Spacious 5-Bedroom House in Saint-Vigor-des-Monts: Ideal Second Home in Normandy

Sunday morning in Savignac-Lédrier, and the smell of woodsmoke curls up from the stove before you've even put the kettle on. Through the kitchen window, open fields stretch out to the tree line, the kind of view that makes you put your phone down and just stand there for a minute. This is rural Dordogne — unhurried, deeply rooted, and still genuinely affordable for buyers who move quickly. At 99,000 euros for a four-bedroom stone village house with a flower garden and unobstructed countryside views, this property sits in a price bracket that barely exists in France anymore, particularly in the Dordogne — a département that has quietly become one of the most sought-after corners of southwest Europe for second home buyers from the UK, Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The bones are solid, the condition is good, and someone has clearly loved this house for years. It shows. Step inside through the entrance hallway and you're immediately greeted by a small interior courtyard bursting with potted plants and climbing flowers — the kind of detail that takes years to cultivate and costs nothing to inherit. The ground floor opens into a generous living and dining room anchored by a wood-burning stove, which transforms the space from October through to March when the Périgord evenings drop sharply. There's a fitted kitchen that actually functions — not a renovation project, but a room you can cook in from day one. A ground-floor bedroom with its own wood-burning stove and a built-in library doubles brilliantly as a reading room or a guest suite for friends who can't manage stairs. A shower room with WC completes the lower level. Upstairs, three further bedrooms and a bathroom with WC give the house real flexibility — a family with c ... click here to read more

Sunday mornings in Montmorillon smell like warm bread. The boulangerie on Rue du Marché opens early, and if you leave the courtyard door cracked, the scent drifts straight through to the kitchen. That's the kind of town this is — small enough to feel like yours, interesting enough to never feel dull. This 51-square-metre stone house sits right in the heart of Montmorillon, one of those genuinely underrated pockets of the Vienne département that most international buyers haven't discovered yet. And that matters. The Poitou-Charentes region has been quietly attracting second-home buyers from the UK, Netherlands, and Scandinavia for over a decade, but Montmorillon itself remains refreshingly local — no tourist traps, no inflated prices, no weekenders crowding the terraces. Just an honest French market town with a lot going for it. Step inside and the fireplace is the first thing you notice. Cast iron wood-burning stove tucked into the hearth, stone surround, the kind of setup that makes a February evening feel like the point of the whole trip rather than something to endure. The living room is compact but genuinely comfortable — a sofa, a glass of Charentais wine, something good on the screen or nothing at all. French shutters keep the summer heat out and swing open in the morning to let the courtyard light flood in. The kitchen is separate and functional, nothing you need to rip out or apologise for. The bedroom is a proper room, not a converted cupboard — enough space for a double bed, storage, and natural light. The bathroom has both a bathtub and a shower, which is rarer than it should be at this price point. The roof was completely redone in 2024, so you're not inheriting someone else's deferred maintenance. That al ... click here to read more

Stand at the kitchen window on a Tuesday morning and you'll hear the weekly market stalls being set up on the square—the clatter of metal frames, a vendor calling out to a neighbour, the smell of warm bread drifting up from the boulangerie two doors down. That's the rhythm of Saint-Savin, a town in the Vienne department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region that most visitors discover by accident and never quite stop thinking about. This four-bedroom stone house sits right in the thick of it, in the historic core of a place that has been quietly going about its business for centuries without needing to shout about it. The façade is the real thing—aged stone that has absorbed decades of Atlantic light and turned a particular shade of warm grey that no architect can reproduce. Step inside and the scale surprises you. The volumes are generous in a way that old French country houses understand intuitively: high ceilings that keep rooms cool in July, thick walls that hold the warmth in November, and a sense of permanence that newer builds simply can't fake. At 151 square metres, there is genuine breathing room here—four bedrooms that can comfortably host a family across generations, or a group of friends who've finally committed to that long-planned French summer. Below the main living space, the vaulted cellar is the kind of feature that stops people mid-tour. Stone arches, proper depth, and a natural chill that makes it ideal for wine storage—which, given the proximity to the Futuroscope corridor and the vineyards of the wider Vienne valley, is not a minor consideration. Several outbuildings sit around the property, and multiple entrances give the whole place a flexibility that's rare at this price point. Split it into separat ... click here to read more

On a quiet summer evening in Bourg-de-Visa, you pull a chair into your stone courtyard, pour something cold, and listen. Swallows cutting low arcs over the square. A muffled football commentary drifting from Rémy's café across the way. The smell of bread from the village boulangerie still hanging faintly in the warm Quercy air. This is not a simulation of French village life — it's the actual thing, and this 19th-century stone house sits right at the center of it. The house occupies an almost theatrical position on a secondary square, its stone frontage running nearly the full length of one side. That matters more than you might think. In a village this size, your address is your identity, and this one announces itself with quiet confidence. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three barns, a sheltered courtyard, off-street parking, and a small garden — all of it in genuinely good condition, all of it inside walking distance of everything Bourg-de-Visa has to offer. Step through the entrance and you're into a large open-plan living space that the current owners have transformed with real care. A log-burning stove anchors one end — a genuinely useful thing here from October through April, when Tarn-et-Garonne mornings carry a sharp chill. The kitchen is modern and properly fitted, which anyone who has renovated a French country property will tell you is a gift not to be taken lightly. It opens directly onto the courtyard, that private outdoor room that becomes the true heart of the house from May onwards. Aperitifs out there on a June evening, the old stone still warm from the afternoon sun, is the kind of simple pleasure this property was made for. Period features survive throughout — exposed stonework, original proportions, ... click here to read more

The church at La Porcherie rings at eight on Sunday mornings, and if you're sitting at the fireplace in the front room of this century-old house, you'll hear it clearly through the thick stone walls. That's the kind of quiet this place offers — not the performative countryside quiet you read about in travel supplements, but the real, deep silence of the Haute-Vienne bocage, broken only by birdsong and the distant rumble of a tractor working the fields. It's a rare thing. And at this price, rarer still. Built around 1900 and extended in the 1970s, this four-bedroom house sits in a small rural hamlet roughly two kilometres from La Porcherie village. The setting is genuinely pastoral — 380 square metres of land, a proper front garden with room for a table and chairs under whatever shade tree you'd plant in your first spring, and open views across the rolling Limousin countryside that shift with every season. In April the meadows go acid green. Come July, the sunflowers along the D15 toward Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche are head-height. By October the oak woods around Coussac-Bonneval turn the colour of old copper. The house itself runs to six rooms across two floors. Ground level gives you an entrance hall, a kitchen space, a living room anchored by a working fireplace, and a separate office — useful if you're one of the growing number of international buyers who've realised that a Limousin holiday home can double as a remote-working base for the price of a city parking space. Upstairs, four proper bedrooms, a bathroom, and a separate toilet. The footprint is honest: 120 square metres of real living space, not inflated by corridors or cupboards counted as rooms. Attached to the main house is a 27-square-metre garage — big enoug ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Anais moves slowly. The kind of slowly you forget exists until you're standing in a French kitchen at 8am, coffee in hand, watching light creep across a garden that actually has room to breathe. That's the rhythm this four-bedroom Charente house runs on — and once you feel it, city life starts to look a little absurd. Built in the 1970s on a full basement, this solid family home in the Poitou-Charentes region sits in good condition and carries the kind of practical bones that make a second home genuinely liveable from day one. No romantic ruin-restoration headaches here. The ground floor opens into a kitchen, dining room, veranda, a corridor connecting to the basement and upper level, a toilet, a dressing room, a first bedroom, and a master suite with its own shower room. Upstairs, you'll find a second bedroom, a bathroom, a dedicated office — useful for those who can't fully unplug even on holiday — and a landing corridor linking it all together. Four bedrooms total, spread across a generous 138 square metres of interior space. The wood-burning insert in the main living area earns its keep the moment October arrives in Charente. Double glazing keeps things quiet and comfortable year-round, and the septic tank sanitation system is already in place — a detail international buyers often overlook until the paperwork stage. The outbuilding is one of those genuinely rare finds: it houses a traditional bread oven. Not a decorative one. A working bread oven waiting to be fired up for weekend baking sessions or the kind of long, smoky dinner parties that only happen in French countryside. Then there's the covered swimming pool, enclosed under a dome structure — currently in need of restoration to bring it b ... click here to read more

Some mornings in Masseret, the only sound is the wood-burning stove ticking to life and the distant call of a kite circling above the tree line. You push open the kitchen shutters and the Corrèze countryside rolls out in front of you — green fields, oak woodland, farmsteads half-hidden in the folds of the hills. It's the kind of view that makes you put the coffee down and just stand there for a while. This 132-square-metre stone house sits in the commune of Masseret in the Corrèze department, one of the least-crowded and most quietly compelling corners of the Limousin region. The price — €180,000 — reflects the real French countryside, not the glossy version sold to tourists. This is the France that locals actually live in, and it's exactly what draws a growing wave of international buyers looking for something genuine. The house reads as traditional from the outside: natural stone walls, a slate roof, timber detailing around the windows. These aren't cosmetic additions. They're original, and they carry the kind of weight and texture that new builds spend fortunes trying to fake. The mature garden wraps around the property — established trees, flowering shrubs, a sense of things that have been growing here for decades. You won't be planting hedges and waiting ten years for privacy. It's already here. Step inside and the living room does the work that every French country house should. Exposed oak beams run across the ceiling. The wooden floors are warm underfoot even in January, which matters here, because Limousin winters are real winters — crisp, clear, properly cold. The fireplace is the room's anchor, with a wood-burning stove that connects directly to the central heating system. So you're not choosing between atm ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Verfeil, and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie at the end of the lane drifts through the kitchen window before you've even made coffee. That's not a fantasy — it's just Tuesday here, or any other day of the week. This is a village with an actual bakery, an actual restaurant, and an actual rhythm that you slot into almost immediately. The house itself is built from the same warm ochre stone you see throughout this corner of the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne borderlands — thick walls that keep things cool in July and hold heat in February. It's been restored with care. The kind of restoration where someone made good decisions: a quality kitchen that doesn't feel like a showroom, a dining area that flows without forcing it into an open-plan living space, all on the ground floor so there's a logic to how you move through the day. Cook, eat, spill out onto the terrace. It just works. And that terrace. There's a generous covered area purpose-built for long lunches that start at one o'clock and end when the light changes — something the French have perfected and visitors quietly adopt. Beyond it, the garden drops into a plunge pool, cold enough to actually matter during the weeks in July and August when temperatures in this part of Occitanie climb well into the mid-30s. Shade, stone, water. You don't need much more than that. Back inside, the stairs take you up to two bedrooms on the first floor, each with its own ensuite — so two couples, or parents and older children, can coexist without the usual morning queue for the bathroom. Then above that, the attic bedroom. It's the kind of room that people argue over quietly: sloped ceilings, the faint creak of old timber, a sense of being under the rooftop ... click here to read more

Picture this: it's a Tuesday morning in late June, and you're sitting on a stone terrace with a bowl of café au lait watching the mist lift off the Tarn-et-Garonne valleys below. No traffic. No notifications. Just the low clang of a cowbell somewhere down the hill and the smell of warm limestone. That's the ordinary Tuesday this 19th-century farmhouse in Roquecor makes possible. This is a proper French country house — solid walls, real character, a past you can feel in the thick stone and hand-worn steps. At 120 square metres it's not trying to be a château. It's a house you could actually live in, maintain without a team of groundskeepers, and love without it becoming a second job. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen that opens into a living room with a wood-burning stove. When January comes and the Quercy Blanc plateau turns silver with frost, you'll understand exactly why that stove exists. The covered terrace deserves its own paragraph. Long, generous, and oriented toward the kind of view that makes guests go quiet — rolling countryside in every direction, no rooftop intrusions, no pylons cutting the horizon. This is where summer happens. Lunch bleeds into afternoon, afternoon into apéro, and suddenly it's dark and nobody's moved in three hours. The productive vegetable garden alongside it means that summer lunch might involve tomatoes picked twelve minutes ago, which changes things entirely. Roquecor itself sits in the northern reaches of Tarn-et-Garonne, close to the border with Lot-et-Garonne, in a part of France that doesn't feature on the overrun tourist trail. That's the point. The village of Puylaroque is a ten-minute drive and has everything for daily life — a bakery, a pharmacy, a market on Wednesda ... click here to read more

Step out of the front door on a Sunday morning and the smell of fresh bread from the boulangerie two streets over drifts past you before you've even decided where to walk. That's Castelsagrat. A proper bastide village perched above the rolling farmland of Tarn-et-Garonne, where the main square still functions exactly as it was intended — people gathering, locals arguing cheerfully over pétanque, market stalls spilling color onto the old stone paving. This three-bedroom house sits just off that square on a quiet side road, and the address alone tells you something: you're in the middle of the action, but shielded from it. The building has its own quiet history. Before it became the house it is today, it was a workshop where craftsmen built wooden horse-drawn carriages — you can still feel that purposeful, practical quality in the bones of the structure. Thick 19th-century stone walls that keep rooms cool through the heat of July. Ceiling beams worn smooth. Wide wooden floorboards that creak in exactly the right places. The previous owners had the good sense to leave all of that alone and simply update around it — the kitchen is fitted and contemporary, the bathrooms are clean and modern, and part double glazing means the winters are manageable without the kind of heating bills that haunt older stone properties. The layout makes everyday life easy. The sitting room is on the first floor, elevated above the lane below, so the log-burning stove does its work while you watch the light change across the valley through the windows. In autumn, when the plane trees along the road start dropping leaves and the air sharpens, this room becomes the reason you bought the house. The kitchen opens directly onto a balcony — not a symbo ... click here to read more

Step off the narrow lane on a grey October morning and you can already smell woodsmoke curling from the chimney insert before you've even pushed open the front door. That's the thing about stone houses in Corrèze — they hold heat, hold history, and hold you in a way that a modern build simply never will. This four-bedroom stone village house in Lascaux sits in one of the least-trumpeted corners of the French countryside, which is precisely why it's worth paying attention to. The Corrèze department, tucked into the northern reaches of the old Limousin region, draws almost none of the tourist crowds that swarm the Dordogne just to the southwest — yet the landscape is, if anything, more raw and more rewarding. Rolling chestnut forests, granite outcrops, winding rivers cold enough to make you gasp in August. It's France before it became a postcard. The house itself covers 65 square metres across two floors, with a clear and logical layout that makes every square metre count. Downstairs, an entrance hall leads into a kitchen and a living room that opens into a lounge anchored by a fireplace fitted with a wood-burning insert. On a February evening with a Corrèze walnut cake resting on the counter and a bottle of local Marcillac wine open on the table, that insert becomes the social centre of the entire house. Upstairs, four bedrooms — generous in number for a property of this footprint — share a bathroom with WC, with a shower room and separate WC also available on the ground floor. The attic adds further storage or, with the right planning permissions, development potential. Directly opposite the house stands a barn of 66 square metres with an additional lean-to. In the hands of the right buyer, that barn is a project wort ... click here to read more

On a still weekday morning in Bourg-de-Visa, the smell of fresh bread drifts from the boulangerie four minutes' walk up the lane before you've even thought about making coffee. That's the pace of life here — unhurried, rooted, real. This 1850s stone barn, once a working forge, has been carefully converted into a two-bedroom house that sits quietly behind a stone wall on the village edge, its garden opening up to rolling Tarn-et-Garonne countryside that stretches further than you'd think possible for somewhere so easy to reach. Midi-Pyrénées is one of those parts of France that doesn't announce itself loudly. No famous coastline, no ski resort posters plastered at Charles de Gaulle. What it has instead is the kind of slow, unselfconscious rural beauty that people spend years searching for and rarely find — and Bourg-de-Visa sits right in the heart of it. The village has genuine life to it. A weekly market, a café where the same retired farmers have been occupying the same chairs since the 1980s, and those summer night markets that run through July and August: outdoor tables, local wine, grilled meats, children chasing each other between the stalls until well past dark. It's the France visitors imagine and tourists rarely stumble across. The house itself carries its history well. The original stone walls are thick enough to keep rooms cool through the heat of a Quercy summer — and this corner of France runs hot from June through September, with long golden evenings that make the tiled terrace off the kitchen feel like an extension of the living room. Step through the gated entrance off the lane, and the first thing you notice is the well at the centre of the lawn, flanked by established trees that throw proper shade. The ... click here to read more

On a still morning in Coussac-Bonneval, the only sound you'll hear from the kitchen window is birdsong and the faint clang of the village church bell marking the hour. That's not a selling point — that's just Tuesday. This is a corner of rural France that hasn't been polished for tourists, and that's exactly what makes it worth your attention. This three-bedroom stone village house sits in the heart of Coussac-Bonneval, a quietly compelling commune in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, and it has been fully renovated without losing the bones that make it genuinely special. The original parquet floors are still there, worn smooth in the best possible way. The exposed timber beams cross the ceilings upstairs with the kind of presence you simply can't recreate. Two fireplaces anchor the interior, and a wood-burning stove in the living and dining room turns a rainy October evening into something you'd want to repeat every year. At 153 square metres spread across two levels, the house has real breathing room. The ground floor opens with an entrance hall that leads into a generous 39-square-metre living and dining space — French doors push open to a south-facing terrace, and in summer you'll barely bother eating indoors. The kitchen is fully fitted and functional, with a ground-floor WC keeping the layout practical. Upstairs, three bedrooms share two bathrooms, each with its own WC, plus a further separate WC — sensible for families or groups of friends who all need to be somewhere at the same time on a Saturday morning. Outside is where this property really opens up. The walled garden runs to 1,101 square metres, giving you genuine privacy without feeling like you're managing an estate. There's a paved terrace for lo ... click here to read more

There's a particular kind of quiet you only find in the deep Poitevin countryside — the sort that isn't silence so much as a conversation between wind, birdsong, and the occasional church bell rolling over from the village. Standing on the elevated terrace of this former railway gatekeeper's house in the hamlet of Logerie, that quiet settles over you fast. And then you start wondering why you ever lived anywhere else. This is a genuinely rare find. The house was originally built to serve the old railway crossing that once ran through this corner of the Vienne department. The line closed decades ago, and in its place grew a green corridor — a long, tree-lined walking and cycling track that now stretches peacefully past the garden boundary. The history didn't disappear; it just got quieter. On mornings when the light comes in low and gold through the kitchen window, you can almost imagine the old gateman stepping out to wave down a steam locomotive. The property itself sits in good condition throughout, updated thoughtfully without gutting the period character that makes it worth caring about. The kitchen is the obvious centrepiece — a proper farmhouse-style space fitted with shaker-style units, deep work surfaces, and enough room to actually pull a chair up and eat in there without anyone feeling cramped. It looks out over the enclosed garden, which means you catch the changing light across the grounds while you're making coffee. That matters more than you'd think. Original wooden floorboards run through the living room, worn in just the right places. A wood-burning stove sits in the corner, which gets genuinely useful in December when the Vienne valley gets a proper chill, and a discreet air conditioning unit handles ... click here to read more

There's a particular kind of quiet you don't find easily anymore. Stand on the veranda of this stone cottage on a Tuesday morning in October, coffee in hand, and you'll hear it — the faint rustle of chestnut trees dropping their load, a crow somewhere across the valley, nothing else. No road noise. No neighbors. Just the old Limousin countryside doing what it's done for centuries. That silence is something people drive three hours from Paris for and never quite find. Here, it comes with the property. Sitting roughly halfway between Meuzac and Coussac-Bonneval on a quiet country lane in Haute-Vienne, this one-bedroom stone cottage is the real thing. Not renovated into some sanitized holiday pastiche — it's a genuine old Limousin farmhouse, the kind with thick granite walls that keep rooms cool in July and warm on damp November afternoons. The bones are solid. The character is intact. Inside, the living room is anchored by a wood-burning stove. Light it on a cool spring evening and the whole space transforms. The kitchen runs adjacent — functional, honest, and large enough to actually cook in, not just heat things up. Through to the bedroom, which is generous for a single room, the kind of space where you actually sleep rather than lie awake. The bathroom has a proper bath, WC, and the utility room adds a shower and second WC — a practical layout that works just as well for a couple spending six weeks a year as it does for someone planning longer stays. But the veranda is where life really happens in this house. Decked and enclosed enough to use in shoulder seasons, it opens to a view that rolls out across open farmland with no rooftop or telegraph pole to spoil it. Morning light comes in from the east. Evenings turn go ... click here to read more

On a quiet morning in Troche, the smell of woodsmoke drifts from a neighbor's chimney and the church bell marks eight o'clock. You're standing at the kitchen window with a coffee, looking out at the rear garden where the light is still low and golden. This is what life in rural Corrèze actually feels like — and this four-bedroom stone house puts you right at the center of it. The house itself tells its own story in the way only old French stone construction can. Thick walls that keep rooms cool in August and hold the warmth of a fire in January. The renovation has been done properly — no cosmetic shortcuts, no half-finished rooms — and the result is a home that's genuinely move-in ready without sacrificing any of the original character. The large living room is the heart of it all: high ceilings, a working fireplace that you'll actually use, and doors that open directly onto the garden. On rainy autumn afternoons, this room becomes everything. Books, wine, the fire going, the sound of rain on old stone. The layout is generous for a village house of this size. Four bedrooms means real flexibility — a master suite with its own shower room, three further rooms that can rotate between guest quarters, a home office, or space for children to claim as their own territory. A bathroom with WC, a separate WC for busy mornings, a dedicated laundry room so the practicalities stay out of sight. Downstairs, a large vaulted cellar with proper stone arching — the kind of space that begs to be used for something: wine storage, a workshop, cold storage for produce from the local markets. And above it all, an attic with genuine conversion potential, should you want to add living space or create something entirely new. Vehicle access to ... click here to read more

Sunday mornings in Payzac sound like this: a wood pigeon calling from the oak trees at the back of the garden, the faint creak of a neighbor's gate, and the smell of pine resin warming in the sun. By 9am you've already walked the village, picked up a baguette from the nearest boulangerie in Saint-Paul-la-Roche, and you're back at the kitchen table with coffee going cold because you got distracted staring out at the 861 square meters of garden that is now, improbably, yours. That's the pace of life this house delivers. Solid, unpretentious, and genuinely liveable, this 1980s village house in the Dordogne sits in the heart of Payzac — a small commune in the northern Périgord Vert, where the countryside rolls in deep greens and the population still knows its neighbors by name. At 106 square meters of living space, plus a full basement and a 64 square meter attic ready for conversion, there is far more room to grow here than the price of €148,000 might suggest. The layout works the way a family home should. You come in through a proper entrance hall — not a door that dumps you straight into a living room — and from there the house opens logically. The fitted kitchen is functional and ready to use from day one. The living room has a fireplace insert, which matters more than people realize until their first Dordogne November, when the mist sits low over the Auvézère valley and you want nothing more than a real fire and a bottle of Bergerac rouge. Three bedrooms, a shower room, and a toilet complete the ground floor. Below it all, the basement holds a garage and an office — practical spaces that international buyers often find invaluable for storage, a workspace, or housing a car year-round. The attic is the quiet opportunit ... click here to read more

Stand in the courtyard on a Tuesday morning and listen. A cockerel somewhere down the lane, the faint clatter of a tractor crossing a distant field, and absolutely nothing else. That's Saint-Germain-les-Belles — a village in the green, rolling middle of the Haute-Vienne that most people drive past on the A20 without realizing what they're missing. This traditional stone farmhouse, complete with a two-storey barn and a clutch of outbuildings on roughly 1,300 square metres of land, is exactly the kind of find that people spend years searching for and rarely locate at this price point. Let's be honest about what's here. The farmhouse itself is small — two ground-floor rooms, a kitchen with an open fireplace that you can already imagine lit on a January evening, and a bedroom. Above, an attic that's structurally ready to be opened up into additional sleeping space. It's not a finished holiday home. It's better than that. It's a blank page in stone and old oak timber, and the potential locked inside this plot is genuinely unusual for under 60,000 euros anywhere in France. The barn is the real headline. Two full storeys, each around 50 square metres, built from the same honey-coloured local stone as the farmhouse. Converted, and the combined living space on this property tips past 150 square metres — a four or five-bedroom maison de caractère that would sit comfortably in any estate agent's window at three or four times the acquisition and renovation cost combined. That's not wishful thinking; it's what's happening all along the Corrèze and Haute-Vienne corridors as buyers from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany quietly and methodically renovate these properties and either keep them as generous family holiday bases or let ... click here to read more

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Normandy countryside with this charming 3-bedroom cottage in Morigny, located just 10 minutes from the animated market town of Noues de Sienne. Priced at €139,000, this delightful residence combines traditional charm with modern conveniences, making it ideal for those seeking a serene rural lifestyle or a picturesque family home. Set within 1.3 acres of verdant land, over half of which is a neatly manicured garden planted with an array of fruit trees and shrubs, this property provides ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation. The garden area is securely fenced, perfect for pet owners, while the remaining land features a wild, natural landscape with trees and a small picturesque pond that invites local wildlife. The exterior also boasts two useful outbuildings with power, an attached single garage currently employed as a functional storage space for garden tools and wood supplies. The interior of the house is just as appealing, with its plethora of preserved period features that add character and warmth to the space. Upon entering the home, a small hallway leads to several key areas: a newly fitted kitchen/dining room, a generous sitting room, and a utility room with a convenient W.C. The kitchen is spacious and modernized, equipped with new units, an island providing substantial workspace, and French windows that open directly to the garden, extending your living space. The highlight of the large sitting room is undoubtedly the impressive stone fireplace that contains a substantial wood burner, an ideal setting for cozy family gatherings. Ascending the original oak staircase, you reach the first floor which hosts the sleeping quarters. Here lies a master bedroom ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Basse-Normandie, this charming farmhouse in Tessy-Bocage offers a unique opportunity to own a slice of French countryside bliss. With its rustic allure and panoramic views, this property is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and rich cultural heritage. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, the sun casting a golden hue over the rolling hills of Normandy. This two-bedroom farmhouse, with its expansive master suite, offers ample space for relaxation and creativity. The potential to expand is significant, with attached outbuildings and an attic ripe for development, subject to planning permissions. A Lifestyle of Leisure and Exploration Tessy-Bocage is a quaint town that perfectly balances rural charm with modern conveniences. Just a short drive away, you'll find a variety of shops, cafes, and local markets, offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal goods. The nearby village of Pont-Farcy adds to the allure with its cozy restaurants, a lively bar, and a popular kayak club along the serene River Vire. Climate and Activities The temperate climate of Normandy is ideal for those who enjoy mild summers and cool winters. This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The lush landscapes and historical sites provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Accessibility and Connectivity Conveniently located near the A84 motorway, this farmhouse offers easy access to the ferry port of Caen Ouistreham, making travel to and from the UK a breeze. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, the connectivity ensures that you're never far from the action. Inves ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming commune of Tessy-Bocage in the picturesque region of Basse-Normandie, France, stands a substantial and robust house that could soon be the backdrop of your next chapter. With its harmonious blend of space and potential, this solidly built property is ideal for those dreaming of life in this vibrant corner of Normandy. Although our schedule is typically packed, I couldn't wait to share the potential that awaits you here. Tessy-Bocage is more than just a location; it’s a community with history, culture, and that unmistakable French lifestyle. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the town provides residents with a variety of conveniences right at their doorstep. There are shops that offer everything you might need: a supermarket for your weekly groceries, a pharmacy ensuring health and wellness, and, of course, cornerstones of French life, a butcher and a baker. The local restaurant and cozy bars create a warm sense of community, perfect for new residents looking to settle in. One of the gems of the locale is certainly its scenic setting along the river Vire. Imagine lazy weekends rowing down the river, or perhaps just enjoying a picturesque picnic along its banks. For those keen on exploring more of the region, the property offers quick access to the A84 motorway, effortlessly connecting you to both the bustling hubs and tranquil retreats throughout Normandy. Let’s step into your potential new home. It spans three harmonious floors, offering room for everyone to have their own space. Entering through the garden-flanked footpath, you are greeted by a welcoming foyer. To the left is a cozy living room, complete with a fireplace, promising warm gatherings during cooler months. Straight ahead are the ... click here to read more

Picture yourself standing at the stone threshold of your Normandy farmhouse as morning mist lifts across seven acres of emerald paddocks, the distant sound of horses whinnying greeting the sunrise, while wood smoke curls from chimneys into crisp country air. This is the rhythm of life at this exceptional equestrian property in Landelles-et-Coupigny, where centuries-old stone walls meet contemporary comfort and the equestrian dream becomes daily reality across the rolling Calvados countryside. This 143-square-meter stone farmhouse represents a rare opportunity for horse enthusiasts seeking a vacation home in Normandy that combines professional equestrian facilities with authentic French country living. The property sits in a peaceful rural setting where ancient orchards meet purpose-built paddocks, and where weekend escapes transform into immersive experiences in one of France's most celebrated equestrian regions. Here, your second home in France becomes a sanctuary for both family and horses, a place where generations gather and riding passions flourish. The farmhouse interior unfolds across two thoughtfully renovated levels, blending traditional Norman architecture with modern functionality. Ground floor living centers around a generous 32-square-meter open-plan kitchen and dining area anchored by a Falcon range and efficient wood stove, where family meals become celebrations of local produce from nearby Normandy markets. The adjacent 47-square-meter sitting room features an authentic Normandy fireplace and additional wood stove, creating a cozy gathering space throughout autumn and winter months when rain patters against stone walls and fires crackle invitingly. Upstairs, four bedrooms provide flexible accommodation ... click here to read more

Step into the gentle embrace of Normandy and discover a wonderful opportunity nestled in the heart of the serene village of Landelles-et-Coupigny, in Calvados, France. This charming property offers not only a lovely home but a ticket to the unhurried lifestyle of the French countryside. For those of you exploring the chance to own a little slice of France, let me paint a picture of this 3-bedroom house that could be your future sanctuary. Situated within a stone’s throw from the bustling town of Vire, the house is perfectly placed to offer tranquility and convenience. The region, Calvados, is known for its diverse landscape ranging from the picturesque beaches of the northwest to pastoral fields in the center. It's a place rich with history and culture, offering both residents and visitors a deep sense of connection to the past. Now, let’s talk more about the property itself. The house is a detached country home standing proudly on a spacious plot, giving you all the room you need to enjoy outdoor life. Recently renovated, it promises a blend of the old and the new. It's in great condition - a true move-in ready home which means you can focus on adding your personal touches or simply enjoying it as it is. Inside, the property unfolds its charm with five main rooms, each with its own story to tell. You’re greeted by a cozy fitted kitchen complete with a wood stove, perfect for those cool French evenings. The living area is just a few steps away, inviting you to gather with family or friends. With three generous bedrooms, there's room for everyone to settle in comfortably. There's also an office space for remote work or hobbies and two shower rooms to ensure convenience for all family members or guests. But the explorat ... click here to read more

Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom stone house in the serene region of Montbray, Basse-Normandie. Nestled at the end of a secluded path, this property promises tranquility and a connection with the gentle countryside of Northwestern France. The house sits on a substantial plot of 3182 square meters, framed by the lush, rolling landscapes characteristic of the area. This charming home is not just a building; it embodies the rustic elegance of stone architecture popular in this part of France. With a total living area of 140 square meters, the residence skillfully balances spacious living while maintaining a cozy ambiance. The living room, complete with a warming wood stove, becomes a central gathering space for family and friends, especially during the cooler months. Adjoining the living area is the kitchen, where functionality meets style—ideal for those who enjoy cooking and entertaining. The house has four well-proportioned bedrooms providing ample private space for each member of the family or guests. Complementing these are two bathrooms, one equipped with a convenient double-glazed shower, enhancing the comfort and usability of the home. While the condition of the property is good, prospective buyers will appreciate that some areas may welcome a touch of personalization. This presents a wonderful opportunity for those looking to imprint their own style into their new home, making this property particularly appealing to those who relish a project that doesn’t require extensive renovation but can be enhanced by moderate refurbishment. Living in Montbray offers a unique lifestyle, combining the tranquility of rural living with the convenience of proximity to larger towns and amenities. The local community is welc ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of Le Mesnil-Robert, Calvados, this charming, detached country house offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking tranquility and a slow-paced lifestyle in the heart of Normandy, France. With a generous 94 square meters of living space, this single-storey stone house is a true epitome of rustic elegance, offering a serene escape just a stone's throw from the bustling market town of Vire. Let's dive into the heart of this lovely property. As you drive down the peaceful, winding roads of Le Mesnil-Robert, you'll instantly feel transported back to simpler times. Upon arrival, the quaint charm of the house is evident. It's a place where history whispers through its well-preserved stone walls and vintage beams, promising stories of old Normandy that invite you to be part of its continuing tale. Stepping inside, you'll find a cozy living room adorned with a classic fireplace, perfect for gathering around on those chilly Normandy nights. The kitchen, though compact, is fully functional and pairs well with the adjacent utility room, offering convenience for your culinary adventures. Two comfortable bedrooms provide restful havens, with an additional room currently used as a sleeping area, offering flexibility for guests or an office space. One of the standout features here is the adjoining garage, accompanied by a cellar with a convertible attic above. This attic harbors the potential for creative minds, presenting an opportunity for expansion or the crafting of a bespoke studio, home office, or guest suite. The pursuit of transforming these spaces invites you into a journey of personalization, allowing each new owner to interlace their own chapters into the home's enduring narrative. ... click here to read more

Immersed in the serene landscapes of Normandy, in the quaint area of Saint-Sever-Calvados, this charming two-bedroom house offers the unique allure of French countryside living. The property, situated on a generously sized 0.29-acre enclosed garden, presents a wonderful canvas for those wishing to personalize a space and create their dream home amidst tranquil surroundings. The house spans over 102 square meters, with well-proportioned rooms distributed over two floors. As you enter, a welcoming hallway leads you into a spacious and inviting kitchen, fully fitted and equipped, ready to be the heart of the home. Adjacent to the kitchen is the sitting and dining room area, featuring an open fireplace that promises cozy evenings and a homely ambiance. A useful shower room and a separate WC with a washbasin complement the ground floor arrangements. Ascending to the first floor, a mezzanine area overlooks the sitting room, offering potential space for a third bedroom, study, or playroom—adding versatility to the layout of the home. The first floor also hosts the main sleeping quarters, with two comfortably sized bedrooms and a full bathroom, ensuring plenty of space for family living or hosting guests. While this home is in good condition, it is an excellent opportunity for those looking to undertake some internal updates and add personal touches. With its solid structure and charming character, this property is ideal as a fixer-upper project for those eager to immerse themselves in renovating, designing, and tailoring their space without the constraints of starting from scratch. Living in Noues de Sienne, especially in the Saint-Sever-Calvados area, offers a blend of peaceful rural life with the convenience of nearby am ... click here to read more

Imagine a tranquil little haven nestled in the picturesque village of Le Mesnil-Robert, located in the heart of Calvados, Normandy, France. A place where life moves at a beautifully relaxed pace, embracing the charm of its rustic surroundings. This charming 3-bedroom house gives you not only a cozy place to call home but also a slice of French country life that many dream of experiencing. Before diving into this lovely abode, let's explore what makes living in Calvados such a treat. Known for its stunning landscapes, Calvados is a gem in the north-east region of Normandie. Here, you're enveloped by diverse cultural and geographical areas, from the rolling hills of Swiss Normande to the alluring flatlands of Caen. The Auge area, in particular, offers the quintessential Normandy landscape, dotted with half-timbered houses and verdant meadows. Of course, history enthusiasts and beach lovers will delight in the proximity of the famous WWII landing beaches—a poignant reminder of times past. The climate in Calvados complements the region’s beauty, with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking countryside and coastal vistas year-round. Whether you're exploring the local farmers' markets, savoring the region’s renowned apple brandy, or taking a leisurely stroll along quaint country paths, life here is all about simplicity and savoring each moment. Now, let's delve into what this property has to offer. Situated in a peaceful setting, this detached house boasts a panoramic view of the countryside. It's a picturesque location that lets you truly unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The house stands on a generous stretch of land, over 1.1 hectares to be exact, giving you ample space ... click here to read more

Welcome to the heart of Normandy, where history breathes life into beautiful landscapes and culture seeps into everyday living. Allow me to introduce you to a charming 3-bedroom house in the tranquil village of Beslon, Manche, nestled in the picturesque region of France. This property offers a delightful blend of comfort and potential, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle in one of France's most beloved locales. Upon arrival, you'll perceive a welcoming home spread across a sizable 165 square meters of living space, nestled within a generous 2200 square meters of land. While the house itself is in good condition, there awaits an opportunity for personal touches that can truly elevate this dwelling into a bespoke residence. The property brilliantly harnesses nature's gifts with a geothermal heating system—an eco-friendly feature providing warmth during the cooler months—and the insulation on the west side and gables enhances energy efficiency. Step into a spacious living room, where the cracking of the fireplace adds to the homely charm, perfect for curling up with a book or hosting lively family gatherings. The fitted kitchen, although functional, could serve as a canvas for culinary aficionados looking to create a modern cooking haven. The adjacent utility room and veranda bring convenience into daily life, offering additional spaces for storage and relaxation. Upstairs, discover three bedrooms embellished with natural light, amplifying their warmth and potential for coziness. Two bedrooms are adjoined, ideal for young siblings, and the possibilities for redesign could cater to a variety of family configurations. The shower room and separate WC provide essential amenities for a ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy, near the quaint village of Campeaux, lies a hidden gem waiting to become your dream vacation home. This spacious 4-bedroom house, set amidst the serene landscapes of Souleuvre en Bocage, offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. With its expansive gardens and panoramic views, this property is more than just a house; it's a gateway to a lifestyle filled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished memories. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush greenery surrounding your home. This is the everyday reality in Souleuvre en Bocage, a region renowned for its picturesque countryside and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an active holiday, this location offers something for everyone. Local Lifestyle and Attractions: - Cultural Richness: Normandy is steeped in history, from the iconic D-Day beaches to the medieval charm of nearby towns like Bayeux and Caen. Explore ancient cathedrals, museums, and local markets that offer a glimpse into the region's vibrant past. - Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in the culinary wonders of Normandy, famous for its cheese, cider, and seafood. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a local bistro or try your hand at cooking with fresh, local ingredients. - Outdoor Adventures: The surrounding countryside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through scenic trails, cycle along quiet country roads, or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the river. - Seasonal Festivals: Experience the local culture through various festivals and events that celebrate everything from music and art to food and history. - Accessibility: Despite its tranquil setting, Sou ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy's picturesque countryside, this delightful country home in Champ-du-Boult offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its classic stone façade and expansive grounds, this property is the perfect retreat for those seeking a second home or a holiday getaway in one of France's most enchanting regions. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, as the morning sun filters through the lush greenery surrounding your home. This two-bedroom country house, set on over two acres of land, provides a tranquil haven where you can unwind and create cherished memories with family and friends. A Glimpse into Your New Lifestyle Living in this charming country home means embracing a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure. The nearby town of Saint-Sever, just a ten-minute drive away, offers a taste of local life with its vibrant market days and friendly community. For those seeking more extensive amenities, the bustling town of Vire is a mere 15 minutes away, providing everything from shopping and dining to cultural experiences and recreational activities. Key Features and Amenities: - Spacious Living Area: The open-plan lounge and dining room, complete with exposed beams and a cozy woodburner, is perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet evenings by the fire. - Modern Kitchen: Equipped with a double stainless steel sink, ample storage, and space for all your culinary needs. - Versatile Outbuildings: The old bakery, now wired for electricity, offers potential as a home office or creative studio. - Expansive Grounds: Over two acres of level land, ideal for gardening, outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. - ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of Normandy's picturesque Manche region, this enchanting two-bedroom house in Boisyvon offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern potential. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home or holiday retreat, this property invites you to immerse yourself in the tranquil French countryside while remaining conveniently connected to local amenities and cultural attractions. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with sunlight streaming through lovingly restored windows that frame views of lush gardens and rolling hills. This is the lifestyle awaiting you in Boisyvon, where the pace of life slows down, and every day feels like a holiday. Property Highlights: - Historical Charm: The house boasts a striking granite fireplace and a unique stone tower staircase, offering a glimpse into its storied past. - Spacious Living Areas: A large dining/sitting room provides ample space for entertaining, while the cozy kitchen is perfect for preparing local delicacies. - Two Generous Bedrooms: Located on the first floor, these rooms offer comfort and privacy, with a garderobe-style toilet adding a touch of medieval flair. - Potential for Expansion: Two attic rooms under the eaves and a lower-level cave present exciting opportunities for additional living space or creative projects. - Mature Gardens: The property's gardens are a haven for nature lovers, featuring a natural spring and a private lavoir, ideal for sustainable gardening. - Outdoor Amenities: Two small paddocks are perfect for keeping horses or other small livestock, while an ancient stone bread oven adds rustic charm. - Practical Additions: An ample garage/workshop with a second floor offers further development potential. Local Lif ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene town of Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre in Basse-Normandie, France, this charming 4-bedroom stone house offers a peaceful rural retreat. The property is situated in a quiet area with a stunning open view, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustile of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the countryside. The house itself has been thoughtfully renovated to combine modern comfort with traditional charm. The heart of the home is a spacious open-plan living area that includes a contemporary, fully-equipped kitchen adhering to current trends. Adjacent to this is a cozy lounge complete with a wood stove, providing a pleasant and warm ambiance during the colder months. The property also boasts four well-sized bedrooms, an additional office space, two bathrooms, and two toilets, making it an ideal setting for a family or those who may wish to work from home. Additional features of the house include a small outbuilding and a garage equipped with an attic, offering ample storage solutions or the potential for additional living space. The property is set on an expansive 2240 m2 plot of land, providing significant outdoor space for gardening, leisure activities, or even small-scale farming. Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre is a village rich in charm and local amenities including a bar and a grocery store. It is also situated just 15 minutes from Villedieu, enhancing its appeal with access to more extensive services and shopping. For nature lovers, the proximity to the Saint Sever national forest, only 5 minutes away, is perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying leisurely walks in a lush, green environment. Living in Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre offers a distinctive experience characterized b ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming region of Basse-Normandie, in the picturesque commune of Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre, lies a captivating 200 square meter stone farmhouse that promises both character and tranquility. This idyllic property, priced at €250,000, stands proudly on a sprawling parcel of land measuring approximately 5370 square meters, providing ample space for relaxation and outdoor activities. The south-facing orientation ensures that the residence basks in abundant natural light throughout the day. The farmhouse itself, built in the year 1800, retains much of its original charm with modern touches that accommodate contemporary living. The interior boasts six well-sized bedrooms, making it ideal for a family looking to embrace rural living without sacrificing comfort. The property includes three bathrooms, ensuring practicality for a larger family or when hosting guests. The welcoming kitchen, which flows seamlessly into a cozy living room and lounge area, is perfect for family gatherings. Additionally, amenities such as a laundry room, an office, and a toilet on the ground floor add to the home's functionality. For those in need of extra space, the property comes with an annex that includes a living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom with a toilet, and two additional bedrooms upstairs. This setup is perfect for hosting guests or could potentially be used as a rental opportunity. The inclusion of a garage and a separate outbuilding offers further storage solutions or space for hobbies and projects. While the farmhouse is in good condition, new owners might see an opportunity to personalize or update certain aspects to make it their dream home. Realizing the potential of such a property can be a rewarding project, offe ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Normandy Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of horses grazing in the lush pastures surrounding your home. This is life at the stone farmhouse in Torigni-sur-Vire, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Normandy, France. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, this property offers more than just a home; it provides a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and charm. A Home with Character and Comfort Step inside this beautifully restored farmhouse, where traditional charm meets modern convenience. The exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the spacious living areas offer ample room for family gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace. The ground floor features a large, fitted kitchen with a dining area, perfect for hosting dinner parties or enjoying a leisurely breakfast. A cozy living room, a bedroom with built-in wardrobes, and a bathroom complete this level, providing a seamless blend of comfort and functionality. A Versatile Living Space Upstairs, discover a welcoming entrance area, ideal for a bed and breakfast setup, along with two additional bedrooms and a shower room. The adjoining guest house or gîte offers further accommodation options, with its own entrance hall, bedroom, and fitted kitchen. This versatile space is perfect for hosting guests or generating rental income, making it an attractive investment opportunity. Equestrian Facilities and Expansive Grounds For equestrian enthusiasts, the property boasts a large outbuilding with a box, garage, tack room, and sound-insulated music room. Two mezzanines provide extra storage, while the landscaped garden and enclose ... click here to read more

Nestled in the idyllic countryside of Percy-en-Normandie, this captivating house presents a remarkable opportunity for those seeking a serene lifestyle in the heart of Normandy. With its expansive grounds stretching over 4.86 acres and offering breathtaking views of the rolling countryside, this property is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of rural France. Percy-en-Normandie, a charming small town in the picturesque Manche department, is known for its lush green landscapes and relaxed pace of life. Here, you’ll discover a wonderful fusion of historical ambiance and natural beauty—a place that has captivated expats and locals alike. Life in this quaint village moves at a gentler pace, with friendly neighbors and vibrant local markets offering fresh, locally sourced produce. The climate is typical of Normandy, with mild summers and moderately cold winters, making it a pleasant place to live year-round. The property itself stands in excellent condition, showcasing well-maintained features that add to its homely appeal. With a generous living space of 176 square meters, there is abundant room to create the perfect family home. On the ground floor, an inviting fitted and equipped kitchen awaits, seamlessly opening into a spacious dining room, where family gatherings over a home-cooked meal can take place. A cozy sitting room beckons, with a modern wood pellet burner to warm you during winter months. The flexibility of the ground floor is highlighted by a multi-purpose room, which can easily transform into a games room or an additional bedroom, catering to your family’s needs. Moreover, a large utility room provides additional convenience and has direct access to the garden. The ground fl ... click here to read more

Welcome to this four-bedroom, two-bathroom farmhouse located in the charming Percy-en-Normandie, France. Nestled in the tranquil settings of Normandy's countryside, this farmhouse with its 1.72-acre land gives you the perfect balance of rural lifestyle and accessibility to city amenities. With shops located just a mere 3 kilometers away, this gem of a property offers the rare blend of tranquility, convenience, and authentic French country lifestyle. Inside this exceptional 141 sqm farmhouse, you will find a comfortable and welcoming living space. On the ground floor, there is a cozy sitting room with a fireplace that promises snug winter days. Adjacent to the sitting room is a spacious dining room, the perfect setting for dining and hosting guest dinners. The fitted kitchen, although compact in size, is well planned and efficient. As you stroll through the corridor, you will find a generous double bedroom and a practical shower room, a separate guest toilet, and a storage room. The first floor is just as inviting and functional with a landing space leading to double-sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. Additional features include a heat pump central heating and single and double glazing on the windows for comfortable living conditions year-round. For farm lovers, this property's exterior will be your haven. There is a variety of outbuildings, including an adjoining garage (31.85 m²), boiler room (9.12 m²), workshop (28 m²), loft spaces, and animal shelters. These spaces open up endless opportunities for tailored farming activities and give you room for growth and expansion. Let us just give you a quick list of this farmhouse and its features: - 2 Bathrooms - 4 Bedrooms - Large Garage - Workshop - Animal Shelters - ... click here to read more