Spacious 3-Bedroom Village House with Vineyard Views in Jarnac, France

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

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

Picture this: it's a Tuesday morning in July, and the only sound you can hear from the kitchen window is a woodpigeon calling somewhere beyond the garden's old stone wall. The coffee is on, the air smells faintly of cut grass and warm limestone, and by ten o'clock you could be sitting under the covered barn with a glass of Pineau des Charentes, watching swallows loop over your one-acre plot. This is life in Juignac — unhurried, deeply rural, and more alive than you'd expect from a village this quiet. Juignac sits in the soft green heart of the Charente, one of those parts of southwest France that most visitors drive through on the way to somewhere else. That's precisely the point. About five kilometres from the market town of Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard, you're close enough to pick up fresh bread from the boulangerie on the Grand-Rue and have a long lunch at one of the restaurants along the main square, but far enough from any tourist circuit that life moves at a pace you set yourself. The Charente itself — the river, not just the département — winds through this landscape, and the whole region has this quality of gentle abundance: sunflowers in August, walnuts in October, fog rolling low over the fields in November before the winter sun burns it off by midday. This house has had a serious second life. Since 2020, it's gone through a thorough, considered renovation — not a cosmetic refresh, but a genuine transformation. The approach was smart: instead of stripping out every trace of its rural Charentais character, the renovation leaned into it. Exposed stone sits alongside a fully equipped contemporary kitchen. The result is a home that feels like it has always belonged here, but functions with the efficiency of something ... click here to read more

Saturday morning, and the only sounds reaching the terrace are birdsong, the distant clang of the Saint-Saud-Lacoussière church bell, and the faint creak of oak branches in the breeze. Your coffee goes cold because you keep forgetting to drink it. That's what this corner of the Dordogne does to you. This three-bedroom house sits on just over an acre of land outside one of the Périgord Vert's quieter, more genuine villages — not a tourist honeypot, but a real French community with a weekly market, a pharmacy, a couple of decent cafés, and the kind of neighbours who still wave from across the lane. The property spans 125 square metres of living space, is in good condition, and has the bones — plus a 60-square-metre open barn and an attached garage — to become something genuinely personal with a modest refresh. Walk through the front door and you're straight into the heart of the house: a 45-square-metre living room with terracotta tiles underfoot, a proper fireplace fitted with a wood burner, and double doors that push open onto the terrace and garden beyond. It's the kind of room that earns its keep in every season. In July, those doors stay open from breakfast to midnight. In January, the wood burner makes the room impossible to leave. The fitted kitchen connects naturally to this central space, and the whole ground floor flows well — two double bedrooms with warm wooden floors, a family bathroom, and a WC all sit within easy reach. Upstairs, a mezzanine study area opens off the landing — exactly the right perch for working remotely with a view over the garden, or for teenagers who need their own corner of the world. The third bedroom completes the upper floor, giving the house genuine flexibility for families, couple ... click here to read more

Stand on the terrace on a July morning and the air already carries the warmth of the day ahead—cut grass, wild thyme, and the faint sweetness from the sunflowers that blanket the fields around Saint-Martin-de-Gurson. The only sound is birdsong and the distant clang of a tractor somewhere beyond the tree line. This is the Dordogne that people read about in novels and then spend decades trying to find. This five-bedroom house sits on 2.3 hectares of French countryside in the Périgord, one of the most quietly coveted corners of southwest France. At 188 square metres, there is real room here—space to have the whole family over in August, space for teenagers to disappear into their own corners, space to breathe after years of city life. The condition is good and the house is ready to live in, which matters more than people realise when they're buying in a foreign country. No lengthy renovation drama, no months of waiting. You could be spending your first summer evening on the terrace within weeks of completion. Inside, the living room is the kind of space that earns its keep in every season. In the height of summer the French doors pull light in from all angles. Come November, the wood-burning stove becomes the centre of gravity—a proper cast-iron one that heats the room fast and makes the whole house smell like a mountain chalet. The open kitchen flows directly off the living area, with a proper pantry (cellier) that any serious cook will appreciate immediately. Storing olive oil from the Dordogne market, wine from a Bergerac cave, charcuterie from the Saturday market at Montpon-Ménéstrol—there's space for all of it. Five bedrooms gives you options that most French country houses simply don't. Guest rooms, a home office, ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in La Force sounds like this: a distant church bell from the village, the soft creak of wooden shutters catching the Périgord breeze, and the faint smell of coffee drifting through an open kitchen window while the garden sits gold and quiet in the early light. This is not a fantasy. This is what ownership here actually feels like. Sitting on a generous 1,500 square metre plot in the heart of the Dordogne, this three-bedroom property is one of the more genuinely versatile finds to come onto the market in this part of Aquitaine in some time. At €189,000, it's not just a second home in France — it's a property complex that gives you options most buyers only wish for. The setup is clever. Two separate residential units share the land, each with its own character and function. The first is compact, polished, and ready to use from day one — two levels with a ground-floor living room and kitchenette, and a proper bedroom with an en-suite shower room upstairs. You could step off a flight from London or Amsterdam, drive the hour south from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, arrive at dusk, and be entirely comfortable by nightfall. No renovation stress, no waiting. This unit works immediately. The second unit is where the real potential lives. A single-storey home with a warm living room, a large separate kitchen, and two spacious bedrooms. The bones are good — solid, honest construction typical of the Dordogne countryside — and the spaces are generous enough to personalise without feeling like you're fighting the layout. Think of it as a canvas that already has the right proportions. Knock through to expand a room, update the kitchen with the local stone you'll find at every Bergerac brico, repaint in something that ref ... click here to read more

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

Sunday morning in the Vienne countryside has a specific quality to it. The air smells of cut grass and woodsmoke, the church bell in the village of Blanzay carries clear across the fields, and your kitchen — with its log burner crackling and coffee on the stove — is warm in a way that proper stone walls make it. That's what owning this barn conversion actually feels like. Not a brochure fantasy. The real thing. This is a proper barn conversion sitting in a quiet hamlet just outside Blanzay, a five-minute drive from the market town of Civray and its Friday morning market stalls selling Charentais melons, local goat's cheese, and honey from the Vienne valley. The building has been thoughtfully transformed from agricultural outbuilding into a genuinely liveable home — 130 square metres of interior space spread across a layout that manages to feel both open and intimate at once. Walk into the kitchen-dining room first, because that's where the life of this house happens. There's a log burner, solid fitted units, and enough room that eight people can eat together without anyone feeling squeezed. Behind it, a dedicated utility room houses the central heating boiler and the solar hot water system — practical infrastructure that keeps running costs down and, for a second home in rural France, matters more than most buyers initially realise. A pantry and a separate WC complete the ground floor's working zone. Then comes the double-height living room, and this is the room that stops people mid-stride. The ceiling goes straight up, exposing the original barn volume, with a mezzanine gallery spanning part of it. A chimney anchors one wall. Light from high windows falls at angles that shift through the day. Next to this space sits ... click here to read more

On a still morning in Lizant, the only sounds are wood pigeons in the oak trees and the distant rumble of a tractor working the next field over. The kitchen window faces south, and by nine o'clock the sunlight has already moved across the stone floor and landed on the table where coffee goes cold because you keep getting up to look outside. That's the pace of life this former farmhouse sets — and once you've felt it, it's hard to go back. Lizant sits in the Vienne department of Poitou-Charentes, a part of rural France that doesn't chase attention. It earns it quietly. The village is tucked into a gentle landscape of sunflower fields, walnut orchards, and hedgerow-lined lanes that were made for cycling and slow afternoon drives. The nearest market town is Civray, roughly 10 kilometres east, where the Saturday morning market on the Place du Marché fills up with local producers selling Chabichou du Poitou cheese, fresh walnuts, and smoked duck from the Charente valley. You'll recognise the same faces every week. That's the kind of place this is. The farmhouse itself covers 270 square metres across two floors and has been well maintained — this is not a project requiring months of work before you can sleep in it. You can arrive on a Friday, unload the car, open the shutters, and be entirely comfortable by Friday night. The fitted kitchen flows into a utility room that handles the practical side of country living without cluttering up the main spaces. The living room is large and genuinely bright, thanks to the south-facing aspect that pulls light deep into the interior through most of the day. A fireplace with an insert sits at the heart of the room — in November, when the Vienne countryside goes amber and the mornings tur ... click here to read more

On a quiet morning in Montmoreau, you open the kitchen window and catch the smell of bread baking from the boulangerie two streets over. The old lime tree in the garden is already throwing long shadows across the grass. Church bells tick off the hour somewhere behind the rooftops. This is what a second home in the Charente actually feels like — not a postcard, but a life you can walk right into. This four-bedroom house sits on a 2,500 m² fenced plot just a few minutes' walk from the center of Montmoreau, a genuine working village where the shops are open, the school is busy, and the weekly market still matters. At €191,500, it's one of those rare finds in southwest France where the price doesn't force you into a compromise. The house is in good condition, connected to the public sewage system, and ready to move into or rent out from day one — no major works, no guesswork. Inside, the layout is generous without feeling excessive. Three bedrooms serve the everyday sleeping arrangement, but the fourth room — a spacious music room running along one side of the ground floor — is the kind of flexible space that a vacation home really benefits from. Use it as a fourth bedroom when the family multiplies for August. Set it up as a proper studio. Keep it as a reading room with nothing but books and afternoon light. It's large enough to be genuinely useful rather than decoratively mentioned in the listing. Two bathrooms handle the practicalities well. The house has a garage and a separate workshop — the workshop alone will matter enormously to anyone who wants a serious hobby space or needs somewhere dry to store garden gear, bikes, and the kayaks that will inevitably accumulate once you discover the Dronne river valley. Parking ... click here to read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday morning in Pleuville moves at its own pace. The shutters creak open, the coffee's on, and through the kitchen window you catch that wide roll of Charente countryside—fields fading into tree lines, not another rooftop in sight. This is what 193 square metres of genuine Maison de Maître feels like when it's yours. Set right in the heart of the village, this four-bedroom house carries all the bones that make old French architecture so satisfying: generous proportions, solid stone, rooms that breathe. But it's been updated where it counts. The kitchen was fitted last year—clean, functional, properly equipped for the long lunches that Charente life demands. A new 7 x 5 metre inground swimming pool was also installed last year, sitting just outside where the garden opens up and the views stretch away over the surrounding countryside. On a hot July afternoon, that pool earns its place fast. Inside, the layout flows well. A wide hallway sets the tone as you enter—the kind of entrance that makes guests pause. To the right, the new kitchen leads into a utility room, and there's a shower room with WC on the same side, which makes practical sense for a house that sees wet dogs, muddy boots, or kids coming in from the pool. To the left, the dining room and living room run together in an open plan arrangement, giving you a generous shared space that works for family dinners, lazy evenings, and everything in between. Upstairs, four well-sized bedrooms line up comfortably—room for the whole family, or the friends who always seem to arrive for August—alongside a bathroom with WC. Outside is where this property really delivers. The garden wraps around the house on multiple sides, so you're never short of options: a spot in full ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque town of Jarnac, in the heart of the Charente region, this grand 8-bedroom manor house offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home or holiday retreat in France. With its rich history and elegant architecture, this property is more than just a house; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in French charm and sophistication. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves in your private, walled garden, sipping your morning coffee on one of the twin stone staircases that grace the front and rear of the house. The air is crisp, carrying the faint aroma of nearby vineyards, a reminder of Jarnac's renowned cognac heritage. This is not just a home; it's a sanctuary where you can unwind, entertain, and create lasting memories. ### A Glimpse into the Manor's Grandeur Upon entering through the decorative gates, you're greeted by a sweeping driveway leading to ample parking space. The main entrance, accessible via a majestic stone staircase, opens into an impressive hallway that runs the full length of the ground floor. Here, the gently spiraling staircase, adorned with stained glass windows, sets the tone for the elegance that permeates the entire property. The ground floor boasts four spacious reception rooms, each bathed in natural light. Whether you're hosting a dinner party in the formal dining room, enjoying a quiet evening in the library, or working from home in the study, this manor caters to every need. The main kitchen, equipped for both casual and gourmet cooking, is a hub of activity and warmth. ### Upstairs: A Haven of Comfort The first floor features four generous bedrooms, each offering a tranquil retreat after a day of exploring the local countryside. With a bathroom, ... click here to read more

Charming 4-Bedroom House in Jarnac, Charente – A Serene Retreat with a Touch of History Nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, France, this delightful 4-bedroom house offers a unique blend of comfort and character. Situated between the tranquil towns of Jarnac and Segonzac, the property stands as an ideal base for exploring the rich landscapes and historic sites of the Charente department. Whether you're looking to set roots in France or seeking a charming holiday home, this property merits your consideration. Property Features: - Size: 200 sqm living space - Bedrooms: 4 - Bathrooms: 2 - Newly Installed Swimming Pool with Terrace: Ideal for relaxing and entertaining. - Large Barn (130 sqm): Offers potential for various uses. - Double Glazing and Central Heating: Ensures a cosy environment throughout the seasons. - Kitchen: Fully fitted kitchen that blends modern functionality with rustic charm. - Additional Rooms: Include a lounge, dining room with a grand stone chimney, an office, and a boiler room/utility room. Amenities: - Enclosed Garden: Offers privacy and ample space for outdoor activities. - Parking: Extensive parking area, a convenient feature for residents with multiple vehicles. - Proximity to Local Shops and Services: A mere 5-minute drive to essential amenities including a supermarket and bakery. - Accessibility: Cognac is just a 10-minute drive away, expanding your options for dining and shopping. Local Area: Living in Jarnac provides a delightful experience year-round, with its serene surroundings and congenial community. Jarnac is not just a town but a cultural hub, known for its deep-rooted connection to the French spirits industry, particularly Cognac production. T ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Poitou-Charentes, lies a stone house with a story to tell in the charming town of Jarnac. For those yearning for a home that promises both serenity and convenience, this property is more than just walls and a roof—it's an invitation to experience the rich local culture and history of the region. Let me paint a picture of this property and the life that waits for you in this delightful corner of France. This three-bedroom haven sits gracefully among sprawling vineyards, offering an intoxicating blend of rural charm and urban accessibility. As you approach the property, you will appreciate its sturdy stone exterior, a testament to its good condition and enduring presence. Once inside, the entrance hall greets you with warmth, providing not just a passage but a segue into the rest of the house. The ground floor unravels into a generously-sized living room where sunlight dances through two sets of sliding patio doors. On sunny days, these doors seamlessly connect the indoors with two paved terraces, perfect spots for morning coffees or evening reflections as you marvel at the garden and vineyard panorama. The spacious dining room beckons for family gatherings and festive meals, nestled next to a well-arranged kitchen that awaits your culinary adventures. Completing the ground floor is a functional laundry and boiler room, a convenience that any busy family will appreciate, alongside an integral garage and a cozy workshop for those who indulge in crafts or hobbies. Ascending the stairs, a large landing offers a realm of possibilities—perhaps a home office or a reading nook with picturesque views as your backdrop. Here, three double bedrooms unfold, each offering fine views that stre ... click here to read more

Property Description: Step into the heart of France with this splendid four-bedroom house, nestled amidst the quaint charm of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, St-Même-les-Carrières. Positioned ideally on the edge of a delightful village, this scenic south-facing Charentaise house provides unparalleled opportunities for a tranquil and exploratory lifestyle at the hands of Mother Nature. The property is enveloped by unparalleled scenic views and boasts complete privacy with no immediate neighbors. Within walking distance, a local bar and bakery offer daily access to fresh French pastries and local delicacies. For those seeking retail therapy, the bustling market town of Jarnac is conveniently located a short drive away. The Property: On entering the property, one is greeted by an elegant hallway that leads to a traditionally stylish kitchen and a prodigious south-facing living room. The highlight is its doors leading out to a sizable garden. The ground floor also features a spacious master suite with a comfortable walk-in wardrobe and personal bathroom. The upper level further accommodates three well-appointed bedrooms and an additional bathroom. The bedrooms, though varied in size, uphold a warm and comforting ambiance with a complementing hint of rustic charm. Outside the main living area are useful adjunct structures, one of them doubling as a garage, utility room, and boiler room. In one corner of the serene garden - primarily grassy with mature trees and shrubs adding beauty - is a charming open-sided stone building. It features a built-in BBQ and WC providing a fantastic outdoor relaxation zone fit for a host of entertaining activities. St-Même-les-Carrières and Climate: St-Même-les-Carrières is a quiet village in ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene countryside of Sigogne in Charente, France, is a charming traditional Charentaise longère that welcomes you with both its historic appeal and modern comforts. This 3-bedroom farmhouse, having been fully renovated, offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary amenities, where its 183m2 of living space provides an idyllic setting for both family life and entertaining guests. Property Features: - Fully renovated traditional Charentaise longère - Living space: 183m2 - Bedrooms: 3 - Bathrooms: 2 - Spacious eat-in kitchen (33.3 M2) - Comfortable living room (35.7 M2) - Practical laundry room (10.9 M2) - Study area (4.5 M2) - Land size: 10,051m2 - Oil-fired central heating - Septic tank drainage Amenities: - Walled garden with scenic views - Two barns, offering ample storage or potential for additional conversion - Swimming pool - Terrace perfect for outdoor dining - Orchard and paddock, embracing the essence of farmhouse living - Private parking The farmhouse greets you with an inviting entryway, leading through pretty gates into a beautifully maintained walled garden. This outdoor sanctuary, along with the pool and terrace, provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and social gatherings. The orchard and paddock hint at the possibilities for small-scale farming or keeping animals, making it an ideal spot for those who dream of a sustainable lifestyle. Located just a short bike ride from the vibrant village of Sigogne, this property offers a peaceful rural lifestyle without sacrificing convenience. Sigogne, a community that retains its authentic charm, features local shops essential for daily needs. For more extensive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, the bustling market town o ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes in Charente, the tranquil village of Sigogne offers a unique blend of pastoral beauty and local charm. It is in this serene setting that a graceful country home awaits a new owner, someone who appreciates the blend of traditional French architecture with the potential for personal touches. This 250 sqm property, priced at €371,000, is a perfect canvas for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside while enjoying a home with great bones and character. The house itself, in good condition, requires some updating, providing an excellent opportunity for those interested in customizing a home to their taste. Property Features: - Size: 250 sqm - Bedrooms: 5 - Bathrooms: 4 - Additional Rooms: Study, storage room, potential dressing room or toddler room - Heating: Wood burner plus additional boiler system Amenities: - Above ground swimming pool (8x4m) - Garden shed - Workshop - Garage - Good size garden with grass and mature small trees The ground floor of the house welcomes you with an entrance hall, leading directly into a cozy bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, offering privacy for guests or convenience for family members. Adjacently, the kitchen opens to a spacious dining and living area, highlighted by a charming wood burner that promises warmth and ambiance during the cooler months. This floor also houses a flexible room that could serve as a second living area, study, or additional bedroom, depending on one's needs. Upstairs, the layout includes four more bedrooms, three of which boast ensuite bathrooms, while the fourth includes a toilet and sink. One bedroom also connects to an additional small room, offering potential as a dressing area or a n ... click here to read more

Inviting Family Home in Saint-Preuil, Charente, France Nestled within the tranquil expanse of the Grande Champagne area, known for its sprawling Cognac vineyards, this three-bedroom country house presents an inviting prospect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside ambiance. Priced at €349,000, this property spans 230 square meters and sits on a plot that offers privacy, scenic views, and a picturesque walled garden. House Features: - Three generously sized bedrooms - Three bathrooms, including a large main bathroom - Spacious entrance hall leading to various rooms - Large living room with a cozy fireplace and an exciting mezzanine level - Well-equipped kitchen featuring another charming fireplace, ideal for family meals - Additional sauna room and jacuzzi room for relaxation - Games room, mezzanine, and garage in a tastefully upgraded outbuilding - Potential for converting two more rooms into bedrooms - Enclosed garden with a covered terrace, perfect for outdoor entertaining - Historical one-up one-down bakehouse in the garden, suitable as a home office or guest annex Local Area and Lifestyle: Saint-Preuil and its surroundings are quintessentially calm and serene, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The local town, a short drive away, provides all the necessary amenities including shopping, healthcare, and dining options, as well as local markets selling fresh produce and regional specialties. Living in this area, one experiences the peaceful life amongst vineyards, with ample opportunities for walks and cycling. The property's location offers an excellent balance for a family or couple, providing both privacy and accessibility. The house, enveloped in nat ... click here to read more

Welcome to this stately nine-bedroom castle situated in the idyllic region of Poitou-Charentes, in the heart of Grande Champagne, France. Sited in Segonzac, renowned for its historic appeal, this property is enveloped by an air of grandeur and classic nobility, bestowing an unmatched blend of the old-world charm with the opportunity of contemporary customization. The house unfolds itself across an expansive area of approximately 600 square meters. The current layout includes a welcoming entrance hall, a sumptuous lounge, a generous dining room, and a study that nurtures tranquility. Complementing these features is a large, fully-equipped dining kitchen, ideally suited for staging anything from intimate family meals to elaborate dinner parties. This abode, effervescent in its charm, accommodates nine spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms. Harmonizing the indoors with nature, the large windows of the house offer breathtaking verdant views, enhancing the sense of tranquility that defines this majestic dwelling. An attic space, ripe for reinvention, can be transformed into a whimsical hideaway, an additional bedroom, or a home office - the only limit is your imagination. Amid the well-maintained roof, the interior detailing cries out for restoration to restore its former magnificence; transforming this property into an extraordinary home or a viable commercial prospect, such as a bed & breakfast. Additional features: Authentic wooden floors High ceilings Large windows Driveway Potential for additional extras like a swimming pool, a tennis court, etc. Besides the castle, this property further boasts a large, renovated wine barn offering 170 square meters of floor space. This versatile area can be reim ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene village of Sainte-Sévère within the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, this 4-bedroom character house offers a blend of tranquil rural living with the charm of old-world architecture, complemented by the convenience of modern amenities. As you explore this property, you will find it harmoniously combines spacious living areas with the intimate, cozy feel ideal for both relaxation and family life. Property Features: - Total area: 300 square meters - Bedrooms: 4 spacious bedrooms, including three on the upper level, each offering privacy and tranquility - Bathrooms: 2 well-appointed bathrooms - Large, functional kitchen perfect for those who enjoy cooking and hosting family meals - Bright and welcoming living spaces - Independent office space, ideal for remote working or as a private study - Separate spacious guest house, excellent for hosting visitors or potential for rental income - Wooded and enclosed grounds providing a secure and peaceful environment The property is well-maintained but would benefit from some updates, particularly in the sanitation system for which an estimate is already available. This presents a wonderful opportunity for those looking to imprint their style on a solid foundation, turning this house into a personalized home. Local Area and Lifestyle: Sainte-Sévère is a small, enchanting village located just 15 minutes from the famed town of Cognac, known worldwide for its production of fine brandy. The area offers a variety of activities catering to diverse interests: - Wine and cognac tasting tours in the surrounding vineyards - Biking and hiking through scenic routes - Local markets featuring regional produce and crafts - Historical sites including traditional distille ... click here to read more

Located in the quintessential Charente region of Poitou-Charentes, this 3-bedroom house offers the rustic charm of a former farm cottage combined with the potential for modern restoration, making it an appealing choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside. The picturesque village of Sainte-Sévère, where this property is situated, provides an idyllic backdrop with its ancient structures and lush, green landscapes, making it a magnet for expatriates and overseas home seekers. This house has a welcoming entrance that leads into a spacious, vaulted kitchen and dining area. Highlighted by a traditional stone Charentais fireplace, the adjacent light-filled lounge offers a comforting space for restful evenings. The kitchen acts as the heart of the home, ideal for gatherings and culinary delights. On the ground floor, there's also a full bathroom, separate toilet, and access to one of the house's two garages, behind which sits a practical workshop currently equipped with a gas boiler. Ascending to the upper level, residents are greeted by a mezzanine that leads off to three well-sized bedrooms, each offering serene views of the surrounding village. A convenient shower room with toilet complements the upper floor, ensuring ample facilities for family and guests alike. One of the unique features of this property is its potential for expansion. The layout on the rear ground floor—with the existing garage and workshop—presents a fantastic opportunity for conversion into additional living space, subject to necessary permissions. This could be an excellent project for those looking to tailor a home to their specific needs or those interested in adding value to their investment. Features inclu ... click here to read more

Welcome to this charming three-bedroom house nestled in the quaint village of Poitou-Charentes, in the heart of Charente, Mérignac, France. This traditional Charentaise house invites potential homeowners into its spacious courtyards and illustrious history with a touch of elegance and a prime renovation opportunity. The main residence spans an impressive 200 square meters over two floors, featuring traditional fireplaces and a substantial attic space awaiting conversion. The floorplan is well-suited for both relaxation and entertaining, boasting separate living and dining areas, each approximately 25 square meters and equipped with functional fireplaces. Additionally, the property houses a practical kitchen, large pantry, and laundry areas which give way to numerous expansive outbuildings. The upper level contains three cozy bedrooms, varying from 10 to 18 square meters, with facilities providing ample comfort. Importantly, while the home is in good condition, it holds abundant potential for customization. Prospective buyers will appreciate the opportunity to infuse the residence with personal touches while optimizing the interior to their taste. Along with the main house, the property includes diverse outbuilding spaces that total more than 370 square meters. These facilities, previously used in wine production, present extensive possibilities for conversion, perhaps into additional living spaces, studios, or workshops. Set within a plot of 2,318 square meters, the estate features a generously sized courtyard and an inviting garden area on its rear, perfect for outdoor activities and leisure. While the garden requires some fencing, it promises a serene escape or a delightful playground for a family. Mérignac, loca ... click here to read more

Nestled within the heart of the scenic Bouteville, in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, France, there sits a house full of potential. This charming abode, located amongst the lush vines of the Grande Champagne, may just hold the key to your dream lifestyle. If you’re considering investing in a property in France, this spacious, five-bedroom house might be exactly what you're looking for. With a price tag of €371,000, this house spans an impressive 292 square meters, offering ample room for a growing family or even those who enjoy a bit of extra space. As you delve into the specifics of this home, it becomes apparent that it has been lovingly renovated by its current owner, ensuring a blend of modern comfort and classic appeal. - 5 bedrooms - 4 bathrooms - 292 m² of living space - Spacious barn conversion - Fully self-contained 1-bedroom apartment - Pretty gardens of around 2000 m² - Located amongst Grande Champagne vines - Easy access to Chateauneuf and Cognac - Short drive to amenities in Segonzac - Potential for additional income - Set in a scenic and serene location The house itself presents a charming story of reinvention. The barn conversion offers spacious accommodation, ideal for both cozy family evenings and entertaining guests. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, the interiors are well-suited to both the everyday and those special occasions. One of the enticing features of this property is the fully self-contained 1-bedroom apartment. Whether you intend to host family visits, welcome friends, or even consider rental opportunities, having this apartment opens up several possibilities. It's an ideal setup for individuals who foresee developing their property into a dual-use home that ca ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, in the quaint village of Bonneuil, this three-bedroom house offers a serene and picturesque setting ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside. The property is a beautifully restored farmhouse totaling 170 square meters, positioned on an impressive plot of over one hectare which includes fenced meadows perfect for those with equestrian interests. As you approach the stone Charentaise house, you're greeted by an atmosphere of rustic charm combined with modern comforts. The ground floor hosts a welcoming kitchen, equipped with a splendid American-style range, ideal for gourmet cooking. Adjacent to the kitchen is a convenient service entrance, a restroom, and a laundry area. The living quarters on this floor are designed to facilitate a seamless flow of daily activities. A staircase from the main area leads to the upper floor, where you will find three cozy bedrooms. The master bedroom is notably spacious and filled with natural light, offering peaceful views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, there is a large, luminous bathroom and an expansive room currently utilized as a lounge and study, providing ample space for relaxation and work. One of the truly unique aspects of this property are the vast outbuildings that surround the residence. These structures form an enclosed courtyard and cover approximately 800 square meters. They include garages, wine storehouses, stables, loose boxes, and barns, as well as a former dwelling house awaiting renovation. This presents a fantastic opportunity for development into a gite, business premises, or other creative uses. The surrounding area of Bonneuil is a haven for enth ... click here to read more

A Glimpse into French Village Life Imagine waking up to the gentle chime of church bells and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting through your window. Nestled in the heart of Rouillac, this charming stone townhouse offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the quintessential French village lifestyle. With its rich history and vibrant community, Rouillac is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every moment. A Home with Character and Potential This 120 m² townhouse is a canvas waiting for your personal touch. As you step through the entrance, you're greeted by a spacious living room and kitchen/diner, a perfect setting for family gatherings or intimate dinners with friends. The room opens up to a private courtyard, a serene oasis where you can enjoy your morning coffee or host summer barbecues. The first floor features two generously sized bedrooms, each offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the local countryside. A modern shower room with WC completes this level, ensuring convenience and comfort. Venture to the second floor, and you'll find two additional bedrooms, ideal for guests or a growing family. Another shower room ensures that everyone has their own space to unwind. Local Lifestyle and Attractions Living in Rouillac means embracing a lifestyle rich in culture and community. The town is renowned for its lively markets, where you can sample local cheeses, wines, and charcuterie. Throughout the year, Rouillac hosts a variety of festivals and events, celebrating everything from music to gastronomy. For those who love the outdoors, the surrounding Charente region offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the picturesque landscapes. Th ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charente region, this delightful four-bedroom house in Rouillac offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home or holiday retreat in France. With its rich history, vibrant local culture, and stunning landscapes, Rouillac is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by international buyers and expats alike. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with birdsong and the soft trickle of a nearby stream setting the tone for your day. This property, set in a quaint hamlet, provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still being conveniently close to the lively market town of Rouillac. ### A Home with Character and Comfort The house itself is a testament to traditional French architecture, with exposed stone walls and a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area that exudes warmth and charm. The kitchen is not only functional but also features a large pantry and a separate laundry room, making it ideal for both short stays and extended visits. On the ground floor, you'll find a cozy home office with views of the stream, offering a serene workspace for remote work or creative pursuits. A convenient WC and storeroom complete the ground floor amenities. ### Space for Family and Friends As you ascend to the first floor, a large landing area greets you, perfect for a games room or additional office space. The four generously sized bedrooms provide ample accommodation for family and guests, while the family bathroom ensures comfort and convenience. There's also a small room that could easily be converted into a shower room, adding further flexibility to the living space. ### Additional Features and Potential The property include ... click here to read more

Nestled on the fringe of Brie-sous-Matha, a quaint village in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime, this enchanting 4-bedroom house conjures the essence of rural French charm and peaceful living. Originally a water mill, this residence weaves history with modern living, making it an ideal purchase for those looking to immerse in French culture and countryside serenity. Whether you’re a family seeking to relocate, a couple dreaming of a pastoral retreat, or an individual exploring income opportunities abroad, this house reveals itself as a versatile dwelling. The residence spans 140 square meters of living space, tastefully accentuating its heritage with contemporary touches. On entering the farmhouse-style kitchen, one is greeted by a welcoming fireplace with wood-burner — an ideal locale for family gatherings over home-cooked meals. Adjacent to this, the expansive living room, also equipped with a fireplace and wood-burner, ensures warmth and comfort during the cooler months. The layout includes four well-proportioned bedrooms, one boasting ensuite facilities, and a separate bathroom to cater to both family and guest needs. Throughout, the home maintains a good condition, though new owners might find delight in adding personal enhancements which could further increase its allure and functionality. Potentially appealing to those with entrepreneurial spirit, the property is accompanied by a significant expanse of land totaling 9590 square meters. This includes an attached barn with a robust concrete floor, presenting a felicitous opportunity for conversion, possibly into an entertainment venue or additional residential units, pending required permissions. The former milling house and additional ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene village outskirts of Brie-sous-Matha, this delightful four-bedroom house was once a bustling water mill. Today, it makes for a picturesque family home that retains an abundance of character amidst its extensive grounds, complete with outbuildings, garden, and expansive land offering wonderful development possibilities. This charming property seamlessly blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, making it especially appealing to families and expatriates seeking a tranquil life in the heart of France’s Poitou-Charentes region. The available space and structures provide ample opportunity for both personal customization and potential income avenues through gîtes or a revived culinary business, as previously operated on-site. ## Property Features: - Four bedrooms; one with ensuite facilities - Two bathrooms in total - Spacious farmhouse-style kitchen with a traditional fireplace and wood burner - Generous living room also featuring a wood-burning fireplace - Attached large barn with concrete floor and versatile usage potential - Additional outbuildings ideal for storage or workshop space - Plot size extends over 9590 square meters, featuring a well-maintained lawn with trees, shrubs, and meadow areas - Rear and front entrance providing accessibility and privacy Stepping into this home, you will find yourself in the large, inviting kitchen that serves as the heart of the house with its cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering the family over sumptuous meals. Adjacent, the living room, considerable in size, offers a warm setting for relaxation and social engagements. A convenient ground-floor WC and spacious bedrooms upstairs, including one with ensuite facilities, ensure comfort for all inhabitants. T ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Cognac's Vineyards Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush canopy of your private garden. This charming 3-bedroom villa, nestled in the picturesque region of Cognac, France, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, this property is more than just a house—it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and cultural richness. A Day in the Life at Your Cognac Villa Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on the sun-drenched terrace, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of blooming flowers. As you sip your coffee, take in the panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, a testament to the region's rich winemaking heritage. After breakfast, embark on a scenic walk along the Charente River, just a stone's throw from your doorstep. The gentle flow of the river and the whispering breeze create a symphony of nature that soothes the soul. For those seeking adventure, the nearby vineyards offer wine-tasting tours, where you can savor the world-renowned Cognac and learn about its storied history. A Culinary Journey Awaits Return home to your fully equipped kitchen, where you can whip up a gourmet meal using fresh, local ingredients. The region is known for its exquisite cuisine, and you'll find an array of farmers' markets and artisanal shops just a short drive away. Whether you're preparing a simple charcuterie board or a lavish French feast, the kitchen's modern amenities make cooking a delight. Evening Relaxation and Entertainment As the sun sets, retreat to your private garden for a ... click here to read more