Norman House with Heated Pool & Bread Oven in Marbeuf, Normandy

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

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

Pull up on a Tuesday morning and the only sound is a wood pigeon somewhere in the old oak at the far end of the garden. The Charente valley rolls away below the infinity pool in shades of green and gold, and the stone walls of the house are still cool from the night. This is what you came for. Not the TGV timetable, not the Bordeaux wine list — just this specific silence, in this specific corner of southwest France, that you simply cannot manufacture anywhere else. Dignac sits in the gentle hills of the Charente, a département that most international buyers overlook on their way to the Dordogne or the Basque Coast. That's their loss and your opportunity. The village itself is small and unassuming — a boulangerie that opens at seven, a butcher who knows his suppliers by name, a bar-tabac where the dominoes come out after lunch. Real life, in other words. And yet Angoulême is barely twenty minutes down the road, with a TGV station that puts you on the platform at Paris Montparnasse in under two hours, or in Bordeaux Saint-Jean in forty minutes. The combination of deep rural quiet and genuine transport connectivity is rarer than it sounds. The house is a proper Charentais stone property — the kind built to last centuries, which it has. Thick limestone walls keep the interior cool in July without air conditioning. The renovation has been done with the sort of restraint that takes real confidence: natural stone floors left exactly as they are, oak beams cleaned up but not sandblasted into submission, original oak doors rehung on new hardware. The current owners didn't strip the soul out of it chasing a minimalist aesthetic. Instead, every room feels like it earned its character. The living room fireplace is the honest centr ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Issigeac: the weekly market on Place du Château is already buzzing by nine, the smell of roasting chicken drifting from the rôtisserie stall, the sound of French chatter rising above the medieval ramparts. You're a ten-minute drive away, standing at your kitchen window with a coffee, looking out across a valley that hasn't changed much in three centuries. That's the kind of morning this property delivers, week after week, season after season. This is a barn conversion done right — and that distinction matters. Too many conversions in the Périgord sacrifice either the soul or the practicality, stripping out the stone to insert plasterboard, or preserving the beams while ignoring the cold. Here, the balance actually works. Exposed stone walls and heavy oak beams anchor every room in something authentic, while underfloor heating on the ground floor, solar panels for hot water, double glazing throughout, and a rare energy rating of B mean your running costs won't eat you alive. For a property of this age and character, that B rating is genuinely exceptional — most stone farmhouses in the Dordogne struggle to break a D. The layout is generous at 250 square metres, and it doesn't waste space on corridors or awkward half-rooms. The kitchen and dining room is the kind you actually want to cook in — properly fitted, with room for a long table and still space to move around it. A wood-burning stove anchors one end. The adjoining living room has its own stove too, and on a January evening when mist sits in the valley and the fire is going, this room becomes the whole reason you bought in France. Beyond that, a utility room with pantry storage and a guest cloakroom handle the unglamorous logistics cleanly. Upsta ... click here to read more

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

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

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

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

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

On a warm Tuesday morning in Jonzac, you open the terrace doors off the sitting room and the air smells faintly of mineral water and cut grass. Below you, the garden runs downhill in long, generous sweeps — through a canopy of trees, past a woodland patch that filters the light into something almost theatrical — until it reaches the quiet banks of the River Seugne. A heron stands perfectly still at the water's edge. You can hear the church bells from the old town center, just five minutes away on foot. That's the daily reality of owning this five-bedroom geothermically heated house in the heart of one of Charente-Maritime's most quietly compelling spa towns. The property sits less than 500 meters from Jonzac's center, which puts you close to everything without sacrificing the sense of space that defines life here. The upper floor holds three well-proportioned bedrooms, a bathroom with a separate WC, and a triple-aspect living and dining room that catches light from three directions. That room connects directly to the south-facing terrace — the kind of terrace you end up living on from April through October, drinking Pineau des Charentes in the early evenings while the swallows dart over the garden. The kitchen is bright and practical, also opening onto the terrace, so cooking here in summer means constant movement between inside and out. What makes this house genuinely unusual is the lower floor. Two independent guest accommodations sit completely self-contained on that level, each with private access. For a family wanting multi-generational space — grandparents, adult children, close friends who visit for weeks at a time — this layout is hard to find at this price point in France. For a buyer thinking about income gen ... click here to read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you're looking for a charming slice of French countryside living, let me introduce you to a delightful house nestled in the heart of Quittebeuf, Normandy. As a busy real estate agent working with overseas buyers, I know that's the charm of this region is irresistible, and this property is a gem waiting to be discovered by the right family or investor. This well-maintained, detached house offers an inviting setting in a peaceful village atmosphere. With three bedrooms spread across a generous 139 square meters, this home combines space and coziness, making it a perfect fit for families or retirees seeking tranquility. The setting in Quittebeuf is typically French, with lush countryside and picturesque stone-built homes that offer a glance into the rich history of the region. Starting from the beginning, as you enter, you're greeted by a welcoming entrance hall that leads you into a spacious living room of approximately 45 square meters. This space is grand, yet inviting—perfect for intimate family gatherings or entertaining guests. The open kitchen, which is both fitted and equipped, makes cooking a joy, and there's a traditional wood stove adding a cozy touch to those chillier evenings. Moving along, the ground level offers a practical family-friendly layout with one of the three bedrooms conveniently located on this floor. The shower room, separate toilet, and effective use of space ensure that everything you need is within easy reach. Venture upstairs, and you'll find two more bedrooms. One features a lovely dressing room, and both offer ample space for comfort and personalization. There’s also a room that's just waiting to be transformed into a full bathroom, with all the necessary fittings and water inlets a ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming town of Quittebeuf in the heart of Normandy, France, this well-preserved gem is just waiting for its next lucky owners to step in and call it home. With its rustic charm and thoughtful design, it's an ideal retreat for those looking for a tranquil lifestyle in the picturesque region of Eure. Despite being miles away, you can already imagine the allure of living in your own little slice of French paradise. Let me walk you through this delightful three-bedroom house, showcasing the meticulous care that's gone into maintaining its welcoming condition. As soon as you set foot inside, you're greeted by an inviting entrance hall. It's a perfect entry point that seamlessly guides you into a spacious living room spanning about 45 square meters. The open-plan layout offers a blend of old-world warmth and modern comfort, with a fitted and equipped kitchen ready for you to whip up your favorite dishes. Imagine curling up by the wood stove on a crisp Normandy evening, its warmth wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. On the ground floor, discover one of the cozy bedrooms situated alongside a shower room and a separate toilet. It's convenient and comfortable, offering all the essentials at hand. Venture upstairs to find a charming landing area that serves as a versatile space; this is where your creativity can shine. Whether it's a stylish dressing room or a home office, this area can cater to your needs. The upper floor also hosts two additional bedrooms. One of these rooms boasts a beautiful dressing area, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of extra flair in their living space. One unique aspect of this property is the room waiting to be completed as a second bathroom. The groundwork is already set with ti ... click here to read more

Alright folks, let's dive straight into this marvelous opportunity over in Quittebeuf, France. As a busy real estate agent with a roster filled with keen buyers like yourselves, I've seen quite a number of properties, and I'm delighted to introduce this charming and well-maintained house. I know how busy you all are too, so let's get straight to the good stuff! Nestled in the serene countryside of Normandy in Eure, Quittebeuf, this detached property is a true gem, blending comfort and simplistic elegance. Perfectly habitable on one level, it stands as a testament to well-kept living spaces with its pristine condition. So if you're an overseas buyer looking for a quaint yet convenient spot, listen up! Stepping inside, you're greeted by an inviting entrance hall, which leads you to a spacious living room approximately 45 m² in size. It's a cozy living area, perfect for family gatherings or just curling up with a good book in front of the wood stove. The open kitchen is equipped and fitted, ready for you to whip up local French delicacies. Now, for practicality, you'll find a separate toilet and a shower room on this floor, along with a bedroom that’s well-suited for guests or as a restful den for yourself. Ascend to the upper floor to discover a versatile landing that can easily double as a dressing room or office space. Here, there are two bedrooms—one offering a functional dressing room—and there's also a room waiting to be transformed into an additional bathroom, with the necessary plumbing routes already provided. For those of you with an adventurous spirit and a knack for projects, this could be your chance to add a personal touch, without rehauling the entire structure. The property rests on a full basement, beau ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Normandy, in the heart of Le Neubourg, stands a welcoming country home beckoning potential buyers from across the globe to come explore its possibilities. This serene retreat, priced quite attractively at €298,000, offers vast potential for families, expats, or anyone longing for a peaceful escape to the French countryside. While it's in good condition, with a touch of imagination and creativity, you could further personalize it to your liking, making it a true personal haven. Le Neubourg, situated in the department of Eure, is known for its rolling landscapes and charming appeal — perfect for those looking to integrate into French country living. The region gifts you with mild, refreshing summers and chilly, cozy winters, making it an ideal canvas for year-round living or a seasonal getaway. Imagine arriving here after a long week bustling through Europe's major cities, just an hour and a half from Paris, Caen, or Le Havre. The restful atmosphere is exactly what awaits. On the approach, the property unveils its generous size of approximately 236 square meters, all enfolded within 2200 square meters of enclosed land. Your journey into this home begins with a welcoming entrance that leads directly into an open-plan living space. Here, a recently fitted kitchen, fully equipped and modern in its conveniences, seamlessly integrates with the living room area, which boasts a stunning cathedral ceiling. This spacious setting, complete with a bar and air conditioning, is a natural gathering place for family and friends, ideal for enjoying lazy afternoons or lively dinners. Continuing on the ground floor, discover the luxurious master suite equipped with its own private bathroom. Additiona ... click here to read more

Imagine owning a piece of Normandy's serene countryside, where the charm of rural France meets modern comfort. Nestled in the picturesque town of Le Neubourg, this exquisite 4-bedroom house offers a perfect escape for those seeking a second home or a vacation retreat. With its rich history, lush landscapes, and proximity to cultural landmarks, Le Neubourg is an ideal location for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. A Home That Welcomes You As you step into this 185m² residence, you're greeted by a spacious entrance hall that sets the tone for the rest of the home. The ground floor boasts a generous 40m² living room, complete with a cozy cast iron pellet stove, perfect for those chilly Normandy evenings. The fully equipped kitchen, featuring a central island, invites culinary adventures and family gatherings. The ground floor also includes a bedroom, a modern bathroom with a bathtub, and a separate toilet, ensuring convenience and comfort for guests or family members who prefer single-level living. Upstairs Comfort and Potential Venture upstairs to discover three additional bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with ample storage and dressing areas. The large bathroom on this level offers a corner bathtub, shower, and double sinks, providing a spa-like experience at home. A separate toilet adds to the practicality of this floor. The second floor presents a 90m² attic, a blank canvas for your imagination. Whether you envision a playroom, a home office, or an artist's studio, this space offers endless possibilities. Outdoor Oasis The property sits on a sprawling 4500m² plot, enclosed and adorned with mature trees, offering privacy and tranquility. Two expansive terraces, each 50m², provide the pe ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Normandy, this delightful residence stands in the charming town of Le Neubourg, France. Imagine living in a place with a rich history, abundant nature, and quietude that comes from a long-forgotten time. This spacious home, a rare find in today’s market, enjoys all the perks and mystery of the 19th century, yet it has also been thoughtfully renovated to suit contemporary needs. Extend a warm welcome to potential new lifestyle adventures in this 3-bedroom house with intriguing possibilities. Le Neubourg is a quaint locale in the Eure department, offering a glimpse into authentic French living while being conveniently connected to larger towns and cities. The area ensnares you with its serene charm, sprawling farmlands, and traditional markets. Whether you plan to relocate or are in search of a peaceful abode for your holiday getaways, this location assures you all the calm and culture of the French countryside. The spectacular Norman Longère awaits your presence, boasting three commodious bedrooms, promising abundant space for families or holiday gatherings. As you step through the threshold, the allure of the spacious living room greets you. Imagine unwinding by the period fireplace on a chilly evening, a Godin wood stove roaring beside it, making the heart of the household warm and inviting. - Living room: approx 52 m2 - Godin wood stove - Period fireplace - Large fitted kitchen - Separate WC - Bathroom with walk-in shower Sunlit rooms grace the upstairs of this residence, where a clever layout rewards you with ultimate flexibility. There are three vast bedrooms, each carrying its persona, yet tying together the elegance of timeless architecture with modern functionality. The mas ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the lush, picturesque landscape of Normandy in the charming commune of Le Neubourg, this three-bedroom house presents an excellent living opportunity, especially for those looking to connect with the tranquil French countryside. With a surface area of approximately 135 square meters and a generously sized, enclosed garden spanning about 1269 square meters, this property invites comfort with a promise of privacy and peace. The house, a stunning 19th-century Norman Longère, has been meticulously renovated using high-quality materials, ensuring a ready-to-move-in status with no immediate renovations required. The ground floor boasts a spacious living room of approximately 52 square meters, complete with a traditional period fireplace and a modern Godin wood stove. This charming combination of old and new provides a centrepiece for family gatherings and cozy evenings. The sizable, fully fitted kitchen is both functional and stylish, equipped to cater to the culinary needs of a modern family or a gourmet enthusiast. Additionally, the bathroom is conveniently designed with a walk-in shower and ample storage space, while the separate WC ups the comfort factor. The upper floor comprises three large adjoining bedrooms, including a master suite with its own private bathroom. The layout offers personal space for all members of the family and can be adapted to include separate access between the rooms, should it be necessary. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, the garden is a verdant retreat adorned with a variety of fruit trees and floral displays creating a serene and private environment. Supporting structures include a garage with an integrated boiler room, a workshop, a practical garden shed, and a cel ... click here to read more

Welcome to a wonderful opportunity for potential homeowners or expatriates seeking a blend of peaceful country living and the quaint charm of Normandy, France. Embrace the essence of French living in Le Neubourg, a community celebrated for its scenic beauty and proximity to essential amenities and larger cities. This house offers a spacious abode with 122 square meters of living space, which has been maintained to a high standard since its construction in 2004. A warm and inviting atmosphere permeates this home, which is perfect for a family seeking the tranquility of rural life with modern comforts. Property Features: - Five comfortably-sized bedrooms, with two on the ground floor featuring their own dressing rooms. - Two inviting bathrooms, providing convenience for both family living and hosting visitors. - A very generous 37 square meter bright living room, ideal for cozy evenings and family gatherings. - An open, fully equipped kitchen, which allows for engaging meal preparation and dining experiences. - Additional features including an office space on the ground floor, perfect for telecommuting or handling personal affairs. - The house includes substantial outdoor spaces: a 750 square meter enclosed yard, a 30 square meter tiled terrace for outdoor dining and leisure, an above-ground swimming pool, and a garden chalet for additional storage. The house, while in good condition, may require some updates depending on your tastes and needs, catering well for those ready to invest a little to make this their dream home. Amenities Include: - An attached garage with attic space above, and a handy carport alongside. - Modern comforts include water softening system and fiber internet connection for high-speed internet a ... click here to read more

Charming 3-bedroom Norman Longère in Le Neubourg Located in the picturesque region of Normandy, in the tranquil town of Le Neubourg, this captivating 19-century Norman Longère offers a perfect mixture of historical charm and modern comfort. Boasting around 135 square meters of living space, this beautifully renovated home could be the ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in French country living while enjoying the conveniences of a fully updated residence. Property Features: - Spacious living room of approximately 52 square meters with an impressive period fireplace and a modern Godin wood stove - Large fitted kitchen equipped with contemporary appliances - Three generously sized, adjoining bedrooms including a master suite with a private bathroom - Ground-level comprises a hallway with storage cupboards, a stylish bathroom with walk-in shower, and a separate toilet - Triple-glazed and double-glazed windows ensuring energy efficiency - Alarm system and surveillance camera for enhanced security - Motorized gate with a videophone system - Fiber internet connectivity available, ideal for remote work or entertainment - Exterior features include a garage with boiler room, a workshop, a garden shed, and a cellar - Enclosed garden adorned with fruit trees, shrubs, and flowering plants spread across approximately 1269 square meters The house does not require any immediate renovation, allowing new owners to simply move in and start enjoying their new home. Its large windows not only accentuate the home’s scenic surroundings but also allow ample natural light to brighten up the space, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Local Amenities and Attractions: - Close proximity to local nursery and primar ... click here to read more

Situated in the charming town of Le Neubourg within the iconic Normandy region of Eure, France, this delightful four-bedroom single-storey house offers a seamless blend of comfort and tranquility. Ideal for families or those looking to settle into a peaceful life, this property spans an impressive 145 square meters of living space, completely modernized to suit contemporary living standards. The house welcomes you with a large entrance hall that leads into a luminously spacious living room, approximately 70 square meters in size. This main living area is graced by ample natural light and includes a state-of-the-art open kitchen, fully equipped with modern appliances, perfect for family mealtimes or entertaining guests. Adjacent to the kitchen is a convenient laundry room. Living arrangements are well thought out, with four well-proportioned bedrooms, making it suitable for a family. One bedroom boasts an adjoining dressing room, while another features built-in wardrobes. The bathroom is designed for relaxation and functionality, equipped with a walk-in shower, double sinks, and a separate bathtub, providing a spa-like atmosphere. Additional features and amenities include: - Underfloor heating for maximum comfort - Air-to-air heat pump - Electric roller shutters ensuring privacy and security - High-speed fiber internet, perfect for those who work from home - Large indoor parking area - A beautifully maintained, enclosed wooded garden spanning 2805 square meters - An inviting wooden terrace, perfect for outdoor dining or relaxation - Additional storage solutions include a sizeable wooden building with a carport and a large chalet with an attic and lean-to The property's location is notably serene, enveloped by verdant ... click here to read more

Located in the picturesque region of Normandy, this 3-bedroom house in Le Neubourg, Eure offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of French country living. With a rich history, abundant nature, and convenient access to local amenities, this charming, partially stone-clad property presents a blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts. Property Description This delightful home has been attentively renovated to meet contemporary standards while preserving its 19th-century Norman Longere character. Spanning approximately 135 square meters of living space, with an additional floor area of 155 square meters, the house is well-appointed and designed for comfort and style. Step into the spacious 52 square meter living room, where the original fireplace outfitted with a Godin wood stove beckons with warmth and history. The adjacent large kitchen is both fitted and equipped for gourmet pursuits, featuring high-quality materials and modern conveniences. A practical hallway with ample storage, a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a separate toilet complete the ground level layout. Upstairs, the house retains its flexible living arrangement with three generously sized, interconnecting bedrooms, including a master suite replete with its own private bathroom. Although currently designed without a hallway, the layout presents an opportunity for further customization to install separate access to each bedroom if desired. External Features The outdoors complements the indoor space with a beautiful enclosed garden sprawling over 1269 square meters. It is beautifully adorned with fruit trees, vibrant shrubs, and blooming flowers, creating a serene and private environment. Additional features include a garage with ... click here to read more

Introducing a delightful 2-bedroom gem located in the heart of Le Neubourg, Normandy, France. This charming home is a quintessential representation of the traditional French style architecture situated only steps away from the bustling city centre, schools, and a scenic greenway. Priced at 265900, this carefully-crafted house measures an overall size of 113 sq.m and is in a good condition, ready for any individual or family that appreciates both design and convenience. The house is generously spread over two storeys above a fully functional basement. The ground floor welcomes you into a warm entryway that leads to an expansive living area, approximately 36 sq.m in size. This living space sets the tone for the rest of the home, further accentuated by a beautiful open fireplace, perfect for those cold winter nights. Moving forward, you will find a well-equipped and efficiently planned kitchen, allowing you to whip up culinary delights while entertaining guests. There's also a tastefully done shower room on this floor and a separate toilet, considering your convenience and privacy. The first floor is equally strategically designed. A corridor introduces you to two ample-sized bedrooms - one of which boasts another intriguing feature: a set of two wardrobes for optimal storage. Additionally, there's a study room with yet another wardrobe - such a rare find in today's times! A room that can be transformed into a dressing room piques more interest in this elaborate floor plan. Not to mention a bathroom comprising a compact bathtub, a washbasin, and a WC sanibroyeur to offer maximum comfort. The completely finished basement houses an array of utilitarian sections - right from a garage and a laundry room to a boiler room, a s ... click here to read more

Nestled in the scenic and tranquil countryside of Épégard in Normandy, this contemporary single-storey house represents an appealing opportunity for families or expatriates seeking a serene lifestyle in France, with the conveniences of modern living. With a land area of 2805 sqm, this property offers ample outdoor space and privacy, a coveted asset for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. At a size of 145 square meters, the home is meticulously designed to maximize space and light. Upon entering, you are greeted by a large, inviting hall that leads to a spacious, sun-flooded living room of approximately 70 sqm. This area merges seamlessly with a well-appointed open kitchen, creating an ideal environment for family gatherings and entertaining guests. The house includes four bedrooms, providing plenty of accommodation options. One bedroom benefits from an adjoining dressing room, enhancing the home's functionality and appeal. Storage is well thought out, with built-in cupboards offering convenient space solutions. The property features a contemporary bathroom complete with a walk-in shower and double sinks, an additional bathroom equipped with a bathtub and wall-mounted toilet, and a separate toilet for guest use. Additional practicalities include a laundry room, ensuring the home caters to all the necessities of modern living. The residence has been designed with comfort in mind and includes underfloor heating, electric roller shutters for security and insulation, and an air/air heat pump that ensures the home remains comfortable regardless of the season. The property also benefits from a high-speed fiber internet connection, making it suitable for those who work from home or require reliable i ... 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

A Riverside Sanctuary in Normandy: Your Gateway to Tranquility Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of a river, the crisp Normandy air filling your lungs as sunlight dances through the leaves of ancient trees. This is not just a house; it's a haven, a place where the pace of life slows down, allowing you to savor every moment. Nestled in the picturesque village of Saint-Cyr-la-Campagne, this 4-bedroom home offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal vacation or second home. A Home That Tells a Story Built in the 1980s, this house exudes a timeless appeal. The ground floor welcomes you with a spacious, sunlit living room, where terracotta tiles and a wood-burning stove create a cozy ambiance. The newly renovated kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, invites culinary adventures, while the adjoining dining area is perfect for family gatherings. A hallway leads to a serene bedroom complete with a dressing room, offering a private retreat. The bathroom, a recent addition, features a luxurious bathtub, a sleek sink, and a walk-in shower, ensuring a spa-like experience at home. Upstairs, a large landing with ample storage space connects three additional bedrooms. One of these, a generous 35 square meters, is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a master suite. The potential for a second bathroom adds to the home's versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. Embrace the Normandy Lifestyle Saint-Cyr-la-Campagne is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. The village, with its charming streets and friendly locals, offers a glimpse into the heart of Normandy. Here, life is punctuated by seasonal festivals, local markets brimming with fresh produce, a ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy, in the charming village of Le Thuit de l'Oison, this delightful 3-bedroom house offers the perfect escape for those seeking a second home in France. With its serene countryside setting and modern amenities, this property is an ideal retreat for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the French countryside. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, sipping your morning coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, and planning a day filled with exploration and relaxation. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in this beautifully designed home, built in 2020, and offering a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and rustic charm. A Home Designed for Comfort and Convenience The house is thoughtfully laid out over two floors, providing ample space for both relaxation and entertainment. The ground floor welcomes you with an inviting entrance hall, complete with a dressing room and plenty of storage. The master bedroom, featuring a private bathroom, offers a peaceful sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. The heart of the home is the expansive living room, bathed in natural light thanks to large bay windows that open onto a spacious 50 m² terrace. Here, you can enjoy al fresco dining or simply unwind while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. The living room is equipped with a cozy pellet stove, perfect for those cooler evenings. Adjacent to the living room is a modern, fully fitted kitchen, complete with an adjoining utility room and laundry facilities. Whether you're preparing a simple meal or hosting a dinner party, this kitchen is equipped to meet all your culinary needs. Upstairs, you'll find: - A landing area with o ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy, in the charming village of Le Thuit de l'Oison, this delightful 3-bedroom house offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and rustic charm. As a second home, it promises a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to unwind and create cherished memories with family and friends. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with the soft morning light filtering through the large bay windows of your spacious living room. This contemporary home, built in 2020, is designed for those who appreciate quality and tranquility. The single-storey layout ensures easy living, while the thoughtful design elements cater to both relaxation and entertainment. A Lifestyle of Comfort and Convenience The house is situated in a peaceful countryside subdivision, yet remains conveniently close to major roads, shops, and local services. This makes it an ideal location for those seeking a vacation home that offers both seclusion and accessibility. Ground Floor Features: - Welcoming Entrance: Step into a spacious entrance hall complete with a dressing room and ample storage, setting the tone for the rest of the home. - Master Bedroom: Enjoy the privacy of a master suite with an en-suite bathroom, providing a personal retreat within your retreat. - Bright Living Room: The heart of the home, this expansive space is bathed in natural light and features a cozy pellet stove, perfect for chilly evenings. - Open Kitchen: A fully fitted and equipped kitchen awaits your culinary adventures, with an adjoining utility room for added convenience. - Outdoor Living: Step out onto a large south-east facing terrace, ideal for al fresco dining or simply soaking up the sun. Upstairs Delights: - Of ... click here to read more

Welcome to a charming slice of French serenity tucked away in Le Bosc du Theil, within the Normandy region – a floppy-eared rabbit's hop away from the wider Eure area, and a particular village known as Le Gros Theil. This detached house, namely a Maison Française, is more than just a marker on a map; it holds the promise of a high standard of life in an idyllic setting. Clocking in at a generous 125 square meters, it’s an ideal accommodation for a small family, a retired couple, or even as a vacation home. Surrounded by the lush and well-maintained 7300 square meter garden, it transports you into a world that is a blend of comfort and peace. In the summertime, the south-facing veranda becomes a sunshine magnet, drawing in the gentle warmth that reverberates throughout this charming house. This treasure features, as part of the amenities: - Three spacious bedrooms, with room for further expansion. - One well-equipped bathroom to take care of your personal needs. - A cozy living area – the heart of the home - which nestles an inviting open fireplace for those chilly winter days. - Two separate toilets for ease and convenience. - A practical kitchen that ushers into a utility room and a pantry/boiler room. - A sun-bathed south-facing veranda for enjoying the morning cup of coffee or savoring a good book in the afternoon. The property’s main features are its: - Ground geothermal heat pump, ensuring you live in comfort all year round. - South-facing terrace complemented by a motorized awning. - Independent garage to safely house your vehicle or serve as a storage room. - A sprawling garden that spans over 7300m². - An 8 x 4m swimming pool, with a depth of 1.5m, renovated in 2019 and heated by solar panels. - Eco-friendly ... click here to read more