Expansive 7-Bedroom French Countryside Estate with Horse Stables in Picturesque Fleix, Near Chauvigny Attractions

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 still morning in this quiet Limousin hamlet, the only sounds are birdsong and the occasional creak of the old barn doors swinging open in the breeze. You pour your first coffee and carry it through the glazed door into the garden, past the fruit trees coming into blossom, and sit beside the ancient stone bread oven your architect friend keeps saying you should convert. That's the rhythm of life in Dournazac — slow, deliberate, and quietly extraordinary. This renovated three-bedroom stone house sits in one of the most underrated corners of southwest France, a region where property prices still reflect genuine value and the countryside hasn't been polished into a tourist postcard. The Haute-Vienne département rewards those who seek it out: rolling wooded hills, medieval châteaux, winding rivers, and a food culture that puts Sunday markets at the absolute center of social life. The Saturday market in Châlus — just three kilometres down the road — is where you'll find the region's famous clementines in winter, truffles if you know which stall to hover around, and a very decent andouillette that the locals will insist you try. Nearby Nexon holds one of the finest horse fairs in France each spring. Oradour-sur-Glane, a preserved WWII memorial village, is a sobering and important half-day trip that draws visitors from across Europe. The house itself carries the architectural honesty that Limousin stone buildings do so well. No decorative veneer, no awkward additions — just solid granite walls, exposed ceiling beams, and a staircase hand-built in oak that feels almost too good to rush up. The craftsmanship throughout the renovation was taken seriously. You notice it in the custom kitchen, which stops visitors in their tra ... 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

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and the only sounds competing for your attention are the stream at the edge of the hamlet and a woodpecker working its way up an oak somewhere in the tree line beyond the balcony. No traffic. No neighbor's television bleeding through a shared wall. Just the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park doing what it does — quietly making the rest of the world feel very far away. Abjat-sur-Bandiat sits in the northern reaches of the Dordogne, right where the department bumps against Haute-Vienne. It's the kind of village that doesn't try to impress you. There's no tourist office handing out maps, no souvenir shop selling fridge magnets. What there is: a genuine rural France that moves at its own pace, stone lanes that wind past ancient farmsteads, and a landscape of rolling woodland and meadow that turns copper and amber every October like someone slowly turning up a dimmer switch. This former barn — fully converted and completed not so long ago — sits at the tail end of a hamlet, with countryside pressing in on three sides. The conversion was done with real care for proportion. Ground floor living spaces feel open without feeling cavernous: a proper entrance hall with enough room to actually use it, a sitting room where exposed timber beams overhead anchor the space without making it heavy, and a kitchen that opens onto a dining area rather than being squeezed into a corner. The underfloor heating throughout the ground floor is the kind of detail you only truly appreciate on a raw February morning when the mist is sitting on the fields and you're padding around in socks on warm stone. The original character of the barn hasn't been scrubbed away. An oeil de boeuf window — that small circula ... 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 a quiet Tuesday morning in Lorigné, the only sounds you'll catch from the south-facing terrace are birdsong, the faint clatter of a tractor somewhere beyond the stone walls, and the soft hiss of water in the covered pool below. No traffic. No neighbors peering over the fence. Just 1,377 square meters of enclosed garden, a house that's been here long enough to have earned its thick walls and terracotta floors, and the particular French countryside silence that people drive hundreds of kilometers to find. This four-bedroom stone house sits in a small hamlet between Chef-Boutonne and Sauzé-Vaussais in the Deux-Sèvres département — the quieter, less-hyped cousin of the Charente to the south. It's the kind of place that doesn't show up on the tourist trail, which is precisely why people who've discovered it keep coming back. Roughly 150 square meters of living space spread across two levels, a walled garden that feels genuinely private, a heated 8x4 meter covered pool, and a brand-new air-to-water heat pump installed in 2026. Move-in ready isn't a stretch here — this is a house that's been looked after. Step through the front door and the ground floor sets the tone immediately. The kitchen and dining room spans 37 square meters, with original terracotta tiles underfoot and a pellet stove insert in the fireplace that takes the edge off cool autumn evenings. This is the room where the house lives — where long Sunday lunches with a local Pineau des Charentes stretch into afternoon, where garlic and thyme from the garden end up in whatever's on the stove. The proportions feel right. Not cavernous, not cramped. The living room next door is a different proposition entirely: 45 square meters, its own wood-burning stove in a se ... 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

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

Stand in the east-facing garden on a clear morning and you'll understand why Monet kept coming back to this stretch of the Seine valley. The medieval keep of La Roche-Guyon rises above the treeline, close enough that you can watch the light shift across its old stones from your own lawn. That view — that specific, unhurried view — is part of what you're buying here. The rest is a 135-square-metre stone house in Vétheuil, a village small enough that the baker knows your order by your third visit. This is not a weekend retreat you'll spend fixing. The house is in good condition, well maintained, and ready to move into or rent out from day one. The bones are serious: thick stone walls that keep rooms cool through July and August without air conditioning, original woodwork that no renovation has managed to sand away, and a gas condensing boiler installed to handle proper French winters. The character is already here. You won't need to manufacture it. On the ground floor, the layout does something increasingly rare in houses of this age — it actually works. A generous double living space runs the width of the house, with the dining room opening onto a west-facing terrace through full-height doors, and the sitting room on the east side giving onto the garden and that castle silhouette beyond. There's a fireplace in the sitting room, the kind you actually light in October, not the kind that's been sealed over and turned into a shelf. The kitchen is fully equipped and positioned so that whoever's cooking isn't exiled from the conversation happening ten feet away. Upstairs, three proper bedrooms — not two bedrooms and a room the listing optimistically calls a bedroom. There's also a study with its own terrace, a second smaller ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Saturday morning and the Seine is right there — glinting through the tree line, unhurried, wide, reflecting the kind of sky that makes you put your phone away. This is the Yvelines you don't see on postcards: quieter than the Loire, less trafficked than the Dordogne, and just over an hour from Paris by car or train. Bonnières-sur-Seine sits in one of the river's great looping bends, and once you've spent a weekend here, the city starts to feel like the place you go to work rather than the place you live. The house itself was built in 2007, which means it comes without the charming headaches of older French rural properties — no crumbling lime plaster, no antiquated wiring, no surprises behind the walls. What you get instead is solid modern construction on a 1,500-square-metre plot, 136 square metres of living space, and a layout that actually makes sense for how families use a home. Ground floor first. The entrance hall opens into a double living room — proper sized, not the cramped salon you find in so many French holiday homes — with an open-plan kitchen that connects the cooking and the conversation. There's a master bedroom on this level with its own shower room, which is genuinely useful if you've got older relatives or guests who'd rather not tackle a staircase. A laundry room and direct garage access round out the practical side of things. Head upstairs and the first floor opens into something more unexpected. The partial attic conversion gives the space real character — sloping ceilings in the right places, three additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a dressing room, and a generous open area that previous owners have used as a TV lounge and a large home office. If you need a fifth bedroom, it ... click here to read more

On a still morning in Saint-Cyr-la-Campagne, you'd wake to the sound of water. Not distant or muffled — the river runs right along the edge of the property, close enough that you hear it through an open window while the coffee brews. There's no road noise, no neighbors peering over the fence, no reason whatsoever to be anywhere else. This is rural Normandy at its most honest: green, quiet, and completely unhurried. The house itself was built in the 1980s, solid and unpretentious, sitting on a fully enclosed and wooded 1,000-square-metre plot that feels twice as large thanks to the riverbank it borders. Since 2021, the owners have been steadily bringing it up to speed — new electrics throughout, a fitted kitchen, a redesigned bathroom with a proper walk-in shower and bathtub, and freshly renovated upstairs bedrooms completed in 2025. The bones were always good. Now the finishing is catching up. Come through the front door and the ground floor opens into a living room that immediately earns its keep. Terracotta floor tiles run underfoot — the warm, slightly uneven kind that makes a room feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect — and a wood-burning stove anchors one wall. On a grey October afternoon, when the Normandy rain comes in sideways and the leaves on the riverbank go copper and gold, this room becomes the entire reason you bought a house in France. The kitchen adjoins it directly, recently fitted and fully equipped, functional without being clinical. A hallway off the living area leads to a ground-floor bedroom with its own dressing room — a practical touch that works well as a guest room or for anyone who'd rather avoid stairs entirely. The new bathroom sits nearby, tidy and complete. Upstairs, the landing is ... click here to read more

On Sunday mornings in Fourges, the only thing you hear is the river. The Epte moves quietly past the old mill at the edge of the village, and if the kitchen window is open, you catch the faint smell of damp grass and whatever someone nearby is baking. This is a village that hasn't tried to reinvent itself. It's just still here — stone walls, a mill that's been grinding for centuries, a pace of life that feels almost unreasonably good. This two-bedroom house sits in that village, in good condition, single-storey, with a generous 1,000 square metre garden running down to the voie verte — a dedicated greenway trail that cuts through the Vexin-sur-Epte countryside. Step straight out of the back gate and you're on a route that takes you through meadows and orchards, past apple trees whose fruit ends up in the local calvados, all the way toward Gisors or down toward the Seine valley. You don't need a car to feel like you're deep in rural Normandy. The landscape just arrives at your doorstep. Inside, the layout is all on one level — no stairs, no fuss. The entrance leads into a living space with a wood-burning stove that makes the room feel entirely different in November than it does in July. In winter it crackles, the walls hold the heat, and the whole house takes on that particular quality of a place that's actually lived in rather than merely visited. The fitted kitchen is practical and fully equipped. There's a large master bedroom, a proper bathroom, a separate WC, and a second smaller room that works equally well as a guest bedroom or a home office for those who work remotely and want to do it somewhere with better views than their city apartment. Under the eaves, a third sleeping space with storage gives you genuine fl ... click here to read more

As a busy real estate agent proud to work with clients from all over the globe, I understand the significance of finding the right property. Let me introduce you to a wonderful farmhouse nestled in the heart of Chauvigny, Poitou-Charentes, an appealing corner of France. This is not just a house; it is a doorway to a lifestyle wrapped in the tranquility of rural France. If you're considering relocating or investing in French property, soak in the following tale of a property that could be your future home. This 3-bedroom stone farmhouse is the kind of property overseas buyers dream of—an enchanting prospect for those seeking a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle filled with potential and promise. Situated at the edge of an access road, this home offers the peace and privacy one might seek from countryside living. The property, with its recently updated features, is in good condition, requiring no immediate renovations. This means you can settle in and start enjoying the rural lifestyle right away. Let's paint a picture: Imagine yourself entering through the doorway of this farmhouse to find yourself in an open-plan kitchen and dining/living room space, perfect for cozy family gatherings or entertaining friends from abroad. The ground floor further welcomes you with a bedroom and shower room, which can be a great asset for guests who prefer not to navigate stairs. There is also a laundry room with a WC conveniently tucked away on this level. Venture upstairs, and you'll find two well-sized bedrooms along with a shared bathroom/WC, and a large mezzanine that invites creative uses—be it a reading nook or an office corner fitting for remote work enthusiasts. Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the outdoor aspect of this pr ... click here to read more

Welcome to an enchanting 4-bedroom house nestled in the picturesque village of Antigny, located in the Poitou-Charentes region in Vienne, France. This charming home, priced at 142,790 €, is just waiting for you to move right in, making it an ideal choice for either a permanent family residence or a delightful vacation home. As you drive down the tranquil street that leads to the house, you'll immediately appreciate the serene and peaceful surroundings. Located just a short distance from the vibrant town of Saint Savin, you'll have easy access to essential amenities such as bars, restaurants, and shops. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet evening at home or immerse yourself in the local culture, this location offers the best of both worlds. Now, let's step inside and explore what this lovely property has to offer. The ground floor welcomes you with a spacious communal room, an ideal spot for hosting family gatherings or entertaining friends. The adjoining kitchen diner is a practical and functional space where you can whip up delicious meals, and it flows effortlessly into the communal area. Towards the rear of the ground floor, you'll find a cosy lounge area perfect for relaxing with a good book or watching your favorite movies. This area leads to a convenient WC and a boiler/storage room, ensuring you have all the practicalities covered. From the lounge, you can step out onto a charming terrace, a perfect spot to enjoy an evening aperitif as you soak in the tranquil ambiance. Heading upstairs to the first floor, you'll discover three generously sized bedrooms, each offering ample space for comfort and relaxation. The family bathroom on this floor is well-appointed and provides easy access to a balcony. The balco ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet of Antigny in the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region of Vienne, France, this inviting three-bedroom farmhouse offers a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace the quintessential French countryside living. With a modest price tag of €51,000, this property presents itself as an idyllic retreat for overseas buyers seeking a serene getaway or a delightful project to infuse with their personal touch. The farmhouse spans 162 square meters, providing ample space for family living or entertaining guests. The ground level welcomes you with a spacious lounge adorned with a wood burner, setting a cozy atmosphere for the cooler months. Adjacent to the lounge, the kitchen, surprisingly large for a property of this stature, awaits your culinary explorations. Ascending to the first floor, you are greeted by three well-sized bedrooms, offering a quiet respite from the busyness of life. Also located on this level are a shower room and a family bathroom, catering to both practicality and comfort. Outside, the property features a generous patio area to the front, perfect for enjoying aperitifs or dining under the starry sky, offering a taste of the al fresco lifestyle favored in this region. An external storeroom provides additional storage solutions or potential for conversion into a creative space. While this farmhouse is in need of renovation, it is precisely this aspect that holds the allure for those with a vision to create their dream home in the countryside. The property's condition is reflective of a genuine fixer-upper, presenting a canvas awaiting transformation by those who cherish the charm and potential embedded within its walls. Amenities: - Spacious lounge with wood burner - Large ... click here to read more

Located in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, the charming town of St-Savin, this six-bedroom house presents a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace the French lifestyle in a substantially sized and well-maintained family home. With a gracious nod to its historical roots, the property beautifully balances period charm with modern living standards, making it an appealing choice for overseas buyers who dream of owning a slice of French heritage. This distinguished residence is perfectly poised on a serene street, just moments away from the flowing waters of the River Gartempe and the spellbinding UNESCO-listed Abbey, grounding it in a sense of both tranquility and rich cultural heritage. Its central location affords easy access to the bustling town square, inviting potential homeowners to a variety of local amenities including quaint bars, reputable restaurants, artisan bakeries, and essential shops. Families will find the proximity to educational institutions, including infant and primary schools a few minutes' walk away and a secondary school a short distance further, particularly convenient. Upon entering the home, you are greeted by an inviting period hallway adorned with original tiled flooring, setting the stage for the range of historical features this property meticulously preserves. To the right, a living room seamlessly transitions into a dining room, both rooms echoing the timeless elegance of the past while ensuring comfort. The dining room, which includes a cloakroom and access to the enchanting rear garden, the neighboring smaller house, and the wine cellar, accentuates the home's capacity for hosting and leisure. To the left, a cozy television room offers potential as a ground-floor bedroom, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this expansive six-bedroom house in St-Savin, Vienne, offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home in France. With its riverside garden and fully renovated interiors, this property is not just a house; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in French charm and tranquility. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, sipping your morning coffee in the conservatory as the sun filters through the glass, casting a warm glow over the immaculate garden. This is the essence of life in St-Savin, a town renowned for its historic Abbey and vibrant cultural scene. Property Highlights: - Location: Situated in the charming town of St-Savin, known for its rich history and cultural festivals. - Size: A generous 396 square meters, providing ample space for family and guests. - Bedrooms: Six spacious bedrooms, including a ground floor suite perfect for visitors or family. - Bathrooms: Four well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience. - Living Spaces: Multiple living areas, including a large conservatory and a first-floor living room with stunning garden and river views. - Kitchen: A large, double-aspect kitchen ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. - Garden: A beautifully maintained riverside garden with irrigation from a private well. - Additional Features: Vaulted cellar, underfloor and central heating, and a large garage for off-road parking. Local Lifestyle and Amenities: St-Savin offers a quintessential French lifestyle, with its cobblestone streets, local markets, and friendly community. The town is a hub of activity, with cultural events and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. The historic Abbey, a UNESCO Wor ... click here to read more

A Timeless Retreat in the Heart of Poitou-Charentes Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the serene French countryside. Nestled in the picturesque village of St-Savin, this exquisite 5-bedroom manor offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort, making it the perfect vacation home for those seeking a tranquil escape. A Journey Through Time As you step through the grand entrance of this storied property, you're immediately enveloped by its rich history. The manor, lovingly restored to preserve its original character, boasts an array of period features that tell tales of a bygone era. High ceilings, intricate moldings, and original fireplaces create an ambiance of elegance and warmth. Daily Rhythms and Seasonal Splendor Life at the manor unfolds at a leisurely pace. Mornings begin with a stroll through the expansive park gardens, where the scent of blooming flowers mingles with the fresh country air. As the sun rises, the heated swimming pool beckons for a refreshing dip, while the tennis court invites friendly matches under the clear blue sky. In the cooler months, the manor transforms into a cozy haven. Gather around the crackling fireplace in one of the two spacious reception rooms, or indulge in a culinary adventure in the fully-equipped kitchen, where local ingredients come to life in traditional French dishes. A Gateway to Local Delights St-Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short drive away, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Explore the stunning abbey, wander through charming streets lined with quaint shops, or savor the region's renowned cuisine in local bistros. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding country ... click here to read more

Welcome to a unique opportunity in the picturesque town of Saint-Savin, nestled in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes, France. Located at the heart of this delightful town, this stone house is an inviting prospect for overseas buyers seeking a blend of traditional French architecture and the serenity of French countryside life. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, this spacious property spans across 391 square meters and is listed at a competitive price of 475,000 euros. As you approach the property on a quiet road, you're greeted with a sight that harks back to a time when craftsmanship meant something different. This house, with its stone façade, has been developed and maintained to high standards while preserving its original period features. The allure of original tiled flooring and beautifully detailed woodwork sets the stage for what lies within. Step into a charming period hallway, and you'll be drawn immediately to your right, where a living room opens up to connect with a dining room. These interconnected spaces are perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. The dining room further leads to doors that open into a rear garden, creating that much sought-after indoor-outdoor living experience. Also accessible from these spaces are a cloakroom, the adjoining smaller house, and a traditional wine cellar that any connoisseur would appreciate. If you take a turn to the left, you'll discover a cosy television room. With a bit of imagination, this space could easily be transformed into an additional ground-floor bedroom, perfect for guests or an elderly family member. As you wander down the corridor, you'll find yourself in a well-equipped kitchen. Fitted to high specifications, this culinary space fe ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, in the quaint commune of Nalliers, this three-bedroom farmhouse presents a unique opportunity for those seeking the charm of rural French living. With a generous space of 110 square meters, this property is listed at a price of €150,000, striking a balance between tranquility and accessibility. The farmhouse stands secluded at the end of a track, ensuring privacy and serenity, yet it is just a short drive from the vibrant small towns of Saint Savin, Montmorillon, and Chauvigny. Each town offers a blend of historical sights, local markets, and essential amenities, creating a perfect backdrop for both serene living and adventurous exploration. The main house of this property exudes rustic charm combined with modern comforts. The spacious living and dining area is equipped with air conditioning, a rare find in such traditional settings. The ground floor also includes a versatile room that can serve as a bedroom or an office, conveniently located next to a bathroom with a shower. The upper floor houses two additional bedrooms, each with direct access to a shared family bathroom. This level also features a large landing area, perfect for setting up a home office or accommodating guests. Further enhancing the property’s potential is a large barn and stable structure, alongside a garage. There is also a secondary house on the premises in need of renovation. This could ideally be transformed into a gite or an Airbnb rental, subject to obtaining the necessary permissions, offering a fantastic opportunity for income generation. The land spans 3 hectares, predominantly laid to pasture, making it perfect for equestrian pursuits or as a smallholding. Whether y ... click here to read more

Discover the charm and potential of this delightful three-bedroom farmhouse in Civaux, nestled in the picturesque Vienne department in the Poitou-Charentes region of France. Priced at €189,000, this property presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while owning a home full of character. This rustic farmhouse spans approximately 95 sqm, offering ample space for personal comfort and creativity. As you step inside, you'll find a welcoming lounge that serves as the heart of the home, leading to a functional kitchen and a convenient downstairs bathroom with a toilet. The familial warmth of this space makes it ideal for both quiet evenings and joyful gatherings. Upstairs features three generously sized bedrooms, promising personal sanctuaries for all household members. The master bedroom boasts a balcony, a perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the verdant surroundings and to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of rural France. Property Features: - Three spacious bedrooms - Comfortable lounge - Kitchen with traditional features - Convenient downstairs toilet and full bathroom - Balcony with countryside views Amenities Include: - A variety of outbuildings suitable for artisans or smallholders - Encompassing 4.5 hectares of land, offering vast space for gardening, farming, or recreational use - Access to local nursery and junior schools - Close proximity to shops and medical facilities - Nearby swimming/diving complex enhancing leisure options Living in Civaux provides an enriching experience tailored for those who appreciate the slower pace of rural life. The village is small yet vibrant, offering essential community amenities such as educational institutio ... click here to read more

Introducing an intriguing investment opportunity: a delightful, rustic property nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, in the charming village of Lussac-les-Châteaux, France. This charming cottage, made from the local stone known for its delightfully warm hue, presents a fantastic opportunity as a renovation project. Upon exploring this property, you'll discover a captivating blend of original and functional features. The ground floor provides spacious room, adorned with a butler sink and original built-in shelves, offering a real sense of history and a glimpse into the past. A cosy and comforting fireplace takes its proud place, setting the scene for many enchanting nights. Moving upstairs, an attic room is waiting to be transformed into a cosy bedroom. It comes equipped with artisan shutters, complete with diamond-shaped cut-outs, poised to filter the gentle rays of morning sunlight. The property features: - One large room on the ground floor - An attic room that could be converted into a bedroom - Original built-in cupboards and a fireplace - A functional bathroom with a shower and sink situated in an attached outbuilding - An additional outbuilding leading to a spacious cellar with good headroom, ideal for further living space development. Providing more than just a dwelling, this house puts you in possession of a charming, walled courtyard, adorned by beautiful climbing wisteria. A dream setting for summer evenings dining al fresco. The surrounding area offers no shortage of outdoor delights. Just across the road, you will find a sizeable garden complete with a one-of-a-kind cabin. The garden juxtaposes well-kept lawn and diverse woodland, creating a space perfect for nature love ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming rural expanse of Villemort, Vienne, France, this spacious 5-bedroom farmhouse invites you into a lifestyle that seamlessly blends tranquility with the beauty of panoramic views. Now, as a busy real estate agent frequently tied up in the hustle and bustle of property dealings, let me take a short break to introduce you to this remarkable retreat, perfect for those seeking a serene abode in the heart of the French countryside. Imagine a property that not only offers vast acreage—over 2 acres to be specific—but a home that has stood the test of time with grace and dignity. This farmhouse, with a generous 180 square meters of habitable space, is a true gem for overseas buyers and expats alike. While its condition is robustly good, the unpredictable charms of country living certainly promise an adventure worth taking on. Stepping through the entrance of this beautifully renovated haven, you are greeted by a spacious ground floor that encompasses a warm and welcoming kitchen-diner, complete with an island ideal for casual meals and a broad dining area perfect for entertaining guests. The sitting room claims the coziness of a Godin wood-burning stove and benefits from double-exposure windows that bathe the space in natural light. This level also features two practical and comfortable bedrooms, a shower room with a WC, and a utility room for added convenience. Ascending to the first floor, you'll find three additional bedrooms, masterfully designed to offer privacy and comfort, alongside a large family bathroom and a separate WC. Each room resonates with the charm characteristic of French farmhouses, making it a truly unique living space for you and your family. But let's not forget the outdoors, whe ... click here to read more

Welcome to this delightful chateau nestled in the charming town of Montmorillon, located in the picturesque Vienne region of France. With 283 square meters of living space, this property is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to invest in a characteristic French home. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a price of just €450,000, this place provides plenty of room for family gatherings or entertaining guests. The property spans over a generous plot of land, offering a mix of delightful homes. The main house treats you to three bedrooms, a country-style kitchen, and a cozy lounge complete with a wood burner. The second house is perfect for families looking to host guests or even rent out, featuring two bedrooms spacious enough for any visitor. A charming gite, nestled to the side of the property, adds a single-bedroom space perfect for a couple seeking a little privacy. Now, for the outdoors. The property stretches across the land, including a large barn and an idyllic garden. One of the showcase features is the stream-fed pond nestled among trees, creating a serene oasis perfect for weekend relaxation or family picnics. The gentle ambiance around the pond makes it an excellent spot for quiet reflection or morning coffee. In the lively vicinity of Montmorillon, life has the peace of the countryside with some modern conveniences. This small town, known for its picturesque book fairs and rich history, offers a taste of traditional French life. A stroll down the quaint streets leads to an array of bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the local delicacies. The weekly market fills the air with the fresh scent of local produce, tempting even the busiest of residents to indulge i ... click here to read more

Nestled in the enchanting town of Montmorillon, within the serene landscape of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, this charming 2-bedroom house offers a wonderful blend of comfort and potential, set at a competitive price of €135,000. This delightful home, spanning 114 square meters across two floors, captures the essence of a tranquil French lifestyle with its well-considered layout and picturesque surroundings. ### Property Features: - Size: 114 square meters - Bedrooms: 2 - Bathrooms: 1 - Kitchen: Open plan with a breakfast bar - Additional Rooms: Large dining/sunroom, lounge, ground floor WC, second-floor dressing room/potential en-suite - Storage: Includes a wine cellar - Outdoor Space: Landscaped garden, low maintenance with flower borders - Parking: Gated entrance with off-street parking - Outbuildings: Useful for additional storage or potential workshop space ### Amenities: - Local Shops and Markets: Within walking distance - Schools: Nearby primary and secondary schools - Transport Links: Close proximity to local transport services - Healthcare: Local clinics and a hospital are accessible within the area - Recreational Areas: Numerous parks, river walks, and cultural sites such as the Montmorillon Cité de l'Écrit ### About Montmorillon: This small yet vibrant community is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance, particularly as the "City of Writing and Book Professions." Residents can enjoy peaceful strolls along the Gartempe river, visit historic churches, or explore local bookshops and the quaint cafés of Cité de l'Écrit. Community life in Montmorillon is enriched by frequent local markets offering fresh, regional produce, fostering a close-knit atmosphere that welcomes both locals and newcomers. ## ... click here to read more

Introducing this lovely three-bedroom house welcoming you in the heart of the charming region of Poitou-Charentes, in the vibrant historic town of Montmorillon, France. Situated at the pinnacle of the old village, this property presents a unique opportunity for buyers to invest in one of France's most sought-after regions. Sprawling across four levels, this house offers an open and airy feel. Covering a total of 85 square meters, the house promises a comfortable living experience paired with old-world charm. Stepping inside, you are first greeted by a spacious kitchen and living area, acting as the hub of the home, with generous space for all your entertaining and day-to-day activities. Each of the three bedrooms span across different levels, offering a distinct character and a sense of privacy. Double-glazed windows ensure a peaceful atmosphere, blocking the outside noise while allowing an abundance of natural light in each room. Another advantage is the presence of a decent-sized bathroom located conveniently on the first floor. The house also includes a basement, accessible via steps within the living area, providing a great amount of storage space or potential for further customization. One significant feature you'll appreciate surely is the property's connection to the main drainage system, saving you the hassle of dealing with septic tanks and their maintenance. Moving outside, a lovely terrace awaits you, presenting a wonderful place to host an alfresco dining experience or simply enjoy a quiet morning with a cup of coffee. As for the location, Montmorillon is a history-laden town within the Vienne department. Known for its majestic medieval architecture and the beautiful Gartempe River that flows through, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the scenic heart of Vienne, a department brimming with cultural heritage and lush landscapes, lies a character-rich property in Montmorillon, a town renowned for its history, gastronomy, and as a haven for book lovers and artisans. This distinctive property, set in the tranquil Poitou-Charentes region, boasts an enriching living experience that's both invigorating and comfortably paced—a truly unique offering for overseas buyers looking for that quintessential French lifestyle or a promising investment opportunity. The property is a charming blend of traditional architecture and practical living spaces, spanning approximately 232 square meters. Currently organized as two interconnected units, it presents a versatile structure with the potential to evolve into three separate dwellings, subject to the appropriate permissions. Such flexibility makes it an ideal venture for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the benefits of a personal residence and potential rental income. Main House Features: - Two interconnected sections with a seamless flow between living spaces. - Ground floor hosts an inviting entrance, WC, spacious kitchen/diner/living room, a bedroom, and an ensuite bathroom, encompassing the warmth of family living. - The second section comprises a cozy kitchen, dining room, and living room, with the first floor providing an office area, a bedroom, and an ensuite shower room, mirroring the comfort of the main living areas. Secondary House/Amenity Features: - Conveniently situated all on one level, this space includes a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and shower room. It's perfect for hosting guests, serving as additional family accommodation, or being transformed into a g ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque village of Tercé, in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes region, this inviting four-bedroom house offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. With its charming rural setting and proximity to vibrant towns, this property is an ideal choice for those seeking a second home or a holiday retreat in France. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, sipping your morning coffee on the veranda as the sun rises over the lush garden. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in Tercé, where the pace of life is relaxed, and the community is welcoming. Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: The house boasts a generous 172 square meters of living space, providing ample room for family gatherings and entertaining guests. - Open-Plan Design: The ground floor features an open-plan layout, seamlessly integrating the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas. It's a perfect space for hosting dinner parties or enjoying cozy family evenings. - Four Bedrooms: With four well-appointed bedrooms, there's plenty of space for family and friends. The upper floor offers a large bedroom and a smaller adjacent room, ideal for children or as a guest suite. - Two Bathrooms: The property includes two modern bathrooms, ensuring convenience and comfort for all residents. - Outdoor Oasis: The expansive garden is a true highlight, offering space for a potential pool (subject to planning) or simply a serene spot to unwind with a book or a glass of wine. - Courtyard Charm: The house is arranged around a charming courtyard, providing a private and peaceful outdoor space. - Potential for Customization: The open area at the top of the stairs can be transformed into a home office, studio, or reading nook, catering to your pers ... click here to read more

Charming 3-Bedroom House in Angles-sur-l'Anglin, Poitou-Charentes If you're looking for a beautiful house with a touch of history, then look no further. Nestled in the heart of Angles-sur-l'Anglin in the lovely Poitou-Charentes region, this splendid 3-bedroom house offers a unique living experience. This property is perfect for those who appreciate historical charm and scenic beauty. First, let's talk about the location. Angles-sur-l'Anglin is a picturesque village located in Vienne, France. The village itself is known for its quaint charm and historical sites, including the ancient Chateau d'Angles-sur-l'Anglin, which adds a fairy tale-like quality to the area. You can't help but fall in love with the cobblestone streets, traditional French countryside houses, and the enchanting views of the river. The climate here is quite mild, with warm summers and cooler winters, making it a delightful place to live year-round. So, what's it like to live in this area? Angles-sur-l'Anglin provides a tranquil and laid-back lifestyle. The village is small but has everything you need from local shops to charming cafes where you can have a delicious croissant and coffee in the morning. There's also a local market where you can buy fresh produce from nearby farms. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the various walking and cycling trails that meander through the countryside. And let's not forget the river, perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic by its banks. Now, onto the house itself. This three-bedroom property is built into the acropolis of the Chateau d'Angles-sur-l'Anglin, giving it incredible views over the river. The house has been gracefully updated and is currently in good condition, making it a comfort ... click here to read more

Charming Three-Bedroom House in Poitou-Charentes, Vienne Nestled in the serene locality of Vicq-sur-Gartempe in the stunning Vienne department, this three-bedroom home offers the perfect balance of French provincial charm and practical living. Spanning 122 sqm, priced at approximately €140,610, this residence is not just a house but a potential haven where memories are waiting to be made. Property Features: - Sprawling size of 122 sqm - Two well-equipped bathrooms - Three cozy bedrooms, one boasting fitted wardrobes for extra storage - Spacious entrance hall - Large lounge or TV room with double sliding doors opening onto an inviting rear decking - Ample kitchen and dining area, offering a warm space for family meals - Ground floor bathroom complete with toilet facilities - Useful utility room and workshop area - Additional two expansive rooms on the lower level with separate entry, ripe for transformation or use - Fenced garden adorned with fruit trees, ensuring privacy and a safe play area for pets - External buildings usable as garage or extra storage space Local Amenities: - Walking distance to central Vicq-sur-Gartempe - Close proximity to essential shops for everyday needs - Near larger towns Le Blanc and Chatellerault, broadening access to more comprehensive services and entertainment options - Easy access to Poitiers airport, facilitating travel Living in Vicq-sur-Gartempe presents an enriching experience combining the tranquility of rural life with the convenience of nearby city amenities. The town itself, while small, is warm and inviting, offering a tight-knit community atmosphere that is ideal for both settling families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The close-knit community ensures that residents ... click here to read more