, not fussy. Good condition means you can move straight in, run it as a bolt-hole, rent it out short-term, or use it as a base while you plan what comes next. What comes next, potentially, is the attic. The first floor is an unconverted space of approximately 65 square metres — structurally there but requiring modifications to bring it into full use. That's a significant canvas ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in the hamlet of Saint-Romain, you'd hear almost nothing. A wood pigeon somewhere in the oaks. Maybe the distant clang of church bells drifting over from Charroux, that perfectly preserved medieval village ten minutes down the road where market traders set up their stalls beside the ruins of a Benedictine abbey. That stillness is the point. This is rural Vienne at its most unhurried — and this renovated farmhouse sits right in the middle of it. The property is a former working farmhouse that's been brought back to life without losing its bones. Stone walls, generous room proportions, the kind of building that took decades to settle and now feels entirely solid underfoot. At 148 square metres across two floors, it has real breathing room. The ground floor arranges itself practically: a living kitchen that opens directly onto a covered pergola — your default setting for every meal between May and October — a separate lounge for cooler evenings, and a bedroom with its own shower room and toilet. That ground-floor bedroom is a detail worth pausing on. It makes the house genuinely work for mixed-generation groups, guests with mobility considerations, or owners who want the option to use the upstairs rooms purely as a private retreat. Head up the stairs and the character shifts. The first floor has the slightly improvised warmth you only get in converted agricultural buildings — skylights cut into the roof, dormer windows framing sections of the surrounding countryside, ceiling lines that aren't quite parallel. There's a large double bedroom, another bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom and toilet, an additional room that could easily become a study or a fourth sleeping space, and a separate WC. T ... click here to read more

Picture yourself on a Sunday morning in late September, mug of coffee in hand, standing at the edge of 6,000 square metres of your own woodland in the Landes. No road noise. No neighbours. Just the creak of old oak, the faint whistle of a bird you can't quite name, and a natural spring quietly doing its thing in the corner of the plot. That's what life at this 18th-century Landaise farmhouse actually feels like — and at €119,000, it's not a fantasy. It's available right now. Built in the architectural tradition of the Landes region, this single-storey stone farmhouse carries the kind of bones that renovation enthusiasts dream about. The 76-square-metre interior includes two bedrooms, a living room anchored by a period fireplace that's clearly seen a few hundred winters, a bathroom, and a kitchen space ready to be fitted to your own specification. Attached to the main house is a 37-square-metre barn — sound structure, full of potential — that could become a guest studio, a workshop, a covered outdoor dining space, or simply extra storage for bikes and canoes. The decisions are yours. That's rather the point. The property needs work. There's no dressing that up. Renovation quotes are available on request, and buyers with a clear-eyed view of what's involved will find this an unusually honest opportunity. What you're really purchasing is a historic Landes farmhouse at a fraction of what restored examples in this corridor fetch, a plot of wooded land with a genuine natural spring, and a location three minutes from Saint-Geours-d'Auribat — a village with a grocery store, a bakery, a preschool, and a bus stop. The fundamentals are already there. Poyanne sits in the southern Landes, in the vast Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and ... click here to read more

Saturday morning. The barn swallows are already busy above the terrace, and through the kitchen window you catch the faint smell of bread baking from the boulangerie down in the valley. You've got coffee on, the garden is drenched in that particular pale gold that only central France does in summer, and you're not in any kind of hurry. That's the daily rhythm this cottage in La Châtre-Langlin drops you into — and once you've felt it, it's very hard to give up. This is a solid, well-kept three-bedroom house that sits on just over half an acre of land in the gentle hill country of the Creuse-Indre border zone, a part of France that still operates on its own quiet frequency. The habitable space runs to 87 square metres across two floors — compact enough to be manageable as a second home, but genuinely liveable for a family. On the ground floor, a 22-square-metre kitchen and a 21-square-metre living room give you real space to move around in, not the cramped layouts that plague so many rural French renovations. There's also a shower room, a storage room, and a 14-square-metre cellar — ideal for wine, naturally. Head upstairs and the landing opens onto three bedrooms of 10, 11, and 10 square metres respectively, plus a bathroom. Nothing is pokey. The proportions make sense. The outside space is the real conversation-starter. 2,354 square metres of land wraps around the property, and to the rear sits a generously divided barn — two separate sections, full of potential. Whether you want to park cars and store garden equipment or eventually convert the space into a studio, games room, or guest accommodation, the footprint is already there. The sunny terrace directly behind the house is south-facing enough to earn its keep from ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Châteauneuf-du-Faou sounds like this: the church bell on Place de l'Église counts nine slow strokes, a boulanger two streets over pulls fresh kouign-amann from the oven, and the smell drifts right through your open kitchen window. This is not a fantasy. This is an ordinary Sunday at this five-bedroom village property on the banks of the Aulne river, tucked into one of inland Brittany's most quietly remarkable villages. What's on offer here is genuinely unusual — two fully adjoining houses that share a wall and connect internally, sitting side by side in the very centre of the village with everything you'd need within a short walk. Together they deliver five bedrooms, two kitchens, two entrance halls, and flexible living spaces that very few properties at this price point can match. At €123,500, you're not buying a compromise. You're buying optionality. The first house sets the tone. Step through the entrance hall and you're in a living and dining room with a fireplace — the kind of room that earns its keep in October when Finistère mists roll in off the Montagnes Noires. From here, the layout flows into a kitchen with a shower area, and a connected sitting room that links directly through to the second house. Upstairs, two bedrooms sit under the slate roof, quiet and cool even in July. The second house mirrors this logic in its own way: a ground floor with its own entrance, kitchen, shower room, toilet, and a bedroom, then two more bedrooms above. There's also an attic space — unconverted, which means it's yours to shape. A home office, a studio, a guest suite with dormer windows looking out over the village rooftops. The bones are right there. Outside, a landscaped enclosed garden gives you somewher ... click here to read more

Stand in the kitchen doorway on a September morning and the air already smells like pine resin warming in the sun. The woods on your 6000 square metres start just beyond the old stone wall, and apart from a woodpigeon somewhere up in the canopy, nothing breaks the silence. This is Poyanne — a scattering of farmhouses and lanes in the Landes département where the Atlantic forest rolls on so far it starts to feel like its own country. And sitting at the edge of it all, waiting for someone with vision and a willingness to roll up their sleeves, is a proper 18th-century Landaise farmhouse going for €119,000. Let's be honest about what this is. It's a renovation project — the kind that demands decisions, budgets, and patience. But it's also the kind of opportunity that comes along rarely in this part of France, where agricultural heritage properties on wooded plots of this size don't stay on the market long. The single-story layout covers 76 sqm: two bedrooms, a living room anchored by a period fireplace that's the real architectural heart of the house, a bathroom, and a kitchen space ready to be fitted out exactly how you want it. The bones are there. What you're buying is the framework for something genuinely personal — not a developer's idea of a holiday home, but yours. Attached to the main house is a 37 sqm barn. That's not an afterthought. Converted thoughtfully, it could become a guest suite, a studio, a home office, or simply generous storage for bikes and surf gear. Renovation quotes are available on request, so you won't be working blind from day one. The land itself deserves its own mention. Six thousand square metres of wooded terrain with no overlooking neighbours in any direction, and — this is the detail tha ... click here to read more

Step out onto the front terrace with a coffee in hand on a Tuesday morning in September, and the Vézère Valley spreads out below you in that particular golden light the Dordogne does better than almost anywhere else in France. The walnut trees are starting to drop. Someone two streets down is baking. The cliffs behind you still hold the night's cool air. This is what 115,000 euros buys you here — not just a stone cottage, but a specific, irreplaceable foothold in one of the most historically layered corners of rural France. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil sits at the confluence of the Vézère and Beune rivers, and it carries that geographical confidence like a village that knows exactly what it is. This is the self-styled capital of prehistory, and the claim is not idle boasting — the Cro-Magnon rock shelter is literally at the edge of town, and the Musée National de Préhistoire, rebuilt into the limestone cliff face above the main street, draws serious visitors from across Europe year-round. Walk to the Font-de-Gaume cave with its original polychrome bison paintings (one of the last sites in the world where you can still stand in front of authentic Paleolithic art), and you'll understand why UNESCO gave this entire valley World Heritage status. Living here, even part-time, means all of that is just a twenty-minute stroll. The cottage itself is perched on the hillside with the kind of elevated position that means you catch the morning light early and the evening breeze reliably. Stone walls that have stood for well over a century have been carefully renovated — not stripped and sanitised, but worked with. The character is intact: the rough-cut limestone exterior, the proportions that belong entirely to this part of the Péri ... click here to read more

Imagine waking up in the serene yet vibrant little spot of Oisseau, located in the picturesque department of Mayenne, France. This countryside dwelling makes for a warm and inviting family home, ideal for those seeking peace, a slower pace of life, and an authentic taste of French rural charm. Situated in the heart of Oisseau’s lush surroundings, this home is an opportunity to embrace nature whilst remaining connected to the broader cultural experiences of north-west France. This 4-bedroom house, priced attractively at 128,280 Euros, offers a blend of practicality and potential for customisation to fit any family’s needs or aspirations. With a countryside view that’s sure to captivate your heart, imagine spending days in a region imbued with the untouched beauty typical of the Pays de la Loire. Let's delve into this property’s attributes. The house is in good condition, spread generously across 135 square meters, and offers both spacious and intimate environments for family life: - Ground Floor Kitchen: 18.96m² — Your culinary oasis. - Utility Room: 10.65m² — Essential for a busy household. - Dining Room with Fireplace: 22.66m² — A cozy spot for family dinners. - Bedroom: 15.7m² — Ensuite options for visitors. - Office Space: 6.39m² — Your study or home office. - Storage Room: 10.74m² — Accessible space for all your essentials. - Upper-Level Bedrooms: 13.88m², 14.32m², 11.07m² — Comfort with viewing pleasures. - Bathroom: 6.04m² — With contemporary fittings. - Attic — Potential to build upon. The plot includes a concrete-built garage of 17.03m² and ample land surrounding the house, just waiting to host barbecues, gardens, or just relaxing afternoons in the sun. Mayenne’s department radiates a natural, understated ... click here to read more

Tucked away on the outskirts of the quaint town of Mayenne lies a lovely, detached house waiting for its next owner. France, renowned for its rich history and exquisite landscapes, offers hidden treasures like this one, at a value you might not expect. Just 139,646 euros and this solid family home could be yours—set amongst some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pays de la Loire region. The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the typical charm of a 1970s design, balancing comfort and practical features. The home offers a total of three bedrooms, a bathroom with a sophisticated Italian shower, and a separate WC. The kitchen links seamlessly to the spacious living room, providing the perfect spot for family gatherings or cozy evenings in. With some effort, there's a chance to shape a larger unified living space of 44m² by blending the kitchen with the living room and perhaps adding a veranda to the terrace. For those of you with a penchant for tinkering, this property boasts a substantial basement. Here, you'll find a practical laundry room and an additional room perfect for conversion into another bedroom or a hobby space. The cellar and impressive garage—equipped with an electric door—bring practicality into the mix, providing ample storage or workspace. Features of the House: - Detached family home with mature garden - Situated on a 640m² plot - Basement with laundry and additional room potential - Garage with electric door - Raised living area with terrace - Double-glazed PVC windows with electric shutters - Electric heating via radiators - South-facing exposure - Built in 1975 Living in Mayenne is a blend of peace, culture, and community spirit. This less-traveled, yet charming part of France gives y ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque village of Oisseau, in the heart of the Mayenne region, this delightful pavillon house offers a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional French charm. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home in France, this property promises a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still providing easy access to essential amenities and vibrant local culture. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of rural France, with the aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting through the air from the local boulangerie. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in Oisseau, a quaint village that embodies the essence of French countryside living. With its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, Oisseau is an ideal location for expats and overseas buyers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Property Highlights: - Location: Situated in Oisseau, a short drive from the bustling town of Mayenne, offering a perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. - Property Type: Pavillon house, a classic French architectural style known for its elegance and functionality. - Size: 134 square meters of habitable space, providing ample room for relaxation and entertainment. - Bedrooms: Two spacious bedrooms, with the potential to convert additional space into a third bedroom. - Bathrooms: Two newly renovated bathrooms, designed with modern fixtures and finishes. - Kitchen: A state-of-the-art kitchen, fully equipped with brand new appliances, including a dishwasher and extractor fan. - Additional Rooms: Versatile spaces that can be used as a game room, gym, or office, catering to your lifestyle needs. - Garden: Over 500 square meters of well-established garden, perfect for outdoor activit ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the charming village of Châtillon-sur-Colmont, this versatile 3-bedroom house presents a unique opportunity for dreamers looking to immerse themselves in the picturesque French countryside. Whether you're envisioning a cozy family home or pondering the potential of a local business, this property's rich history as a former shop, bar, and restaurant brings a distinct character and charm that beckons for new life and creativity. From the outset, the journey of discovering this house feels like stepping into the pages of a local story. The facade of the building carries a sense of time honored tradition with its classic stonework and the welcoming hint of what could once again be a lively community spot. The ground floor tells tales of bustling trade and warm gatherings, featuring a former butcher's shop complete with its original cold storage facilities. Just next door, the bar area—with its loyal wooden serving counter—whispers of evenings spent in laughter and camaraderie. An adjacent restaurant room and restroom fulfill the practicalities for any aspiring entrepreneur. VENTURING UPSTAIRS, you're greeted by a practical layout that holds potential for thoughtful renovation. The first floor houses three comfortable bedrooms, backed by a modest bathroom and WC, making it perfectly sufficient for a small family seeking tranquility in the laid-back village lifestyle. Rising further up within the property, the attic offers expandable space for those keen on lending their own touch to the home, perhaps transforming it into a loft or a quiet snug for retreat. The property doesn't end here. Step down into the inviting coolness of a cellar—a space ripe for storage or perhaps even a creative venture like ... click here to read more

This inviting four-bedroom stone house nestled in the quaint countryside of Ambrières-les-Vallées, in the Mayenne department of the Pays de la Loire region in France, stands as an appealing proposition for those looking to immerse themselves in the rustic charms of French village life. The property offers a serene retreat with a generous 134 square meters of living space, set within a plot of approximately 670 square meters. As you enter through the private driveway, you’re greeted by a home that blends traditional architecture with the comforts of modern living. The ground floor features a substantial living room, abundant with character, showcasing exposed stone walls and a cozy wood burner that promises warmth during the cooler evenings. Adjacent to this, the dining room presents a perfect space for family meals or entertaining guests, while the kitchen is compact yet functional. Completing the ground floor is a convenient toilet. Ascending to the first floor, three well-proportioned bedrooms offer tranquil views of the surrounding landscape, alongside a shower room with an integrated toilet. The second floor hosts an additional bedroom, which, while requiring some refreshing touches, presents an excellent opportunity to create a bespoke space tailored to your tastes. Outside, the charm of this property continues. A lush garden, adorned with mature shrubs and trees, wraps around the house, offering a private and peaceful outdoor area that includes a stone shed, ideal for storage or a workshop. The terrace area invites al fresco dining and relaxation, making it a delightful spot for enjoying the mild climate that characterizes this region. The property’s heating is supplied through electric radiators complemented ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene, picturesque area of Ambrieres-les-Vallees in the Mayenne department of France, this charming stone house is an appealing choice for those considering relocation or seeking a secondary residence in a less discovered part of France. Boasting a rich historical heritage and surrounded by lush, panoramic landscapes, Ambrieres-les-Vallees is ideally positioned at the crossroads of Brittany and the more inland Loire regions, presenting a tranquil yet accessible rural retreat. This inviting house, with a footprint of 113 sq. meters, sits amiably on a generous plot of approximately 1,800 sq. meters. Constructed originally with local stone, the house was renovated in 1998, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. The accommodation is well-laid out, beginning with an entrance hallway that leads to a fitted kitchen complete with a dining area, providing a warm space for family meals. Adjacent to this is a spacious 28.80 square meter living room offering a cozy environment for relaxation and social gatherings. The upper level consists of a corridor that gives way to three well-proportioned bedrooms, ranging in size to cater for both double and single occupancy. These are complemented by a bathroom and an additional toilet, ensuring convenience for all house members. Above, the attic provides additional storage space or could be converted to further living space subject to appropriate planning permissions. A significant advantage of this property is the abundant auxiliary space it provides. The basement includes an oil boiler and imparting substantial storage or workshop potential. Furthermore, the attached garage, additional independent garage, and stables are ideal for those with vehicles or in ... click here to read more

This charming villa nestled in the tranquil village of Couesmes-Vaucé in the picturesque region of Mayenne, Pays de la Loire, France, presents a unique buying opportunity for overseas investors or expats seeking a serene country lifestyle. The property is situated within a community-oriented environment, perfect for those desiring a quiet retreat from the bustling city life. Spanning approximately 100 square meters, this historically rich residence has been thoughtfully updated and offers dual living possibilities with its two independent cottages. Both cottages boast private entrances, making them ideal for use either as additional family quarters or potential letting opportunities, enhancing their investment potential. The main house exhibits a blend of modern facilities and rustic charm, radiating warmth and comfort throughout. As you enter, you are greeted by a cozy entrance hall that opens into a spacious, bright open plan living area. Here, recently installed kitchen units complement the ambiance, while a wood-burning fireplace in the sitting area adds a touch of traditional charm, complete with white painted exposed beams enhancing the room's brightness. Adjacent to this lies a versatile room with an ensuite shower facility and French doors that frame picturesque front views, offering flexibility as either an additional bedroom or a private study. Upstairs, the villa features three generously sized double bedrooms, each maintaining the original wooden flooring underfoot, concealed partially by carpets. A convenient shower room and additional WC complete this level, while an accessible attic promises potential for further living space expansion. The secondary stone cottage serves as an enchanting guesthouse or ... click here to read more

Welcome to the enchanting village of Couesmes-Vaucé, nestled in the heart of the stunning Mayenne and Pays de la Loire region in France. If you're looking for a unique investment opportunity or simply a tranquil place to call home, this exquisite 3-bedroom detached house might just be what you’ve been looking for. Let me take you on a journey through this lovely property and the beautiful area that surrounds it. First, let's talk about the house itself. This charming residence has been flawlessly renovated in the past 18 months, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for new residents. The property offers more than just a home; it provides potential. Whether you're interested in pursuing a bed and breakfast venture or seeking to divide personal and business accommodations, this house is perfectly arranged to cater to such needs. The ground floor boasts an independent entrance, which is ideal for utilizing the space as a separate unit. It features a compact kitchen for culinary creativity and two large, serene bedrooms, each with its own ensuite facilities. Imagine waking up to the lush greenery, visible from the generous windows and patio doors that face the meticulously landscaped gardens. The airy rooms with high ceilings and tiled floors breathe life into your daily routine, making it feel like resort living. Meanwhile, the upper living area, currently accessed via an outer stairway, presents a cozy yet spacious retreat. The well-appointed kitchen here comes with fitted units, appliances, and a charming breakfast island, making it a delightful space for family gatherings or casual meals. The sitting room is nothing short of breathtaking, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, wood burning stove, and original firepl ... click here to read more

Tucked away in the picturesque countryside of Couesmes-Vaucé in Mayenne, Pays de la Loire, France, this charming stone house awaits new owners to make cherished memories within its timeworn walls. For those seeking a new chapter in their life in an enchanting location, this property may very well hold the key to the relaxed, rural lifestyle you're dreaming of. As you approach the property, a private driveway guides you to this cozy abode, flanked by a lush lawn on either side. This stone-built house sits in a quaint hamlet with just a handful of neighbors, offering a peaceful lifestyle yet the comfort of a friendly, supportive community nearby. The home has a plot size of approximately 6000 square meters, providing ample outdoor space for tinkering in the garden or letting your imagination run wild. Inside this home, you'll immediately notice the rustic lounge, prominently featuring a large stone fireplace that's bound to be the heart of the home during the cooler months. This area breathes warmth and invites you to cozy up with a book or enjoy an intimate gathering with friends and family. Across the way, the spacious kitchen/diner, boasting its own stone fireplace fitted with a wood burner, offers a delightful place to prepare meals while exchanging stories of the day. Always a benefit, the ground floor provides versatility with an office space complete with wall storage, perfect for those working from home or needing extra room for their hobbies. Completing this floor is a handy utility/boiler room and a shower room with a WC. Venture upstairs to discover two generously-sized bedrooms, one showcasing built-in storage and a lovely mezzanine that adds character to the space. These spaces are bathed in natural light, ... click here to read more

Welcome to this charming house situated in Brecé, Mayenne, located in the scenic region of Pays de la Loire, France. This detached 2-bedroom property offers a blend of rural tranquility and the convenience of nearby village amenities, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside while having access to modern comforts. As you step into this inviting home, you are welcomed by a modern farmhouse-style kitchen/diner that exudes warmth and comfort, complete with a wood burner that adds to the cozy ambiance. The spacious lounge, also featuring a wood burner, provides a perfect setting for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests, ensuring a pleasant and homely atmosphere throughout. The ground floor also hosts a convenient utility room, a shower room, and a separate WC, designed for practical living. The first floor comprises a landing that leads to two well-sized bedrooms, each boasting storage solutions that cater to modern living needs. There is also an additional WC on this floor, enhancing convenience for household members. This property is not just about internal comforts; the outside space is equally impressive. A carport/garage and a shed offer practical solutions for parking and storage, while the stone barn and old bread oven hint at the property's rich history and present potential creative or functional opportunities for the new owner. The gravelled drive leads to a large garden laid to lawn, adorned with mature plants and trees, offering a serene outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment. Property Features: - 2 Bedrooms - 1 Bathroom - Modern farmhouse-style kitchen/diner with wood burner - Spacious lounge with wood burner - Utility room, Shower room, WC - Carport/Garage, Shed, ... click here to read more

If you're looking for a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of the Normandy countryside, look no further. This delightful 2-bedroom house located in the serene village of Passais Villages in Orne, France, might just be the idyllic escape you’ve been dreaming about. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a setting that radiates tranquility, away from the bustling city life. The property sprawls over 0.29 of an acre, providing ample outdoor space for relaxation, gardening, or even hosting family barbecues. The climate in this region is generally mild, with temperate summers and cool, crisp winters, offering the perfect backdrop for escaping the clamor of urban environments. The entrance leads you into a welcoming fitted kitchen equipped with everything you’ll need to whip up a hearty French meal. Imagine yourself enjoying your morning coffee by the window, watching the soft morning light seep through as the village slowly wakes up. Beside the kitchen, a comfortable sitting room awaits, offering a charming fireplace and a wood burner to keep the chill at bay during cooler months – just the spot for a cozy evening with your favorite book. The ground floor also hosts the master bedroom, which comes with a modern shower room and a WC, ensuring convenience and privacy for residents. Upstairs, you’ll find a second bedroom that's perfect for guests or perhaps a home office, considering the increasing importance of flexible work-from-home options. An additional modern shower room with a WC is located on this floor, ensuring the home caters to the needs of a small family or couples expecting visitors. Features of the home include: - 2 bedrooms - 1 bathroom - Fitted kitchen - Sitting room with fireplace & wood burner - Off-road parkin ... click here to read more

Ah, Passais Villages! The rustic charm of countryside living envelops you as you consider making this delightful detached home your own. Situated in Orne, Normandy's peaceful embrace, this property offers not just a house but an entire lifestyle, ripe for those yearning to escape the bustling city life or seeking a serene abode in France. Passais Villages is a tranquil locality, cradled gently amidst the rolling fields of Normandy. Here, the pace of life slows down, allowing you to indulge in simple pleasures like morning jogs amid lush greenery or lazy afternoons sipping local cider. Climate-wise, you can expect a mild maritime influence, with the summers bringing gentle warmth and the winters offering a crisp chill—perfect for cozy nights by the fire. The property itself unfolds like a homely tale. As you approach the home, a spacious gravel drive welcomes you, providing ample space for several cars—a rare find indeed. This property is not just a house, but a delightful retreat from the everyday hustle. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a bright entrance hall, leading seamlessly into a sunny kitchen. Picture yourself preparing delightful meals while peering out to the lush garden view. The spacious lounge, outfitted with a charming wood burner, invites family gatherings and relaxing evenings. Doors lead from the lounge to a lawn area, perfect for weekends filled with barbecues or outdoor reading sessions. Adjacent, the dining room serves as a space for hosting friends or simply sharing intimate family meals. The ground floor is completed by a bathroom with a WC, catering to both convenience and everyday efficiency. Ascend to the first floor, where you’ll find three generously sized double bedrooms—each ready to ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene countryside of Normandy, the detached house at Passais Villages, Orne, France, provides an authentic living experience. It is here in Normandy where the simplicity of rural life fuses effortlessly with the opportunities offered by neighboring towns and cities. The property is a delightful fixer-upper, boasting approximately 83 square meters of living space. This three-bedroom house, although habitable, is eager for modernization—a fantastic opportunity for those willing to roll up their sleeves and inject a bit of creativity and effort. This is ideal for overseas buyers looking for a second, holiday home, or for expats yearning for a slice of the French countryside life. Overseas buyers, in particular, will find this property an appealing prospect due to its affordable price of just 57,900 euros. Stepping into the ground floor, you'll be greeted by a cozy lounge featuring a large wood burner—a must-have in the cooler months. The tiled flooring and staircase leading to the first floor speak to the house's potential for revamping. A kitchen/dining room with a charming fireplace invites meal times full of warmth and family gatherings. The ground floor also hosts a serviceable shower room, a separate WC, and a utility room for added convenience—an efficient layout for a comfortable living. Taking the stairs up to the first floor reveals more promise. Here you'll find the landing graced by a picture window, ushering in plenty of natural light. The three bedrooms, complete with wooden floors and the main one showcasing exposed timber, await your modifications to convert them into personal sanctuaries. The house sits on a generous plot of about 580 square meters—a blank canvas waiting for a green thum ... click here to read more

Discover a hidden gem nestled within the charming commune of Passais Villages, St-Siméon, in the picturesque region of Orne, Normandy, France. This expansive property spans a generous 5,262m² and boasts not just one, but two beautifully renovated homes, along with three versatile outbuildings, opening the door to an array of possibilities for its future residents. Imagine living in this tranquil setting, with the opportunity to explore the area’s stunning landscape and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle that Normandy has to offer. Let's dive into what makes this property a standout opportunity for those seeking a slice of French country life. As you approach the property via its private driveway, you’re greeted by the rustic yet welcoming ambiance that is so typical of the French countryside. The estate offers a total of six bedrooms, ideal for accommodating a large family, extended visits from friends or relatives, or even the potential for creating a cozy, countryside gîte business. The first thing you’ll notice is the thoughtful renovation that blends the original architectural elements with modern conveniences—no mean feat, given the historic character of the buildings. You’ll find exposed beams, stone walls, and traditional fireplaces, each contributing to the inviting atmosphere that you'll enjoy coming home to each day. Add to this the bright and spacious living areas and well-appointed kitchens, and you get a space that is not only functional but full of potential for creating cherished memories. - Two renovated houses, combined living space of 195m² - Six bedrooms - Three bathrooms - Two additional WCs - Three versatile outbuildings - Sprawling 5,262m² plot - Private driveway - Historical exposed beams - ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Norman village of Saint Fraimbault, only 2 hours from Paris, sits an elegantly arranged stone property that once proudly served as the village schoolhouse. It now offers an opportunity for a revival, bringing new life and renewed vibrancy to its grand rooms and historic details. This 4-bedroom house stands tall over an area of 130 square meters, offering ample living space to create your bespoke home. The house carries a powerful aura of old world charm that unfolds the moment you step onto the property. The structure of the house is sound and solid. Its condition, while good, is ripe for modern embellishment and personal enhancements. Original features include high ceilings, double windows, stone walls, and a classic staircase spiralling to the upper floors which add a touch of vintage elegance. Its main features are: - Four spacious bedrooms, one of them with a handy washbasin. - A sturdy cellar housing the central heating boiler and generous storage space. - A vibrant side garden to grow your favourite blossoms or sit down for some fresh air. - Central heating that keeps the house pleasantly warm. - The house is also equipped with some double glazing. The interiors are a canvas waiting for the touch of an inspired hand. They do require some updating to meet contemporary living standards. Beneath the lino floors, the original parquet floors rest, offering a chance to restore their historic charm. Some rooms also host fireplaces providing the warm aesthetics that resonate with countryside living. What sets this house apart from its peers is its location. Saint Fraimbault is not just another village; it's a vibrant, socially active community. Celebrated for its breathtaki ... click here to read more

Welcome to the charming and idyllic Saint Fraimbault! Nestled within the heart of the Normandy region of France, this stone-clad retreat sophisticatedly combines history, character, and tranquility in its unique structure. Overlooking a stunning riverside valley, it promises serene views and a sense of peace that permeates every corner of the property. From sun-bathed terraces to fruit-laden orchards, this is both a home and a lifestyle not to be missed. Constructed around hundred of years ago, the main house stands proudly tracing its lineage back to several generations. It comprises of a welcoming south-facing entrance which leads into an elegantly fitted kitchen. Tiled floors blend perfectly with rustic exposed beams, evoking an atmosphere of timeless charm. The sitting room enriches this atmosphere further with its high ceilings, accentuated by more exposed beams and a cosy fireplace harboring a wood-burning stove. Here's what awaits you within this 95 square meter property: Three spacious double bedrooms on the first floor. Well-lit shower room featuring modish appliances. Additional storage/utility room. Double glazing ensuring energy efficiency. Fresh water supply from a well in addition to mains water. Renewably-sourced hot water via an air heat pump and solar panels. The external spaces feature a picturesque courtyard housing a stone bake house with a new roof and a preserved oven. Once serving as a traditional bake house, this structure now functions as a workshop. An adjacent stone barn also ensures ample storage and offers space for a garage. At the back, facing the countryside is the sun-soaked terrace and BBQ area. The land includes various paddock areas—one bearing fruit trees and the other occ ... click here to read more

Welcome to the charming and idyllic village of Saint Fraimbault in the picturesque region of Normandy, France. Nestled within this serene countryside is a wonderful stone-built house that beautifully combines traditional French architecture with modern comforts. This lovely detached home, sprawling over a spacious 200 square meters, sits proudly on a generous 4,396 square meters of land, surround by nature's serenity and whispers of the past. As you step into this beautifully renovated home, you are immediately greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance of the property. With four generously-sized bedrooms, this house is an ideal choice for families looking to settle in a peaceful, yet vibrant community. Much effort and care have gone into the renovation over the past few years, ensuring that the property provides both aesthetic charm and functional practicality. The ground floor beckons with a circular room filled with natural light from the large bay window and five additional windows that welcome in the beautiful outside views. Exposed stonework adds to the character, while the tiled floor and several electrical sockets ensure convenience and style. Imagine unwinding here with a book in hand or hosting a gathering for family and friends, with a bar area complete with sink and low-level cupboards for all your hosting needs. In the dining room, elegance meets functionality. The wood paneling on the walls adds a touch of classic charm, while the tiled floor ensures durability. Though the fireplace is currently not in use, it serves as a beautiful focal point, with a staircase gracefully leading up to the first floor. An open kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room, perfect for both everyday family meals and specia ... click here to read more

Presiding at the borders of two picturesque departments, Mayenne and Orne in the Western area of France; this enchanting, detached 5-bedroom house resides on the edge of the exuberant village of Saint-Fraimbault. Known for its beautiful summer flower displays and home to a leisure lake within its heart, residents of this property can experience both the lively charm of the village life accompanied by the tranquil rhythm of countryside living. This distinctive property comes with an expansive garden, completely enclosed with two separate entries allowing individual access when the home is being used by two parties. The primary dwelling encompasses five bedrooms, all of which are spacious. The grand lounge promises bright natural light, a comforting fireplace, and French doors that lead you onto a tranquil terrace. The well-sized kitchen delivers the convenience of pre-fitted units along with a pantry, and the property offers three toilets and two bathrooms. The house facilities include electric heating along with an open fireplace, mains water, and a telephone line with internet. Further enhancing the comfort factor are the PVC double glazed windows equipped with roller shutters, and mains sewage. Adjoining one side of the main dwelling, you will find a traditional stone garage that contributes not just as a valuable storage space, but also accommodates a utility area. Two floors are situated above the garage and are practically insulated, which makes them versatile enough to be used for various purposes. Adjacent to the garage lies a rustic cottage that possess a predominantly solid structure, but is in need of a full internal renovation. The ground floor is divided into two rooms, one with an original stone fi ... click here to read more