Private Water Mill Property for Sale

On a clear morning in Aramits, you wake to the sound of nothing except birdsong and, if the wind is right, the faint clang of sheep bells drifting down from the high pastures above the village. That's not a cliché — it's Tuesday. This is the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, one of the least spoiled corners of southwest France, and this former mountain sheepfold is the kind of place that reminds you why you started looking for a second home in Europe in the first place. What started life as a traditional bergerie — a working stone sheepfold used by Basque shepherds for centuries — was fully reconstructed between 2007 and 2010 into a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home of 160 square metres. The result is a property that has real bones: exposed ceiling beams, thick walls that keep summer heat at bay, and a large picture window in the sitting room that frames the Pyrenean ridgeline like a painting you never get tired of. Underfloor heating on the ground floor runs off an air source heat pump, the whole building is double-glazed and insulated throughout, and the DPE rating sits at C — solidly efficient for a property of this age and character. You're not buying a renovation project. You're buying a house that's already been done well. The 160m2 of habitable space is arranged across three levels. On the ground floor, an open-plan kitchen and dining area flows into the sitting room — proper, lived-in space with room for a long table when family arrives in August. Two of the three bedrooms are on this level, each with its own en-suite shower room, which makes the layout genuinely practical for hosting guests or renting short-term. The first floor landing doubles as a home office, a detail that matters more than it used to, and the third b ... click here to read more

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

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

Stand at the kitchen window on a still October morning and the Seine is right there — silver-grey and unhurried, sliding past your private riverbank without a sound. No road between you and the water. Just your garden, the soft thud of a fallen apple from the old tree, and a heron working the shallows. This is Chantemesle, a hamlet so quiet that even locals in nearby Vétheuil will raise an eyebrow when you mention you live there. And that is precisely the point. Set on the Haute-Île between Vétheuil and La Roche-Guyon, this four-bedroom house with an independent studio and private Seine frontage sits in one of the most quietly remarkable stretches of the Vexin Normand — a region that somehow manages to be both genuinely rural and less than 70 kilometres from central Paris. Monet painted the cliffs at Vétheuil obsessively between 1878 and 1881, and once you see the light here in late afternoon, bouncing off the river and catching the limestone bluffs, you stop wondering why. The house itself reads like a proper family home that has been lived in and loved. Ground floor: a sitting room anchored by a working fireplace — the kind you actually use from November through March — a separate dining room, a fitted kitchen, and a WC. On the first floor, three bedrooms and a master suite with its own dressing room and bathroom, plus a second shower room. Four bedrooms and a bathroom configuration that works equally well for a couple wanting room to spread out as it does for a multi-generational family pulling in from Paris for the long weekend. 158 square metres in total. Not oversized. Just right. The independent studio is the feature that makes this property genuinely interesting for buyers thinking beyond personal use. Fully s ... 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

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

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

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

Sunday morning in Molières, and the only sound reaching you through the kitchen window is birdsong and the faint creak of the old tobacco barn in a light breeze. No traffic. No neighbors close enough to matter. Just the smell of coffee, a terrace at arm's length, and 4,231 square meters of Dordogne countryside rolling away in every direction. That's the daily reality this property delivers — and once you've felt it, you won't forget it. Set in the deep green countryside of the Périgord Noir, this four-bedroom stone house in Molières is the kind of place that doesn't announce itself. It earns you. Three floors of authentic stonework, thick walls that keep the summer heat at arm's length, and a layout that moves naturally from generous living and dining spaces on the ground floor up to four proper bedrooms above. At 126 square meters of interior space, it's not oversized — it's exactly right. Room enough for a family, friends, and a way of life that slows down on purpose. The ground floor centers around a large, open living, dining, and kitchen area — 41 square meters in the salon alone, confirmed — with direct access to a terrace that looks out over the land. Underfloor heating runs beneath your feet on this level, warm in the cooler months without the visual noise of radiators. The upper floors are served by radiators running off a gas system, and double glazing throughout means this is a home that works year-round, not just in July. Four bedrooms spread across the upper levels give the house a quiet rhythm — mornings up there feel genuinely removed from the world. Then there's what sits outside the main house, and this is where the property earns its character. A vast independent stone barn dominates the land — the k ... click here to read more

On a still Sunday morning in Saint-Maurin, the church bell in the 11th-century priory rings out across the valley and drifts through the French doors of this single-story stone country house while the coffee percolates. The kitchen smells of woodsmoke and walnut. Outside, the fishpond catches the early light. This is what you came to France for. Saint-Maurin is one of those villages that hasn't been discovered yet, not really, and locals are quietly grateful for that. Classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, it sits in the rolling hills of Lot-et-Garonne, a département that routinely tops French quality-of-life surveys but somehow still flies under the radar compared to its flashier Dordogne neighbor to the north. The village square, shaded by plane trees, holds a small café where the patron knows your order by your second visit. There's a boutique, a boulangerie within walking distance, and in summer the whole village transforms for the Wednesday night markets, where producers from across the Agenais set up under fairy lights and sell duck confit, Agen prunes dipped in Armagnac chocolate, and bottles of Buzet red that cost less than a London sandwich. The open-air cinema runs through July and August. You bring a blanket, somebody always brings too much rosé, and the film starts at dusk against the backdrop of the medieval priory. These aren't tourist attractions in the manufactured sense. They're just what life is here. This three-bedroom vacation home sits on the edge of the village, close enough to walk in for a pastis at 6pm, private enough that you can swim in the 10x5 metre pool without a neighbor in sight. The grounds extend to 6,875 square metres — nearly 1.7 acres — planted with mature specimen tre ... click here to read more

You wake up on a Saturday morning to birdsong and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting in from somewhere across the valley. The veranda doors are already open — they were open last night too — and from where you're standing in the kitchen with a coffee, you can see the full stretch of the garden, the orchard at the far end heavy with fruit in September, and beyond that, the soft green hills of the Dordogne countryside rolling away in the early light. This is Lalinde. And this stone house is the kind of place that makes people stop looking. Set on 1.1 hectares just outside the riverside market town of Lalinde in the heart of the Périgord, this four-bedroom stone property comes with a separate two-bedroom guest house, a 5x10 metre swimming pool, a 160m² greenhouse, a workshop, multiple garages, and a basement. That list sounds almost absurd for the price point — under €330,000 for the whole lot — but this is the Dordogne, where stone farmhouses with room to breathe are still genuinely affordable by European standards, and where foreign buyers have been quietly building lives for decades. The main house runs to around 124m² of living space across two floors, with a ground-floor layout that just works. You walk in through a proper entrance hall, past a bedroom wing on the left — two bedrooms sharing a bathroom on the ground floor — and then into the kitchen, which opens directly onto the veranda. That veranda deserves its own sentence: 30.5 square metres of covered outdoor space facing the garden, east-west exposed, catching both the morning and the late afternoon sun. In July and August, dinner happens out there every night. In October, it's where you sit with a glass of Bergerac red and watch the light go gold over the ... click here to read more

Stand at the back of this house on any given morning and the entire Dordogne Valley opens up below you — river mist dissolving slowly in the early light, walnut trees on the hillside catching the first warmth of the sun, and the kind of silence that reminds you what silence actually is. This is Mouleydier, a proper village with a boulangerie, a butcher, a pharmacy, and neighbors who say hello. Not a tourist postcard. Real rural France, just fifteen minutes east of Bergerac. The house sits on about 7,000 square metres in total — roughly 4,000 of enclosed garden and another 3,000 of private woodland at the back. That combination of open, cultivated space and wild tree cover gives the property two completely different characters depending on where you wander. The south-facing pool terrace catches sun from mid-morning until the last light of the evening. In July and August, when the Dordogne bakes, that matters enormously. At 210 square metres, the interior is genuinely generous. The ground floor lives large — reception rooms totalling close to 80 square metres, with original terracotta floor tiles that have survived decades and still carry that warm, earthy tone you can't replicate with new materials. Two rooms connected to the main living space but with their own separate entrance are among the most interesting features in the house. Use them as a fourth bedroom and a home office, or as an art studio, or — with appropriate permissions — as a professional practice space. The flexibility is real and rare. Upstairs there are three further bedrooms, one of which stretches to 25 square metres — that's a proper primary bedroom, not a box with a window. A shower room with WC completes the upper floor. The double garage deserve ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Monflanquin. The market on the Place des Arcades is already buzzing by nine — the smell of rotisserie chicken and fresh-cut lavender drifting up through the old town's medieval streets. From the roof terrace of this late-19th-century townhouse, you're looking out over rolling Lot-et-Garonne countryside, coffee in hand, the fish-scale slate roof tiles catching the early light below you. This is not a fantasy. This is a Tuesday. Monflanquin is one of the finest bastide towns in southwest France — a perfectly preserved 13th-century hilltop grid of honey-stone arcades, half-timbered facades, and a central square that has seen more lively Saturday markets than most European capitals have had political scandals. It sits between Bergerac and Agen in the Lot Valley, quietly going about its business while somehow managing to be one of the most visually arresting towns in the entire Périgord region. This is the kind of place where the boulangerie knows your order by your second visit, and the local cave à vins on Rue Sainte-Marie can talk you through a Cahors Malbec for forty-five minutes without once repeating themselves. And right here, a short stroll from those arcades, stands a house that was clearly built by someone with serious ambitions. Constructed in the 1880s to the sort of standards that would make a modern developer quietly weep, this 180-square-metre townhouse was designed with intent. The slate fish-scale roof alone — a genuine architectural flourish you'll see on grand hôtels particuliers in Paris but almost never on a provincial townhouse — signals that whoever commissioned this building wasn't cutting corners. The bones of the place are extraordinary: panelled ceilings, a marble fireplace, cas ... click here to read more

On a still morning in Estadens, you wake to the sound of nothing in particular — maybe a wood pigeon somewhere in the oak trees, maybe the distant clang of a cowbell drifting up from a lower pasture. You push open the bedroom shutters and the Pyrenees are just there, the peaks catching the first cold light of day while your kitchen fills with the smell of coffee and whatever the log stove is doing to the air. This is what 415,000 euros buys you here. Not just a house. A completely different pace of life. The farmhouse sits behind a gated entrance on the edge of this small commune in the Haute-Garonne, surrounded by mature gardens that have been given proper attention — not just mowed and left. Stone walls, sun-warmed terraces, the kind of deep shade in summer that makes you rearrange your afternoon plans entirely. The property was fully renovated, and the work was done with care: double glazing throughout, a heat pump system with underfloor heating on the ground floor, modern electrics, and a kitchen that can actually cope with serious cooking. A gas range cooker. Integral appliances. Real counter space. You could make a proper cassoulet in here, not a apologetic Tuesday-night version. The ground floor living area has that particular quality of light that old stone houses in south-west France sometimes get — something to do with the depth of the walls and the angle of the windows. The sitting room keeps its original exposed beams and stonework, and the log-burning stove makes the whole space pull together in winter. It doesn't feel like a renovation project where someone stripped out the character to fit a modern kitchen. The two things genuinely coexist. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms are fully decorated and ready ... click here to read more

Picture yourself sipping a glass of Côtes du Rhône on your private terrace as the late afternoon sun bathes the Provençal countryside in golden light. The air carries the scent of lavender and wild thyme from nearby fields, while the sound of cicadas provides the authentic soundtrack to your summer evenings in this 163-square-meter stone house. Located in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, a quintessential wine village in the heart of Vaucluse, this property offers the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and village convenience, just steps from local shops, restaurants, and weekly markets that define the rhythm of Provençal life. This substantial stone residence spans three floors, offering versatile living spaces that adapt to your vacation needs throughout the seasons. The ground floor welcomes you with a bright, spacious living room where exposed stone walls and period features tell the story of generations past. The kitchen opens directly onto the terrace, creating that seamless indoor-outdoor flow essential to Mediterranean living. Imagine preparing breakfast with fresh croissants from the village boulangerie, then carrying your coffee outside to plan the day ahead while overlooking your private garden and 6-meter by 3.5-meter swimming pool. The first floor houses two generous bedrooms, a modern shower room, and separate toilet, providing comfortable accommodation for family or guests. Ascend to the second floor and discover three additional bedrooms tucked beneath the eaves, each with the character that only authentic stone construction can provide. A second shower room on this level ensures everyone has space and privacy. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms total, this house comfortably accommodates ext ... click here to read more

Located in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes in Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, France, this 5-bedroom house offers a delightful blend of historical charm and abundant potential. Sprawling over a sizable plot of nearly 30,000 square meters, the property features a picturesque setting, complete with a traditional water mill. Surrounded by lush pasture suitable for horses or livestock, and with private access to the river, the residence provides a peaceful and private lifestyle that's hard to find. The mill itself, a historic structure, is habitable but awaits the personal touch of a new owner ready to undertake a bit of renovation to restore and perhaps modernize it. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to invest in a property with character and make it their own. The total built area of the property is 256 square meters, including a comfortable living area of 44 square meters. The outside space includes a terrace of 30 square meters, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying the serene views, complemented by a generous pool. For heating, the property uses a hybrid system combining wood and gas, enhanced with heat pumps and solar panels, making it environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective in the long term. Additional outbuildants on the property offer further development potential, subject to planning permissions, whether you're considering extending the living space or creating facilities for hobbies or storage. The climate in this part of France is generally mild, with distinct seasons that each bring their own charm—from vibrant spring blooms to warm, sun-filled summers, and crisp autumns. This makes the region ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying nature year-round. Living in Blanzague ... click here to read more

Discover the charm of rural France with this spacious 5-bedroom farmhouse located in the picturesque region of Villebois-Lavalette in Poitou-Charentes, Charente. Perfect for those seeking a serene lifestyle amidst the French countryside, this property offers an expansive living space of 180 sqm, set within its own 4000 sqm of fenced gardens and lands. For families or expats contemplating relocation, this property promises a blend of tranquility and community spirit found in Villebois-Lavalette. The area is renowned for its scenic landscapes, historic sites including the stunning Villebois-Lavalette Chateau, and a warm, welcoming local community that embodies the rural French charm. The house itself, though in good condition, presents a wonderful opportunity for customization to truly make it your own. The ground floor features a large fitted kitchen with a cozy wood burner and a utility room, ideal for family gatherings. The kitchen opens to two living rooms and a dining area, establishing a flow ideal for entertaining and daily living. Also on this level are three bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring ample space for family and guests. The first floor contains two additional bedrooms and a toilet, providing privacy and space for a growing family or visiting friends. The presence of double glazing and central heating throughout ensures a comfortable living environment year-round. External features include several useful outbuildings, two garage blocks, and a gated gravel driveway offering plenty of parking space. These outbuildings represent potential for various uses, whether storage, workshops, or even conversion into additional living space subject to the appropriate permissions. Living in Villebois ... click here to read more

Discover the charming allure of rural France with this expansive five-bedroom farmhouse located in the scenic area of Villebois-Lavalette, within the Poitou-Charentes region of Charente. Perfectly placed amidst picturesque landscapes, this property promises a tranquil lifestyle, away from the bustling city life yet conveniently close to necessary amenities and cultural sites. Nestled in its own private, fenced gardens and grounds that span nearly 4000 square meters, this detached farmhouse offers substantial living space, accentuated by its improvements and extensions over the years. The house is ideally set up for both comfort and functionality, equipped with central heating and double-glazed windows that provide year-round comfort. The interior layout includes three bedrooms on the ground floor complemented by two bathrooms—ideal for accessibility and ease of living. The living quarters are divided between two cozy living rooms and a separate dining room, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. The heart of the home is undoubtedly the large, beautifully fitted kitchen, complete with a welcoming wood burner and adjacent utility room, which will surely be the site of many family gatherings. Upstairs, you will find two additional bedrooms and a convenient toilet, offering privacy and space for a growing family or visiting guests. For those with a penchant for gardening or simply embracing the outdoors, the extensive grounds provide ample opportunity for landscaping, vegetable gardening, or even setting up outdoor recreational spaces for children and pets. Additionally, the property’s outbuildings, including two garage blocks, further enhance its appeal by presenting options for storage, workshops, or potential ... click here to read more

Property Overview: Delve into the charming lifestyle of Champagne-et-Fontaine with this classic four-bedroom stone house, ideal for those seeking a genuine French countryside experience. Positioned in the heart of a quaint village that boasts a friendly local bar, this property offers a blend of comfort, character, and convenience, presenting itself as a perfect full-time residence or a holiday retreat for a family. Property Description: This inviting residence encapsulates the essence of rural French architecture with its timeless stone construction. Within its walls, the house encompasses four well-appointed bedrooms and two shower rooms, including an ensuite, making family living both practical and private. The large farmhouse-style kitchen serves as the heart of the home where meals and memories are made, complemented by two additional spacious reception rooms that can serve multiple purposes, whether it be a cozy lounge for relaxation or an activity room for children. Step outside to discover a charming walled garden and a picturesque courtyard entrance, creating a safe and secluded environment for children to play or for hosting outdoor gatherings. Adding to the ample space and potential of this property are the substantial outbuildings, which could be transformed into workshops, studios, or additional storage solutions. Despite its evident traditional charm, the residence is in good, liveable condition, yet leaves room for new owners to imprint their style and enhancements, truly making it a 'home'. New residents might consider some refurbishing to modernize and personalize the space further, particularly to maximize the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the outbuildings. Local Area and Amenities: Champagn ... click here to read more

Located in the picturesque commune of Champagne-Et-Fontaine, Aquitaine, 24320, France, awaits this charming 2-bedroom house ready to be called home. For those looking to embrace the essence of French countryside living while still being close to essential amenities, this property serves as a delightful intersection. Nestled amidst the tranquil scenery of the region, this character property comes with multiple attributes, making it a splendid investment or a lovely abode for those seeking a serene lifestyle or even considering a potential gîte business (subject to necessary permissions). The property has been tastefully renovated, ensuring modern comforts without losing its rustic charm. Property Features: - 2 bedrooms - 1 bathroom with shower and WC - Combined living/dining room with kitchenette - Well-maintained garden - Potential for a guest house/gîte business - Located in a quiet yet accessible area - Size: 67m² - Land Size: 612m² - Price: €178,200 Step into the story: Upon entering, you'll find yourself welcomed by a cozy living and dining area combined with a practical kitchenette. This open space exudes warmth and invites you to imagine cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. On this same floor, there's a bedroom that could easily serve as a snug guest room or a home office. Venture upstairs, and a spacious second bedroom awaits, offering ample room for relaxation. The modern shower room and WC are conveniently located on this floor, ensuring easy access and providing the necessities of everyday living. The property retains the charm of the former gamekeeper's house, seamlessly blending historic elements with contemporary updates. The renovations have been done with care, preserving the character whi ... click here to read more

Embrace the serene countryside lifestyle in this charming 3-bedroom property in Vendoire, located in the Dordogne region of Aquitaine, France. Tucked away in a peaceful hamlet among the rolling hills and abundant greenery lies a beautiful stone barn, lovingly converted and extended into an immensely characterful home. This residential marvel weaves the charm of traditional construction materials with the sophistication of modern amenities, all seamlessly brought together by a blend of professional craftsmanship and building techniques of the highest standards. One eye-catching feature is the unique 'pigeonniere' tower that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property, complemented by three terraces boasting stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Key property features: - A spacious kitchen (29m2) - Large living room (56m2) - Utility room - Pigeonnier tower - 2 bathrooms - 3 bedrooms - Size: 162m2 - Price: €299,000. Privileges of the Property: 1. Kitchen: Encapsulates the heart of a home, this roomy kitchen sports free-standing wood and brushed steel units, a Rangemaster bottled gas double-oven range, an electric griddle, five hobs, and an extractor fan for outstanding culinary adventures. The presence of a dishwasher, dryer, and space for an American-style fridge/freezer makes it incredibly user-friendly. Limestone flagstone floors add the perfect rustic touch. 2. Living Room: An entertainer's dream, this spacious room brings together limestone flagstone floors, massive oak beams, and a custom-made sliding glass barn door with an electric shutter for a comfortable gathering. 3. Bedrooms: All three bedrooms are brimming with charm and character, with solid oak flooring, ample plug sockets, and be ... click here to read more

Experience the tranquil lifestyle of Vendoire, nestled in the picturesque region of Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. This charming four-bedroom stone house offers a delightful blend of rustic appeal and modern amenities, perfect for those looking to enjoy the peaceful French countryside. Set within a beautifully managed estate, this property provides residents with the benefits of low-maintenance living. Highlights include access to a large communal swimming pool, tennis court, boules court, and wonderfully maintained gardens. Whether you are looking for a serene holiday home or a permanent residence, this house caters to all needs with its comprehensive facilities and stunning surroundings. The house itself has been thoughtfully renovated to a good standard. The ground floor features a spacious kitchen equipped with modern appliances, leading into a cozy lounge complete with a wood burner and doors opening onto a lovely terrace. Here, you can unwind and enjoy views over the pool area and lush estate grounds. Additionally, a convenient downstairs bathroom adds to the practical layout of this home. Ascending to the first floor, the master bedroom boasts an en-suite shower room, offering privacy and comfort. Three additional bedrooms and a family shower room ensure there is ample space for both family and guests. Living in Vendoire provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy an array of activities. The estate is a mere ten-minute drive from a vibrant town that hosts supermarkets, a variety of shops, and restaurants. Explore local markets, indulge in traditional French cuisine, or partake in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling that the region is famous for. For overseas buyers ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this delightful stone house in Gurat offers an idyllic escape for those seeking a second home in France. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Gurat is a hidden gem that promises a tranquil yet fulfilling lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of blooming flowers in your private garden. This two-bedroom house, lovingly renovated to blend traditional charm with modern comforts, is a sanctuary for those yearning for a peaceful retreat. A Glimpse into Your New Home: - Spacious Living Area: The ground floor welcomes you with a cozy corner kitchen, perfect for preparing local delicacies. The dining room, adorned with a classic stone fireplace, invites warm gatherings with family and friends. - Versatile Space: An additional room on the ground floor offers flexibility, whether you envision it as a bedroom, a creative studio, or a serene lounge. - Comfortable Bedrooms: Ascend the stairs to find two inviting double bedrooms. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience. - Modern Amenities: New double-glazed windows, shutters, and garden doors enhance the home's comfort, providing energy efficiency and a touch of modernity. - Outdoor Oasis: The mature garden, brimming with colorful flowers and fruitful trees, is a secluded sanctuary where you can unwind and reconnect with nature. - Potential for Expansion: The barn offers exciting possibilities for transformation into a two/three-car garage or a creative studio space, subject to proper permissions. The Allure of Gurat and Beyond: Gurat is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. This charming village is ... click here to read more

Introducing a charming detached bungalow property nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Gout-Rossignol, in the bright and lively French region of Aquitaine, Dordogne. With a size of 178 sqm, this property radiates potential and character, ripe for a touch of personalization. This property comes with a 3 bedroom bungalow that has been fully renovated, and a 2 bedroom maison d’amis, an adjoining mini house that is full of character and flair. Both houses have been recently upgraded ensuring a fresh and comfortable stay. The cheerful homes both come with double glazed windows, creating a quiet and cozy atmosphere. The property also takes advantage of clean electricity through electric heaters. To add a touch of rustic charm, a woodburner can be found in each house, perfect for cozy winters in the French countryside. A careful look to the main building reveals a thoughtful open plan design with an L-shaped kitchen-dining-living room, promising a spacious and comfortable living. It also has three comfortable bedrooms and a modern shower room. The elegance of the design is further intensified with not just one but two sets of double doors in the living room that lead to a sunny southern-facing terrace. These stunning doors frame a picturesque view of the expansive fields. The maison d’ amis offers a similar charm, with an entrance hall, living room, kitchen on the ground floor. The first floor holds an attractive bedroom, a modern shower room and an occasional room perfect as a children’s room or a personal project space. The property is situated on a 3560m² plot, befitting its lovely location. The rear garden adds character to the property with its far-reaching views, perfect as a backdrop for intimate luncheons or a pl ... click here to read more

Discover a charming, well-presented 1-bedroom house located in the serene and picturesque area of Nanteuil-Auriac-de-Bourzac in Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. This detached property offers a unique living experience, nestled within a generous plot that includes additional land across the lane. It features a recently added pigeonnier, enhancing the typical French architectural charm of the home. Upon entering the home, you're greeted by the cozy living room situated in the pigeonnier which smoothly transitions into an inner hallway. This space leads to a practical shower room and a separate toilet. The house provides versatile living spaces including two smaller rooms currently utilized as bedrooms, an office area, and a charming mezzanine. The dining kitchen is spacious, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for family meals and gatherings. The romance of the property is elevated by the bedroom located on the first floor of the pigeonnier, which includes an en-suite shower room and double doors opening onto a quaint balcony. This is the perfect spot for morning coffees or quiet evening reflections. Outdoor living is equally gratifying with seating areas both at the front and rear of the house. The rear garden features an above ground pool surrounded by a deck, ideal for sunbathing and al fresco dining, allowing one to fully embrace the tranquil rural lifestyle. The local area of Nanteuil-Auriac-de-Bourzac is peaceful and typifies rural French charm, yet the property is not isolated. The bustling village of Verteillac is approximately 7 kilometers away and offers a good range of everyday amenities including shops, cafes, and a lively community atmosphere. For wider travel connections, Angouleme with its TGV links is a ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Salles-Lavalette, this delightful three-bedroom house offers a unique opportunity to own a slice of French countryside charm. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home or a vacation retreat, this property combines modern comforts with the timeless allure of rural France. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of village life, with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the local bakery just a short stroll away. This is the lifestyle that awaits you in Salles-Lavalette, a quaint commune in the Charente department, renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: With 96 square meters of living space, this house offers ample room for family gatherings and entertaining guests. - Modern Amenities: Recently renovated, the property boasts new electrics, plumbing, and a septic system that meets current regulations. - Comfortable Climate: Double glazing and pellet central heating ensure a cozy atmosphere year-round. - Outdoor Oasis: A 300 square meter garden provides a serene escape, perfect for alfresco dining or simply soaking up the sun. - Additional Potential: Above the garage, an apartment with three rooms awaits your personal touch, ideal for a gîte or summer lounge. - Village Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of a local bar/restaurant and bakery within walking distance. - Scenic Views: The terrace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, a perfect backdrop for relaxation. The Salles-Lavalette Experience: Salles-Lavalette is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. This charming village is a gateway to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, known for its rolling hills, historic architectur ... click here to read more

Experience the ambiance and stunning views of French countryside with this charming residence nestled in the rolling hills of South Charente and Dordogne, situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Salles-Lavalette, Poitou-Charentes, France. This stately property with an asking price of €795,000, offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary convenience, boasting no less than 13 bedrooms spaciously spread over the 499 m² estate. This captivating, characterful house provides an array of possibilities for prospective owners. Whether you dream of a roomy family dwelling, a guest cottage for itinerant family members, or a cozy bed and breakfast establishment, the property has the adaptability to suit your aspirations with minor modifications, or perhaps none at all. Property features include: - 13 roomy bedrooms - 5 well-appointed bathrooms - Multiple inviting reception rooms - Several comfortable lounging areas enhanced by natural stone fireplaces - A practical, sophisticated kitchen - An airy mezzanine featuring a sitting area - Various terraces, relaxation spaces, and panoramic views Discover the charm of authentic French architecture with every corner of the house offering a picturesque view over the charming local landscape. Enjoy the flow of natural light throughout the residence, amplifying the beauty of the home’s rustic details and infusing the entire structure with warmth. Outside, the 5500 m² of land features a meticulously maintained, landscaped garden; a spacious, heated pool; a tastefully designed sheltered outdoor kitchen area; a useful garage; and even a dedicated area for a sauna. All of these features are carefully curated to offer a complete rejuvenation experience. Ameni ... 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

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this charming villa in Salles-Lavalette offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking a second home in France. With its serene surroundings and proximity to local amenities, this property is a haven for relaxation and adventure alike. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of nut and fruit trees that envelop this delightful villa. The morning sun filters through the windows, casting a warm glow over the cozy living area, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before stepping out onto the raised terrace. Here, the panoramic views of rolling fields stretch out before you, inviting you to savor the tranquility of rural France. The villa's design seamlessly blends comfort and functionality. The ground floor features two well-appointed bedrooms, a practical kitchen, and a bright dining room and lounge area. Large windows on three sides ensure that natural light floods the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for family gatherings or quiet evenings with a good book. Downstairs, the basement offers a private retreat with a third bedroom, complete with its own shower room and toilet. A sitting area with patio doors provides direct access to the garden, where you can enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The expansive 1,890 m² garden is a true gem, offering multiple shaded areas perfect for picnics or afternoon naps. The back of the property, with its unobstructed views, is ideal for sunbathing or hosting barbecues with friends and family. An above-ground swimming pool, though in need of a new liner, promises refreshing dips on warm summer days. Salles-Lavalette is a charming village that embodies the ... click here to read more

Welcome to the sunny and picturesque province of Aquitaine, nestled in the charming countryside of Dordogne, where we're offering an inviting 4-bedroom house that might just be the home for you. Located in the tranquil commune of Saint-Martial-Viveyrol, this property spans over 185 square meters and is perfectly poised for those seeking a combination of rural serenity and the classic French lifestyle. Thanks to my busy schedule, I've got to point out this particular property truly stands out in its own way, offering the beauty of countryside living with all the comforts you might seek. Saint-Martial-Viveyrol lies in the heart of the French countryside, providing a harmonious blend of peaceful environment and rich historical culture. Infused with small-town charm, this area is perfect for expatriates and international buyers who are searching for a genuine French experience. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, indulging in regional foods, wines, and an array of cultural festivities that dot the calendar year-round. The town itself is surrounded by lush rolling hills that mark the picturesque landscape of Dordogne, giving residents stunning panoramic views and a sense of calm. It's a place where tranquillity and history come together gracefully, capturing the essence of rural France. You're only a short drive from the noted markets of Riberac and the engaging Dordogne River, where you can enjoy delightful canoeing experiences amidst the overall serene climate that blesses this region. Let me take you on a journey about the home itself. It's equipped with four spacious bedrooms, allowing ample space for family and friends. The bedroom dimension breakdown is as follows: Bedroom 1 measures 14.10 sqm and ... click here to read more

Located in the serene region of Poitou-Charentes, this charming three-bedroom house in Vouzan, France offers buyers a delightful mix of old-world charm coupled with modern amenities. The house is an ideal retreat for those who prize tranquility and the picturesque beauty of the French countryside, as well as an appealing project for those looking to instill their personal touch in their new home. Spread across 134 square meters, the layout includes two cozy reception rooms, each featuring a traditional fireplace that adds warmth and character to the space. The welcoming kitchen is well-fitted with modern conveniences, serving as a perfect spot to enjoy family meals. The home comprises three comfortably sized bedrooms, offering ample personal space for all members of the family, and two bathrooms ensuring convenience. Additionally, the residence features a practical dressing room, a garage for safe vehicle storage, and a storeroom for additional storage. The heating in the house is efficiently managed by the lovely fireplaces and supplemental electric radiators, to keep the ambiance warm during cooler months. The wooden framed windows and recently insulated upstairs ceilings enhance the home's energy efficiency and comfort. Though in good condition, the house presents a unique opportunity for those looking to engage in light renovation. Unused spaces such as the pantry and attic can be transformed to expand the living areas or to create new functionalities tailored to the new owners’ needs. This makes it a commendable choice for those looking to imprint their personal style into their home. Externally, the property opens to a beautifully landscaped, private courtyard facing the southeast—perfect for morning teas envel ... click here to read more

Welcome to your future home in the enchanting village of Verteillac, situated in the versatile region of Aquitaine, France. This charming 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom stone house is comfortably nestled on a quiet edge of the village, enveloped by striking open views of the verdant French countryside, poised to offer a serene and idyllic lifestyle. Home details - Size: 148sqm - Bedrooms: Three rooms predefined for comfortable slumber and relaxation, with potential for a fourth conversion. - Bathrooms: A total of Three, designed for convenience on each floor. - Gated entrance: A safety feature that guarantees a greater level of security and privacy. - Character features throughout: Unique aspects that underpin the history and charm of the establishment. Exteriors: - Garden: A wide, well-maintained green space, mainly laid to lawn, perfect for outdoor activities or basking in the serenity of nature. - Covered seating area: An expansive 50sqm area, protected against the elements, perfect for outdoor dining and entertainment. - Swimming pool: An in-ground feature, ideal for cooling off in the summertime. This house flaunts a spacious entrance that leads you to an airy 41m2 double-height living area, prime for customization according to your lifestyle. The kitchen-diner comes complete with a convenient walk-in pantry for easy access to all your cooking necessities. The ground floor features two bedrooms and a shower room, along with a dedicated laundry and heating/boiler room for added convenience. As you ascend to the first floor, you will find a large master bedroom equipped with an en-suite shower room. There is also a full bathroom and a mezzanine which can effortlessly be converted into an extra bedroom if required. The ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Aquitaine Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush greenery surrounding your stone house in Verteillac, France. This is not just a property; it's a gateway to a serene lifestyle, where the charm of rural France meets modern comfort. A Tale of Three Homes Nestled on the edge of the vibrant village of Verteillac, this property offers a unique blend of privacy and community. Comprising three distinct homes, it provides ample space for family gatherings, guest accommodations, or even a potential gîte business. The main house, with its four spacious bedrooms, exudes rustic elegance, while the attached three-bedroom house and the independent one-bedroom cottage offer versatility and privacy. Seasonal Splendor and Daily Delights As the seasons change, so does the landscape around you. Spring brings a burst of color to the acre of gardens, while summer invites you to take a refreshing dip in one of the two heated swimming pools. Autumn paints the surrounding fields in warm hues, and winter offers a cozy retreat by the fireplace. A Village Rich in Culture and Convenience A short stroll across the fields leads you to the heart of Verteillac, a village that pulses with life year-round. Here, you'll find everything from a traditional bakery and butchers to charming bars and restaurants. The monthly brocante is a treasure trove for antique lovers, while the local church and village shop add to the community's quaint charm. Exploring the Region Verteillac's location in Aquitaine makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's rich cultural tapestry. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the historic sites of ... click here to read more