Renovated 3 Bed House with Pond

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

Sunday morning in Châteauneuf-du-Faou starts with the smell of buttered crêpes drifting from the boulangerie on Rue de la Mairie, and if you crack open the upstairs window, you'll catch the faint echo of church bells bouncing off the stone facades across the square. That's the kind of detail you can't manufacture. It's either there or it isn't — and here, it absolutely is. This is a rare find in the heart of one of Finistère's most quietly compelling villages: two adjoining stone houses, sold together as a single property, sitting right in the village core with everything you need within a short walk. At 80 square metres combined and priced at €123,500, this is the kind of opportunity that makes serious buyers move fast. Five bedrooms spread across two interconnected dwellings, a landscaped enclosed garden, a garage, and a timber-framed attic just waiting to be converted. The bones are solid — natural slate roof, mains drainage, stone walls that have quietly absorbed two centuries of Breton weather. Let's talk about the layout, because it's genuinely interesting. The first house opens at ground level into an entrance hall that flows into a living and dining room anchored by a working fireplace — the kind you actually use from October through April, not just for Instagram. A kitchen with a shower area sits alongside, and a connecting living room links the two houses together. Head upstairs and you get two good-sized bedrooms. The second house has its own front entrance, kitchen, shower room, WC, and a ground-floor bedroom, with two more bedrooms up top. An attic caps the whole structure, unconverted but full of potential — a home office, a games room for the kids, a reading loft. The layout gives you options that most s ... click here to read more

Step through the heavy front door of this brick-and-flint maître house on a crisp October morning and you hear it immediately — the kind of silence that costs money in most of France. No traffic, just a wood pigeon somewhere in the garden and the faint metallic ring of the Goderville church bell carrying across the Pays de Caux plateau. This is what 172,000 euros buys you in northern Normandy right now: a real house with bones, history, and a plot of land big enough to breathe. Bretteville-du-Grand-Caux sits right on the edge of the Seine-Maritime plateau, a few minutes from the market town of Goderville where the Tuesday morning market draws farmers and locals who've been shopping the same stalls for generations. Pick up a thick wedge of Neufchâtel heart-shaped cheese, a bottle of Calvados from a producer who doesn't export, and a baguette still warm from the boulangerie on Rue du Général de Gaulle. This is everyday life here, not a tourist performance. The house itself is the kind you used to find everywhere in Pays de Caux and now increasingly don't. Brick and silex — that distinctive local flint — laid in the traditional Norman pattern, with generous ceiling heights that make the reception rooms feel genuinely grand rather than merely large. The ground floor opens into spacious living areas that get proper afternoon light through tall windows facing the garden. There's a scale to these rooms that's hard to fake: wide floorboards, high cornices, proportions that belong to an era when builders weren't counting square centimetres. Upstairs, four bedrooms spread comfortably across the first floor. Two face the rear garden and catch the morning sun. The remaining rooms have that characteristic Normandy quietness that c ... click here to read more

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

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

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

Step out onto the front terrace on a July morning and you'll hear it before you see it — the faint toll of the village bell drifting up the hillside, a pair of swallows cutting arcs above the limestone cliffs, and nothing else. That's the particular silence of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Not emptiness — richness. The kind that costs nothing and stays with you long after you've gone home. This compact stone cottage sits elevated against the hillside, looking out over a deeply green valley that hasn't changed much since the Cro-Magnon people found shelter in these same cliffs 15,000 years ago. It's been recently renovated — properly done, not cosmetically patched — and the result is a property that works hard despite its modest 41 square metres. Two levels. An open-plan kitchen and living room on the ground floor where the original stone walls keep things cool without air conditioning even in August heat. A shower room tucked neatly beside it. Climb the stairs and you arrive at a single bedroom that catches the morning light and looks out over the terraced hillside below. Three terraces. That detail matters more than it sounds. The front terrace is where you'll drink your coffee. The side terrace catches the afternoon shade and is where you'll eat dinner — confit de canard from the butcher on the main road through the village, a glass of Bergerac rouge, the kind of meal that takes two hours because that's the pace here. The raised terrace at the upper side has a different quality altogether — quieter, more private, the kind of spot where you bring a book and lose an afternoon. Add a renovated outbuilding that can serve as a studio, office, or extra storage, a stone cellar for keeping wine at the right temperature year-r ... click here to read more

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

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

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

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

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

On a Tuesday morning, you wake up to the sound of nothing in particular — a wood pigeon somewhere in the garden, the faint creak of old beams settling in the warmth. You pad downstairs in the main house, light the wood-burning stove in the kitchen, and by the time your coffee is ready, you've already decided: today you'll drive the twenty minutes to Brantôme's Friday market for cheese and walnuts, and the rest of the week can take care of itself. That's the rhythm Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière puts you in. And once it gets hold of you, you won't want to leave. This five-bedroom stone property sits at the corner of a quiet lane just outside the village, where the only traffic is the occasional tractor and the neighbour's dog. The house is actually two adjoining cottages — currently connected and working beautifully as one generous family home — with three bedrooms and a shower room in the main section, and two further bedrooms plus two en-suite shower rooms in the guest wing. It's the kind of layout that solves problems. Extended family coming to stay? They have their own entrance, their own living room with a wood stove, their own space. You have yours. Everyone's happy. Or close the connecting door and rent the guest cottage independently during the summer months — the demand for self-catering accommodation in the Dordogne is very real, and very consistent. Throughout both sections of the house, the period character is intact and unhurried: exposed stone walls that keep things cool even in August, heavy oak beams overhead, fireplaces that have been warming people in this valley for well over a century. The main sitting room has a handsome stone fireplace and a wood-burning stove that makes winter weekends genuinely cosy. T ... click here to read more

On a clear morning, you can stand at the upper-floor window of this stone house and watch the Dordogne River catch the early light while a pair of buzzards ride the thermals above the tobacco fields below. No traffic noise. No neighbors pressed close. Just the occasional tractor on the lane and the wind moving through the walnut trees. This is the Périgord Noir that people spend years searching for—and this two-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the La Rivière quarter near Domme puts you right inside it. The house sits in the lower, river-close part of the area, technically addressed to Domme but functionally tucked into working farmland, with fields running out to the Dordogne on one side and wooded hillsides rising behind. It's built in the local golden limestone—the same material that makes every village around here look like it was carved from honey—and its three floors give it a verticality that feels deliberate, almost tower-like. The raised rooms on the upper levels aren't just architecturally interesting. They earn their height. From up there, the views roll out across a countryside that hasn't changed fundamentally in centuries. At 110 square meters of living space, the layout is generous for two people and perfectly workable for a family. The séjour runs to nearly 26 square meters—big enough for a proper sofa, a reading corner, and a fire that you'll actually use from October through April. The separate salle à manger at almost 20 square meters means dinner parties don't require rearranging the furniture. The kitchen is compact at 8 square meters, which is honestly fine in a house where the rhythm of life encourages you to eat out half the time and cook slowly the other half. Two full bathrooms, including a suite ... click here to read more

On a warm August evening in Marciac, the sound of a trumpet drifts down the Rue de la Bascule, threading through the plane trees and landing softly at your kitchen window. That's not a recording. That's Jazz in Marciac — one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world — happening practically on your doorstep. This 124 m² house in the heart of Gers is the kind of property that doesn't need a sales pitch. The place makes the case for itself. Marciac sits in the Gers département of Midi-Pyrénées, a corner of southwestern France that most tourists speed past on their way to the Pyrenees or Biarritz. Their loss, your gain. The bastide town itself is genuinely medieval — the central arcaded square, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, was laid out in the 13th century and it still works exactly as intended, pulling people together on market days under those stone arches. Thursday morning market is the real one, where local farmers sell duck confit, aged Armagnac, haricots tarbais, and foie gras that has absolutely nothing in common with what you've tried elsewhere. The house sits in this setting in good condition, ready to use from day one. At 124 m², spread across a practical and generous layout of six rooms including three bedrooms, it's the right size for a second home — big enough to host family or friends without anyone feeling cramped, manageable enough that you're not spending your weekends maintaining a property rather than enjoying it. The fireplace in the main living space is the kind of detail that matters come November, when the Gers countryside turns amber and gold and the evenings get cool enough to appreciate a proper fire. Double-glazed PVC windows keep things quiet and insulated year-round, and electric shutters ... click here to read more

Stand at the edge of the wooded plot on a quiet Tuesday morning and the only sounds are the Auvézère river running somewhere below the village rooftops and a woodpecker working through the oak trees at the far end of your four thousand square metres of land. Ségur-le-Château does not announce itself loudly. It doesn't need to. This compact, deeply old village in the Corrèze département has been quietly ranked among France's most beautiful for good reason — and this three-building stone ensemble sits right inside that living medieval world, priced at just €132,500. The property is a genuinely rare find. Three separate stone structures on a wooded 4,590 m² plot: a traditional one-bedroom house, a barn of roughly 100 m², and a partially renovated bread oven. Each one built from the same warm, grey-gold Corrèze limestone that gives the whole village its unhurried, rooted quality. The main house is move-in ready in the sense that matters most — the bones are solid, the inglenook fireplace is the real thing, and the veranda entrance already sets a tone of rural gentleness before you've stepped inside. The attic, accessed by a wooden staircase from the living room, is the kind of raw space that experienced renovation buyers immediately recognise: open, structurally sound, and waiting to become a second bedroom, a studio, or a reading room that gets the morning light. Yes, there is work to plan. Electricity, heating, plumbing, insulation, and a septic tank installation are all on the list. That transparency matters. This is a project property for someone who wants to put their own mark on something genuinely historic, not a flipped renovation dressed up to hide its history. The purchase price reflects exactly that. For buyers ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in Lauzerte, you step outside and the whole of the Quercy Blanc valley rolls out below you in shades of green and gold. The village — one of the most striking medieval villages in southwest France, perched on its ridge like a crown — is a ten-minute walk. Down the hill, the weekly market on the square smells of ripe Chasselas grapes and lavender honey from the Lot. This is what you own when you buy here. Not just walls and land, but a front-row seat to a part of rural France that hasn't been polished into a postcard. The property itself sits on just over 3,000 square metres of flat land — rare in this rolling, hill-crested landscape. The main house covers 80 liveable square metres across two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a shower room. Stone walls, thick enough to keep the interior cool all the way through August, give the rooms a quietness that modern builds simply can't replicate. The house is in good condition and move-in ready, so your first summer here doesn't have to be spent navigating a building site. But what really makes this place interesting is what comes with it. The 120-square-metre barn — ground floor only — attached at the side is essentially a blank canvas the size of a generous family home. Whether you're thinking of converting it into a gîte to generate income during the high season, creating a self-contained guest annexe for visiting family, or simply expanding the main living space into something grander, the volumes are there. The bones are exceptional. The ceiling heights in a barn like this are the kind architects would charge you a premium to recreate from scratch. Beyond the barn, there's a garage, a cellar — perfect for storing the Cahors wine you'll be buying by ... click here to read more

Stand at the kitchen window on a October morning and you'll hear it — the wind cutting across open bocage fields, leaves skittering along the stone path to the barn, and somewhere in the distance the faint toll of the church bell from the village of Hudimesnil. This is Normandy at its most honest. No tourist gloss, no weekend crowds. Just raw countryside, salt-threaded air, and the kind of quiet that most people have to drive three hours from Paris to find — except from here, Paris is less than four hours by road and the Normandy coast is a ten-minute drive. The property sits in the commune of Le Loreur, tucked into the Manche department — an area that most international buyers haven't yet discovered, which is precisely why the prices still make sense. At 107,000 euros for nearly two acres of land, a three-bedroom country house, a semi-attached barn, and a convertible loft of 50 square metres, you're buying raw potential at a price point that frankly doesn't exist anymore in the better-known corners of France. Let's be straightforward about what this is. The house needs a full renovation — the energy rating is G, there's single glazing throughout, and the heating relies on electric radiators and two open fireplaces. This isn't a lock-up-and-enjoy situation. It's a project. But for the right buyer, that's the whole point. The bones are good: thick stone walls, proper room proportions, an entrance hall, a generous kitchen and dining room with an open fireplace, a rear kitchen, and a sitting room that measures over 29 square metres — a room that, once restored, will be the kind of space you spend entire winter evenings in, fire going, local Calvados on the table, not wanting to be anywhere else. Upstairs, two double bedr ... click here to read more

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you an inviting opportunity nestled in the heart of the serene countryside: a charming 2-bedroom farmhouse located in the peaceful hamlet of Brouains, Normandy. This quaint property, set in the picturesque Manche department of France, offers a quintessential French rural experience, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As a busy real estate agent, I can tell you properties like these don't stay on the market for long! Upon entering the property, you'll find it graced with rustic charm and plenty of character. It's been a little while since anyone lived here, so it does need a bit of love, but this is more of an opportunity than a drawback! Think of it as a canvas ready for your personal touch. The main house is composed of a spacious kitchen/dining room with a charming granite fireplace, perfect for whipping up culinary delights or just cozying up on a chilly evening. The room's exposed beams and tiled floor add an authentic touch to the space. The ground floor also hosts a lounge with another stunning fireplace, perfect for gatherings with family or friends. Upstairs, you'll find two bedrooms, each showcasing the classic appeal of sloping ceilings and exposed beams, lending the rooms a cozy and unique ambiance. The farmhouse also features two bathrooms for convenience and privacy. A study provides the perfect nook for remote working or a quiet space for contemplation. An attached annexe affords more space, hosting a living room with wood burner, a cloakroom, and added charm in every corner. Let's not forget what's outside! The property sits on half an acre of land, and while the garden might need a bit of work, once cleared, you'll be rewarded with ... click here to read more

Welcome to Brouains, a charming slice of rural France located in the Manche department, where the pace of life is as gentle as the rolling hills that cradle this picturesque village. This quaint community is nestled in the heart of Lower Normandy, a region rich with history, stunning landscapes, and a climate that's as inviting as its people. If you're looking for a home that combines tranquility with a sense of community, then Brouains may just be the place you've been searching for. Oh, by the way, amidst my bussy schedule, allow me to introduce you to this wonderful property that could be just what you’re looking for. Presenting a delightful 3-bedroom home that embodies the quiet and comfort of rural living. This detached house, boasting two levels and approximately 122 square meters of living space, is perfectly situated to take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty. The property also includes a generous garden, just over 2,136 square meters, offering ample space for gardening, recreation, or simply lounging in the sun. The house itself has plenty to offer: - 3 cozy bedrooms - A spacious double living room, about 28 m² - A large kitchen, perfect for home-cooked meals - 1 bathroom and a convenient shower room - Garage for your vehicles or storage needs - An outbuilding of 19 m² for additional space - Double-glazed wooden windows for insulation Now, let's talk about the interior. The rooms are well-proportioned and bathed in natural light. With some work planned, this property is not a fixer-upper but rather offers a potential canvas for you to personalize and modernize to your tastes. Think of it as an opportunity to add your touch and make this house truly your home. Brouains itself is more than just a pea ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the charming region of Manche in Lower Normany, this delightful 3-bedroom house in Sourdeval offers a perfect blend of traditional French charm and potential for personalization. The property is set on a spacious plot of 1,232 square meters, complete with a verdant garden and a generously sized garage of about 40 square meters. The residential structure spans 112 square meters, showcasing a classic layout that includes an inviting ground floor with an entrance hall, a well-appointed fitted kitchen, and a cozy living room adorned with a functional fireplace and an insert for added comfort. Additional practical aspects of the ground floor include a boiler room and a separate restroom. The upper level is home to a hallway leading to three bedrooms and a shower room accompanied by another WC. The property also houses an attic, providing ample storage space or potential for additional living quarters. While the house's condition is generally good, it retains a charm that invites a touch of renovation to enhance and personalize its quaint features. The existing double-glazed windows frame the picturesque outdoor views and complement the home's rural aesthetic. A septic tank system is in place for sanitation needs. Here are some of the property's compelling features: - Three comfortably sized bedrooms - Spacious 1,232 square meter land area with a private courtyard - Functional fireplace in the living area - Double glazing throughout the house - Sizeable attic with renovation potential Living in Sourdeval offers residents a peaceful lifestyle infused with cultural richness and historical depth. The local area is imbued with a sense of community and traditional values, providing a comforting retreat from the hustl ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Basse-Normandie, the charming village of Gathemo invites you to explore this endearing stone house that's waiting to become your next adventure. The journey to homeownership in France doesn't get more enticing than this, balancing price with potential. Let's dive into what makes this property such a catch and what life in this idyllic French region is like. Gathemo, a small village tucked away in the rolling hills of the Normandy region, is where tranquility and beauty go hand in hand. It offers a slower pace of life that many overseas buyers and expats find appealing. The local area is teeming with lush landscapes and rich history, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside's serene lifestyle. Known for its lush greenery and tranquil environment, Gathemo is a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle and rediscover peace. While Gathemo might seem like a remote retreat, it's well-connected to nearby larger towns where you can access essential amenities. Owning this stone house is an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful climate of Lower Normandy, which boasts mild, temperate weather. Summers are warm but not too hot, perfect for enjoying your spacious 1,200 square meter land without sweating buckets. Winters are cool but not harsh, often covered in a gentle mist that befriends the old-world charm of the region. The property itself is a delightful stone house that stands proudly with two bedrooms and one bathroom, spread over two levels. It's a storybook home with a mix of cozy comforts and room for you to add your personal touches. While it's in good condition, eager homeowners can think about how to tweak its personality a bit more to ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the charming countryside of Gathemo, Basse-Normandie, France, this quaint stone house awaits its next chapter. With the serene beauty of rural France as its backdrop, this property offers a unique blend of traditional architecture and the opportunity for personalization. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a new beginning, this home provides a delightful canvas to create your very own haven. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom home sits comfortably on a generous 1,200 square meters of land, making it a perfect spot for those who love the outdoors or envision cultivating their own garden. The stone facade speaks to the timeless construction typical of the region, evoking a sense of history and permanence that many modern homes simply cannot match. At 85 square meters, this home is cozy, yet the intelligent use of space ensures that it feels open and accommodating. The property's location in Gathemo, situated in the picturesque region of Basse-Normandie, offers both tranquility and accessibility. The climate here is temperate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, making it perfect for those who enjoy experiencing all four seasons without the extremes. The area's natural beauty comes alive in every season, whether it’s the blossoming flowers of spring or the golden hues of autumn leaves. As a busy real estate agent, I’ve seen that many expatriates and overseas buyers are drawn to Gathemo not just for its affordably priced real estate, but for its traditional French village lifestyle. Life in Gathemo promises a slower pace, where neighbors know each other by name and community events bring everyone together. The village itself is equipped with necessary amenities and provides a s ... click here to read more

Nestled within the picturesque village of Gathemo, in the heart of the charming region of Basse-Normandie, France, stands a quaint stone house that calls out to those looking for a cozy refuge rich with potential and history. As a busty realtor, I know how hard it can be to find that perfect blend of charm and practicality, but this delightful two-bedroom home might just be the answer you didn't know you were searching for. Let's dive a little deeper into what makes this property — and its surroundings — such a special find. Let's start with the stone house itself, a structure that elegantly captures the rustic allure of Normandy's architecture. The home spans across 85 square meters, offering a harmonious balance of intimacy and welcoming spaces. With two bedrooms, it’s ideal for a small family, a couple, or perhaps even someone seeking an artist's retreat. This property presents itself in good condition, so you can move in and start your new chapter with minimal fuss. Property Features: - 2 cozy bedrooms - 1 bathroom - Traditional stone facade - Situated on a generous 1200m² plot - Charming rural setting - 2 levels of living space - Ample natural light - Comfortable 85m² of interior space - Ample potential for personal touches - Spacious garden area perfect for outdoor activities As you arrive, you can’t help but admire the quaint, stone exterior that's symbolic of homes in this region. The traditional architecture speaks to the longevity and durability of its construction, while the generous portion of land it sits on offers a blank canvas for gardening enthusiasts or space for family gatherings. While the house is ready to live in, it’s the kind of property that allows room for personal touch-ups and creative impr ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, in the charming village of Sourdeval, this inviting 3-bedroom country house is now available for sale. This delightful property, situated in the department of Manche, offers a serene and peaceful lifestyle with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With a price tag of €150,000, this charming country house provides an exceptional opportunity for those looking to embrace the tranquility of rural life in France, whether as a family home or a second residence. Property Features: - Property type: country home - Condition: Good but requires some modernisation - Location: Normandy, Manche, Sourdeval - Bedrooms: 3 - Bathrooms: 1 - Total area: 90 sqm - Price: €150,000 - Land: Nearly 7 acres, gently sloping - New fuseboard installed around 10 years ago - Exterior insulation added - Potential to extend into loft space - Outbuildings suitable for conversion into gîtes - Mains water, electricity, and telephone connected - Gas-fired central heating - Double glazed PVC windows with shutters - Septic tank drainage (needs replacing) - Taxes Foncières: Approx. €561 per year Property Description: As you walk up the driveway, surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, this charming country house welcomes you with its rustic stone façade. The house, though requiring some modernisation, has ample potential to become a beautiful family home or an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ground floor features a spacious kitchen/dining room (6.05 x 4.34m), complete with part-glazed door and windows offering lovely views of the landscape. The room is equipped with a double stainless steel sink, a cozy fireplace with an open hearth, and plenty of space for a freest ... click here to read more

Situated in the charming town of Sourdeval in the picturesque region of Normandy, this delightful townhouse presents a unique opportunity for those looking to own a piece of French countryside. With its proximity to various local amenities and scenic surroundings, this property offers both convenience and a tranquil lifestyle, making it ideal for a holiday home, a first-time purchase, or a potential rental investment. Property Highlights: - Address: Sourdeval, Normandy, Manche, France - Price: €44,500 Property Features: - Three bedrooms - One bathroom - Overall size of 70 square meters - Double glazed hardwood windows, installed approximately 12 years ago - Central heating system via a back boiler on the woodburner (requires maintenance before use) - Full basement for ample storage As you enter the house, you're greeted by a partly glazed front door that leads into an entrance hall, adorned with a tiled floor and offering direct access to both the basement and the upper floors. The ground floor hosts a cozy lounge area, featuring a fireplace with a woodburner and wood flooring, making it the perfect spot for relaxing evenings. The kitchen/dining room includes a ceramic sink, space for appliances, and glazed double doors that open up to a decking area, which awaits renewal to become a splendid outdoor entertainment space. The stairs guide you to the first floor where you will find two bedrooms, each boasting wood flooring and radiators. The bathroom on this floor is equipped with a hip bath, hand basin, and tiled floor. Ascending to the second floor reveals an additional bedroom and access to the attic, providing extra storage or could be converted into a functional space depending on your needs. Local Area and Ameni ... click here to read more

Tucked away in the serene landscape of Normandy, this captivating 3-bedroom country home in Sourdeval offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside. This detached stone "Maison de Maître" boasts a chic and recent renovation that has tastefully enhanced its rustic charm while incorporating modern comforts. Located in a tranquil role, yet within reach of both local culture and nature, this property makes for an ideal family home or a peaceful getaway. The ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room, where a recently fitted kitchen includes modern appliances and ample storage spaces, complemented by an inset wood burner in the living area that adds a cozy feel during the cooler months. Tiled floors and access to the basement and upper floors meld functionality and style seamlessly. The first floor reveals three bedrooms enriched with laminate flooring and versatile ambient light, along with a dressing room attached to the master bedroom. The shower room on this floor includes a vanity unit and heated towel rail, supplying added comfort. For the visionary, the loft presents an excellent opportunity for conversion, suggesting possibilities for additional living space or creative room tailored to your needs. Practical features include a tandem garage and utility areas in the basement, poised to accommodate household needs from storage to laundry. Local Area and Lifestyle Living in Sourdeval, residents relish in the weekly market offering from fresh produce to livestock, located among a variety of traditional shops, bars, and restaurants which boast an authentic French culinary experience. Lifestyle amenities are plentiful, spanning golf clubs, a sports c ... click here to read more

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Sourdeval, France, this charming four-bedroom country home offers a serene escape amidst 15 acres of verdant land. Perfect for those yearning for a peaceful rural lifestyle, this delightful farmhouse combines the beauty of rustic living with the convenience of modern amenities. The property is in good condition and features a spacious open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen area. This expansive space is accentuated with wood flooring and large windows, bringing abundant natural light into the home. The kitchen is well-equipped with built-in units, modern appliances, including a dishwasher, and a cozy breakfast bar for casual meals. Living in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of idyllic countryside and accessibility to essentials. The town is just a short drive away, boasting a selection of supermarkets, banks, and weekly markets where locals gather every Tuesday to shop for fresh produce and connect with the community. For the outdoor enthusiast, the property's location is nothing short of a dream. The surrounding area is ripe for exploration, whether it's a peaceful walk through the nearby Saint Sever forest, a day of fishing or boating at Lac de la Dathée, or perfecting your swing at the 18-hole golf course, all less than 15 minutes drive away. The coast, with its beautiful beaches, is only an hour away by car, making it an accessible destination for a sunny weekend getaway. The house is also equipped as an office and utility room, offering practical solutions for those looking to manage work-from-home requirements or daily household chores efficiently. Upstairs, the bedrooms are well-appointed with wooden floors, soothing views of the surrounding landscape, and ample ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Normandy, this charming 5-bedroom farmhouse in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of comfort and potential. Situated in an elevated position, the property boasts stunning views and is surrounded by nearly 2 acres of private land, including a garden and paddock. This inviting home presents a perfect opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the rural beauty of France while having the possibility of completing a custom renovation project. The main house is in good condition, renovated and ready for immediate occupation, featuring an "L" shaped lounge with a cozy wood-burner set in a granite fireplace, and exposed beams that enhance its rustic charm. Wooden floors flow throughout the downstairs living areas including the dining room, which receives ample natural light from the front-facing windows. The kitchen is practical, with space and plumbing ready for modern appliances, leading out to the garden which offers a serene retreat or a delightful entertaining space. Upstairs, the personalization of space continues. The landing doubles as a study area, while each of the bedrooms come with features like sloping ceilings, exposed beams, and stone walls that add to the farmhouse's character. The bathroom includes modern comforts such as a bath with an overhead shower and a radiator. Adjacent to the main residence is a gîte, partially renovated and awaiting completion. This offers an ideal project for those looking to create a customized guesthouse or a potential rental property. The initial structure is already in place, with frames and basic installations ready for finishing touches. The property includes several outbuildings that provide additional storage solutions or co ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, this notable farmhouse in Manche presents a beautiful blend of classic charm and modern conveniences. Situated near Sourdeval, a quaint town that perfectly captures the spirit of rural France, this property promises more than just a home—it offers an idyllic lifestyle to those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of this region. With its detached stone structure, this farmhouse stands proud, boasting a stunning elevated position surrounded by nearly 2 acres of lush, green land that invites you to experience the timeless allure of the French countryside. One of my favorites things about this farmhouse is that it’s already ready to move into, although its adjoining gîte still awaits completion, offering you a wonderful opportunity to tailor the space according to your unique vision. The main house promises comfort with its renovated interiors, perfect for those who seek a balance between modernity and the classic charm of a rural home. The gîte is the proverbial "blank canvas," just bursting with potential to become a heartwarming retreat or a guest residence. Features of the Main House: - Five cozy bedrooms mix classic elements like exposed beams with contemporary updates. - The lounge features a charming granite fireplace, ideal for cozy evenings. - A spacious dining room, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. - Two bathrooms on hand for convenience, one on each floor. - Original wooden floors not only add to the charm but make maintenance simple. - A country-style kitchen with modern amenities, promoting a delightful cooking experience. - Radiators throughout to keep you warm even when the temperatures drop. - A noteworthy 'L' shaped ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the heart of Normandy's picturesque countryside, this delightful country home in Sourdeval offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a second home or vacation property in France. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture, Normandy is a dream destination for international buyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A Slice of French Countryside Living Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of apple blossoms wafting through your window. This charming two-bedroom stone house, lovingly renovated in 1984, is surrounded by a lush garden and a quaint apple orchard, providing a serene and private oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Property Highlights: - Location: Situated in a tranquil rural hamlet, just a few kilometers from the vibrant town of Sourdeval. - Size: 91 square meters of cozy living space, perfect for intimate family gatherings or quiet retreats. - Bedrooms: Two spacious bedrooms with wood flooring and ample natural light. - Bathroom: A well-appointed shower room with modern amenities. - Kitchen/Dining Room: Features a granite fireplace with a Godin wood-fired cooker/heater, perfect for cozy winter evenings. - Lounge: A spacious area with tiled floors and large windows, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. - Garage: Attached garage with electric door, providing secure parking and additional storage space. - Garden: Beautifully landscaped with mature trees, shrubs, and flower borders, plus a charming apple orchard. The Normandy Lifestyle Living in Sourdeval offers a unique blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The town is a short drive away, providing access to essential amenities such as banks, ... click here to read more

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