Spacious 6-Bedroom Countryside Haven in Haimps, France with Guest House, Scenic Views & Fiber Optic Internet

Step outside on a Tuesday morning and the air smells like damp grass and woodsmoke. Somewhere down the lane a church bell marks the half-hour. The kitchen has a wood burner going, the coffee is strong, and through the window you can see all the way across the bocage — that ancient patchwork of hedgerows, meadows, and apple orchards that makes this corner of Normandy feel like somewhere time forgot to rush. That's the daily reality of owning this early-1900s stone house in Tinchebray-Bocage, and it's hard to overstate how quickly it gets under your skin. The house itself sits on just under 1.5 acres, which in this part of the Orne département means genuine privacy, genuine quiet, and genuine space. At 106 square metres across two floors, the layout is generous without being unmanageable — the kind of house you can open up fully in summer and hunker down in warmly during the colder months. The previous owners clearly put in the hard work already: the property is in very good condition throughout, with double-glazed windows keeping the heat in and the renovation done to a standard that means you arrive, unpack, and start living rather than start snagging. The ground floor sets the tone immediately. The living room stretches to over 26 square metres and has a fireplace at its heart — on a wet November afternoon, this room becomes the centre of the universe. Beside it, the fitted dining kitchen runs to nearly 17 square metres and comes equipped with its own wood-burning stove, so even cooking here has a particular warmth to it, both literally and in atmosphere. A utility room handles the practical side of country life — muddy boots, wet coats, firewood — and a ground-floor shower room with WC adds real convenience for guest ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in La Roquette: the bells of Villefranche drift across the valley, a faint smell of woodsmoke still lingering from last night's fire, and from your terrace you look out over a medieval village that hasn't changed its roofline in three centuries. That's the view from this 160 m² stone house. Not a simulation of rural French life — the real thing, at a price that still makes sense. La Roquette is the kind of hamlet that doesn't appear in guidebooks. It sits in the Aveyron, a department that most international buyers fly over on the way to somewhere flashier, which is precisely why property values here remain grounded while quality of life absolutely doesn't. This is deep southwest France: the Rouergue plateau, walnut orchards, limestone ridges, rivers cold enough to swim in well into August. The local dialect is Occitan, the bread is dense and sour, and the Wednesday market in Villefranche — ten minutes down the road — has been running since the bastide town was founded in 1252. The house sits elevated above the village lane, giving it that unobstructed sweep across the rooftops and out to the surrounding countryside. Stone houses in this part of Aveyron are built to last centuries, and this one carries all the hallmarks: thick walls that keep rooms cool through July and warm in January, original stonework on the facade, and the kind of solidity underfoot that modern construction simply cannot replicate. The condition is good — this isn't a renovation project waiting to swallow your budget, but a property you can move into and gradually make your own. Downstairs, the layout is genuinely liveable rather than just photogenic. The 32 m² living room with its fireplace is the heart of things — big enough to ho ... click here to read more

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

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

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

Step through the heavy oak door on a Saturday morning in October and the smell hits you first — old stone warmed by a wood-burning stove, with just a trace of whatever someone baked in that antique bread oven a century before you arrived. That's the thing about a proper French longère. It carries its history lightly, without making a fuss about it. Valdelaume sits in the heart of Deux-Sèvres, a département that most international buyers haven't discovered yet — which is precisely the point. This isn't the tourist-worn Dordogne or the sun-scorched Côte d'Azur. It's rural Poitou-Charentes at its most honest: rolling bocage countryside, sunflower fields that stretch to the horizon in July, and village life that still runs on its own unhurried clock. Your nearest town, Melle, is just a short drive away, and it punches well above its size — a Romanesque church that's part of the UNESCO-listed pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, a weekly market on the square that's been running longer than anyone can remember, and a handful of decent restaurants where the duck confit is the real thing. The property itself sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, which in practice means you hear almost nothing from the road. What you do hear: wood pigeons, the occasional tractor working a field somewhere in the distance, and in the evenings, absolute silence. The fully enclosed plot runs to over 1,700 m², giving you genuine privacy on all sides — no neighbours looking over a fence, no holiday park noise, no compromise. At 165 square metres of living space, the house has real substance. The ground floor flows from an entrance hall into a fully fitted kitchen — the kind of kitchen that actually functions, with proper appliances already i ... 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

On a quiet Sunday morning in Brie, the kind of quiet that cities charge a premium for, you open the French doors off the first-floor living room and step onto the terrace with a coffee. The Charente countryside rolls out in front of you — pale gold fields in summer, mist-softened green in autumn — and the only sound is a distant tractor and whatever bird has claimed the courtyard wall. That's the morning this house gives you, reliably, every time you show up. Brie is a small commune in the Charente department, deep in the Poitou-Charentes region of southwestern France. It sits in that comfortable middle ground that serious buyers of French property know to look for: rural enough to feel genuinely removed from the pace of modern life, but close enough to real infrastructure that you're never stranded. The commercial hub at Champniers is just a few kilometres away — hypermarket, hardware, the practical errands done in twenty minutes. Angoulême, one of the most underrated cities in France, is eighteen minutes by car to the main station, which puts you on a direct TGV to Paris Montparnasse in under two hours. Bordeaux is roughly ninety minutes south. This is not a remote retreat you'll eventually resent; it's a genuinely usable second home in France. Angoulême deserves more than a passing mention. The city runs on two great obsessions: comics and cognac. The Festival International de la Bande Dessinée, held every January, transforms the old town into an open-air gallery and draws visitors from across Europe. Year-round, the medieval ramparts above the Charente river offer some of the best walking in the region, and the covered market on Place des Halles — open Tuesday through Sunday — sells Charentais melons so ripe in Jul ... 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 morning in the Cantal countryside, the only sound is a wood pigeon calling from the oak at the edge of the field. No traffic. No sirens. Just the creak of old timber, the faint smell of woodsmoke still lingering from the stone fireplace the night before, and light coming in slow and gold through windows that frame a landscape unchanged for centuries. This is Bessé — and life here moves at a pace most people have forgotten is still possible. This six-bedroom stone house sits in a quiet hamlet in the Cantal department of Auvergne, one of the least-visited, most quietly rewarding corners of rural France. It's the kind of property that stops you mid-conversation the moment you step through the door. The exposed stone walls have a solidity to them that feels almost geological, and the heavy oak beams overhead give the interior that particular warmth you can't fake with renovation. The proportions are generous — genuinely generous, not estate-agent generous — with a ground-floor living room stretching to around 80 square metres, anchored by a period fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. On a January evening with snow on the hills and a Truyère stew on the stove, this room becomes the entire world. The layout works well for a large family or a rotating cast of guests. Three bedrooms on the ground floor, three more upstairs, a shower room, a bathroom, and sensible separation between sleeping and living spaces. The house is in good condition — you're not buying a project that swallows summers and savings. You're buying something that's already liveable, already warm, already itself. Outside, the grounds include a well — useful and evocative in equal measure — plus a collection of outbuildings that opens up ser ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Melle, and the smell of something baking drifts up from the boulangerie on Rue de Niort before you've even opened the shutters. You pad downstairs in socks, fire up the log burner in the kitchen, and the whole ground floor starts to warm up. That's the rhythm of life in this corner of Poitou-Charentes — unhurried, deeply French, and nothing like the tourist-saturated south. Melle is one of those towns that rewards people who actually look. Sitting in the Deux-Sèvres department, it punches well above its weight: three Romanesque churches dating to the 11th and 12th centuries, a working silver mine that once supplied coins to the Frankish kings (the Mines d'Argent des Rois Francs is genuinely fascinating, not just "historically significant"), a weekly market on Saturday mornings where local producers sell Charentais melon, goat's cheese rolled in ash, and the area's distinctive Pineau des Charentes. It's about 70 kilometres south of Poitiers and 80 kilometres east of La Rochelle — close enough to the Atlantic coast for a spontaneous beach day on the Île de Ré, far enough to feel worlds away from the summer crowds. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits right in the commune and has been finished to a level you don't often find at this price point. At 201 square metres, it gives everyone room to breathe — which matters enormously when you're sharing a holiday home with extended family or hosting friends from abroad. The centrepiece of daily life here is the large eat-in kitchen, anchored by a log burner that turns it into the kind of room where conversations last hours. On grey November afternoons or cold January evenings, when the courtyard stones glisten with rain, this is where you'll want to be. ... 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

On a quiet morning in Villemain, the only sound you'll hear is birdsong cutting through cool air and the distant creak of a wooden shutter swinging open somewhere down the lane. That's the pace of life here — and once you've felt it, the city you came from starts to feel very far away indeed. This four-bedroom stone farmhouse sits on the edge of the village of Villemain, a small commune in the Deux-Sèvres department of Poitou-Charentes, in a part of France that most international buyers haven't discovered yet. That's both an honest observation and, frankly, a significant advantage. Property prices here remain well below those of the Dordogne or the Lot, yet the quality of the landscape, the food, and the way of life is every bit as rewarding. The house itself is in good condition — no project property requiring months of contractors, just a well-built, characterful home that's ready to live in from the first weekend you arrive. Pull through the iron gates onto the broad gravelled driveway and the house announces itself properly. The full stone frontage stretches the width of the plot, and there's room to park four or five cars comfortably — useful when family comes down from Paris or friends fly in from London through Poitiers-Biard airport, barely an hour's drive north. Step through the front door and the entrance hall does something that very few rooms manage: it makes you want to slow down. Original terracotta tiles underfoot, a fireplace for the cooler months, and a wooden staircase that curves upward with the kind of confidence that only comes from being built to last. This is not a house that was thrown up quickly. The lounge runs wide across the front of the building, wooden floors worn smooth with age, a stone ... click here to read more

The wood-burning stove in the kitchen is already lit when you picture yourself here on a grey November morning, a pot of something slow-cooking on the range, the smell of oak smoke drifting through the ground floor, and nothing outside the window but your own seven thousand square metres of French countryside. That's the pull of this place. It doesn't try to impress you. It just quietly gets on with being exactly what rural France is supposed to feel like. Set in the village of Messé in the Deux-Sèvres département of Poitou-Charentes, this three-bedroom house sits on a generous plot that extends well beyond 7,000 m² — land that includes a large barn ripe for conversion, several outbuildings, a workshop, and a wood store. For buyers hunting a proper second home in France with room to grow, this is a rare find under the €200,000 mark. The property is in good condition and liveable right now, but the real story here is what it could become over time. Walk through the front door and the entrance hall opens into a kitchen that makes you want to cook. Not open a packet — actually cook. It's fitted, it's generous in size, and it has both a range-style cooker and a wood-burning cooking stove that doubles as the heart of the home on cold evenings. The living and dining area flows from here with its own wood-burning stove, creating the kind of ground-floor warmth that central heating alone never quite manages. A shower room with WC completes the downstairs layout, practical and neatly arranged. Upstairs, a landing connects three comfortable bedrooms and a family bathroom with WC. The heating system is cleverly thought through: the stoves handle the ground floor, while an air-to-air heat pump covers the upper level — a mixed sys ... click here to read more

Picture waking up on a Saturday morning to absolute quiet — no traffic, no sirens, just the soft chorus of birds drifting through the timber-framed terrace doors and the smell of coffee rising from a kitchen that somehow manages to feel both industrial and utterly at home. That's a regular weekend at this former dairy in Firbeix, a small, unhurried village in the northern Dordogne where the pace of life is set by the seasons, not the clock. This is not a typical holiday home in France. Not even close. Over 300 square metres of converted space — once used to house cattle and process milk — has been rethought entirely, from the concrete floors to the soaring ceilings, into one of the most genuinely distinctive live-work properties in Aquitaine. The transformation took patience and a clear creative vision, and the result is something between a Manhattan loft, a Provençal farmhouse, and an artist's compound. Except it's in the Dordogne. And it has a pond. Walk through the electric gates into the private courtyard and you immediately understand that something different is happening here. The building's exterior — honest, solid, with that particular kind of French agricultural permanence — hints at the scale inside without quite preparing you for it. The ground floor alone covers around 130 square metres of open workshop and studio space, flooded with natural light through large glazed openings. Right now it functions as an artist's workspace and gallery. But it could just as easily become a furniture-making atelier, a ceramics studio, an architect's office, a design showroom, or — for those who simply want space — a garage, games room, and workshop rolled into one. The ground floor also holds two double bedrooms, an office, ... click here to read more

You set your glass of Pineau des Charentes on the stone ledge, look out past the mulberry tree toward fields turning amber in the late afternoon, and feel your shoulders drop about three inches. That's the moment this house gets you. It happened to everyone who walked through before you, and it'll happen to you too. This maison de maître sits in a quiet hamlet in north Charente, the kind of village where the Sunday morning air smells of woodsmoke and someone's always got a baguette tucked under their arm heading home from Ruffec. It's not the France of Instagram postcards — it's the real thing. Slow roads, big skies, neighbours who actually wave. The house itself has generous bones. At 189 square metres, it breathes. Previous owners renovated it with obvious affection rather than a quick cosmetic flip — you can feel the difference the moment you step onto the travertine floors and look up at the exposed beams. Light tracks through the rooms from east to west across the day, and the house seems to understand this, with windows positioned so you're always chasing a patch of warmth or shade depending on the season. The open-plan kitchen anchors daily life here. It opens directly onto a courtyard — flagged, sheltered, sized for a table that seats ten without anyone knocking elbows. This is where the long lunches happen. The ones that start at one and end somewhere around six when someone finally puts a lid on the rosé. From the kitchen you move into a very large reception room dominated by a fireplace, the kind of proportions that handle both a family Christmas and a quiet Tuesday evening with equal ease. A sage-panelled study sits off the ground floor, calm and book-lined in your mind already, and there's a near self-con ... click here to read more

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

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

Nestled in the picturesque serenity of Cressé, France, this stunning 6-bedroom Charentaise property exudes both historic charm and modern convenience. Offering an expansive 284m² of living space, the home is situated in the bucolic Poitou-Charentes region within Charente-Maritime. With its close proximity to the vibrant hubs of Matha, Cognac, and Saint-Jean-d'Angély, you’re just a short drive away from a world bursting with culture, fine dining, and acclaimed vineyards, making this property a gateway to the finest that French country life has to offer. As a bussy real estate agent, let me tell you, properties like these don't come on the market very often. So, if I sound a bit rushed, it’s because every moment counts when it comes to showing off exceptional finds like this one. Now, let's dive into what makes this house a fantastic chance for overseas investors or expats seeking their slice of French charm. As you approach the property, a grand porch welcomes you, silently whispering the stories of its storied past, all while inviting you into a world of understated elegance. The property has been sensitively renovated to preserve its unique character, featuring original beams, exposed stonework, and cozy fireplaces that evoke a sense of timelessness. Whether you're warming by the wood stove during the crisp winter months or lounging by the pool in the vibrant summer, this home offers an idyllic all-year-round experience. The main house is thoughtfully laid out over two floors: - Ground Floor: - A stunning entrance hall sets the stage for the home's refined ambiance. - Inviting bedroom with easy access to a separate toilet. - Luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower opening to the garden and pool. - Practical ... click here to read more

Welcome to this charming 5-bedroom house in the serene and beautiful countryside of Matha, nestled in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime, France. Offering a blend of tranquility and convenience, this property is an ideal choice for overseas buyers looking for a slice of French country living paired with the potential for personalization. Property Features: - Spacious Living Area: With a total size of 262m², this house boasts ample space for a comfortable living experience. - Bedrooms: Comprise 5 well-appointed bedrooms, offering flexibility in use for families, guests, or as additional working spaces. - Bathrooms: Includes 3 well-maintained bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience for all residents. - Kitchens: The property features two fully fitted kitchens, providing an excellent opportunity for those who love to cook or entertain. - Additional Spaces: A sitting/dining room with a fireplace, a large drawing room with a wood-burning stove, a separate dining room, and a snug - all add to the charm and appeal of the house. - Outdoor Area: A pretty country garden with terraces enjoys rural views, perfect for outdoor dining or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings. - Parking: A large parking area at the rear, along with a covered terrace, adds to the convenience. - Renovation Opportunity: While in good condition, the house and guest cottage offer a unique opportunity for further customization and enhancement to suit personal tastes. Local Area Information: Living in Matha provides a unique experience characterized by the beauty of the French countryside, rolling vineyards, and historic sites. The region around Matha is famed for its production of Cognac and local wines, making it an ex ... click here to read more

Picture yourself cycling through sunflower-lined lanes on a June morning, returning to your private courtyard where breakfast waits under the shade of century-old lime trees. The scent of fresh croissants mingles with lavender from the garden, while the pool shimmers invitingly in the distance. This is the everyday rhythm of life in your French vacation home in Matha, where the authentic Charente countryside unfolds at your doorstep. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet in the Poitou-Charentes region, this exceptional 331 square meter property combines the warmth of French country living with the flexibility modern holiday home owners demand. The estate comprises two distinct residences on one generous plot: a spacious seven-bedroom main house and a fully independent three-bedroom guest cottage, creating endless possibilities for family gatherings, friendship retreats, or generating rental income during your absence. The main residence welcomes you through an entrance hall that sets the tone for the entire property: light-filled spaces with character intact. The ground floor flows naturally from room to room, beginning with a comfortable sitting room where winter evenings are spent by the fire, progressing to a practical study perfect for remote work between holiday adventures, and opening into a well-appointed kitchen that becomes the heart of family meals. The living room bathes in natural light throughout the day, its windows framing views of the gardens beyond. A dedicated utility room handles the practical side of vacation home ownership with ease. Ascending to the first floor, four generously proportioned bedrooms provide restful retreats after days exploring the Charente-Maritime. A full bathroom and separate shower room ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming region of Charente-Maritime in the quaint town of Matha, this delightful 7-bedroom farmhouse presents an appealing blend of traditional charm and renovation opportunities. Set on a significant plot of 1498 m2, surrounded by a mature garden, this property promises both space and privacy in a serene rural setting. The primary residence spreads over two levels and showcases a welcoming entrance that leads into a fitted, well-equipped kitchen where family meals can be prepared with ease. Adjacent to the kitchen lies a cozy living room featuring a classic fireplace that provides the perfect spot for relaxation during cooler evenings. The ground floor also includes an office (or additional bedroom) alongside a handy shower room, scullery, and separate toilet. Upstairs, a corridor leads to four gracious bedrooms and a well-appointed dressing room. A second shower room on this floor emphasizes convenience for family living. Notably, the property is equipped with electric heating and partial double glazing, enhancing comfort throughout the seasons. Adjacent to the main house is a second structure that is ripe for full renovation. Currently, this 70m2 area comprises a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and a shower with toilet, offering a fantastic project for those looking to inject their personal touch or seeking an investment opportunity. Please note, however, that this part lacks heating, and individual sanitation standards need addressing. Supporting structures on the property include a wine storehouse, several workshops, a shed, and two gated entrances, providing ample utility and flexibility for various hobbies or storage needs. Accommodations and Amenities: - Main House: Entrance, fitted kitch ... click here to read more

Nestled amidst the tranquil and picturesque landscape of Poitou-Charentes in Charente-Maritime, Bresdon, this charming 4-bedroom farmhouse offers an idyllic setting for those looking to immerse themselves in the serene French countryside. With its significant yet tastefully completed renovations, this property is ideal for both personal use and as potential to establish a Bed and Breakfast, subject to the usual local approvals. Originally a barn, this residence has been meticulously transformed while keeping its heritage features in the spotlight. A welcoming entrance leads into the convivial layout, comprising a cosy living room and a bright dining room that opens onto the terrace—perfect for enjoying alfresco meals during the warmer months. The kitchen is fully equipped, beautifully marrying functionality with a touch of farmhouse elegance. Adjacent to it is an additional living space complete with a log burner, creating a snug atmosphere for chilly evenings. The master suite showcases exquisite wooden beams, an expansive dressing room, and a luxurious private bathroom with both a bath and an Italian shower. On the opposite side of the farmhouse, the three additional bedrooms offer ample privacy and each comes with its own modern shower room. These rooms are accessed by independent staircases, which is especially ideal if the property were to serve guests. The layout also includes a mezzanine currently set as an office, a practical laundry area, and extensive storage space that runs the length of the house, accessible via the workshop. The inviting enclosed garden and its terrace provide a private oasis to revel in the outdoors, whether it's gardening or simply soaking up the sun. While the farmhouse breathes a ru ... click here to read more

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

A Symphony of Tranquility and Opportunity in the Heart of Charente-Maritime Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the picturesque French countryside. Nestled in the charming village of Néré, this expansive 15-bedroom estate offers a unique blend of rustic allure and modern convenience, making it an ideal vacation home, holiday property, or second home for discerning international buyers. A Day in the Life at Your French Countryside Retreat Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the estate's lush gardens, where mature trees provide a canopy of shade and a serene play area for children. As the sun rises, the scent of blooming flowers mingles with the fresh country air, creating a sensory experience that invigorates the soul. The main house, a testament to timeless elegance, boasts original features such as exposed beams and stonework, seamlessly integrated with modern amenities. Each of the five gîtes offers high-quality accommodation, perfect for hosting family and friends or generating rental income. Imagine cozying up by the wood-burning stove on a crisp autumn evening, the warmth enveloping you as you sip a glass of local wine. A Hub for Celebrations and Gatherings This property is not just a home; it's a venue for life's most cherished moments. An additional outbuilding, ready to host events such as weddings and birthdays, adds a layer of versatility to this estate. Picture a summer wedding under the azure sky, the laughter of guests echoing through the gardens, or a milestone birthday celebrated with loved ones in the spacious event hall. Exploring the Charente-Maritime Region Beyond the estate, the Charente-Maritime region beckons with its rich tapestry of ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charente-Maritime region, this expansive 15-bedroom house in Néré offers a unique blend of traditional French charm and modern comforts. Perfectly suited for those seeking a second home or a vacation retreat, this property promises a lifestyle filled with relaxation, adventure, and cultural richness. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves from the mature trees that dot the beautifully landscaped gardens. The morning sun filters through the windows, casting a warm glow on the exposed beams and stonework that speak to the home's rich history. This is not just a house; it's a sanctuary where memories are made and cherished. ### A Home with Endless Possibilities - 15 Bedrooms & 9 Bathrooms: Ample space for family gatherings or hosting guests. - Five Modern Gîtes: Each gîte is equipped with authentic features and modern amenities, perfect for vacation rentals or accommodating extended family. - Heated Swimming Pool: Dive into luxury with a pool that offers relaxation year-round. - Event-Ready Outbuilding: Host weddings, birthdays, or group events in a dedicated space. - Woodburning Stoves: Cozy up during the cooler months, adding a touch of rustic charm. - Income Potential: Substantial revenue from gîte rentals and event hosting. ### The Charente-Maritime Lifestyle Living in Néré means embracing the quintessential French countryside lifestyle. The region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Just an hour's drive from the Atlantic beaches, you can enjoy sun-soaked days by the sea or explore the charming coastal towns. - Proximity to Aulnay-de-Saintonge: A mere 8-minute drive brings you to this bustling town, where you can indulge in l ... click here to read more

This charming 4-bedroom house situated in the scenic region of Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime in Fontaine-Chalendray, France offers a wonderful opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the French countryside. Perfectly positioned on a spacious 4282m² plot, this property has a total built area of 250m² with a cozy 38m² living area. The residence provides a family-friendly layout featuring a private master bedroom with its en-suite bathroom and a separate staircase, ensuring privacy and tranquility. Additionally, at the opposite end of the house are three generously sized bedrooms, each with access to their own bathrooms and a separate staircase, ideal for children or guests. The configuration lends itself beautifully for use as a bed and breakfast, or for those considering the holiday rental market, adding potential income streams for the savvy investor. The games room adds an element of fun, equipped with a full kitchen corner and a stove, and is strategically linked to the three bedrooms. It can serve as a comfy kitchen/sitting room or be transformed into a large third gîte with direct access to the picturesque back terrace and garden. The potential for expansion is significant, with additional outbuildings such as a barn, garage, and workshop awaiting transformation, subject to planning permissions. Renovations completed in 1999 have brought the house up-to-date with new roofing, plumbing, and electric systems. The residence benefits from quality insulation reaching a high-efficiency C rating, central heating, double-glazed windows, and equipped with stoves in all reception rooms and gîtes to ensure comfort during the colder months. Property Features: - Four bedrooms - Three bathrooms - Separate ... click here to read more

Nestled within the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes in Charente-Maritime, this four-bedroom house located in the charming village of Néré offers a substantial living opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French village life. The property retains its historical integrity, having been originally constructed in the period between 1850 and 1911. It has since undergone meticulous renovations to modern standards, all while preserving its unique Charentaise character. Upon entering this grand house, you are greeted by a large, dual-aspect living room spanning 50 square meters, complete with a traditional wood-burning stove that adds warmth and ambiance to the room. The kitchen, generously sized at 40 square meters, is fully fitted and ready to cater to the culinary needs of both experienced and novice cooks alike. Adjacent to the kitchen, a dining room of equal proportion, featuring an insert wood-burning stove, promises cozy family meals and convivial gatherings. The comfort continues on the first floor, which houses a luxurious master bedroom suite complete with a private balcony, dressing area, and an en suite bathroom, providing a serene retreat for relaxation. Three additional double bedrooms, one also featuring a balcony, share access to a well-appointed family bathroom. The expansive landing area leads to a versatile second living room or games room, offering 50 square meters of recreational space. Further enhancing this property is a vast two-story outbuilding. The ground floor is segmented into three large garages, while the upstairs hosts a vast 126 square meter room, providing ample space for storage or potential conversion into additional living quarters. The property spans ju ... click here to read more

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

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

Discover the idyllic rural lifestyle offered by this picturesque 4-bedroom house nestled in the serene hamlet of Romazières, located in Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime. This property presents a perfect amalgamation of tranquility and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the calm of the French countryside. The property spans approximately 180 square meters and boasts a welcoming stone façade that perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of rural French architecture. As you enter this charming home, you are greeted by a spacious living room that radiates warmth and comfort. Large windows not only enrich the space with abundant natural light but also offer enchanting views of the surrounding landscape. The heart of the home is its central heating system, ensuring cozy winters throughout the living spaces and four generously-sized bedrooms. For those who relish outdoor living, the private swimming pool is a highlight, providing an exclusive retreat for relaxation and entertainment. The pool area, coupled with the property’s proximity to a vast forest, offers numerous leisure activities right at your doorstep, from serene walks to adventurous hikes exploring the local flora and fauna. Living in Romazières offers more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle. The area is known for its peaceful environment and is perfect for families or individuals seeking a quieter life. The local community is welcoming, adding to the charm of making this your new home. Furthermore, the temperate climate of the Charente-Maritime region, with mild winters and warm summers, complements the outdoor-centric living that this property encourages. Amenities and ... click here to read more

Nestled in the serene and scenic hamlet of Verdille, within the heart of Poitou-Charentes, Charente, this charming, renovated stone house offers a delightful blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts, set against a backdrop of lush countryside. With its expansive plot of 6,943 sq. m., including numerous outbuildings and a refreshing in-ground swimming pool, this property captivates those who seek the tranquility of rural France coupled with the potential for personalization. This 220 sq. m. house, perfect for a family or as a spacious retreat, comes equipped with a large kitchen-diner that provides a warm and inviting space for family meals and gatherings. Adjacent to this is a separate laundry and storage room, adding convenience to everyday living. The home features a cozy lounge and a spacious second living room, ideal for relaxation or entertaining guests. The ground floor also includes an office space, which could alternatively serve as an additional bedroom, a downstairs shower room, and a separate toilet. The bespoke wooden staircase in the hallway leads to a mezzanine landing where you will find another shower room, a separate toilet, and three bedrooms, including one sizable master bedroom. This residence benefits from oil-fired central heating, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons. Externally, the property boasts a variety of outbuildings which present a wealth of potential. An open barn is attached to the house, and a completely separate outbuilding is poised for transformation into a spacious gite or guesthouse, subject to necessary planning permissions. An additional barn is attached to the back of the property, enhancing storage options or workshop space. The gated entrance opens to a siz ... click here to read more

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

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