Spacious 4-Bedroom House in Tercé, Vienne: Ideal Second Home or Holiday Retreat

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

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

On a still morning in Saint-Cyr-la-Campagne, you'd wake to the sound of water. Not distant or muffled — the river runs right along the edge of the property, close enough that you hear it through an open window while the coffee brews. There's no road noise, no neighbors peering over the fence, no reason whatsoever to be anywhere else. This is rural Normandy at its most honest: green, quiet, and completely unhurried. The house itself was built in the 1980s, solid and unpretentious, sitting on a fully enclosed and wooded 1,000-square-metre plot that feels twice as large thanks to the riverbank it borders. Since 2021, the owners have been steadily bringing it up to speed — new electrics throughout, a fitted kitchen, a redesigned bathroom with a proper walk-in shower and bathtub, and freshly renovated upstairs bedrooms completed in 2025. The bones were always good. Now the finishing is catching up. Come through the front door and the ground floor opens into a living room that immediately earns its keep. Terracotta floor tiles run underfoot — the warm, slightly uneven kind that makes a room feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect — and a wood-burning stove anchors one wall. On a grey October afternoon, when the Normandy rain comes in sideways and the leaves on the riverbank go copper and gold, this room becomes the entire reason you bought a house in France. The kitchen adjoins it directly, recently fitted and fully equipped, functional without being clinical. A hallway off the living area leads to a ground-floor bedroom with its own dressing room — a practical touch that works well as a guest room or for anyone who'd rather avoid stairs entirely. The new bathroom sits nearby, tidy and complete. Upstairs, the landing is ... click here to read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a busy real estate agent proud to work with clients from all over the globe, I understand the significance of finding the right property. Let me introduce you to a wonderful farmhouse nestled in the heart of Chauvigny, Poitou-Charentes, an appealing corner of France. This is not just a house; it is a doorway to a lifestyle wrapped in the tranquility of rural France. If you're considering relocating or investing in French property, soak in the following tale of a property that could be your future home. This 3-bedroom stone farmhouse is the kind of property overseas buyers dream of—an enchanting prospect for those seeking a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle filled with potential and promise. Situated at the edge of an access road, this home offers the peace and privacy one might seek from countryside living. The property, with its recently updated features, is in good condition, requiring no immediate renovations. This means you can settle in and start enjoying the rural lifestyle right away. Let's paint a picture: Imagine yourself entering through the doorway of this farmhouse to find yourself in an open-plan kitchen and dining/living room space, perfect for cozy family gatherings or entertaining friends from abroad. The ground floor further welcomes you with a bedroom and shower room, which can be a great asset for guests who prefer not to navigate stairs. There is also a laundry room with a WC conveniently tucked away on this level. Venture upstairs, and you'll find two well-sized bedrooms along with a shared bathroom/WC, and a large mezzanine that invites creative uses—be it a reading nook or an office corner fitting for remote work enthusiasts. Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the outdoor aspect of this pr ... click here to read more

Located in the charming village of Lavoux in the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region of Vienne, France, this traditional stone house presents a rare opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the quintessential French countryside life. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and offering over 201 square meters (approx. 2,163 square feet) of living space, this property combines the rustic charm of rural France with modern living comforts, making it an ideal choice for overseas buyers seeking a serene getaway or a permanent residence. Property Features: - 4 generously sized bedrooms - 2 well-appointed bathrooms - Spacious living room/kitchen/dining area with a pellet stove for cozy evenings - Separate dining room for formal gatherings - Entrance hall leading to diverse living spaces - Convenient laundry/boiler room - Expansive 45m2 versatile room on the first floor, perfect as a games/hobby room or additional bedroom - Energy-efficient air source heat pump central heating and double-glazing throughout, including electric roller shutters for added security and insulation - Large cellar providing ample storage Amenities: - Expansive terrace with electric roll-out awning, ideal for outdoor dining and entertainment, offering views of the garden - Beautifully maintained garden with a variety of fruit trees and a well, encapsulating rural charm - Extensive outbuildings including a summer kitchen, a double carport, a large workshop (94m2), and a vast barn (189m2) with separate village lane access, offering unlimited potential for hobbies, storage, or even conversion The house, well-maintained and ready for immediate occupation, provides a comfortable and spacious living environment. It is a perfect canvas for those desiring ... click here to read more

Welcome to your potential dream home in the bucolic village of Lavoux, a charming corner of France located within the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes. Lavoux offers a painting-like rural panorama, traditional French lifestyle, unique local flavors and welcoming community. This four-bedroom house is set in the heart of Lavoux, bringing with it an undeniable taste of rustic French countryside living. With its considerable size of 168 square meters and the possibility for a flexible configuration, this home easily accommodates a family’s diverse needs and preferences. Featuring: - A roomy entrance hall - A cozy living room complete with an insert wood burner for those cold winter nights - A fully fitted kitchen, ready for preparing family meals or hosting soirees - A quiet office space for your work-from-home needs - Four generously spaced bedrooms - Two bathrooms with distinct designs - A utility room for all your storage needs - A summer living room or playroom, perfect for kids and guests alike - A home workshop for crafts, hobbies or additional storage - A garage offering safe shelter for your vehicle - To top it all off, the property stands proudly amidst mature gardens covering 821m² of land The ground floor of the house hosts the entrance hall, living room, fitted kitchen, office, a bedroom, bathroom and toilet. The first floor is a cozy sanctuary made up of three further bedrooms, a spacious mezzanine, shower room and toilet. The basement has been thoughtfully allotted to house the utility room, summer living room/play room, workshop, garage and toilet. Being set in Lavoux ensures quality living while you bask in the glory of authentic French village culture. The village caters to practically every ne ... click here to read more

Discover the charm and potential of this delightful three-bedroom farmhouse in Civaux, nestled in the picturesque Vienne department in the Poitou-Charentes region of France. Priced at €189,000, this property presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while owning a home full of character. This rustic farmhouse spans approximately 95 sqm, offering ample space for personal comfort and creativity. As you step inside, you'll find a welcoming lounge that serves as the heart of the home, leading to a functional kitchen and a convenient downstairs bathroom with a toilet. The familial warmth of this space makes it ideal for both quiet evenings and joyful gatherings. Upstairs features three generously sized bedrooms, promising personal sanctuaries for all household members. The master bedroom boasts a balcony, a perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the verdant surroundings and to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of rural France. Property Features: - Three spacious bedrooms - Comfortable lounge - Kitchen with traditional features - Convenient downstairs toilet and full bathroom - Balcony with countryside views Amenities Include: - A variety of outbuildings suitable for artisans or smallholders - Encompassing 4.5 hectares of land, offering vast space for gardening, farming, or recreational use - Access to local nursery and junior schools - Close proximity to shops and medical facilities - Nearby swimming/diving complex enhancing leisure options Living in Civaux provides an enriching experience tailored for those who appreciate the slower pace of rural life. The village is small yet vibrant, offering essential community amenities such as educational institutio ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene rural hamlet near Bouresse, this charming three-bedroom house presents a splendid opportunity for those looking to embrace the tranquility of the French countryside. With its roots established between 1979 and 1981, this single-storey farmhouse combines the allure of rural aesthetics with practical living spaces. The property is spread over approximately five acres of land, offering a generous expanse of outdoor space ideal for gardening, leisure, or even small-scale farming. The heart of this home includes three well-sized bedrooms that cater adequately to family needs, and a recently updated bathroom that ensures modern comfort without compromising the house's rustic charm. Accompanying the main house are expansive outbuildings totaling around 400m². These include a quaint house ripe for renovation with four rooms and approximately 50m² on the ground floor, with additional space available in the attic. This presents a perfect project for those inclined towards customization or looking to breathe new life into a structure with personal touches. The estate's additional structures include two large barns, two hangars, and facilities suited to raising animals like a pig sty and a chicken house, enhancing its suitability for more self-sufficient living. The village of Bouresse is a mere 2 kilometers away, adding convenience to the property's secluded charm. Bouresse is equipped with essential amenities including a small supermarket, a restaurant, an excellent bakery, a hairdresser, and a post office. Also nearby is a large builder's merchant just outside the village, facilitating any renovation projects you might envision. Educational needs are met with a local Maison des Assistants Maternels (MAM) ... click here to read more

A perfect retreat tucked away in the heart of France awaits you in the captivating region of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, specifically in the scenic village of Fleix. Meandering through picturesque landscapes, you'll find this expansive estate—a horse lover's dream—awaiting its next owner. A world-renowned global real estate firm (yes, that’s us) is proud to introduce this splendid home to our esteemed overseas buyers and expats alike. At 230 square meters, this property isn't just about numbers; it's about living and breathing the French countryside lifestyle. With seven bedrooms and three bathrooms split between two charming residences, this estate holds the promise of a comfortable and fulfilling life. The main house hosts four spacious bedrooms, one conveniently located on the ground floor ensuring access for any age group. The two bathrooms and a generous lounge area make it the heartbeat of this rural haven. For larger families or those with entrepreneurial spirits, a second, smaller house with two cozy bedrooms stands ready for use. Perhaps you envision a chambre d'hôte or a more personal Bed & Breakfast venture here—of course with the needed permits in hand. This flexibility offers a unique opportunity to integrate lifestyle and livelihood seamlessly. A courtyard-style arrangement enhances the appeal of these residences, enveloped by well-maintained outbuildings and a stable block with stalls for up to four horses. If you are an equestrian enthusiast, this setup is a dream come true, with paddocks stretching on three sides for effortless grazing access. Imagine waking up to the soft snorts of horses, ready to ride through the trails of the expansive rural landscape. Let's not forget the vibrant locale of Fleix i ... click here to read more

Introducing an intriguing investment opportunity: a delightful, rustic property nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, in the charming village of Lussac-les-Châteaux, France. This charming cottage, made from the local stone known for its delightfully warm hue, presents a fantastic opportunity as a renovation project. Upon exploring this property, you'll discover a captivating blend of original and functional features. The ground floor provides spacious room, adorned with a butler sink and original built-in shelves, offering a real sense of history and a glimpse into the past. A cosy and comforting fireplace takes its proud place, setting the scene for many enchanting nights. Moving upstairs, an attic room is waiting to be transformed into a cosy bedroom. It comes equipped with artisan shutters, complete with diamond-shaped cut-outs, poised to filter the gentle rays of morning sunlight. The property features: - One large room on the ground floor - An attic room that could be converted into a bedroom - Original built-in cupboards and a fireplace - A functional bathroom with a shower and sink situated in an attached outbuilding - An additional outbuilding leading to a spacious cellar with good headroom, ideal for further living space development. Providing more than just a dwelling, this house puts you in possession of a charming, walled courtyard, adorned by beautiful climbing wisteria. A dream setting for summer evenings dining al fresco. The surrounding area offers no shortage of outdoor delights. Just across the road, you will find a sizeable garden complete with a one-of-a-kind cabin. The garden juxtaposes well-kept lawn and diverse woodland, creating a space perfect for nature love ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque village of Queaux, in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, this delightful 3-bedroom house offers an idyllic escape for those seeking a second home in France. With its charming riverside setting and vibrant local culture, Queaux is a hidden gem that promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Vienne River, just a stone's throw from your doorstep. This property, in good condition, is a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while still enjoying modern comforts. The house boasts a cozy lounge with an inviting woodburner, perfect for chilly evenings, and a balcony that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. ### Experience the Queaux Lifestyle Queaux is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. The village comes alive in the summer months, attracting visitors with its lively bar, restaurant, and riverside beach. Weekly music nights add a touch of local flavor, making it easy to feel at home in this welcoming community. For those who love the outdoors, Queaux offers a plethora of activities. From hiking and cycling through scenic trails to kayaking on the river, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The nearby town of Lussac les Chateaux provides additional amenities, including supermarkets, a train station, and a variety of dining options. ### A Gateway to French Culture Located just 45km from Poitiers, Queaux is perfectly positioned for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. Poitiers, with its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene, is a must-visit for any culture enthusiast. The city also offers excellent shopping and dining experience ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque French countryside near Richelieu, Vienne, this chateau promises an enchanting experience for both residents and visitors. Comprising two distinct properties set amidst serene landscapes, this is a rare opportunity for those seeking tranquility and space, combined with potential for earning income. Whether you're considering moving your family here or looking for an investment property, this could suit your needs beautifully. The chateau includes: - 7 bedrooms altogether between two houses - 6 bathrooms across both properties - A total living area of 405 square meters - Large barn and other small outbuildings - Separate septic systems for each house - Gardens laid to lawn - Private parking for both houses - An above-ground swimming pool in the guest house garden Upon stepping into the main house, you're greeted by a spacious living room, boasting 51 square meters of space, complete with a cozy fireplace and rustic exposed beams that harken back to the classical architecture notable in this region. The ground floor also hosts a dining area, ideal for hosting family dinners or small gatherings with friends. Adjacently, the kitchen offers 16 square meters of functional space, leading out into the lush garden—a perfect layout for culinary creativity! The staircase from the living room leads to the upper floor, where a generous landing greets you as a small corridor guides you to the sleeping quarters. The master suite spans an impressive 32 square meters with a convenient built-in wardrobe. A corridor extends from the landing to reveal two additional bedrooms, each with ample space to accommodate loved ones or guests and provide respite after a long, delightful day exploring the surroundings. ... click here to read more

Discover serene living with a touch of rustic charm in our 10-bedroom house nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne. Located in the tranquil village of Persac, this unique property offers a promising opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in French country life, with a collection of three gîtes perfectly positioned on a lush, hilly terrain that spans approximately 12.5 hectares. For buyers from overseas or expats seeking an authentic French living experience, this setting delivers a delightful escape from the urban frenzy, while still boasting accessibility to local amenities and cultural highlights. The main house exemplifies traditional charm combined with functional living. The ground floor is arranged thoughtfully, featuring an entrance hall that leads into a cozy room complete with a kitchen. The intimacy of family living is further endorsed on the first floor, which homes three well-appointed bedrooms and a bathroom, ensuring private spaces are always within reach. Adjacent to the main residence is the first gîte, which presents a seamless blend of comfort and style. Its layout includes a modern living room with an integrated kitchen on the ground floor, ascending to the first floor that houses two bedrooms, a dressing area, and a bathroom. This gîte is an exemplary refuge for relaxation or hosting guests. The second gîte introduces ground floor living, with an inviting entrance hall flowing into a living room with kitchen facilities, a cozy bedroom, and an accessible bathroom. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms offer further sleeping quarters, making this gîte a versatile addition to the estate. Completing the ensemble is the third gîte, designed thoughtfully on one level to a ... click here to read more

Stand on the rear terrace with a coffee in hand and watch the Vienne river catch the morning light. No traffic noise. No neighbouring rooftops crowding your view. Just the slow, green current below, a treeline on the far bank, and the occasional heron making its unhurried crossing. This is the kind of quiet that most people only find on holiday — and here, it can be yours every day. Sitting on the edge of the village of Moussac in the Vienne department of Poitou-Charentes, this renovated bungalow occupies a genuinely rare position: elevated above the river, it commands unobstructed views across the water to open countryside and woodland beyond. A handful of steps separate you from the village café. A few kilometres of road take you into the market town of L'Isle-Jourdain. But the place itself feels like it exists in its own world entirely — and that contrast is precisely what makes it so compelling. The house itself is compact and honest: 53 square metres of well-organised living space with a main room generous enough to hold a proper sitting area and dining table without feeling squeezed. Light comes in from multiple directions, and the room opens directly onto that terrace, which faces south across the garden toward the trees. In July, you'll eat out there almost every evening. In October, you'll sit with a glass of Charentais Pineau and watch the mist settle on the water. Both are worth getting on a plane for. The two double bedrooms are properly sized — not the afterthought rooms that often come with smaller properties. The bathroom has both a walk-in shower and a full bathtub, a small luxury that makes a genuine difference when you're using a place as a true retreat rather than just a stopover. Recent double-glaz ... click here to read more

Welcome to an enchanting 4-bedroom house nestled in the picturesque village of Antigny, located in the Poitou-Charentes region in Vienne, France. This charming home, priced at 142,790 €, is just waiting for you to move right in, making it an ideal choice for either a permanent family residence or a delightful vacation home. As you drive down the tranquil street that leads to the house, you'll immediately appreciate the serene and peaceful surroundings. Located just a short distance from the vibrant town of Saint Savin, you'll have easy access to essential amenities such as bars, restaurants, and shops. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet evening at home or immerse yourself in the local culture, this location offers the best of both worlds. Now, let's step inside and explore what this lovely property has to offer. The ground floor welcomes you with a spacious communal room, an ideal spot for hosting family gatherings or entertaining friends. The adjoining kitchen diner is a practical and functional space where you can whip up delicious meals, and it flows effortlessly into the communal area. Towards the rear of the ground floor, you'll find a cosy lounge area perfect for relaxing with a good book or watching your favorite movies. This area leads to a convenient WC and a boiler/storage room, ensuring you have all the practicalities covered. From the lounge, you can step out onto a charming terrace, a perfect spot to enjoy an evening aperitif as you soak in the tranquil ambiance. Heading upstairs to the first floor, you'll discover three generously sized bedrooms, each offering ample space for comfort and relaxation. The family bathroom on this floor is well-appointed and provides easy access to a balcony. The balco ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet of Antigny in the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region of Vienne, France, this inviting three-bedroom farmhouse offers a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace the quintessential French countryside living. With a modest price tag of €51,000, this property presents itself as an idyllic retreat for overseas buyers seeking a serene getaway or a delightful project to infuse with their personal touch. The farmhouse spans 162 square meters, providing ample space for family living or entertaining guests. The ground level welcomes you with a spacious lounge adorned with a wood burner, setting a cozy atmosphere for the cooler months. Adjacent to the lounge, the kitchen, surprisingly large for a property of this stature, awaits your culinary explorations. Ascending to the first floor, you are greeted by three well-sized bedrooms, offering a quiet respite from the busyness of life. Also located on this level are a shower room and a family bathroom, catering to both practicality and comfort. Outside, the property features a generous patio area to the front, perfect for enjoying aperitifs or dining under the starry sky, offering a taste of the al fresco lifestyle favored in this region. An external storeroom provides additional storage solutions or potential for conversion into a creative space. While this farmhouse is in need of renovation, it is precisely this aspect that holds the allure for those with a vision to create their dream home in the countryside. The property's condition is reflective of a genuine fixer-upper, presenting a canvas awaiting transformation by those who cherish the charm and potential embedded within its walls. Amenities: - Spacious lounge with wood burner - Large ... click here to read more

This exquisite and sophisticated 8-bedroom country house is located in the charming locale of Château-Garnier, in the Vienne region of France. The complete property is delightfully presented with a main home and a separate guest cottage. All parts of this grand residence have been thoughtfully renovated, preserving its traditional character while offering modern comfort. Nestled among the picturesque countryside of Vienne, this house offers a tranquil and private setting that is truly remarkable. Its contemporary design enhances the natural beauty of the grounds. For convenience, local shops are within easy reach, ensuring that everyday essentials are only a short trip away. At the heart of the main house, you find an owner's section that features a fully fitted kitchen, a double-height living room with a panoramic view of the inviting swimming pool area, two comfortable bedrooms, along with a bathroom and a dressing room. The house also includes a separate part that serves as a Bed and Breakfast. This segment of the house is entirely independent, showcasing a staircase that leads to the upstairs accommodation, two ensuite rooms, and a cozy family room with kid's bunks and its own ensuite bathroom. Amenities of the estate include: -Private heated swimming pool -Extensive gardens -Potential gite with two bedrooms -Large outbuildings -Separate house in need of renovation Features of the property: -Total of 8 bedrooms -5 bathrooms -2 fully fitted kitchens -Two-story bed and breakfast Nested in the serene countryside, Chateau-Garnier offers the best of country living. It's close to the nearby airports in Poitiers and Limoges. The local area has a golf course and several quaint towns worth exploring, including Genc ... click here to read more

Discover your dream home in the picturesque Vienne countryside of Château-Garnier, nestled within the serene Poitou-Charentes region of France. This 7-bedroom house, showcasing a harmonious blend of comfort and potential, offers an inviting proposition for those eager to embrace the idyllic French countryside lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for a family residence with a difference or considering a venture into the hospitality sector, this property captures the essence of rural French living while providing modern conveniences and a foundation for creativity and development. As you step into this recently renovated home, you'll find a welcoming blend of features designed for both energy efficiency and comfort, including a cutting-edge heat pump system for heating and cooling, double-glazed windows, and even an electric car charging point. The property savors the charm of rural living without compromising on modern necessities. The main house divides into an owner’s quarters and a designated bed and breakfast section. The private living area boasts a fully fitted kitchen, a spectacular double-height lounge with views over the pool area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a dressing room, allowing for privacy and tranquility. For those with a vision, the bed and breakfast part of the house, accessible through a custom-made front door, reveals an entrance hall with a WC, a cozy lounge/dining area, and a staircase leading to two en-suite bedrooms and a family room complete with kid's bunks and an additional en-suite bathroom. Each room benefits from the comfort of a heat pump-driven air conditioning/heating system, ensuring guest satisfaction all year round. Adjacent to the main residence is a two-bedroom guest cottage, a ... click here to read more

A Timeless Retreat in the Heart of Poitou-Charentes Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the serene French countryside. Nestled in the picturesque village of St-Savin, this exquisite 5-bedroom manor offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort, making it the perfect vacation home for those seeking a tranquil escape. A Journey Through Time As you step through the grand entrance of this storied property, you're immediately enveloped by its rich history. The manor, lovingly restored to preserve its original character, boasts an array of period features that tell tales of a bygone era. High ceilings, intricate moldings, and original fireplaces create an ambiance of elegance and warmth. Daily Rhythms and Seasonal Splendor Life at the manor unfolds at a leisurely pace. Mornings begin with a stroll through the expansive park gardens, where the scent of blooming flowers mingles with the fresh country air. As the sun rises, the heated swimming pool beckons for a refreshing dip, while the tennis court invites friendly matches under the clear blue sky. In the cooler months, the manor transforms into a cozy haven. Gather around the crackling fireplace in one of the two spacious reception rooms, or indulge in a culinary adventure in the fully-equipped kitchen, where local ingredients come to life in traditional French dishes. A Gateway to Local Delights St-Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short drive away, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Explore the stunning abbey, wander through charming streets lined with quaint shops, or savor the region's renowned cuisine in local bistros. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding country ... click here to read more

Located in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, the charming town of St-Savin, this six-bedroom house presents a unique opportunity for those looking to embrace the French lifestyle in a substantially sized and well-maintained family home. With a gracious nod to its historical roots, the property beautifully balances period charm with modern living standards, making it an appealing choice for overseas buyers who dream of owning a slice of French heritage. This distinguished residence is perfectly poised on a serene street, just moments away from the flowing waters of the River Gartempe and the spellbinding UNESCO-listed Abbey, grounding it in a sense of both tranquility and rich cultural heritage. Its central location affords easy access to the bustling town square, inviting potential homeowners to a variety of local amenities including quaint bars, reputable restaurants, artisan bakeries, and essential shops. Families will find the proximity to educational institutions, including infant and primary schools a few minutes' walk away and a secondary school a short distance further, particularly convenient. Upon entering the home, you are greeted by an inviting period hallway adorned with original tiled flooring, setting the stage for the range of historical features this property meticulously preserves. To the right, a living room seamlessly transitions into a dining room, both rooms echoing the timeless elegance of the past while ensuring comfort. The dining room, which includes a cloakroom and access to the enchanting rear garden, the neighboring smaller house, and the wine cellar, accentuates the home's capacity for hosting and leisure. To the left, a cozy television room offers potential as a ground-floor bedroom, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this expansive six-bedroom house in St-Savin, Vienne, offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home in France. With its riverside garden and fully renovated interiors, this property is not just a house; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in French charm and tranquility. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, sipping your morning coffee in the conservatory as the sun filters through the glass, casting a warm glow over the immaculate garden. This is the essence of life in St-Savin, a town renowned for its historic Abbey and vibrant cultural scene. Property Highlights: - Location: Situated in the charming town of St-Savin, known for its rich history and cultural festivals. - Size: A generous 396 square meters, providing ample space for family and guests. - Bedrooms: Six spacious bedrooms, including a ground floor suite perfect for visitors or family. - Bathrooms: Four well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience. - Living Spaces: Multiple living areas, including a large conservatory and a first-floor living room with stunning garden and river views. - Kitchen: A large, double-aspect kitchen ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. - Garden: A beautifully maintained riverside garden with irrigation from a private well. - Additional Features: Vaulted cellar, underfloor and central heating, and a large garage for off-road parking. Local Lifestyle and Amenities: St-Savin offers a quintessential French lifestyle, with its cobblestone streets, local markets, and friendly community. The town is a hub of activity, with cultural events and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. The historic Abbey, a UNESCO Wor ... click here to read more