Spacious 4BR Stone House with Garden Near Golf & Lake in Tranquil Basse-Normandie

Stand on the patio on a still September morning and watch mist lift off the surface of your own one-acre lake. The water lilies have opened. A kingfisher cuts across the far bank. The only sound is the creak of the old oak at the water's edge. This is not a postcard. This is Tuesday. That is the kind of morning that comes with this four-bedroom house on the quiet edge of Dournazac, a compact, self-sufficient little village deep inside the Perigord Limousin Regional Natural Park. The property sits on just over two hectares — roughly 21,283 square metres — and includes not one but two private spring-fed lakes. That detail alone puts this in a completely different category from almost anything else available in this price range in southwest France. The house itself was built in the mid-1970s to an individually commissioned design, and the quality of its construction is still obvious today. Solid materials. Wide windows that pull in far more light than you'd expect from a house of this era. The rooms feel generous without being cavernous, and the whole place has been kept in good condition — move-in ready while leaving room for a buyer who wants to put their own stamp on the interior. Think of it as a sound, well-maintained canvas rather than a renovation project. Ground floor living revolves around a large lounge with a proper wood-burning stove and a dining area that opens directly onto the patio through French doors. On a warm evening, that threshold between inside and out effectively disappears. You're eating outside, the lake thirty metres in front of you, the sun dropping behind the treeline. A well-equipped modern kitchen sits just off the main living space, practical and ready to use from day one. Two bedrooms and ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in Louignac, before the rest of the world has quite caught up, the view from the pool terrace is the kind that stops you mid-coffee. Rolling green hills, not another rooftop in sight, just the odd buzzard circling over the tree line and the faint mechanical hum of a tractor somewhere far off in the Corrèze countryside. This is rural France doing what it does best — unhurried, unfiltered, and quietly extraordinary. This four-bedroom stone house sits at the heart of one of the Limousin's most genuinely peaceful corners. The region doesn't shout about itself the way Provence or the Dordogne do, and that's precisely the point. Property prices here still reflect reality rather than hype, the markets are full of locals rather than tourists, and the land rolls on in every direction without apology. For buyers chasing authentic French country life — not a postcard version of it — Louignac delivers. Step inside and the kitchen-dining room sets the tone immediately. It's a proper working kitchen, fitted and equipped, with enough space that Sunday lunch becomes an event rather than a logistics challenge. This room opens directly into the living area, where a pellet stove anchors the space — genuinely efficient, low-maintenance, and exactly what you want when October mist rolls in off the hills. The view through the back windows is the kind interior designers try to replicate with wallpaper. You won't need to. Behind the kitchen, a laundry room gives you the practical backbone every country house requires. But it's also a flexible space — with the right desk and a decent internet connection (fibre has arrived in much of rural Corrèze), it converts into a quiet home office without much effort. Remote workers and ... click here to read more

On a still April morning in Lussac-les-Églises, the fields around this old stone farmhouse turn into something you'd struggle to describe to someone who hasn't seen it themselves. Wild orchids push up through the grass in clusters, the kind of thing you read about in nature guides but rarely actually stumble upon. Swallows cut low over the carp lake. The only sound from inside the kitchen is the creak of a wooden beam settling in the warmth. This is what 4.7 hectares of organically managed Limousin countryside looks like when no one's been rushing it. This is a four-bedroom house in genuinely good condition, sitting on land that's been farmed without chemicals for fifteen years, with a small carp lake, maintained paddocks, a polytunnel, and a converted bread oven that serves as one of the most characterful ground-floor bedrooms you're likely to find anywhere in rural France. At 238 square metres, it has enough room to breathe — and enough quirks to make it feel like somewhere, not just somewhere else. The entrance hallway sets the tone immediately. Original encaustic floor tiles run the full length from front door to back, the kind that would cost a fortune to source and lay today. To the right, the living and dining room opens up around a proper fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove, with exposed timber beams overhead that have been doing their job for well over a century. This is a room for long winter evenings, for board games with the grandchildren, for the specific kind of quiet that only deep countryside delivers. Then comes the bread oven room. Fully restored, converted into a ground-floor bedroom, and genuinely unlike anything else in a comparable property. The curved stonework has been kept intact. It's ... click here to read more

Friday morning. You unlatch the kitchen door and step out into the courtyard while the coffee is still brewing. Somewhere beyond the old gates, the weekly market on the Grande Rue is already in full swing — the baker from Rue du Marché has set up his table, and the smell of warm bread drifts over the stone walls. This is what life looks like in Richelieu, and this house puts you right at the centre of it. Cardinal Richelieu didn't just build a palace. He built an entire town from scratch in the 1630s — planned streets, a grid layout, arcaded market halls, and ramparts that still stand. It remains one of the most complete examples of 17th-century French urban planning in existence, and this three-bedroom house sits within those original walls, in the historic heart of it all. You're not on the edge of somewhere interesting. You are somewhere interesting. Step through the large gates into the shared courtyard and the house opens directly into a fitted kitchen of 12 square metres, tiled underfoot and practical in the best French sense — not a showroom, a room for actual cooking. A couple of steps up and you're in the dining room, 24 square metres with a fireplace and the kind of wooden floors that creak just enough to feel alive. Wall panelling in the reception rooms gives everything a settled, unhurried quality. A small door leads to a ground-floor WC, then along to the living room — another fireplace, more wooden floors, another reason to stay inside when October turns the town amber. Upstairs, the landing splits left and right. To the left, a 16-square-metre bedroom with fitted cupboards. To the right, a second WC. Keep going and you reach the shower room — a generous 15 square metres with shower, sauna, and sink. The ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Les Chambons: the wood stove has already taken the chill off the air, coffee is on, and through the south-facing terrace doors you can hear nothing but birdsong and the faint rush of the Lignon River down in the valley. That's the rhythm this place sets. Not a frantic one. Sitting in the municipality of Jaujac in the wild, volcanic heart of the Ardèche, this single-storey house is the kind of property that rarely surfaces — move-in ready, with a heated pool still under warranty, nearly 2,130 square metres of land split across three parcels, and a separate fenced building plot of 750 m² with its own access and panoramic views over the surrounding hillsides. At 86 square metres, the house is compact and efficient, but the life it opens up is anything but small. Step inside and the layout just makes sense. Three bedrooms line up quietly at the back of the house while the open-plan living room and kitchen face south, spilling out through large glazed doors onto a covered terrace that's sheltered from the prevailing winds. Exterior sunshades keep the interior cool when the Ardèche summer gets serious — and it does get serious, regularly hitting the low 30s from July through August. The kitchen is modern and functional, the shower room clean and well-maintained, and there's a separate pantry plus a guest WC that international buyers with families will immediately appreciate. Electric heating handles the mild winters, but the wood stove is the real centrepiece — get it going on an October evening and the whole house feels like a different place. The pool is the kind of detail that changes everything. Heated by a heat pump and surrounded by a large tiled terrace, it's genuinely usable from May through Septem ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and you can hear the stream before you see it. The water runs along the edge of the land, cutting through the grass with that particular mountain-cold sound, while the Valliers ridge catches the first light above the treeline. This is the daily opening act at this fully renovated 95m² house in Les Bordes-sur-Lez, sitting on a full hectare of private land in one of the Ariège Pyrenees' most quietly compelling valleys. It doesn't shout. It just pulls you in. The Ariège remains one of the least hyped corners of the French Pyrenees, which is precisely why people who find it tend to stay. The department sits tucked between the Haute-Garonne to the west and Andorra to the south, sharing the same dramatic mountain DNA as its flashier neighbors but without the ski-resort crowds or the inflated prices. The closest town of any size, Castillon-en-Couserans, is just 4 km down the road — a proper Gascon town with a Thursday market where local producers bring raw-milk cheese, duck rillettes, and walnuts by the sack. The Saturday morning market in Saint-Girons, about 20 minutes west, is even larger and worth building a weekend around. The house itself sits on roughly 2.5 acres, fully fenced, with its own private access track — no shared driveways, no passing neighbors. The renovation was done with planning permits, meaning everything is above board and documented, an important detail for international buyers navigating French property law. On the ground floor, an 18m² veranda stretches across the front of the building — the kind of covered outdoor space that becomes your default living room from April through October. Through the veranda, the 28m² open living area is generous by Pyrenean village hous ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Sauzé-Vaussais and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie on Rue du Marché drifts through the kitchen window before you've even put the coffee on. The cathedral ceiling above you catches the early light, throwing long shadows across original stone walls that have stood here for well over a century. This is what slow French living actually feels like — not the postcard version, but the real one. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse in the heart of Deux-Sèvres sits on the edge of one of Poitou-Charentes' most genuinely liveable market towns. At 234 square metres of interior space plus multiple stone outbuildings, there's a generosity here that's increasingly rare at this price point in rural France. The property is in good condition throughout — meaning you can arrive, unpack, and start living rather than project-managing. Walk through the entrance hall and the double-height living room stops you. Properly stops you. The open mezzanine gallery floats above, a cast-iron wood-burning stove anchors one wall, and the exposed beams overhead give the room a warmth that no interior designer can manufacture — it just accumulates over decades. On a January evening with the stove lit and rain on the old stone courtyard outside, this room earns its keep in a way no modern open-plan ever quite manages. The kitchen is the other great room. Stone-flagged floors, a traditional range cooker, a fireplace fitted with its own log burner, and a dining area large enough for the whole extended family to argue cheerfully around. It's the kind of kitchen where Sunday lunch becomes a four-hour event. The ground floor also includes a bedroom — genuinely useful if you have older relatives visiting or simply prefer not to c ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Tuesday morning in July, and the only sound reaching you through the open kitchen window is birdsong and the faint rustle of wind through the oak trees bordering your garden. No road noise. No neighbors. Just 140 square meters of 1800s Quercy stone, your swimming pool catching the early light, and absolutely nowhere you need to be. That's the daily reality at this four-bedroom farmhouse on the elevated plateau above Montaigu-de-Quercy — and once you've spent a morning here, the idea of going back to city life gets harder to justify. The house itself has been through a careful restoration that didn't sand away its soul. The original stone staircase is still there, worn smooth by two centuries of footsteps. Exposed oak beams cross the ceilings the way they were intended to — not as a design affectation, but because they're structural, honest, and genuinely beautiful in the way that only old things can be. The stone walls, thick enough to keep the interior cool through August without air conditioning, bear the marks of the craftsmen who laid them. This is a building with a geological patience to it. On the first floor, two generous double bedrooms look out across open countryside toward the rolling Tarn-et-Garonne patchwork of sunflower fields and walnut orchards — the view changes colour almost month by month. Downstairs, the country kitchen with its traditional terracotta-tiled floor is the kind of room that makes you want to cook slowly. A built-in wood-burning stove anchors the living room — and from November through March, when the Quercy plateau gets cold and clear and the stars over the garden are ridiculous, that stove becomes the centre of everything. The practical side has been handled pro ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Villecomtal sounds like this: a church bell somewhere above the rooftops, the clatter of a shutter being thrown open two doors down, and the faint smell of bread drifting up from the boulangerie on the square. You're standing on your lower terrace, coffee in hand, and the village is just waking up around you. This is the kind of morning that made you start looking for a place in France in the first place. This house has been here since the 14th century — and it looks it, in the best possible way. The stone walls are thick enough to keep rooms cool through the fiercest August heat. The slate roof, regularly maintained, does what good roofs are supposed to do: nothing dramatic, just quietly keeps everything below it safe and dry. A 19th-century extension added breathing room without disrupting the logic of the original structure, and a recent renovation has brought the whole 150 sqm into genuine comfort without filing away the edges that give the place its character. Walk through the front door and the main living area — roughly 43 sqm — opens up in a way that makes you exhale. The kitchen, dining area, and sitting room flow into each other naturally, and the fireplace with its wood-burning stove anchors everything. On a cold January evening in the Aveyron, that stove isn't a decorative detail. It's the reason you'd rather be here than anywhere else. Three bedrooms occupy the garden level, which sits below the main living floor and opens onto the lower terrace — the more sheltered of the two outdoor spaces, screened from the lane, genuinely private. The master suite runs to around 31 sqm with its own bathroom and WC. The two further rooms, at 19 sqm and 13 sqm respectively, work well as guest rooms, ki ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Saint-Groux moves at its own pace. The kitchen window is open, the smell of damp grass rising from the park, and somewhere beyond the barn a woodpigeon is calling. You pour a coffee, lean against the stone sill, and realize — genuinely realize — that this is what you came to France for. Saint-Groux sits in the Charente, one of those quietly magnificent corners of southwest France that hasn't been discovered by the tour buses and hasn't tried to be. The village is small, the roads narrow, the countryside rolling and thick with oak. But it's not remote — Mansle-les-Fontaines is five minutes by car, the N10 puts Angoulême within easy reach, and Poitiers is just over an hour north. This is the Poitou-Charentes region, famous for Cognac, Pineau, limestone villages, sunflowers in July, and some of the most affordable rural property left in France. The house itself is a proper characterful residence — 287 square metres of living space built when rooms were made to last, with thick walls that keep things cool in August and hold the warmth in February. Step through the entrance hall and you move into a layout that actually makes sense for family life or hosting: a dining room large enough for a long table and twelve people, a functional kitchen with a pantry behind it, a bright living room, and a separate office that has already served a hundred different purposes over the decades and will happily serve a hundred more. A hallway connects to a WC and shower room on the ground floor, keeping things practical for arrivals from the garden or the barn. Upstairs, a broad landing opens onto six spacious bedrooms — yes, six, though the listing counts five — and a dressing room, plus a former WC that could easily be c ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in the Charente, you wake up to nothing. No traffic, no sirens — just the faint ticking of cooling stone walls as the sun climbs over the cypress trees lining the garden, and the smell of coffee drifting up from a kitchen that was clearly built for living rather than showing off. This is Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie. Small, unhurried, and quietly extraordinary. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse sits in a village that most people drive past on their way to somewhere louder. That's exactly the point. Set within the rolling Charente countryside of Poitou-Charentes, the property spans 201 square metres of thoughtfully renovated living space arranged around a generous gravel courtyard, with a heated pool, a private tennis court, and the kind of silence you actually have to travel to find. At €375,000, it's the sort of property that makes buyers wonder why they waited so long. Pull up through the wrought-iron electric gate and the first thing you notice is the scale of it. The main house commands the courtyard with the quiet confidence of a building that has stood through several centuries — original stonework, weathered and golden, contrasting with the crisp glazed facade that was added during renovation. Step inside and the 78-square-metre open-plan living space genuinely stops you in your tracks. Soaring ceilings, exposed timber beams, stone walls that stay cool even in August, and a wood-burning stove at the heart of it all. The room flows from lounge to dining area to kitchen without feeling like a floor plan exercise — it feels like someone actually thought about how a family moves through a space. A mezzanine overlooks it all from above, useful as a reading perch, a home office, or a sixth sleeping spo ... click here to read more

Step outside on a Tuesday morning in late June and the air already carries the faint sweetness of lavender baking in the sun. The pool is still, the awning is half-drawn over the terrace, and somewhere down the lane a neighbour is heading out with a baguette tucked under their arm. This is the daily texture of life in a quiet village on the edge of Carcassonne — unhurried, real, and surprisingly easy to make your own. This single-storey house sits at the end of a no-through road, which means the only traffic you'll hear is the occasional bicycle. The plot runs to 1,092 square metres, and the previous owners have clearly put years of thought into it. The Mediterranean garden is planted with drought-resistant species — rosemary, agapanthus, ornamental grasses — that look full and lush without demanding constant attention. Perfect for an international buyer who wants the garden to look after itself between visits. Three double bedrooms give the house real flexibility. There's also a study that functions easily as a fourth sleeping space — useful if you have visiting family or if you ever want to test the short-term rental market on platforms popular with travellers making the heritage circuit between Toulouse and the coast. The single shower room features an Italian walk-in shower, and there's a separate WC, which makes morning routines considerably more civilised when the house is at capacity. The open-plan kitchen and living area is the social engine of the home. On cooler evenings in October, when Carcassonne's famous Festival de la Cité has long finished but the Aude valley is still warm enough for a glass of Corbières on the terrace, this space pulls everything together. Air conditioning keeps July and August manage ... click here to read more

Stand at the back of this house on a quiet Tuesday morning in October and watch the Orne River catch the light through the tree line. The mist lifts slowly off the water. A heron lands on the far bank without a sound. That's the pace of life here, and once you've felt it, a weekend in the city starts to feel like a poor trade. Noron-l'Abbaye sits within the Suisse Normande — a stretch of Normandy that surprises people. They come expecting flat wheat fields and leave talking about the gorges, the river bends, and the ridgeline walks above Clécy. The nickname "Swiss Normande" wasn't given ironically. The Orne carves through ancient rock here, creating cliffs and forests that feel genuinely wild, just a couple of hours from Paris on the A13. This four-bedroom character house occupies a 2,425 square metre plot directly on the banks of the Orne. The setting alone would justify a detour. But what you're actually getting is a property with serious bones — a living room anchored by an original stone fireplace, a fully fitted and equipped kitchen, a dedicated office space, two bathrooms, and a 105-square-metre attic that's ready for conversion. That attic is worth thinking about carefully. Opened up properly, it could become the kind of master suite or open studio that you'd never find in a new-build, all with exposed timber and river views. The plot comes with a secondary house in need of renovation, plus a collection of outbuildings: cellar, garage, workshop, and carport. For buyers who've been burned by properties with no storage or no room to grow, this is the kind of compound that rewards forward planning. Convert the secondary house as a rental unit or a guest cottage for family visits, and suddenly you've got a self-sup ... click here to read more

On a still Tuesday morning in the commune of Pers, just outside Sauzé-Vaussais, the air smells of cut grass and warm stone. A rooster somewhere across the fields. The kitchen window frames a stretch of open Deux-Sèvres countryside that hasn't changed much in a century. This is what 288 square metres of authentic French rural life feels like — and it's waiting for someone with vision. This is a serious property. Not a weekend renovation fantasy, but a genuine multi-building complex in good condition, sitting on approximately 6,763 m² of garden and land, with 13 rooms across three separate structures. Two independent houses and a studio. Seven bedrooms total. A family could move in tomorrow, or an investor could start generating gîte income within a season. Few properties in this price range in Poitou-Charentes offer this kind of immediate flexibility. The main house grounds you from the moment you step inside. The living room has the kind of proportions that make you want to leave the furniture where it is and just sit for a while. The eat-in kitchen is genuinely spacious — not the architectural lie of most listings — with room enough for a long Sunday lunch with extended family. Three bedrooms on this side of the property, two bathrooms, a separate WC, and a utility room that takes the practicality of country living seriously. Cross the garden and you're in a fully independent second house. Four more bedrooms, its own living room, kitchen, dining room, and two bathrooms with WC. The layout is exactly what you'd want if you're running a gîte operation, hosting friends from London or Amsterdam who want their own front door, or eventually housing adult children who need space but want to stay close. The separation is rea ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in La Faye sounds like this: the distant chime of the church bell in Ruffec carrying across the fields, a coffee going cold on the kitchen windowsill because you got distracted watching a pair of hoopoes pick through the garden. That's the pace of life here, and once you've had a taste of it, it's very hard to go back. This five-bedroom stone house sits just outside the small village of La Faye in the Charente department of Poitou-Charentes — rural southwest France at its most quietly compelling. Five minutes by car puts you in Ruffec, a proper market town with a covered market, a decent boulangerie on the Rue du Marché, and a weekly Wednesday market where local producers bring in their chevre, walnuts, sunflowers, and duck confit in jars. It's not a tourist circuit. Real people live here, shop here, grow things here. That's exactly the point. The house itself is built in the classic Charentais style — solid stone walls that keep rooms cool through July and August without air conditioning, high ceilings that make every space feel unhurried. At 231 square metres across two floors, this isn't a weekend bolt-hole; it's a proper family base for extended stays. The ground floor was designed with genuine practicality in mind: a fitted kitchen with a utility room directly off it, a formal dining room that seats everyone comfortably, and a living room with enough light in the afternoons to make you forget you intended to do anything productive. There's also a master suite on the ground floor with its own private bathroom — a detail that matters enormously when you have teenagers upstairs and grandparents visiting. Head upstairs and you'll find four more bedrooms and a dedicated office. That office isn't an afte ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Carcassonne starts with the smell of woodsmoke and fresh bread. You push open the south-facing kitchen window, coffee in hand, and the Aude River valley stretches out beyond the garden fence—quiet, golden, unhurried. This is not a weekend fantasy. It's just a regular Saturday when you own this four-bedroom house on the edge of one of France's most storied medieval cities. The house sits in a calm residential pocket close to the banks of the Aude, the kind of neighborhood where neighbors know each other's names and the streets empty out by nine in the evening. Surrounded by 1,353 square meters of enclosed garden, it manages something genuinely rare in this part of Languedoc: countryside air and city convenience at once. The weekly markets on the Place Carnot are a ten-minute drive. The UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne, with its 52 towers and double ring of ramparts, is close enough that you can watch its illuminated silhouette appear from your terrace on a clear summer night. At 157 square meters of living space, the house has been thoughtfully renovated without stripping away its personality. The ground floor flows from an entrance hall—with proper built-in storage, which anyone who's holidayed in undersized French houses will immediately appreciate—through a laundry room and into a south-facing open-plan kitchen and living area. Natural light pours through from mid-morning well into the afternoon. The dining room sits adjacent, separate enough for proper sit-down dinners, connected enough that nobody misses the conversation. Upstairs, four bedrooms offer genuine flexibility: a master suite with its own en-suite shower room, three further bedrooms served by a shared bathroom, and a separate WC. Two ... click here to read more

The first thing you notice on a summer morning here is the silence. Not the absence of sound, but a different kind of sound altogether — wind moving through oak and chestnut, the distant call of a buzzard riding thermals above the Goul valley, the faint creak of old timber in the barn warming up in the sun. From the terrace beside the heated pool, the Aubrac plateau stretches out across the horizon like something from a geological fever dream. Volcanic, ancient, unhurried. This is Cantal — one of the least-populated departments in France — and this particular farm, just ten minutes outside the village of Montsalvy, might be one of the most quietly compelling properties to come onto the market in the region. Six bedrooms across three buildings. A 7m x 3.5m pool warmed by rooftop solar panels. Over eight hectares of woodland, old pasture, a spring, and a hiking path that cuts through your own land. Two fully fitted gîtes already generating — or ready to generate — rental income. This is a functioning small estate, not a project. The renovation work has been done. You're stepping into something operational. The main house centres on a ground-floor open-plan kitchen and dining-living space with a wood burner that earns its keep from October through to April. The layout is practical and honest — no unnecessary flourishes, just solid stone and sensible proportions. Upstairs, two bedrooms. On the lower level, a third bedroom and a bathroom with separate WC. It's the kind of house where you lose track of time reading beside the fire with a glass of Marcillac, the local red wine made from the Fer Servadou grape that almost nobody outside the Aveyron and Cantal border has ever tasted. Worth seeking out. The main gîte is the sho ... click here to read more

Walk out the front gate on a July morning and within ten minutes your feet are on the sand at Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, the Atlantic stretching west toward the Channel Islands, Mont Saint-Michel rising from the tidal flats less than twenty kilometres to the south. That's not a marketing line—that's the literal Tuesday morning reality of living in this five-bedroom house on the Normandy coast of the Manche. Built in the early 1900s and sitting on a generous plot of just under a quarter of an acre, the property carries the solidity you'd expect from that era—thick walls, high ceilings, a real sense of permanence—while the interior has been kept in good condition and is ready to use from day one. At 220 square metres of habitable space across three floors plus a full garden-level basement, there is room here for a large family, a rotating cast of guests, or a combination of both. Five double bedrooms. Two bathrooms. A heated swimming pool. A large garage. A mezzanine with its own shower off the sitting room, which opens up all kinds of possibilities for sleeping arrangements without anyone feeling like they've drawn the short straw. The ground floor sets the tone. The sitting room runs to just over thirty square metres, big enough to hold a crowd on a rainy October afternoon without anyone feeling hemmed in. The mezzanine above adds a quieter perch—somewhere to read while the noise of dinner prep drifts up from the kitchen. That kitchen opens onto an elevated terrace with a built-in BBQ, and from there, external steps descend to the garden below. On a warm evening, that terrace becomes the centre of everything: the smell of something grilling, a glass of Normandy cider on the railing, the light going golden over the garden as ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene heart of Saint-Germain-De-Tallevende, Basse-Normandie, 14, France, this beautiful stone house offers an idyllic retreat for those yearning for a peaceful life in the French countryside. Life here is wonderfully laid-back, with its quiet surroundings, fresh air, and the distinct charm only found in small villages in France. The property itself is a good example of traditional French architecture, a comfortably-sized home with plenty of room for a family, and enough land for twice the optimism. Welcoming you is the sound of birds singing in the trees and the gentle rustle of leaves in your country garden—a blissful reminder that you are far from the bustling city life. The house is in good condition and ready for new families or adventurous expat buyers who seek to embrace the tranquil rural life. It features four cozy bedrooms that promise peaceful slumber after a day spent exploring the enchanting landscapes of Normandy or nearby historical sites. The quaint village of Saint-Germain-De-Tallevende is synonymous with serenity and a tight-knit community spirit. The local area offers an array of activities and attractions suitable for residents and visitors alike. You can try your hand at golfing at the nearby course or take long, leisurely strolls around the picturesque lake—an idyllic spot for picnics or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a good book. For families moving in, the area is perfect for creating cherished memories with numerous outdoor activities to keep every member engaged. Vire Normandie itself is a region that’s overflowing with history and cultural richness. Its cobblestone streets and aged buildings whisper tales of the past, while the local markets tempt your senses with fres ... click here to read more

Picture yourself awakening to the soft morning light filtering through PVC double-glazed windows as the Normandy countryside comes alive around you. The aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass drifting through your open kitchen door. Your three-bedroom country house in Sourdeval, nestled in the heart of Manche, offers more than shelter—it provides a gateway to the authentic French rural lifestyle that international vacation home seekers dream about discovering. This 75m² stone house stands on 1,500m² of private land, offering the perfect balance between manageable property size and generous outdoor space for family gatherings, vegetable gardens, or simply enjoying the changing seasons of Lower Normandy. The ground floor welcomes you with an entrance flowing into a living room anchored by a traditional fireplace fitted with an efficient pellet stove, creating that quintessential French country ambiance during cooler months. The separate kitchen provides space for preparing regional specialties using local ingredients from nearby markets, while the ground-floor shower room and WC offer practical convenience for daily living and hosting guests. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms provide flexible accommodation for family members and friends visiting your Normandy retreat. Whether you envision children's laughter echoing through the hallways during summer holidays or accommodating multiple couples exploring the region together, this layout delivers versatility. The landing connects these private spaces, while the attic above offers potential for additional storage or future expansion, subject to planning permissions. The property's outbuildings transform this from a simple house into a compo ... click here to read more

Picture yourself standing in the enclosed courtyard of your own Norman retreat, where centuries-old stone walls shelter flowering gardens and the morning mist rolls in from the Manche countryside. This substantial three-bedroom house in Sourdeval offers international buyers an authentic slice of Lower Normandy life, where traditional architecture meets the practical comforts modern vacation homeowners need. With 95 square meters of living space plus a generous 45-square-meter convertible attic ready for your personal vision, this property presents opportunities many second home seekers spend years searching for. Sourdeval sits in the heart of the Manche department, where rolling green pastures meet bocage hedgerows and history echoes through medieval market squares. The rhythm of life here follows Normandy's agricultural calendar: spring apple blossoms that perfume entire valleys, summer farmers markets overflowing with Camembert and cidre, autumn harvest festivals celebrating the region's legendary calvados, and winter evenings gathered around crackling fireplaces. This house captures that rhythm perfectly, with its traditional layout offering both communal spaces for gathering and private retreats for quiet moments. The ground floor centers around a welcoming kitchen where you can prepare meals with ingredients from Sourdeval's weekly markets, while the adjacent living room with its working fireplace becomes the natural heart of the home during cooler months. A second living room provides flexible space that many international owners convert into dining areas, home offices, or cozy reading rooms overlooking the garden. This configuration serves vacation homeowners exceptionally well, allowing simultaneous activities ... click here to read more

Step into this charming home nestled in the serene landscapes of Vire, Basse-Normandie, a sublime locality that promises a placid yet vibrant living experience. This welcoming 5-bedroom abode spreads over 186 square meters and is sited on an expansive plot of land measuring approximately 3455 square meters. If you've been contemplating a life in the picturesque French countryside, this property beckons with its open promise of comfort and space. The house exudes a character that fits seamlessly into the bucolic surroundings of the Normandy region. As you enter, you're greeted by a commodious entrance hall that leads you into the fitted kitchen, well-equipped for culinary adventures. The living room, accented by a cozy fireplace, invites gatherings and quiet evenings alike. The residence comprises five well-appointed bedrooms, offering ample personal space for each family member. Additionally, the property includes a practical laundry room, a bathroom, and a shower room—catering to the needs of a modern family. Property Features: - Five spacious bedrooms - Fitted kitchen - Living room with a fireplace - One bathroom and one shower room - Laundry room - Extensive land size of 3455 square meters - Garage - Annual property tax: 1963 € For those envisioning a venture into renovation or simply making this space their own, the property offers a solid foundation to build upon. Its good condition allows for immediate occupancy, while still leaving room for personalized enhancements and decorations. Living in Vire Normandie is experiencing a blend of historical richness and contemporary convenience. The town is famed for its lush landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant community life. From traditional markets offering l ... click here to read more

Nestled between the vibrant community of Vire and the picturesque countryside of the Basse-Normandie region, lies a house that seamlessly merges comfort with potential. This post-war property, situated in Vire, Basse-Normandie, offers a unique blend of residential warmth and ample space for personalization, ideal for those seeking a home in France with its serene yet lively lifestyle. For a moment, picture yourself arriving at this welcoming abode. The structure stands with an understated grace, hinting at its history while also offering modern-day functionality. As you step through the entrance hall, you are greeted by a fitted kitchen that beckons the family chef to whip up their next culinary masterpiece. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy living room/lounge area that invites gatherings, laughter, and relaxation. The ground floor also features the convenience of a bedroom and a toilet, perfectly suited for guests or family members preferring single-story living. Heading upstairs, the home continues to deliver with two additional spacious bedrooms, providing comfortable resting spaces, and a shower room that caters to all daily needs with simplicity and ease. The layout is both practical and conducive to family life, offering not just rooms, but spaces where memories can be made. The house itself might need a touch of personalization here and there, but this gives you the opportunity to make it truly yours. Some areas might benefit from a bit of modern flare or a personal touch, but this can be seen as an exciting opportunity to imprint your style onto the property. The large outbuilding is a significant aspect of this home, offering extra space that could be transformed into anything you envision – perhaps a worksho ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Normandy Nestled in the serene countryside of Vire Normandie, this charming stone house offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, the crisp morning air filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the promise of a day spent exploring the picturesque landscapes of Basse-Normandie. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. A Home with Character and Comfort Step inside this delightful two-bedroom stone house, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. The interior exudes warmth and character, with exposed beams and stone walls that tell stories of a bygone era. The heart of the home is the inviting living room, where a granite fireplace and wood-burning stove create a cozy ambiance perfect for relaxing evenings. The fitted kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, opens seamlessly into the living area, making it ideal for entertaining family and friends. A Garden Lover's Paradise Outside, the property unfolds into a sprawling 6986m² garden, a haven for nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados. Whether you're cultivating your own vegetable patch, enjoying a leisurely afternoon picnic, or simply soaking in the sun, this expansive outdoor space offers endless possibilities. The garden also features an outbuilding, garage, and workshop, providing ample storage and creative space for hobbies and projects. A Gateway to Normandy's Rich Heritage Living in Vire Normandie means immersing yourself in a region rich with history and culture. Explore the medieval architecture of Vire, with its ancient fortifications and charming town center. Indulge in th ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene town of Sourdeval in the Manche department of France, this charming 3-bedroom semi-detached house offers a prime opportunity for international buyers or expats seeking a slice of French living. Priced at €118,400 and spanning 84 m², the home sits on a generous plot of 1,232 m², complete with a courtyard, land for gardening or leisure, and a 40 m² garage, providing ample storage or workshop space. The house features traditional architecture and is structurally in good condition but may benefit from some updates and personal touches by its new owners. It’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a project home that doesn't require extensive renovations but allows for creative input. Ground floor: - Entrance hall - Fitted kitchen ready for culinary adventures - Cozy living room with a fireplace for evening relaxation - Boiler room - Conveniently located WC Upstairs: - Landing leading to all rooms - 3 well-proportioned bedrooms - A shower room with WC Additional features: - Attic space, offering potential for conversion - Efficient double-glazed windows - Gas heating system ensuring warmth throughout the seasons - Septic tank sanitation Living in Sourdeval means embracing the tranquil pace of life typical of rural Normandy. The town is small yet vibrant, providing all the necessary amenities for daily life including shops, restaurants, schools, and medical facilities. The local community is active and welcoming, often organizing events and markets that celebrate both the history and gastronomy of the region. The area is a paradise for nature lovers. Numerous walking trails and parks invite residents to enjoy the outdoors, and the proximity to the English Channel allows for easy weekend ge ... click here to read more

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

Discover peaceful countryside living with this charming 3-bedroom country home nestled in the rustic hamlet of Vire-Normandie, situated in the heart of Normandy, Calvados, France. This lovely detached stone house is set on over an acre of picturesque gardens, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a connection to nature. The home itself, which covers 115 square meters, is primarily in good condition and offers a harmonious blend of modern amenities and traditional character. The stone exterior, coupled with modern double-glazed windows installed around 2016, assures a blend of efficiency and historic charm. While the house is comfortable and ready for immediate move-in, it also presents a wonderful opportunity for those looking to personalize a home without the need for extensive renovations. Upon entering, you're greeted by a cozy entrance hall featuring birch wood flooring and exposed stone walls. The lounge, which is comfortably sized and includes a modern pellet burner, offers a perfect space for family gatherings. It opens onto a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests. The utility room adds a practical touch with spaces allocated for washing and drying machines, along with additional storage. The upper level houses three bedrooms, each with unique features like "Juliette" balconies, sloping ceilings, and exposed stone walls adding to the charm. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room, while the other two bedrooms share a "Jack & Jill" style bathroom, ensuring convenience and privacy. Living in Vire-Normandie offers a blend of serene rural life with the convenience of nearby amenities. The town of Vire is just a few kilometers away, providing access to s ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Normandy Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of a songbird, as the morning sun filters through the lush canopy surrounding your stone-built sanctuary. Nestled at the end of a private driveway, this 4-bedroom house near Vire, Calvados, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its rich history dating back to the early 1900s, this property is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. A Home with Character and Comfort Step inside to discover 102 square meters of thoughtfully renovated living space, where traditional charm meets modern convenience. The ground floor welcomes you with an open-plan living room, complete with a fitted kitchen and a cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering with family and friends. A fitted wood burner adds warmth and ambiance, making it an inviting space to unwind after a day exploring the picturesque Normandy countryside. The ground floor also features a study, ideal for those who work from home or seek a quiet corner for reading and reflection. A bedroom with an en suite shower room offers convenience and privacy, while a utility room and WC complete the layout. Upstairs, the first floor reveals three additional bedrooms, each offering a peaceful retreat for rest and relaxation. A family bathroom ensures comfort for all, while a landing area provides a versatile space for a second study or reading nook. Embrace the Outdoors Beyond the walls of this charming home, the property extends to 2.4 acres of garden and paddocks, offering endless possibilities for outdoor living. Whether you dream of cultivating a vibrant garden, keeping horses, or si ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the serene heart of Normandy, France, this charming 2-bedroom country home is an idyllic retreat set against the lush greens of the Manche countryside, right near the quaint town of Sourdeval. This property is not just a house but a chapter waiting to be written into the lives of those who seek tranquil living with a touch of French country charm. Over the last 17 years, the current owners have lovingly renovated this residence, crafting it into a cozy haven with an expansive garden waiting for a new family to call it home. The house stands promising with its double glazed wood frame windows, designed to keep the charm of country living while offering modern comforts. For those considering investing or seeking additional income, there’s also potential here. Adjacent to the main house is a gîte that mirrors its structure, providing an exciting project for those who enjoy putting a personal touch on their dwellings. This gîte is wired separately for water and electricity, making it an ideal setup for rental opportunities or housing guests. Key Features of the Property: - 67 square metres of living space - 2 spacious bedrooms on the upper floor - Cozy lounge with exposed stone wall & wood-burner - Kitchen/dining area with tiled floors - Standalone shower room with character - Parking space for 2 vehicles - Lawned garden with mature trees & shrubs - Large attached workshop for all your DIY needs - Mains water & electricity - Drainage via an all-water septic tank Living in Normandy promises peace and authenticity—far away from the bustling cities. Sourdeval, a nearby picturesque town, offers all required everyday amenities including supermarkets, banks, and local markets. Every Tuesday, the vibrant produce mark ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, France, this remarkably spacious farmhouse is a dream for anyone seeking a serene rural escape. Located in the inviting town of Sourdeval, it combines the charm of a traditional French farmhouse with the potential for personal adaptation, making it perfect for overseas buyers and expats looking for that idyllic European lifestyle. Sourdeval and its surroundings boast a rich history, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant community spirit. Known for its quintessential French charm, the area is surrounded by lush meadows, rolling hills, and scenic woodlands that define the region's character. This is not just a place to live but a lifestyle to embrace. This 244 square meter farmhouse set in nearly five acres of lush Normandy landscape captures the essence of country life while offering ample space for families. A large five-bedroom house complimented by a separate two-bedroom gîte provides both comfort and opportunity. While the property is in good condition, it offers ample potential for customization and improvement—a chance to create the perfect retreat tailored to your vision. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of nature, enjoying a leisurely breakfast surrounded by panoramic views, or exploring your own productive gardens with rows of fruit-bearing trees and vibrant vegetable patches. The outdoor space is nothing short of wonderful, with beautifully landscaped gardens that have been lovingly maintained for decades. There's also a charming orchard and paddock, ideal for those looking to cultivate their own produce or keep animals. The separate gîte offers potential for guest accommodation, a rental opportunity, or simply a serene private dwelling offering rust ... click here to read more

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

Imagine yourself nestled in the heart of Normandy, in the charming region of Manche, Sourdeval. It’s a sanctuary of peace balanced perfectly with vibrant local life, ideal for those considering a move to France. I'm here to tell you about a truly captivating property that offers not just a place to live, but a chance to integrate seamlessly into a welcoming community with the bonus of potential extra income. This delightful property comprises not one, but two distinct and charming homes—a 4-bedroom house and a 3-bedroom gite. Whether you're an expat looking to find a new home base, or an ambitious individual eager for a potential income venture, this property provides flexibility and comfort. For those seeking a more subdued lifestyle, the atmosphere in Sourdeval promises both tranquility and opportunities for exploration. ### Discovering the Houses: The main residence boasts character and convenience. As you enter the primary house, your journey begins in the entrance dining room. It’s a warm area featuring a wood stove and chimney, perfect for cozy meals with loved ones. The granite fireplace sets a scene of timeless charm—a touch of classic Normandy. - Entrance and Dining Room: Wood Stove, granite fireplace - Kitchen: Granite worktops, breakfast bar, fitted kitchen - Sitting Room: French windows, garden access, wood burner - Bedrooms: Four comfortable spaces - Shower Room: Equipped with modern fittings - Master Bedroom: Ensuite shower room - Utility and Boiler Room: Practical storage solutions In addition to the main house, the property features a three-bedroom gite, offering a taste of authentic French living. The Gite provides an open plan kitchen and dining space with character beams—a nod to its traditional r ... click here to read more

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

Nestled in the picturesque southwest region of Normandy, near the boundaries of Manche and Calvados, this charming 2-bedroom country home offers a tranquil retreat with a delightful opportunity for customization and enhancement. Situated just 3 kilometers from the town of Sourdeval—rich in community offerings and conveniences—this property blends the allure of rural serenity with the benefits of nearby town facilities. The country house itself has been attentively renovated over the past 17 years, providing a cozy yet modern living experience. Showcasing a blend of rustic and updated elements, the home includes double-glazed wood-frame windows that ensure year-round comfort. The property spans two floors, featuring tiled floors, an exposed stone wall, and wooden beams that add character to the spacious lounge, which is also equipped with a wood burner within a striking granite fireplace. The ground floor hosts a well-sized kitchen/dining area that leads directly to the rear garden. The kitchen is fitted with modern necessities and ample space for culinary exploration. Transitioning to the first floor, you are greeted with a landing area that reveals exposed beams and a sloping ceiling, creating a cozy, attic-like feel. The two bedrooms offer peaceful personal spaces, with the main bedroom including a walk-in wardrobe—an ideal addition for extra storage needs. While the main house is in good condition, the property also features an attached gîte that awaits finishing touches. Reflecting the layout of the main house, this space offers great potential for rental income or guest accommodation once completed. Outside, the landscape envelops the home with a sense of privacy and space. The garden, adorned with mature trees ... click here to read more

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