Spacious 5-Bedroom Country House with Pool and Annex in Chalais

Picture a Sunday morning in high summer: you open the kitchen door and the smell of warm stone hits you first, then cut grass, then something faintly floral drifting in from the garden. The pool is already glinting in the early light. Nobody else is awake yet. This is what 215 square metres of well-built French country life actually feels like, and it's waiting for you in the Charente. Civray sits in the Vienne department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, a part of rural France that still rewards people who choose to slow down. This isn't the Dordogne with its tourist caravans and inflated prices. Civray is real, working, lived-in France — a market town with a proper Saturday market on the Place du Marché, a Wednesday morning brocante that turns up the occasional serious find, and a Romanesque church facade on the Saint-Nicolas that art historians make detours to see. You walk to the boulangerie before 8am and you're back with a still-warm baguette before the household stirs. That's the rhythm here. The house itself is substantial. At 215 square metres of habitable space, it's built to the kind of standard that was common in this part of France in the late twentieth century — solid concrete and stone construction, thick walls that keep things cool through July and August without air conditioning fighting the heat. The layout is practical rather than fussy. On the ground floor, a 46-square-metre open-plan dining and living room is anchored by a fireplace that earns its keep from November through March. French doors push open onto the terrace and, from there, directly to the pool. The kitchen — 18 square metres, fully equipped — sits adjacent, so meals move naturally from prep to table to outdoors. The ground-floor bedr ... click here to read more

On a still morning in the Périgord Noir, the only sounds you'll hear from this hamlet courtyard are birdsong, the faint echo of a church bell drifting over from Castels, and the soft splash of water in a 12-by-6-metre saltwater pool that looks straight out over a valley that hasn't changed much in centuries. That's not a selling point — that's Tuesday. This is a rare opportunity to acquire not one but two authentic Dordogne stone houses sitting side by side on roughly 8,000 square metres of grounds in the commune of Castels et Bézenac. A shared cobbled driveway and a gated private courtyard connect them, and together they form a property that functions equally well as a large family holiday compound, a multi-generational retreat, or a live-in renovation project with serious long-term upside. The asking price of €294,000 for the entire ensemble — pool, dovecote, garage, outbuildings, courtyard and all — is the kind of number that makes people do a double-take when they check it against what comparable Dordogne properties have been selling for. The larger of the two houses is the one that stops you at the door. Ground floor: a proper country kitchen with an adjoining shower room and WC, and a living-dining room anchored by a character stone fireplace and a pellet stove — the kind of room you want to be in when November rain is hitting the terrace outside and a cassoulet is on the hob. French doors open both toward the front courtyard and the rear garden, so the space breathes in summer and feels sealed and warm come autumn. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a small bathroom with WC. It's not complicated. It's exactly what a Dordogne farmhouse should be. The second house, slightly more compact, has its own kitchen, a living roo ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in the Dordogne, and the air through the kitchen window carries woodsmoke and the faint sweetness of walnut orchards baking in September sun. You're putting on coffee, the terracotta tiles cool underfoot, and through the sitting room's old beams you can hear absolutely nothing except birdsong and the occasional tractor two fields over. This is what you came to France for. Set in Parcoul-Chenaud, a quiet commune in the northern Dordogne where the pace of life has been politely ignoring the 21st century for decades, this four-bedroom Périgord-style house sits on roughly 5,000 square metres of garden and land that gives you genuine room to breathe. At 190 square metres of living space spread across two naturally separated levels, it's a house with real character — not the kind manufactured by a renovation company, but the kind accumulated over generations of French rural life. The layout deserves a proper explanation, because it's one of the property's most interesting qualities. The upper entrance level holds a welcoming hall, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. So far, so practical. But descend to the lower level and the house opens up into something altogether more generous: a large sitting room with original terracotta floor tiles and a beamed ceiling, a proper fireplace for January evenings when the Dordogne mist rolls in, and a staircase climbing to two further bedrooms and a second spacious bathroom. The split-level configuration means a family of six or eight could live here without anyone getting in each other's way. Or you could use the lower level as a self-contained space for guests — the bones are clearly there. A study, utility room, cave, and an oversized g ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in rural Vienne, and the only sound you can hear from the kitchen window is birdsong and the distant clank of someone's tractor heading up a dirt track. That's not a fantasy—that's a Tuesday. This three-bedroom character house in a quiet hamlet outside Civray sits on 2,500 square metres of wooded land, and the second you step through the gate, the outside world drops away entirely. The house itself stretches across more than 200 square metres of living space, with three en-suite bedrooms—a layout that already hints at something versatile. Live in one half, let out the other. Run it as a chambres d'hôtes. Install family in their own wing and keep yours private. The floorplan makes all of this genuinely workable, not just theoretically possible. One portion of the home sits entirely on a single level, which opens up options for guests with mobility considerations or older relatives who want their independence without the stairs. Character houses with this kind of built-in flexibility don't come up in this part of France very often, and when they do, they rarely stay on the market long. Then there's the 40-square-metre workshop—a proper one, not a glorified shed. For anyone with a woodworking habit, a restoration project, a ceramics practice, or simply a stash of tools that deserves a real home, this space is genuinely exciting. Add in the woodshed and the Alpine-style chalet on the grounds and you've got an ensemble that feels more like a small rural estate than a single-family home. Civray itself sits in the Vienne department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, roughly equidistant between Poitiers and Angoulême—two cities worth knowing. Poitiers is about an hour north and carries real historical weight: th ... click here to read more

Picture a Sunday morning in the Périgord Vert. The kitchen window is open, a coffee is brewing, and the only sound reaching you from outside is birdsong and the faint rustle of the walnut trees at the edge of your enclosed garden. No traffic. No crowds. Just 1,560 square metres of private land, a covered pool glinting under its dome, and a pace of life that feels like it belongs to another century — the good kind. This fully renovated three-bedroom house sits in a quiet hamlet just ten minutes from Nontron, a town that punches well above its weight for a place of its size. Nontron is the capital of the Périgord Vert, the green and deeply underrated northern pocket of the Dordogne département, and it wears that title with quiet confidence. The old knife-making tradition still lives here — the Nontron knife, with its boxwood handle and distinct silhouette, has been crafted in the same spot since the 15th century, and you can visit the workshop on Rue Carnot and watch blades being finished by hand. It's the kind of place that reminds you France hasn't been entirely swallowed by modernity. The house itself spans 185 square metres across two levels and has been renovated to a standard that means you genuinely can walk in, unpack, and spend the first evening by the pool rather than drawing up a list of contractors. That matters enormously for buyers coming from the UK, Ireland, or northern Europe who want a second home without a five-year renovation saga attached to it. Good condition here means good condition — solid roof, clean interiors, functional systems. Downstairs, the scale of the living spaces is the first thing that catches you. A single-story living room of 58 square metres flows openly into a 28-square-metre din ... click here to read more

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

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 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

Nestled in the picturesque town of Chalais, in the heart of the Charente region, this expansive 6-bedroom house offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home or holiday retreat in France. With its rich history and vibrant local culture, Chalais is a hidden gem that promises a serene yet engaging lifestyle for expatriates and international buyers. A Home with History and Heart Originally constructed in the 1960s as two semi-detached bungalows, this property has been thoughtfully transformed into a single, spacious home. The seamless integration of the two structures has resulted in a residence that is both functional and inviting, perfect for hosting family gatherings or enjoying quiet weekends away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Property Highlights: - Bedrooms: Six generously sized bedrooms, offering ample space for family and guests. - Bathrooms: Two modern shower rooms, designed for comfort and convenience. - Living Areas: A large lounge and dining room, both featuring expansive views of the town and the historic Château de Chalais. - Kitchens: Two fully equipped kitchens, ideal for culinary enthusiasts or those who enjoy entertaining. - Basement: Versatile space with a games room, playroom, storage, utility room, office, and workshop. - Outdoor Space: A beautifully maintained lawn with flower beds, perfect for outdoor relaxation and activities. - Parking: Ample parking with two garage-style entrances and spacious driveways. Chalais: A Town with Character Chalais is a charming town that offers a blend of traditional French culture and modern amenities. The local market, held every Monday, is a vibrant hub where residents and visitors alike can enjoy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and the war ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Chalais, situated in the heart of Poitou-Charentes, the charm of rural France is perfectly encapsulated by this unique stone barn. For those searching for a slice of tranquility away from the bustling city life, this property offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the serene and expansive landscapes of the Charente region. First and foremost, let's acknowledge that this is a barn ripe for transformation. It's an ideal canvas for visionary buyers who see potential where others might only see renovation work. The vaulted ceilings and the impressive wooden roof structure are standout features, begging for someone with a bit of passion and imagination to restore them to their former glory. With an asking price of EUR 88,900, this property presents the kind of rare opportunity that doesn’t come around often. It offers 370 square meters of space, each corner filled with the potential to create something truly special. It’s a playground for any renovator looking to exercise their creativity. Sitting on about 2 acres of land, the property provides ample space to expand, to garden, or even to simply enjoy the natural surroundings. With mature gardens, an orchard, and a wooded area as part of the parcel, the estate is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Living here promises a lifestyle intertwined with nature, offering peace and solitude in equal measure. Here are some of the features and points about the property: - Stone barn with exposed wooden beams - Vaulted ceilings - 370 square meters of space - Nearly 2 acres of mature garden, orchard, and wood - Picturesque views of the village castle - GMO-free certification "Ecocert" - Renovation project opportunity - Peacefu ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene hamlet of Chalais within the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region of Charente, France, this delightful two-bedroom house offers a wonderful opportunity for those seeking a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. Priced at an attractive 95,000 Euros, this home presents an excellent investment for overseas buyers and expats looking to plant roots in a quintessentially French locale. Property Features: - 2 Bedrooms - 1 Bathroom - Large attached barn - Generous garden space - Size: 200 square meters Amenities: - Proximity to local amenities - Easy access to train line (Bordeaux-Angoulême TGV stations) - N10 highway access within 20 minutes Local Area: Living in Chalais offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Chalais is steeped in history, with enchanting medieval streets and historic buildings providing a picturesque backdrop to daily life. The town itself boasts a vibrant community spirit and is well-serviced with shops, restaurants, and local markets, ensuring you have all the essentials right at your doorstep. Climate: The climate in this region is typically mild, with pleasant summers and mild winters. You can expect warm and sunny days in the summer, making it perfect for agricultural activities or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside. Winters are usually mild, though occasional chilly days will see you cozying up indoors. Living in Chalais: Moving to Chalais offers a slew of leisurely and cultural activities. The surrounding region is renowned for its wine production, so wine enthusiasts will find plenty of vineyards to explore and enjoy. The lush countryside is ideal for hiking, cycling, and picnicking, while the nearby towns and villages host a variety ... click here to read more

Welcome to the elegance and charm of a three-bedroom house, nestled in the beautiful environs of Chalais in Charente, France. This magnificent property, situated in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, offers more than just a home; it provides a contemporary European lifestyle enticing potential overseas buyers. Cradled amidst a thriving expanse of 3820 square meters and constructed in the 1980s, this home extends to 154 square meters. The inviting living area, a comfortable 15 square meters, is graced by a warm woodburner - an emblem of homely tranquility. The house itself comprises of a graceful fitted kitchen, a welcoming living/dining room, and three cozy bedrooms. Apart from this, the house features a delightful veranda. For those who value sustainability, the home is equipped with an air-to-air heat pump installed in 2002. The large garden, complete with its enchanting pond, adds to the allure, providing an outdoor sanctuary for those balmy summer nights. The home is in good condition and ready to be moved into straight away, inviting its new owners to add their personal touches and make it their own. Features of the property include: - A fitted kitchen - A woodburner in a spacious living/dining room - Three cozy bedrooms - A veranda - An energy-efficient air-to-air heat pump In addition to these structural features, the property also boasts well-designed amenities such as: - A sizable garden with a peaceful pond - A large outbuilding - Close proximity to local shops, schools, and colleges Living in Chalais, one will be bewildered by its overwhelming enchantment. The quaint town is packed with historical richness with the Chalais Castle, a true jewel in its crown. The town also offers all essent ... click here to read more

Nestled on the fringes of a picturesque village, this charming 2-bedroom cottage in Chalais presents a fantastic opportunity for those looking to embrace the tranquil French countryside. Located just a five-minute drive from the heart of Chalais, this stone-built home promises a peaceful retreat without sacrificing convenience. The property extends over three levels and covers a total built area of 118m², with a generous plot size of 4728m², offering ample space for outdoor activities and gardening. The living area, comprising a cozy 40m², boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere accentuated by a wood-burning stove—ideal for chilly evenings. The layout is thoughtfully designed with one bedroom and a shower room on the upper floor, while the lower level houses the kitchen and a second bedroom complete with an ensuite bathroom. The outdoor space features a private terrace, perfect for al fresco dining or soaking in the serene surroundings. Adjacent to the terrace is an outbuilding which includes a utility room and workshops, providing practical solutions for storage and hobbies. The garden, mainly laid to lawn with an adjoining paddock, is shaded by large, mature trees, offering a cool retreat during warmer days. For prospective homeowners keen on making their own mark, this cottage, while in good condition, offers ample opportunity for enhancements and personalization to suit individual tastes or family needs. Here’s a chance to meld the timeless charm of a rural French home with your own design preferences. Amenities: • Stone-built cottage • Living area with wood-burning stove • Two bedrooms, one with ensuite bathroom and other with adjacent shower room • Kitchen • Private terrace • Outbuilding with utility room and works ... click here to read more

Discover the serene charm of this traditional 4-bedroom country home nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, located in the small but vibrant community of Chalais, France. Boasting a generous plot size of 4058 square meters and a total built area of 221 square meters, this property combines the allure of country living with the convenience of being near a local market town. As you approach the property, you are greeted by an inviting courtyard that sets the tone for the warmth that awaits inside. The house itself is a well-maintained country home that has managed to retain its charming character features, including exposed beams and original fireplaces equipped with wood burners, enhancing the cozy atmosphere throughout the residence. Upon entering, the ground floor offers a spacious layout that includes an entrance hall leading into an open-plan kitchen and lounge area. Here, a fireplace adds a focal point and a cozy gathering place for family and friends. The dining room, complemented by another fireplace, promises memorable meals and moments. Additionally, there is a comfortable double bedroom with delightful views of the surrounding countryside, perfect for accommodating guests or for use as a master suite. The tasteful integration of modern convenearranas are evident as glazed doors from the kitchen open directly onto a 60 square meter terrace, where alfresco dining or simply relaxing and soaking in the panoramic views can be enjoyed. The upper level of the home is thoughtfully configured with two additional double bedrooms, a sizable study which offers flexibility depending on your needs, and a very spacious family bathroom. The property also includes a separate guest annex which presen ... click here to read more

Nestled in the tranquil hamlet near Chalais, this charming 2-bedroom cottage in Yviers, Charente, embodies rustic elegance with its tasteful renovation that highlights original features while ensuring modern comforts. Located in the scenic Poitou-Charentes region of France, the property offers a serene retreat amidst rolling countryside views. It is an ideal acquisition for those looking to settle in a peaceful location, engage in a vacation home project, or capitalize on rental opportunities. This detached character house sits on a generous 1600m2 plot adorned with fruit trees and lush garden spaces. The garden also includes an above-ground plunge pool for refreshing summer days and a sizeable 63m2 barn that suggests potential for various uses, subject to local planning permissions. Internally, the cottage boasts a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary living spaces. The entrance hall leads into a cozy fitted kitchen/dining area equipped with a stone fireplace and a wood burner, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings. Adjoining this is a door opening onto a terrace with a BBQ area, ideal for outdoor dining and entertainment. The lounge, bright and inviting, features another wood burner and offers terrace access, extending the living space outdoors. On the upper floor, accessed by a classic wooden staircase, you’ll find two bedrooms and a flexible space that can serve either as an additional bedroom or home office. The master bedroom includes an en-suite shower room, while the second bedroom showcases beautiful exposed beams, adding to the property’s charm. A family bathroom completes this level, ensuring adequate facilities for residents and guests. While this property maintains a 'good' condition ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Yviers, Poitou-Charentes, this charming farmhouse offers a rare glimpse into the serene beauty of rural life in southwestern France. With its somber landscapes reminiscent of classic impressionist paintings, it's no wonder this region is lovingly dubbed the Tuscany of France. As one of the busiest real estate agents around, it's my pleasure to introduce you to this captivating property, all while juggling calls and viewings throughout the day! Walking into this 5-bedroom farmhouse, you're immediately enveloped by a sense of tranquility and warmth, akin to being serenaded by one of the melodies performed by the previous owner, a celebrated folk singer. The house is full of history and character, but let's not get too carried away with the past—present treasures await. - Five spacious bedrooms - Two bathrooms for family comfort - South-facing terrace - Cozy living room with wood-burning stoves - Double patio doors - Two garages that offer expansion potential - Double glazing for energy efficiency - Electric central heating - Ground-floor rooms with adaptability - Lovely wooded garden - Decorative veranda for relaxation The farmhouse is in good condition and invites those who may want a little slice of rural adventure mixed with comfort. Perhaps, a few cosmetic updates here and there could serve to bring forth your personal touch, making it your very own haven. Whether you're an expat looking for a peaceful retirement in the French countryside or an overseas buyer captivated by the allure of French pastoral charm, this property has something to offer. Living in Yviers is like experiencing the quintessential French provincial life. Peaceful and inviting, the local area offers an ... click here to read more

If you are dreaming of a serene lifestyle surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the French countryside, this charming country house in Parcoul-Chenaud, Dordogne could just be the haven you’ve been seeking. Situated in Aquitaine, this property offers a delightful retreat with traditional touches and modern conveniences, nested in one of the most sought-after regions in France. This delightful property features a total living area of 83m², set within a generous plot of 1070m². The country home captures the essence of rural charm with its stone facade and cozy interior spaces. As you enter, the ground floor introduces an open plan layout that includes a kitchen equipped with a wood burning stove, creating a heartwarming space during colder months. The dining and living areas merge seamlessly, crafted to ensure a comfortable space for relaxation and gatherings. For a touch of convenience, there is a shower room on this level equipped to cater to the needs of residents and guests. Two terraces extend the living space, offering perfect spots for dining al fresco, overlooking the lush estate. Upstairs, the home boasts three double bedrooms, offering sufficient space for a family or visiting guests. A well-maintained bathroom serves this floor, providing everyday functionality with a tranquil environment for unwinding. Outside, the grounds are a blend of picturesque lawns, fruit trees, and mature shrubs, all combining to create a tranquil outdoor setting. The property includes a small outbuilding, ideal for storing gardening tools and equipment, adding to the practical aspects of country living. Moreover, the in-ground swimming pool is truly a luxurious addition, providing a private oasis for hot summer days. The area o ... click here to read more

Welcome to the heart of Aquitaine, in the enchanting community of Parcoul-Chenaud, Dordogne, France. Here, we present a delightful, 3-bedroom country home nestled amidst lush French countryside and boasting of 83 square meters of space and a reasonable price tag of 170000. This country cottage is an attractive prospect for overseas buyers eager to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of rural France, or those looking to invest in quality real estate. Located on a generous plot of land 1070 square meters in size, the house features an open floor plan on the ground level. It comprises a well-appointed kitchen, a snug dining area, and a relaxing salon, providing a welcoming space for comfortable countryside living. Adding to its charm are two connecting terraces that facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor living, excellent for leisure-filled afternoons or moonlit dinners. This level is well-serviced by a well-appointed shower room. The home's upper floor houses three double bedrooms, providing ample space for a family or visiting guests. As you climb the stairs, jet-lagged but ready to finally settle in your French haven, the soft hues of the bedrooms will greet you – a reminder that this is home. The house is fitted with a fireplace and a wood-burning stove nestled in the kitchen, radiating warmth throughout the cottage. They provide a comforting assurance of cozy winters, spent huddled around the fire with loved ones. Stepping outside, you encounter low-maintenance, fully enclosed grounds adorned with lawns, fruit trees, and mature shrubs. The presence of an in-ground swimming pool adds an element of luxury to this charming rural scene. A small outbuilding serves as a practical storage area for all your garden ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Dordogne Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the picturesque village of Parcoul-Chenaud, nestled in the heart of Dordogne, France. This charming 4-bedroom house offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to embrace a lifestyle of peace, relaxation, and cultural richness. A Home That Tells a Story As you step into this delightful home, you're greeted by a spacious living room that exudes warmth and comfort. The high ceilings and charming mezzanine create an airy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a good book or hosting intimate gatherings. The kitchen, seamlessly connected to the dining room, becomes the heart of the home, where culinary adventures await. Two of the four bedrooms are conveniently located on the ground floor, offering easy access and privacy for guests or family members. The additional two bedrooms upstairs provide cozy retreats, each with its own unique view of the surrounding landscape. Embrace the Outdoors Set on a generous plot of 5000m², this property is a haven for nature lovers. The expansive gardens offer endless possibilities for outdoor enjoyment, from leisurely strolls among the trees to hosting summer barbecues under the open sky. The attached garage provides ample storage for gardening tools, bicycles, or even a small workshop. A Village Rich in Culture and Charm Parcoul-Chenaud is more than just a location; it's a community steeped in history and tradition. The village's quaint restaurant offers a taste of local cuisine, where you can savor regional specialties and engage with friendly locals. Throughout the year, the area comes alive with seasonal festivals, celebra ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dordogne region in Aquitaine, France, this delightful 5-bedroom house offers a unique opportunity to expatriates and overseas buyers in search of an idyllic French lifestyle. Life in Parcoul-Chenaud is serene, embracing the countryside charm while still being conveniently positioned near essential amenities. The village, with its quaint shops and charming restaurant, promises a cozy yet engaging community experience, while the proximity to Bergerac and Bordeaux airports ensures that connectivity is never an issue. This spacious family abode, boasting a generous 187m² of living space and perched on a vast 5890m² plot, sets the stage for a harmonious blend of rural living and modern convenience. Picture yourself sipping a morning coffee on a delightful porch as the gentle sunshine kisses the lush expanse of your enclosed garden. With the house aligned at the edge of the village, it offers not just privacy, but also easy access to the bustle of local life. Built for family living, the house features five well-proportioned bedrooms, ensuring everyone has their personal sanctuary. With two bathrooms, morning routines are smooth and uninterrupted, a true boon for larger families. - 5 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - 187 m² living area - Large independent barn - Double garage - Small house for restoration - Enclosed plot of 5890m² - Edge of village location - Near local shops and restaurant - Proximity to airports - Easy access to Dordogne attractions Another gem of this property is the large independent barn, a versatile space that presents endless possibilities. Whether used for storage or transformed into a workshop or studio, the barn adds substantial value. The double garage offers am ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming village of Bellon, located in the beautiful Poitou-Charentes region in France, there lies a property that's perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside lifestyle. This picturesque house carries with it a whisper of history, gracefully blending the traditional allure of a stone house with modern conveniences. Situated on a spacious 3000m2 plot, this property boasts a large heated swimming pool that promises many hours of relaxation and fun. Imagine swimming leisurely while surrounded by fruit trees, offering a bounty of freshness in your very own backyard. A centuries-old lime tree stands majestically nearby, adding an element of privacy and charm to the grounds. Stepping inside, the home features four generous bedrooms and four well-appointed bathrooms, making it amply suited for a large family or to welcome visiting guests. Around every corner, you’ll find a blend of historical charm and comfort. The authentic dining room is a perfect setting for family meals or entertaining friends, while the covered terrace offers a delightful space for al fresco dining as the sun sets. In the heart of the house lies a spacious kitchen, ideal for preparing hearty meals to enjoy with your loved ones, and an adjacent study, providing a quiet place for work or reflection. A comfortable lounge offers a warm and inviting space for all to gather. Storage won't be an issue either, thanks to a practical cellar and a separate garage/workshop that can house hobbies or projects. Here are just a few highlights of the property's features: - 4 bedrooms - 4 bathrooms - Large heated pool - Surrounded by lush fruit trees - Covered terrace - Spacious dining room - Large kitchen with study - Ce ... click here to read more

Experience the French countryside at its best with this charming 4-bedroom, périgord style house, located in the heart of Aquitaine, Dordogne, Chenaud, France. The house is in good condition, a testament to the well-preserved architecture and the quality of materials used. The property greets you with a welcoming entrance hall that leads you into a lovely dining room, perfect for family meals or hosting dinner parties. The well-layout, fully equipped kitchen is a cook's dream, offering plenty of space to prepare your favorite meals. The house offers two spacious bedrooms on the ground floor, each designed to provide a relaxing ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The bedrooms are accompanied by a beautifully fitted bathroom, which exudes a sense of tranquility. For people working from home, there's a comfortable study room, a luxurious amenity in today's world. A utility room, cave, and a large garage offer additional functional spaces. The latter comes with the potential to transform into a guest house, subject to obtaining necessary permissions. The other half of the house is situated on a lower level and is characterized by a large sitting room. The room shows off inviting terracotta tiles and a beamed ceiling, offering an alluring blend of traditional and contemporary living. Here, styling a personal art collection or setting out your favorite books would be a delight. A fireplace adds to the room's warmth, making it the perfect spot for cozy family gatherings. Additionally, the house includes two more bedrooms upstairs and a large bathroom, offering ample accommodation for a family. The house is centrally heated, providing a comfortable living environment throughout the year. The property extends ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in the Dordogne, and the air through the kitchen window carries woodsmoke and the faint sweetness of walnut orchards baking in September sun. You're putting on coffee, the terracotta tiles cool underfoot, and through the sitting room's old beams you can hear absolutely nothing except birdsong and the occasional tractor two fields over. This is what you came to France for. Set in Parcoul-Chenaud, a quiet commune in the northern Dordogne where the pace of life has been politely ignoring the 21st century for decades, this four-bedroom Périgord-style house sits on roughly 5,000 square metres of garden and land that gives you genuine room to breathe. At 190 square metres of living space spread across two naturally separated levels, it's a house with real character — not the kind manufactured by a renovation company, but the kind accumulated over generations of French rural life. The layout deserves a proper explanation, because it's one of the property's most interesting qualities. The upper entrance level holds a welcoming hall, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. So far, so practical. But descend to the lower level and the house opens up into something altogether more generous: a large sitting room with original terracotta floor tiles and a beamed ceiling, a proper fireplace for January evenings when the Dordogne mist rolls in, and a staircase climbing to two further bedrooms and a second spacious bathroom. The split-level configuration means a family of six or eight could live here without anyone getting in each other's way. Or you could use the lower level as a self-contained space for guests — the bones are clearly there. A study, utility room, cave, and an oversized g ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Les Essards in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, France, this villa stands as a testament to the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Offering a slice of French countryside living, this villa presents an exciting opportunity for families and individuals looking to settle in one of the most scenic locales in the country. With a perfect mix of rustic appeal and modern functionality, this property will capture the heart of any discerning buyer from abroad. This villa, generous in both space and potential, boasts three roomy, sunlit bedrooms that beckon families ready to embrace a peaceful lifestyle. The villa effortlessly welcomes you into its fold, promising a haven of comfort with abundant natural light streaming through each corner. For those who revel in relaxation, there’s an undeniable allure in imagining a future pool turning the backyard into a personal oasis, where memories can be made in the sunlit embrace of a cool dip. There’s no denying a certain charm in enlisting the adventurous owner to make such dreams a reality, etching their mark on the villa’s story. Living in Les Essards brings the added pleasure of residing near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here, the heartbeat of tradition blends seamlessly with modern living, offering everything from quaint cafes to local shops stocked with the best of French delicacies. With the villa positioned strategically on the edge of the village, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: the peace of countryside life and the convenience of nearby necessities. For those considering a relocation from overseas, the villa offers a perfect climate, typical of southwes ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Poitou-Charentes, this charming country home in Brossac offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a tranquil second home or a delightful holiday retreat. With its generous living spaces, expansive grounds, and proximity to local amenities, this property is a haven for relaxation and recreation. ### Discover the Allure of Brossac Brossac, a quaint hilltop village in the Charente region, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant community. The village offers a delightful blend of traditional French charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal location for a second home. Here, you can enjoy leisurely strolls through the village, savoring the local cuisine at charming restaurants or exploring the nearby leisure lake. ### A Home Designed for Comfort and Leisure This country home spans 212 square meters, providing ample space for family gatherings or quiet retreats. The property is in good condition, ensuring a seamless transition into your new home away from home. With three spacious bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms, comfort and privacy are guaranteed. - Plot Size: 8690m², offering expansive outdoor space - Living Area: 25m², perfect for cozy evenings - Heating: Oil central heating, electric underfloor heating in the kitchen, and a woodburner in the main sitting room - Outbuildings: Includes a stable block and attached barn, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts or hobby farmers ### Embrace the Local Lifestyle Living in Brossac means embracing a lifestyle rich in culture and outdoor activities. The village is home to a child-friendly lakeside beach and leisure center, perfect for family outings. Tennis courts and primary schools are within easy reach, making it a p ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Brossac in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, France, this 10-bedroom farmhouse presents a captivating blend of rustic charm and spacious living. Ideally suited for a family looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside or an entrepreneur eyeing a potential gite business, this property offers ample opportunities and an authentic rural lifestyle. Located conveniently close to a charming village, the farmhouse is within easy reach of daily necessities and a delightful swimming lake complemented by a clubhouse—an ideal spot for family outings and recreational activities. The property spans over 2.5 acres and is enveloped by lush gardens, mature woodland, and open countryside views that promise a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The main house on the property boasts 6 well-appointed bedrooms, offering generous living spaces for a growing family or hosting guests. Additionally, the estate includes an attached guest house and a detached chalet, each equipped with further bedrooms that accentuate the property's versatility. Whether considering its use as a private residence or exploring its rental potential, the layout supports various living arrangements and privacy for occupants. The farmhouse is a living canvas awaiting personal touches, standing in good condition yet holding potential for custom renovations to suit new owners' tastes. Thoughtful updates can transform this already charming residence into a bespoke dream home. Outdoor living is a joy with the property's expansive grounds. The established garden invites both relaxation and exploration, ideal for afternoon strolls, gardening, or simply soaking in the natural surrounding ... click here to read more