Idyllic 4-Bedroom Stone House for Sale in Serene Saint-Germain-De-Tallevende Countryside, Basse-Normandie, France

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

Sunday morning in Salles-Lavalette and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie two streets over drifts through the tall kitchen windows before you've even put the coffee on. That's not a fantasy — the bakery is genuinely that close, and yes, it's the kind of village where the baker knows your order by your second visit. This is Charente at its most unhurried, and this six-bedroom stone house sits right at the heart of it. At 293 square metres across a thoughtfully restored, characterful layout, the property is substantial without feeling cavernous. Step through the entrance hall and you're immediately in the 44-square-metre grand salon — a proper room with genuine presence, the sort of space where long dinners stretch past midnight without anyone feeling crowded. Original timber-framed doors and windows have been kept throughout, which matters enormously in a house like this. The bones are old and honest; the comfort is modern and discreet. That balance is hard to find and harder to get right, but whoever restored this property understood it. The ground floor also holds a rustic kitchen with real personality — this isn't a showroom kitchen, it's one you actually want to cook in — plus a second petit salon that flexes easily into a library or home office depending on your needs. A cloakroom completes the ground level. Upstairs, the six bedrooms and three bathrooms are arranged across a layout that makes genuine sense for families or groups, not just on paper but in daily use. Adjoining rooms on both the ground and first floors carry real development potential, subject to the usual permissions, which opens up everything from a self-contained annexe to an expanded B&B operation. Speaking of which — this house is ge ... click here to read more

Stand on the 80-square-metre terrace on a late June morning and you'll hear the Lot River before you see it — a low, unhurried sound threading through the stone village below, mixing with the clatter of a market being set up on the square. That's the rhythm here. Slow, deliberate, and completely irreplaceable. This five-bedroom 17th-century house on the right bank of St-Geniez-d'Olt — the oldest quarter, where the streets are barely wide enough for two people to pass comfortably — sits at a kind of sweet spot that's genuinely hard to find anywhere in southern France at this price point. The village itself is the kind of place travel writers keep "discovering" and then quietly keeping to themselves. Crossed by the Lot River and framed by the wooded hills of Aveyron, St-Geniez-d'Olt sits at the edge of the Aubrac plateau — one of the last genuinely unspoiled high plateaux in France. The surrounding landscape is why people who come here for a week end up buying property. Rolling grassland grazed by the famous Aubrac cattle, forests of beech and oak climbing the valley sides, and the Lot cutting a clean green line through it all. In July, the village hosts its annual fête with fireworks over the river. In autumn, the hills go amber and rust, and local restaurants put aligot — that volcanic, cheese-pulled potato dish unique to this corner of France — on every menu. In winter, the Aubrac plateau gets real snow, and the cross-country skiing trails around Laguiole are less than 40 minutes away. The house carries its age with dignity rather than fragility. Push open the street door and the shift is immediate: pebble-set floors underfoot, walls of raw stone, and the particular cool quiet of a building that has absorbed three cen ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Bergerac starts with the smell of fresh bread drifting up from the boulangerie two blocks away. You open the kitchen door onto the 17-square-metre terrace, coffee in hand, and catch the faint sound of the market vendors setting up along the Place de la Madeleine. That's the rhythm of life this house puts you inside — not on the edge of it, not behind glass. Right in it. This solid 1930s house sits a short walk from the old town centre of Bergerac, one of the most quietly rewarding towns in the entire Dordogne valley. The architecture still carries the bones of the interwar period — the proportions feel generous, the walls thick enough to keep rooms cool well into July — and recent upgrades have brought the practicalities firmly into the present. A newly installed heat pump, air conditioning, full double glazing, and a fitted kitchen mean you arrive and you live, rather than renovate and wait. The ground floor layout is genuinely sociable. The living room flows naturally toward the open-plan kitchen and dining area, which spills directly out onto the terrace. Summer evenings here have a particular quality: the Dordogne region holds its warmth well into September, and al fresco dinners under the fading light are less a special occasion than a Tuesday habit. The ground floor also holds a bedroom and shower room — useful for guests who'd rather skip the stairs, or for turning the upper floor into a private retreat when the house is full. Upstairs, two spacious double bedrooms and a dressing room give the house a flexibility that shorter-term rentals rarely achieve. There's room for couples, families, or the kind of extended-family gathering that the French countryside seems specifically designed to encou ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Saint-Romain starts with birdsong and the faint smell of bread drifting over from Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, just a few minutes down the road. You slide open the glass doors onto the veranda, coffee in hand, and the pool catches the early light. The kids are still asleep. This is yours. That's the kind of morning this property delivers — not just once, but every time you pull up the drive. Tucked into a small hamlet in the Charente department of southwest France, this modern five-bedroom villa sits in one of the country's most quietly rewarding corners. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France — that official designation handed to fewer than 160 communes in the entire country — and it earns it. The medieval church of Saint-Jean, carved directly into a cliff face, is the sort of thing that stops first-time visitors in their tracks. The weekly Saturday market along the main square fills with local cheeses, walnuts, honey from Périgord, and wine from the surrounding Charente vineyards. It's a ten-minute drive, and after a few visits you'll know half the stall holders by name. The house itself spans 234 square metres across three levels, and the layout is genuinely clever. The heart of the ground floor is a 57-square-metre open-plan living and dining area — properly open, the kind where a group of eight around the table doesn't feel cramped — with a sleek fitted kitchen that runs along one wall. No fussy cabinetry or dated tile splashbacks here. Clean lines, good light, and a design that invites cooking rather than just tolerating it. From this space, wide glazed sliding doors open onto a covered veranda that rivals the living room for sheer size, and from there the eye travels straigh ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Saint-Romain and the only sound is the wind moving through a field of sunflowers. Not a neighbour in sight. Just the soft creak of the farmhouse shutters and, from the kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing in a room that somehow manages to feel both brand new and a hundred years old at the same time. This is the kind of quiet that city people spend years chasing. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached farmhouse sits on a full acre of private grounds along a no-through lane in Charente, one of those quietly beautiful corners of southwest France that hasn't yet been discovered by the Instagram crowds. Recently refurbished to a genuinely high standard, it hits a rare balance — the bones of a proper French country house, the comfort of a home that's been thoughtfully brought into the 21st century. You're not buying a renovation project. You're buying the result of one. Step inside and the entrance hall is wide and airy, the kind of space that sets the tone for everything that follows. The sitting room keeps its period features — there's real character here, the sort that can't be installed, only preserved. The kitchen and breakfast room is newly fitted with high-end appliances and opens naturally toward the gardens, so summer mornings flow from coffee to croissants to a chair outside without any real effort at all. A ground-floor bedroom, shower room, and utility room with the central heating boiler round out the practical side of things, meaning guests or family can stay downstairs entirely if needed. Upstairs, three double bedrooms share the first floor. The master has a dedicated dressing area and an en-suite in its final stages of completion — arriving essentially finished. A family bathroom serve ... click here to read more

On a slow Sunday morning in Ceaux-en-Couhé, the bread oven in the stone shed still holds yesterday's warmth. Eight bedrooms, a pond catching the light through the oaks, and 4.8 hectares of parkland stretching out beyond the kitchen window — this is what a second home in rural Poitou actually feels like. Not a curated Instagram fantasy, but something real and rooted. This is a rare find in the Vienne department: a fully renovated maison de maître that has been operating as a group gîte, sleeping up to 24 guests across its eight bedrooms, all equipped with private shower rooms and WCs. It's move-in ready — or more accurately, move-in and open-for-business ready. The bones are solid, the renovation is done, and the layout is already designed for the kind of communal living that makes group holidays worth taking. Whether you're imagining family reunions across generations, a yoga and wellness retreat in the French countryside, or a creative residency program, the infrastructure is already in place. Step inside and the ground floor sets the tone immediately. There's a generous entrance hall that opens into a laundry room, a dedicated office, a proper kitchen, a dining room, and a sitting room — the kind of layout where a group of twelve can occupy the same house without tripping over each other. Three ground-floor bedrooms, each with their own shower room and WC, sit along a hallway with fitted storage. Upstairs, five more bedrooms follow the same logic: private bathrooms, cupboard space, and enough separation that guests actually sleep well. The boiler room sits in a separate annex, keeping mechanical noise well away from the living spaces. And then there's the bread oven shed — a detail that sounds minor until you've pull ... click here to read more

Sunday morning. You pull open the kitchen window and the smell of the Seine drifts in — that particular mix of cool river air and freshly cut grass from the garden — while your coffee brews. The kids are still asleep upstairs. The village isn't awake yet either. This is exactly what you came for. Set in Mousseaux-sur-Seine, a quiet hamlet tucked inside one of the Seine's great looping bends, this four-bedroom family home sits on a generous 1,500 square metre plot within the Vexin Regional Natural Park. Built in 2007 and maintained with obvious care, the house is move-in ready — no renovation headaches, no compromise on comfort. It's the kind of property where you arrive on a Friday evening, open the windows, and the weekend just starts. The ground floor is laid out for real life. A proper entrance hall — not a cramped corridor — opens into a double living room that handles both a formal dining arrangement and a comfortable lounge without feeling squeezed. The open-plan kitchen connects naturally to this space, so whoever's cooking doesn't get exiled from the conversation. There's a master bedroom with its own shower room on this level too, which works brilliantly whether you have elderly parents visiting or simply want the option of single-storey living as the years go on. A laundry room and integrated garage complete the ground floor — practical details that matter enormously when this is your secondary residence and you arrive with bikes, muddy boots, and river gear. Head upstairs and the partially converted attic space is one of the home's real surprises. Three proper bedrooms sit alongside a bathroom and a dressing room, but the standout is the large open-plan room at the heart of the floor — currently used as a T ... click here to read more

Stand at the front garden gate on a Tuesday morning and you'll hear the Blavet river before you see it. That low, constant murmur threading through the valley — that's the soundtrack to life in Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, one of the most quietly extraordinary villages in inland Brittany. The church bell chimes at eight. Someone at the bar-tabac two minutes' walk away is already pulling espresso. And your kitchen window in a house that has stood for over five centuries frames all of it. This is not a renovation fantasy or a project dressed up in estate-agent optimism. The property is in good condition — two stone houses, sold together, on a plot of around 1,093 square metres with gardens front and back and a workshop of 26 square metres. Move in, light the wood-burning stove, and work out what to do with the rest later. That's genuinely an option here. The older of the two houses is the one that stops people in their tracks. Thatched roof, stone walls thick enough to keep August heat out and January damp firmly in its place, a kitchen-dining-living room arranged around a fireplace that clearly earns its keep every winter. Upstairs, a mezzanine level — currently used as a bedroom — gives the space a kind of loft-like openness, and a large double bedroom sits alongside it. The bathroom with WC is on the ground floor, practical and sorted. The second house connects directly through a door, which makes the whole arrangement work brilliantly for families or visiting friends: two distinct spaces, one shared garden life. The ground-floor of the second house has a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom with WC, and a useful storage room. Its first floor adds another mezzanine bedroom, a washbasin, and a further bedroom. Three bedr ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Fourges starts quietly. A wood stove ticks as it warms up, the smell of coffee mixing with something faintly earthy drifting in from the garden — damp grass, river water, the particular cool greenness that only the Epte valley seems to produce. From the kitchen window, you can see the old mill wheel at the edge of the village, still and mossy in the early light. This is the pace of life that the Norman countryside does better than almost anywhere else in France, and this two-bedroom house on a thousand square metres of land puts you right at the centre of it. Fourges sits in the heart of the Vexin Normand, a natural regional park that most Parisians have never discovered — which is precisely the point. The village itself is famous locally for its 12th-century watermill on the Epte, a river that famously marked the medieval boundary between Normandy and the Île-de-France. Monet painted these fields. The light here has a quality that artists have been chasing for centuries, soft and diffuse in summer, dramatic and low in autumn, and frankly extraordinary on winter afternoons when the frost sits on the meadows and the river runs dark green. You will notice it every single day. The house is single-storey, a practical layout that makes it genuinely easy to manage as a second home or holiday property in France. The entrance opens into a living space anchored by a wood-burning stove — the real thing, not decorative — which handles the bulk of heating through the colder months without fuss. The kitchen is fitted and equipped, ready to use from day one, which matters when you're arriving on a Friday evening and want to eat well without a supermarket run. One generous bedroom and a bathroom complete the main fl ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in the Loire Valley sounds like this: a wood-burning stove crackling under cathedral ceilings, the faint ring of church bells drifting across the fields from Amboise, and the smell of butter and stone that only old French farmhouses seem to hold. This is the kind of place you stop looking once you've found it. Built in the 19th century and sitting on an enclosed 398 square metre plot near the village of La Croix en Touraine, this authentic Touraine farmhouse carries the bones of its era without the headaches. The stone walls are still there. The exposed beams are still there. But so is a heat pump, a fitted kitchen, a 2022-built workshop, and south-facing terrace access from virtually every ground-floor room. It's been lived in properly, looked after, and it shows. Step inside and the ground floor sets the tone immediately. The kitchen opens directly onto the sunny terrace — the kind of layout that turns a Tuesday lunch into something you actually look forward to. The living and dining room runs to roughly 40 square metres under a genuine cathedral ceiling, with parquet underfoot and that wood-burning stove as the clear centerpiece. On cold January evenings when frost sits on the vines outside, this room earns its keep. A bedroom with French doors, a home office, a full bathroom with both bathtub and walk-in shower, and a utility room round out the ground floor — more practical square footage than you'd expect at this price point. Upstairs, two more bedrooms and a second WC occupy the attic floor. Above the living room, a mezzanine adds around 20 square metres of bonus space — a reading loft, a kids' sleeping area, a home studio. The property's 149 square metres in total include that vaulted cellar tuck ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Marsac moves slowly. The kind of slowly you forget is possible until you're standing on a stone terrace with a coffee, watching mist lift off the Charente countryside while rosebushes climb the garden wall and a blackbird argues with itself somewhere in the orchard. This is the pace this house was built for. Set in a small town a short drive from Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard, this three-bedroom house has been carefully restored to keep what mattered — the thick stone walls, the original proportions, the sense that a building this solid has earned its place in the landscape. It sits on terraced grounds that step naturally down the hillside, and that slope is one of the property's quiet masterstrokes. Because of it, every level of the house has a relationship with the garden. Every room has air around it. The espaliered grounds are something you don't often see outside of a curé's garden — the kind of formal, patient planting that takes decades to establish. Rosebushes trained flat against stone, neat and fragrant in June, turning the whole space into something that feels more like a private botanical corner than a typical back garden. It's the sort of detail that stops people mid-sentence when they first walk through the gate. On the garden level, the living space is open and practical. The kitchen flows into a generous living area — no awkward walls dividing the two, just light moving through and the kind of layout that actually works when you have a houseful of people at the table. There's a pantry off the kitchen, which any serious cook will immediately appreciate. A shower room and a cellar round out this floor, the latter offering the kind of storage that makes a second home genuinely livable rather t ... click here to read more

Step out onto the front balcony on a clear October morning and the whole of the Charente-Maritime countryside unrolls in front of you — pale gold fields, distant church spires, the kind of quiet that city people spend years trying to find. That's Fontaine-Chalendray. A small village in the Poitou-Charentes region that most tourists drive straight past on their way to the Atlantic coast, which is precisely what makes it so good. This three-bedroom house sits on a fully enclosed plot and has been kept in genuinely good condition — not "good condition" as a euphemism for "needs imagination," but actually solid, move-in ready, and full of thoughtful details that someone clearly cared about. The 142m² of living space works hard, and a 150m² barn plus three separate garages mean you have more flexibility here than you'd typically find at this price point in France. Inside, the lounge anchors the ground floor with a Dutch wood-burning stove — a proper, cast-iron thing that radiates heat differently from a standard fireplace, warming the room evenly rather than scorching whoever's sitting nearest. On a January evening with the fire going, this room has real pull. Double doors at the rear open directly onto a glassed veranda, which then connects to a covered terrace outside. That sequence — lounge, veranda, terrace — creates a natural flow for entertaining across three seasons without anyone getting rained on. The kitchen and dining room is where this house gets interesting. Bamboo countertops that develop a warm honey tone over time, a breakfast bar for morning coffee and the newspaper, and a professional Italian range cooker with five gas burners plus an electric and solid-fuel oven combination. This isn't a show kitchen ins ... click here to read more

The church bell in Puyjourdes rings at eight on Sunday mornings, and if you're standing in the kitchen of this old stone house with the wood-burning stove crackling and a bowl of café au lait warming your hands, it hits differently than anything you've experienced in the city. That sound—unhurried, ancient, completely indifferent to your schedule—is the whole point of owning a place like this. This four-bedroom property in the Lot department of Midi-Pyrénées sits right on one of the recognised variants of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques, the medieval pilgrimage route that draws tens of thousands of walkers, cyclists and seekers every single year. That's not a footnote. It's a defining feature of daily life here, and—as we'll get to—a serious practical asset for anyone thinking about rental income. The main house has been looked after. Ground floor gives you a kitchen and dining room anchored by a wood-burning stove, a sitting area, a bathroom and a master bedroom with a sliding door that opens onto the garden in the warmer months. Move through to the second living room, which is heated by a mass stove—the kind of dense, slow-release heat source that keeps the room comfortable from a single evening fire well into the following afternoon. A pull-down staircase leads up to the mezzanine bedroom tucked above it, which has the kind of intimate, tucked-away quality that guests tend to request repeatedly. Above that living room on the first floor, a large loft sits waiting. It could become a third bedroom suite, a studio, a reading room with valley views—the permissions process in this corner of Lot is navigable, and local artisans who know the building codes are not in short supply. The two-storey stone barn is its own separate ... click here to read more

On a still July morning in the Lot valley, you wake up to the faint sound of a tractor working somewhere across the fields, sunlight cutting through the wooden shutters and warming the oak-beamed ceiling above you. By the time coffee is brewing in the kitchen, the view from the terrace has already done its job — rolling countryside in every direction, no neighbors interrupting the horizon, just the slow green rhythms of one of France's most quietly extraordinary regions. This is the kind of house that makes you stop checking your phone. Built in 2009, this three-bedroom country home in Souillac sits in the heart of the Lot département, a place where the limestone plateaus of the Quercy Blanc give way to the wooded river valleys that run down toward the Dordogne. The house doesn't pretend to be a centuries-old farmhouse — it was built with contemporary family life in mind — but the architect clearly understood the vernacular. Exposed timber beams run across the ceilings. Underfoot, you get Italian ceramic tiles on the ground floor and warm wooden flooring upstairs, surfaces that stay cool in August and hold the heat from the log-burning insert on November evenings when the first real chill arrives. That living and dining space deserves its own moment. The fireplace with its log burner is the actual center of gravity in winter — the kind of fixture you arrange sofas around and argue about who gets the warmest spot. A second, separate sitting room gives the house a flexibility that matters for real use: kids doing homework while adults entertain, a quiet space for reading when the main room fills up with guests, or simply somewhere to retreat when a week-long holiday rental is running at full capacity. The ground floor a ... click here to read more

Discover the charms of French provincial living with this delightful four-bedroom stone house nestled on an ample plot of 8,776 m2 in Saint-Germain-De-Tallevende-La-Lande-Vaumont, Basse-Normandie. This classic property evokes rustic elegance and provides a serene retreat in a sought-after part of France, ideal for families or those seeking a spacious second home. The house itself is well-appointed with a kitchen that includes a cozy dining area, ideal for family meals or entertaining guests. A generous living room serves as the heart of the home, with a warming wood-burning stove that adds to the home's rustic charm. With four bedrooms, the property comfortably accommodates a family, with additional spaces such as a laundry room, a bathroom and a shower room providing both functionality and convenience. Another major highlight is the inclusion of a garage, an indispensable feature for security and storage. Property Features Include: - Spacious kitchen with dining area - Large living room with wood burning stove - Four well-sized bedrooms - One bathroom, one shower room, and a separate toilet - Laundry room - Garage - Central heating (gas) - Large garden and terrace The property is characterized as being in good condition but, being realistic, it holds potential for some renovation to tailor it to personal tastes or modern standards. This aspect makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in a property and mold it into their dream home. Local Amenities and Lifestyle Living in Saint-Germain-De-Tallevende-La-Lande-Vaumont offers a peaceful lifestyle, deeply intertwined with the natural beauty and the historical backdrop of the Basse-Normandie region. The property's proximity to a tranqui ... click here to read more

Picture yourself awakening to the soft morning light filtering through PVC double-glazed windows as the Normandy countryside comes alive around you. The aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass drifting through your open kitchen door. Your three-bedroom country house in Sourdeval, nestled in the heart of Manche, offers more than shelter—it provides a gateway to the authentic French rural lifestyle that international vacation home seekers dream about discovering. This 75m² stone house stands on 1,500m² of private land, offering the perfect balance between manageable property size and generous outdoor space for family gatherings, vegetable gardens, or simply enjoying the changing seasons of Lower Normandy. The ground floor welcomes you with an entrance flowing into a living room anchored by a traditional fireplace fitted with an efficient pellet stove, creating that quintessential French country ambiance during cooler months. The separate kitchen provides space for preparing regional specialties using local ingredients from nearby markets, while the ground-floor shower room and WC offer practical convenience for daily living and hosting guests. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms provide flexible accommodation for family members and friends visiting your Normandy retreat. Whether you envision children's laughter echoing through the hallways during summer holidays or accommodating multiple couples exploring the region together, this layout delivers versatility. The landing connects these private spaces, while the attic above offers potential for additional storage or future expansion, subject to planning permissions. The property's outbuildings transform this from a simple house into a compo ... click here to read more

Picture yourself standing in the enclosed courtyard of your own Norman retreat, where centuries-old stone walls shelter flowering gardens and the morning mist rolls in from the Manche countryside. This substantial three-bedroom house in Sourdeval offers international buyers an authentic slice of Lower Normandy life, where traditional architecture meets the practical comforts modern vacation homeowners need. With 95 square meters of living space plus a generous 45-square-meter convertible attic ready for your personal vision, this property presents opportunities many second home seekers spend years searching for. Sourdeval sits in the heart of the Manche department, where rolling green pastures meet bocage hedgerows and history echoes through medieval market squares. The rhythm of life here follows Normandy's agricultural calendar: spring apple blossoms that perfume entire valleys, summer farmers markets overflowing with Camembert and cidre, autumn harvest festivals celebrating the region's legendary calvados, and winter evenings gathered around crackling fireplaces. This house captures that rhythm perfectly, with its traditional layout offering both communal spaces for gathering and private retreats for quiet moments. The ground floor centers around a welcoming kitchen where you can prepare meals with ingredients from Sourdeval's weekly markets, while the adjacent living room with its working fireplace becomes the natural heart of the home during cooler months. A second living room provides flexible space that many international owners convert into dining areas, home offices, or cozy reading rooms overlooking the garden. This configuration serves vacation homeowners exceptionally well, allowing simultaneous activities ... click here to read more

Step into this charming home nestled in the serene landscapes of Vire, Basse-Normandie, a sublime locality that promises a placid yet vibrant living experience. This welcoming 5-bedroom abode spreads over 186 square meters and is sited on an expansive plot of land measuring approximately 3455 square meters. If you've been contemplating a life in the picturesque French countryside, this property beckons with its open promise of comfort and space. The house exudes a character that fits seamlessly into the bucolic surroundings of the Normandy region. As you enter, you're greeted by a commodious entrance hall that leads you into the fitted kitchen, well-equipped for culinary adventures. The living room, accented by a cozy fireplace, invites gatherings and quiet evenings alike. The residence comprises five well-appointed bedrooms, offering ample personal space for each family member. Additionally, the property includes a practical laundry room, a bathroom, and a shower room—catering to the needs of a modern family. Property Features: - Five spacious bedrooms - Fitted kitchen - Living room with a fireplace - One bathroom and one shower room - Laundry room - Extensive land size of 3455 square meters - Garage - Annual property tax: 1963 € For those envisioning a venture into renovation or simply making this space their own, the property offers a solid foundation to build upon. Its good condition allows for immediate occupancy, while still leaving room for personalized enhancements and decorations. Living in Vire Normandie is experiencing a blend of historical richness and contemporary convenience. The town is famed for its lush landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant community life. From traditional markets offering l ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Normandy Nestled in the serene countryside of Vire Normandie, this charming stone house offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, the crisp morning air filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the promise of a day spent exploring the picturesque landscapes of Basse-Normandie. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. A Home with Character and Comfort Step inside this delightful two-bedroom stone house, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. The interior exudes warmth and character, with exposed beams and stone walls that tell stories of a bygone era. The heart of the home is the inviting living room, where a granite fireplace and wood-burning stove create a cozy ambiance perfect for relaxing evenings. The fitted kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, opens seamlessly into the living area, making it ideal for entertaining family and friends. A Garden Lover's Paradise Outside, the property unfolds into a sprawling 6986m² garden, a haven for nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados. Whether you're cultivating your own vegetable patch, enjoying a leisurely afternoon picnic, or simply soaking in the sun, this expansive outdoor space offers endless possibilities. The garden also features an outbuilding, garage, and workshop, providing ample storage and creative space for hobbies and projects. A Gateway to Normandy's Rich Heritage Living in Vire Normandie means immersing yourself in a region rich with history and culture. Explore the medieval architecture of Vire, with its ancient fortifications and charming town center. Indulge in th ... click here to read more

Nestled between the vibrant community of Vire and the picturesque countryside of the Basse-Normandie region, lies a house that seamlessly merges comfort with potential. This post-war property, situated in Vire, Basse-Normandie, offers a unique blend of residential warmth and ample space for personalization, ideal for those seeking a home in France with its serene yet lively lifestyle. For a moment, picture yourself arriving at this welcoming abode. The structure stands with an understated grace, hinting at its history while also offering modern-day functionality. As you step through the entrance hall, you are greeted by a fitted kitchen that beckons the family chef to whip up their next culinary masterpiece. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy living room/lounge area that invites gatherings, laughter, and relaxation. The ground floor also features the convenience of a bedroom and a toilet, perfectly suited for guests or family members preferring single-story living. Heading upstairs, the home continues to deliver with two additional spacious bedrooms, providing comfortable resting spaces, and a shower room that caters to all daily needs with simplicity and ease. The layout is both practical and conducive to family life, offering not just rooms, but spaces where memories can be made. The house itself might need a touch of personalization here and there, but this gives you the opportunity to make it truly yours. Some areas might benefit from a bit of modern flare or a personal touch, but this can be seen as an exciting opportunity to imprint your style onto the property. The large outbuilding is a significant aspect of this home, offering extra space that could be transformed into anything you envision – perhaps a worksho ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene town of Sourdeval in the Manche department of France, this charming 3-bedroom semi-detached house offers a prime opportunity for international buyers or expats seeking a slice of French living. Priced at €118,400 and spanning 84 m², the home sits on a generous plot of 1,232 m², complete with a courtyard, land for gardening or leisure, and a 40 m² garage, providing ample storage or workshop space. The house features traditional architecture and is structurally in good condition but may benefit from some updates and personal touches by its new owners. It’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a project home that doesn't require extensive renovations but allows for creative input. Ground floor: - Entrance hall - Fitted kitchen ready for culinary adventures - Cozy living room with a fireplace for evening relaxation - Boiler room - Conveniently located WC Upstairs: - Landing leading to all rooms - 3 well-proportioned bedrooms - A shower room with WC Additional features: - Attic space, offering potential for conversion - Efficient double-glazed windows - Gas heating system ensuring warmth throughout the seasons - Septic tank sanitation Living in Sourdeval means embracing the tranquil pace of life typical of rural Normandy. The town is small yet vibrant, providing all the necessary amenities for daily life including shops, restaurants, schools, and medical facilities. The local community is active and welcoming, often organizing events and markets that celebrate both the history and gastronomy of the region. The area is a paradise for nature lovers. Numerous walking trails and parks invite residents to enjoy the outdoors, and the proximity to the English Channel allows for easy weekend ge ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming town of Sourdeval, in the picturesque region of Basse-Normandie, France, this stone house offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a slice of the idyllic French countryside. With its good condition, this property presents a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, just waiting for you to explore its potential. Before delving into the property details, let's take a moment to acquaint with Sourdeval itself and all it has to offer. Sourdeval is a quaint, little town known for its tranquil surroundings and the friendliness of its local residents. Situated in the northwestern part of France, it boasts a temperate climate, which means mild winters and comfortably warm summers. This pleasant weather provides an ideal environment for exploring the lush landscapes or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the town's narrow streets. Living here, you'll find yourself in close proximity to historic towns like Vire and the stunning beaches of Normandy's coastline, all within a relaxing drive. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding in the scenic hills and forests that surround Sourdeval. The local community is vibrant and welcoming, with farmers' markets brimming with fresh produce, cheese, and the famous Normandy cider. The pace of life here is wonderfully unhurried, giving you ample time to embrace French culture, explore artisan shops, or unwind in a quaint café while sipping on your café au lait. And if solitude is what you seek, the serene countryside provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. Now, let's step into this inviting stone house, which sits gracefully on the edge of town, offering a peaceful retreat with the conveniences o ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Normandy Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of a songbird, as the morning sun filters through the lush canopy surrounding your stone-built sanctuary. Nestled at the end of a private driveway, this 4-bedroom house near Vire, Calvados, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its rich history dating back to the early 1900s, this property is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. A Home with Character and Comfort Step inside to discover 102 square meters of thoughtfully renovated living space, where traditional charm meets modern convenience. The ground floor welcomes you with an open-plan living room, complete with a fitted kitchen and a cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering with family and friends. A fitted wood burner adds warmth and ambiance, making it an inviting space to unwind after a day exploring the picturesque Normandy countryside. The ground floor also features a study, ideal for those who work from home or seek a quiet corner for reading and reflection. A bedroom with an en suite shower room offers convenience and privacy, while a utility room and WC complete the layout. Upstairs, the first floor reveals three additional bedrooms, each offering a peaceful retreat for rest and relaxation. A family bathroom ensures comfort for all, while a landing area provides a versatile space for a second study or reading nook. Embrace the Outdoors Beyond the walls of this charming home, the property extends to 2.4 acres of garden and paddocks, offering endless possibilities for outdoor living. Whether you dream of cultivating a vibrant garden, keeping horses, or si ... click here to read more

Discover peaceful countryside living with this charming 3-bedroom country home nestled in the rustic hamlet of Vire-Normandie, situated in the heart of Normandy, Calvados, France. This lovely detached stone house is set on over an acre of picturesque gardens, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a connection to nature. The home itself, which covers 115 square meters, is primarily in good condition and offers a harmonious blend of modern amenities and traditional character. The stone exterior, coupled with modern double-glazed windows installed around 2016, assures a blend of efficiency and historic charm. While the house is comfortable and ready for immediate move-in, it also presents a wonderful opportunity for those looking to personalize a home without the need for extensive renovations. Upon entering, you're greeted by a cozy entrance hall featuring birch wood flooring and exposed stone walls. The lounge, which is comfortably sized and includes a modern pellet burner, offers a perfect space for family gatherings. It opens onto a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests. The utility room adds a practical touch with spaces allocated for washing and drying machines, along with additional storage. The upper level houses three bedrooms, each with unique features like "Juliette" balconies, sloping ceilings, and exposed stone walls adding to the charm. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room, while the other two bedrooms share a "Jack & Jill" style bathroom, ensuring convenience and privacy. Living in Vire-Normandie offers a blend of serene rural life with the convenience of nearby amenities. The town of Vire is just a few kilometers away, providing access to s ... click here to read more

Welcome to the charming community of Beauficel, located in the serene Manche department of Normandy, France. This delightful three-bedroom detached house offers a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern comforts, nestled amidst the lush landscapes that typify this historic region. Property Features: - Size: Approximately 130 square meters of living space. - Bedrooms: Three spacious bedrooms. - Bathrooms: Three well-equipped bathrooms. - Kitchen/Dining Room: Combines functionality with rustic style, featuring wooden and tiled floors, modern appliances including an oven, fridge/freezer, and gas stove. A cosy dining area is perfect for family meals. - Living/Dining Room: Spacious area with a granite fireplace and wood-burning stove, perfect for relaxing evenings. - Fitness Room: Dedicated space for staying active. - Additional Spaces: Utility room, cellar/boiler room, and a basement level gîte with its own facilities. The main house greets you with a kitchen/dining room that serves as the heart of the home, leading seamlessly to a generous living/dining area. Upstairs, the bedrooms merge contemporary comfort with rustic elements such as exposed beams and stone walls, offering serene personal retreats. Each room captures the essence of country living while providing modern amenities. The property includes a separate gîte, ideal for hosting guests or potential rental opportunities. It features its own kitchen, dining area, and living space, providing privacy and comfort. Outdoor and Additional Features: - Garden: A lush garden with hundred-year-old trees and two outbuildings, one of which serves as a workshop. - Local Amenities: Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the sunken paths ideal for walks in the picturesq ... click here to read more

Nestled charmingly in the picturesque village of Sourdeval in Normandy, France, this delightful town house is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat without straying too far from local amenities. As a global real estate expert, I understand the magnetic draw of the French countryside, and this location is an exceptional choice for international buyers and expats looking to immerse themselves in the idyllic lifestyle France offers. The property itself is positioned within close proximity to the village's bakery and cozy bar/restaurant, making everyday conveniences just a short stroll away. For those who treasure the chance to step out and mingle with the friendly local community, you'll find this neighborhood to be quite welcoming. With a pleasant climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round, Sourdeval is where you can enjoy the full breadth of Normandy’s seasons, from blossoming springs to balmy summers. Let's delve deeper into what this property has to offer. It's a quaint 2-bedroom house with 95 square meters of living space that is meticulously maintained. The high ceilings add an airy feel to the already bright and inviting rooms. Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat or somewhere to settle, this house radiates the promise of a warm, welcoming home. Property features include: - 2 spacious bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - Loft space with potential for master suite - High ceilings throughout - Woodburner in the lounge - Electric heating - Mains drainage, water, and electricity - Fibre optic internet - Laundry room and workshop in the basement - Gravel parking space - Terraced garden with mature shrubs and hedges Though the house is in good condition, the loft's potential conversion into a master suite ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, France, this remarkably spacious farmhouse is a dream for anyone seeking a serene rural escape. Located in the inviting town of Sourdeval, it combines the charm of a traditional French farmhouse with the potential for personal adaptation, making it perfect for overseas buyers and expats looking for that idyllic European lifestyle. Sourdeval and its surroundings boast a rich history, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant community spirit. Known for its quintessential French charm, the area is surrounded by lush meadows, rolling hills, and scenic woodlands that define the region's character. This is not just a place to live but a lifestyle to embrace. This 244 square meter farmhouse set in nearly five acres of lush Normandy landscape captures the essence of country life while offering ample space for families. A large five-bedroom house complimented by a separate two-bedroom gîte provides both comfort and opportunity. While the property is in good condition, it offers ample potential for customization and improvement—a chance to create the perfect retreat tailored to your vision. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of nature, enjoying a leisurely breakfast surrounded by panoramic views, or exploring your own productive gardens with rows of fruit-bearing trees and vibrant vegetable patches. The outdoor space is nothing short of wonderful, with beautifully landscaped gardens that have been lovingly maintained for decades. There's also a charming orchard and paddock, ideal for those looking to cultivate their own produce or keep animals. The separate gîte offers potential for guest accommodation, a rental opportunity, or simply a serene private dwelling offering rust ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene heart of Normandy, France, this charming 2-bedroom country home is an idyllic retreat set against the lush greens of the Manche countryside, right near the quaint town of Sourdeval. This property is not just a house but a chapter waiting to be written into the lives of those who seek tranquil living with a touch of French country charm. Over the last 17 years, the current owners have lovingly renovated this residence, crafting it into a cozy haven with an expansive garden waiting for a new family to call it home. The house stands promising with its double glazed wood frame windows, designed to keep the charm of country living while offering modern comforts. For those considering investing or seeking additional income, there’s also potential here. Adjacent to the main house is a gîte that mirrors its structure, providing an exciting project for those who enjoy putting a personal touch on their dwellings. This gîte is wired separately for water and electricity, making it an ideal setup for rental opportunities or housing guests. Key Features of the Property: - 67 square metres of living space - 2 spacious bedrooms on the upper floor - Cozy lounge with exposed stone wall & wood-burner - Kitchen/dining area with tiled floors - Standalone shower room with character - Parking space for 2 vehicles - Lawned garden with mature trees & shrubs - Large attached workshop for all your DIY needs - Mains water & electricity - Drainage via an all-water septic tank Living in Normandy promises peace and authenticity—far away from the bustling cities. Sourdeval, a nearby picturesque town, offers all required everyday amenities including supermarkets, banks, and local markets. Every Tuesday, the vibrant produce mark ... click here to read more

Nestled in the quaint and vibrant town of Sourdeval, located in the captivating region of Normandy, France, this charming house is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. As a busy global real estate agent, my time is often stretched thin, but when a property like this comes along, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities it offers. Spanning 94 square meters, this spacious four-bedroom house is ideally situated for those looking to embrace a harmonious blend of community life and pastoral beauty. Upon entering through the partly glazed door, one is welcomed by a warm and inviting entrance hall. The tiled floor hints at the practical yet cosy design that permeates the entire home. The ground floor seamlessly combines functionality with comfort, featuring a utility room to make everyday chores a breeze, and a cloakroom for guests. As you move into the heart of the home, the kitchen/breakfast room offers a delightful space for culinary endeavours. Its access to the terrace and rear garden ensures bright and airy mornings as you sip coffee overlooking the garden. The house isn't shy about space, either. The lounge/dining room stretches across the breadth of the house, with glazed double doors and sliding patio doors creating a fluid connection with the outdoors. The promise of afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows is a comforting thought, making it perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. Moving upstairs, the first floor offers four well-proportioned bedrooms, each boasting a unique view and perspective of the surrounding area. The main bedroom, with its ample built-in storage and window overlooking the rear elevation, offers a private retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The remaining ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque southwest region of Normandy, near the boundaries of Manche and Calvados, this charming 2-bedroom country home offers a tranquil retreat with a delightful opportunity for customization and enhancement. Situated just 3 kilometers from the town of Sourdeval—rich in community offerings and conveniences—this property blends the allure of rural serenity with the benefits of nearby town facilities. The country house itself has been attentively renovated over the past 17 years, providing a cozy yet modern living experience. Showcasing a blend of rustic and updated elements, the home includes double-glazed wood-frame windows that ensure year-round comfort. The property spans two floors, featuring tiled floors, an exposed stone wall, and wooden beams that add character to the spacious lounge, which is also equipped with a wood burner within a striking granite fireplace. The ground floor hosts a well-sized kitchen/dining area that leads directly to the rear garden. The kitchen is fitted with modern necessities and ample space for culinary exploration. Transitioning to the first floor, you are greeted with a landing area that reveals exposed beams and a sloping ceiling, creating a cozy, attic-like feel. The two bedrooms offer peaceful personal spaces, with the main bedroom including a walk-in wardrobe—an ideal addition for extra storage needs. While the main house is in good condition, the property also features an attached gîte that awaits finishing touches. Reflecting the layout of the main house, this space offers great potential for rental income or guest accommodation once completed. Outside, the landscape envelops the home with a sense of privacy and space. The garden, adorned with mature trees ... click here to read more

Introducing an idyllic 2-bedroom cottage nestled deep in the picturesque countryside of the Manche department, in Normandy, France. This attractive house is located in the serene, quiet commune of Sourdeval, giving you a unique opportunity to experience the relaxing, rural French lifestyle. The tranquil hamlet surrounds you with its mesmeric charm, yet you are never far from modern conveniences. A small, friendly village is located only 2 kilometres away, where you will find a welcoming bar and bread depot. Meanwhile, just a 10-minute drive brings you to the bustling town of Sourdeval, which boasts numerous amenities. The exterior of the house offers a quintessential French cottage feel with a beautiful blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary style. The countryside allure is further encapsulated by the beautifully maintained garden that measures 0.19 of an acre, offering a wonderful sense of peace, privacy, and tranquillity amongst the lush greenery of Normandy. At a comfortable size of 80 square meters, the interior of the house is spotless, cozy, and full of character. The ground floor houses the main living area which includes an open-plan sitting and dining room. The rustic stone fireplace and wood burner in the sitting area provide a warm and homely ambiance during the cooler months. Additionally, the fitted kitchen area is modern, functional, and ready for your culinary creations. The first floor is equally inviting, featuring a landing area, two bedrooms measuring 18.7 m² and 9 m² respectively. The bathroom is generously sized at 6.2 m² and fitted with a bath, shower, and WC. The house also benefits from electric heating and the aforementioned wood burner, ensuring you are always cozy and warm whateve ... click here to read more

Nestled on the outskirts of the charming village of Sourdeval, this picturesque country home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and opportunity for those seeking a serene lifestyle in the heart of Normandy, France. As a busy real estate agent, I've seen many properties, but this one stands out with its unique charm and potential, drawing attention from investors and expatriates alike. Sourdeval, located in the Manche department of Normandy, is a delightful locale where the pace of life slows down, allowing residents to truly savor each day. The local area is adorned with rolling fields, traditional French countryside architecture, and friendly locals who embody the region's warm hospitality. If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll find how community-driven this place is, with market days every Tuesday showcasing vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, regional cheeses, and more. The property itself is a true countryside gem, boasting a lovely garden spanning over an acre with mesmerizing views of the surrounding fields. This country home, thoughtfully renovated over 22 years, still retains its authentic character while offering modern comforts. It features a separate old stone house that's ideal for ambitious projects – a perfect renovation opportunity for those looking to add their personal touch to a historic structure. With three floors of living space, the main house offers: - 3 cozy bedrooms, filled with natural light - 2 well-equipped bathrooms - A spacious lounge/dining room featuring traditional exposed beams and a welcoming woodburner - A well-sized kitchen, ready to handle all your culinary adventures - A separate shower room convenient for guests or quick refreshes For those who delight in a mix of ... click here to read more