Stunning 4-Bedroom French Domaine with Pool and B&B Potential in Civray

Sunday morning in the Quercy Blanc. You push open the French doors off the kitchen and the smell of woodsmoke and wild thyme drifts in from the garden. Somewhere down the lane, a rooster is doing his best. Your coffee is hot, the terrace is still cool in the shade of those old stone pillars, and the only thing on your schedule is deciding whether to walk the ridge path before lunch or after. This is the specific quality of life this 1849 stone farmhouse delivers — and it does it with a quiet confidence that most properties can only gesture at. Originally a working barn, this single-storey house in a tucked-away hamlet near Montcuq was converted with the kind of care that you rarely see. The bones of the building — thick limestone walls, hand-hewn oak beams, original stone surfaces — were kept intact and then paired with a modern interior that doesn't compete with them. Travertine floors run throughout the main house, cool underfoot in summer, warm-looking in winter firelight. The kitchen is the real heart of it: granite countertops, bespoke oak cabinetry, integrated appliances, and those French doors that frame a covered terrace as if the whole room were designed around the view outside. It was. The covered terrace, held up by stone pillars that have been standing since before the Third Republic, is where summer lunches stretch into afternoon conversations and where dinner happens most nights from May through October. The living room earns its keep year-round. A wood-burning stove sits in the fireplace, gas central heating backs it up when the Lot winters bite, and exposed beams overhead give the space an unhurried, grounded feel. Another set of French doors opens onto a second terrace — this one faces west, which mean ... click here to read more

Sunday mornings here start with the smell of coffee drifting through stone walls that have been standing since the 1700s. The kitchen window frames a view of rolling southwest French countryside—no rooftops, no roads, just the slow green hills of Lot-et-Garonne doing what they've done for centuries. By the time you've wandered outside with your cup, the light is already doing something extraordinary to the old barn wall beside the pool. This is Engayrac. Most people have never heard of it, and the people who live here like it that way. The farmhouse itself is one of those rare places where a serious restoration has been done without scrubbing out the soul. Exposed stone walls, original beamed ceilings, travertine floors, an old staircase that creaks just enough to remind you it's real—it's all still there. So is the stone fireplace, the wainscoting, the sense that this house has stories going back well before anyone alive today. But the plumbing works. The heating works. The energy performance rating sits at C, which for an 18th-century stone structure in rural France is not something you get without real investment. A new heat pump heating system and a recently installed septic tank mean the infrastructure is sorted—genuinely sorted, not "we'll deal with it next summer" sorted. Four bedrooms spread across three floors give the house a natural rhythm. Ground floor for cooking, eating, living. First floor for quieter things—a spacious sitting room, an office that actually earns the name, two bathrooms with clean contemporary finishes that don't clash with the old bones of the place. Then the top floor, which is the kind of surprise that makes you stop mid-sentence when you first see it: a cargo-net lounge strung beneat ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in Boussan, the Pyrenees appear close enough to touch. You open the tall French doors off the living room, coffee in hand, and the only sounds are a wood pigeon somewhere in the oak forest and the faint clang of a cowbell drifting up from the pasture below. Two other houses exist in this hamlet. That's it. The quiet here isn't the absence of something — it's the thing itself, full and rare. This 1850 manor house sits on 17 hectares of mixed woodland and open pasture in the rolling Haute-Garonne countryside, about five kilometres from the medieval hilltop village of Aurignac. The property includes a separate one-bedroom gîte, two stone barns, and a 10x5m swimming pool. At 271 square metres of living space across the main house alone, this is the kind of place that stops feeling like a property and starts feeling like a small world of its own. The manor was built with the proportions that 19th-century landowners understood intuitively — high ceilings, thick stone walls, rooms that breathe. Inside, marble fireplaces anchor the principal reception rooms, ornate plasterwork frames the ceilings, and exposed timber beams run the length of the upper floors. These aren't cosmetic details slapped on for effect; they're structural to the character of the house. The restoration has been handled with genuine care — a new roof, a fully renovated kitchen, a fresh pool lining — significant investment that means the next owner walks into something that works, not something that needs saving. The kitchen is the gravitational centre of the house. Fully equipped, country in scale, and open in spirit, it connects naturally to the main living and dining room. That room has French doors on the garden side and a wood-burni ... click here to read more

On a still summer evening in Lot-et-Garonne, the swallows dip low over a glassy 10x5m swimming pool, the scent of warm stone rises from the courtyard, and somewhere beyond the vine-draped pergola, the rolling hills of Aquitaine dissolve into a haze of gold. This is what you came to France for. Not a postcard version of it — the real thing. This 4-bedroom, 196 sqm stone barn conversion sits about three kilometers outside Tournon-d'Agenais, one of the most characterful bastide towns in the Lot-et-Garonne. The original structure dates to the 18th century, but it was reimagined two decades ago by its architect-owner with the kind of precision that most renovation projects only dream of achieving. The result is a home that honors its agricultural past while functioning brilliantly as a modern residence — and it shows in every detail. You arrive through a gated entrance that opens onto an ornamental pond and a courtyard that already tells you something about how this place was put together. It's composed. Considered. The gardens are established and deeply planted, not the kind of thing you throw together in a season, and the views across the surrounding countryside are the sort that make you stop mid-sentence. Step inside and the scale of the main living space takes a moment to absorb. Full-height beamed ceilings — properly high, the way only old barns can deliver — span the open-plan ground floor where the fitted kitchen, living, and dining areas flow together. The kitchen itself uses the original animal feeders as a clever spatial divider, a small architectural flourish that's both functional and quietly witty. Tiled floors underfoot, underfloor heating for the cooler months, a stone fireplace for the evenings when the te ... click here to read more

On a still Tuesday morning in July, you open the ancient shutters of your top-floor bedroom and the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside rolls out in every direction — sunflower fields, oak-lined lanes, and a sky so wide and blue it takes a moment to convince yourself it's real. The church bells from the village drift up the hill. You don't need to be anywhere until lunch. That's the whole point. This 17th-century stone presbytery in the quiet hamlet of Roquecor is one of those properties that stops you mid-scroll. And rightly so. Built with the authority and permanence that the Catholic Church demanded of its residences in this part of France, it has aged into something extraordinary — all vaulted ceilings, original stone sinks, wide-plank floorboards, and a fireplace so substantial it practically has its own postcode. The priests who once lived here would barely recognise the interiors now: the present owners have brought the kind of quiet, confident taste that lets the architecture do the talking, with muted colours, carefully chosen furniture, and not a single unnecessary gesture. You enter up a grand exterior stone staircase — the kind of entrance that makes guests stop and reach for their phones before they've even crossed the threshold. Inside, the layout unfolds across three floors. The ground level delivers a sitting room anchored by a monumental stone fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove (the winters here are mild, but November evenings around that fire are something else), a snug that earns its name, and a country kitchen with original tiled floors, a fitted range, and a stone sink so characterful it would be the centrepiece of a lesser house. Below the kitchen, a vaulted stone cellar doubles as a wine store an ... click here to read more

Step onto the terrace on a July morning and the view stops you cold. Rolling hills in every direction, sunflower fields catching the early light, the occasional church spire poking through the haze — and absolute silence, save for the swifts cutting arcs above the rooftops. This is Lauzerte at its most honest, and from this stone tower house on the village's most prized street, you get front-row seats every single day. Lauzerte isn't a discovery anymore — it earned a place on the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" list years ago — but it hasn't turned into a tourist circus either. The Saturday market still draws locals as much as visitors. The boulangerie on the main square still sells out of pain au levain by nine. There's a real community here: French retirees, a handful of Dutch and British families who came for a holiday a decade ago and never quite left, artists who set up studios in the old stone buildings and sell work out of their front windows. The Camino de Santiago passes right through the village, so from spring through autumn there's a gentle current of walkers moving through, giving the cafés on the terrace a particular energy that's hard to find elsewhere in Tarn-et-Garonne. The house itself sits on the Rue de la Garrigue, the kind of address that locals mention with a slight nod of respect. From the street it reads as a proper medieval tower — thick stone walls, a certain gravity to it — but push open the front door and the interior has been completely rethought. The current owners spent years on a renovation that prioritised quality over speed, and it shows in every detail. Travertine floors run throughout the ground level, cool underfoot even in August. The staircase is original stone, the kind that ... click here to read more

On a clear October morning, you step out through one of four sets of glass doors onto the stone terrace, coffee in hand, and the whole of Moissac spreads out below you — the Romanesque abbey tower catching the early light, the Tarn glinting silver beyond the rooftops, and on days when the air is sharp and clean, the white line of the Pyrenees etched along the southern horizon. This is the view that the current owners fell for. It's the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence every single time. Built in 1975 by an architect who clearly had opinions, this 278-square-metre Tower House sits at the top of the Bel Air quarter, behind electric gates, at the end of a long private driveway lined with mature trees that form a canopy in summer. The grounds feel more like a private park than a garden — established oaks, flowering shrubs, wide lawns, all of it enclosed and genuinely quiet. You'd never guess you're a ten-minute walk from a town centre that comes seriously alive on market days. The house itself has been modernised and upgraded by its current owners at considerable cost, and the quality of the work shows. Step inside and the first thing you notice is scale. Cathedral ceilings with exposed timber beams give the main living space a sense of real drama. The oak herringbone floor in the sitting room is the kind of detail you'd find in a Parisian apartment — warm underfoot, with a log-burning stove anchoring one end of the room. Four pairs of doors open directly onto the terrace, so in warmer months the line between inside and outside practically disappears. The kitchen is modern and properly fitted — integral appliances, clean lines, no compromise. Six bedrooms and three bathrooms across the property means this wor ... click here to read more

Pull up the gravel drive on a July evening and the first thing you notice isn't the swimming pool or the outbuildings or the countryside rolling out in every direction — it's the towers. Two of them, flanking the entrance like something lifted from a minor aristocrat's estate, framing a period stone facade so symmetrically confident that you half-expect a butler to appear at the top of the stone steps. This is a house with a clear sense of itself, and it has been waiting patiently for an owner who matches that energy. Tournon-d'Agenais sits in the Lot-et-Garonne, one of France's quietest and most underrated departments — a stretch of the southwest that most people drive through on the way to the Dordogne without ever stopping. Their loss. The market town itself is a classic bastide, perched on a ridge with views that drop away in three directions, and on Thursday mornings the square fills with vendors selling Agen prunes (the real ones, sun-dried and full of flavor), foie gras from farms you could walk to, and vegetables that were in the ground forty-eight hours ago. The café on the corner opens at seven and the owner knows how to make a proper café crème. Life here moves at a pace that used to exist everywhere and now doesn't. The farmhouse occupies a setting that earns the word "exceptional" without having to try. The surrounding countryside — low hills, rows of sunflowers in summer, the amber and ochre of vineyards in October — unfolds from every window with the unhurried quality of a landscape painting. On clear mornings, when the mist sits low in the valley and the stone walls catch the early light, the whole property feels like it belongs to a different century. The silence is the kind you can actually hear. Ins ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in southwest France sounds like this: a wood pigeon calling from the walnut tree outside, coffee brewing in a kitchen built from bleached oak and old stone, and absolutely nothing else demanding your attention. That's the daily reality of owning this 208 sq m restored stone farmhouse in a quiet hamlet just outside Beauville — a property that took its time becoming what it is, and shows every bit of it. The house sits among the rolling valleys of Lot-et-Garonne, a département that most international buyers fly over on the way to Dordogne without realizing they're passing one of the most quietly rewarding pockets of rural France. Prune orchards, sunflower fields, truffle-rich oak woods — the landscape shifts with every season, and you'll find yourself noticing all of it from the covered stone terrace where lunch tends to run well past three o'clock in July. The farmhouse itself is genuinely old, and the restoration didn't try to disguise that fact. Exposed limestone walls, hand-hewn oak beams, flagstone floors worn smooth over generations — these aren't decorative choices, they're what was already there. The work involved knowing what to keep and what to quietly modernize: double glazing sits behind deep stone reveals, a heat pump system hums efficiently behind a centuries-old façade, and a bespoke kitchen in bleached oak with stone countertops and integrated appliances would look entirely at home in the pages of a serious interiors magazine. The pantry off the kitchen is the kind of detail that only makes sense once you're shopping at the Friday market in Puymirol and coming home with more than you planned. There are four bedrooms across the main house, each with air conditioning and heating through the ... click here to read more

Stand at the kitchen window on a Tuesday morning in October and watch mist lift slowly off your own private lake. The woodlands beyond it are turning amber. A heron stands perfectly still at the water's edge. There's no traffic, no neighbor noise — just the kind of quiet that city people pay a fortune trying to find for a week. Here, it's yours every day. This nine-bedroom estate in Genouillé, a small commune in the Vienne department of Poitou-Charentes, sits on roughly 14 hectares of meadow, woodland, and water. It's not a property you stumble across. It's the kind of place that takes decades to assemble — the right land, the right buildings, the right bones — and rarely comes to market at anything close to this price point. The main house anchors the estate with the kind of architectural weight that only comes with age. Stone walls that have stood for centuries, exposed timber beams overhead in the reception rooms, and four generous bedrooms, each with its own private shower room. That last detail matters more than it sounds: when you're hosting a family gathering or a group of friends from abroad, nobody's negotiating bathroom schedules. The layout is genuinely sociable. Wide reception areas open naturally for long lunches that drift into evenings, and the in-ground swimming pool just outside keeps things moving between meals and conversation. Separate from the main house — properly separate, with its own front door and its own world — sits a fully independent gîte. Four to five bedrooms, a second swimming pool, and complete privacy from the main residence. This is where the property's income potential becomes very real, very quickly. The Poitou-Charentes region draws steady summer tourism, and well-presented rural ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Néré. The sun hits the stone façade at an angle that makes it look almost golden, and somewhere across the garden, the pool filter hums quietly while dew still sits on the lavender. This is what 511 square metres of southwest French countryside feels like before anyone else is awake — and with 14 bedrooms spread across a main house and five independent gîtes, there's a lot of space for quiet mornings before the families roll out of bed. This is a serious property. Not just in size, though the scale is genuinely impressive — it's the kind of estate that only comes along once in a generation in a market like Charente-Maritime. The combination of a fully functioning gîte complex with a private residence, a heated swimming pool, outbuildings, a landscaped garden, and two on-site wells is rare at any price point. At €525,000, it's the sort of opportunity that draws in buyers from Paris, London, Amsterdam, and beyond, usually too late. The main house anchors the whole property. Its entrance hall leads into a living room that's genuinely liveable — not a showroom — followed by a dining area that gets good light through the day, and a fully fitted kitchen ready to handle a Sunday lunch for twenty without complaint. Three bedrooms complete the main residence, one of which has its own shower room, so guests or extended family can come and go with real independence. It's laid out with logic, the kind of floor plan that grows on you the longer you spend time in it. Then there are the gîtes. Five of them, each self-contained, each with its own lounge and dining area, fitted kitchen, shower room or bathroom, and WC. Between them they deliver 11 additional bedrooms — which means the estate can sleep multiple fami ... click here to read more

On a clear January morning, you step out onto the upstairs balcony with a coffee in hand and the Godin range cooker already warming the kitchen below. The Pyrenees are right there — not a postcard suggestion of mountains, but the full, snow-capped range stretching across the horizon in sharp winter light. Two hectares of land roll out beneath you, fruit trees bare and skeletal against the frost, a walled courtyard catching the first sun. This is Les Tourreilles, a corner of Haute-Garonne that most people drive through without knowing what they've missed. The farmhouse dates to 1893, built from local pebbles and stone in the way they built things back then — to last. And it has. The walls are thick enough to keep August heat at bay without air conditioning, and the character that took more than a century to accumulate hasn't been renovated away. It's been respected. The current owner put serious thought and real money into the restoration: slate floors, high ceilings, cast-iron structural elements left exposed where they add something, quality throughout rather than flash. Three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom — a practical arrangement that matters enormously when you're hosting family or renting the property. No arguments over the shower schedule. The living room organizes itself around a wood-burning stove, the kind of focal point that makes a room actually feel inhabited rather than staged. And the open-plan kitchen and dining area is the real heart of the house, anchored by that Godin range cooker running on gas, electricity, and wood — a serious piece of equipment that makes Sunday lunches an event. Granite countertops, quality fittings, nothing cheap. Then there's the spa room, which is genuinely unexpected. ... click here to read more

Pour the wine first. That's the thing about this particular house — the moment you pull off the country lane and the façade comes into view, all 19th-century honey-stone and crowned by its original dovecote, the decision has already made itself. You haven't opened a door yet, haven't walked the garden or dipped a toe in the pool, and yet you know. Some properties earn their keep slowly. This one doesn't have to. Lauzerte sits in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of southwest France, high on a hilltop above a patchwork of sunflower fields and vine-striped valleys. It's officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France — one of only a handful in the region to earn that designation — and it wears the title without fuss. The medieval lanes wind up to a church square where locals play pétanque in the shade and the Wednesday market brings out the cheesemakers, the honey sellers, and the couple from the next village who make a duck confit that borders on illegal. This is not a sanitised tourist village. People actually live here, grow things here, eat extremely well here. The house itself is five minutes from that square by car, set back from the road on its own grounds with open countryside rolling away in every direction and not a neighbor in sight. Built from the dense local limestone that absorbs the afternoon heat and glows amber by evening, it was restored with the kind of restraint that takes real confidence — nothing fussy, nothing false. The original terracotta floor tiles run throughout the ground floor, worn to a satiny finish by a century and a half of footfall. Overhead, the oak beams are left exactly as they should be. Exposed stone walls anchor every room. Old stone steps connect the levels with the kind o ... click here to read more

Step off a private lane — maintained by the town hall, used by absolutely no one but you — and suddenly the noise of the world just stops. That's not a figure of speech. Standing on the covered terrace of this early 19th-century stone farmhouse in the Tarn-et-Garonne, the only sounds you'll reliably hear are the wind moving through the established gardens and, on summer evenings, the faint hum of cicadas. Three hectares of countryside roll away in every direction, and there isn't a neighbor in sight. This is the kind of property that people describe to friends at dinner parties and watch their eyes go wide. A real farmhouse, built from local stone sometime in the early 1800s, with the bones to prove it — thick walls that hold the cool in August, a sitting room dominated by a stone fireplace with a log-burning stove, beamed ceilings that have watched two centuries of life pass beneath them. And yet none of it feels like a museum. The kitchen is modern and properly fitted with integral appliances. The bathroom is stylish rather than retrofitted. Oil central heating keeps winter comfortable, and a solar hot water system means the sun does useful work from May through September. This is a farmhouse you can actually live in, without a renovation project hanging over your head. The layout gives you room to breathe. Four bedrooms plus a dedicated study means the property functions just as well for a family with kids needing their own space as it does for a couple who want a guest room and a home office. The sitting and dining room flows naturally toward the large covered terrace outside — the kind of shaded outdoor space where lunch starts at one o'clock and somehow it's four before anyone notices. A built-in barbecue makes a ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in high summer, you can stand on the balcony of this farmhouse with a coffee going cold in your hand and watch the mist burn off the Quercy Blanc valley below. The fields turn from silver to gold. A church bell somewhere in the direction of Lauzerte counts out eight strokes. Nothing else moves. That's the daily opening act here — and it never gets old. This is a proper stone farmhouse complex in the Tarn-et-Garonne, the kind of property that took generations to build and a great deal of luck to find in this condition. Set in a quiet hamlet just minutes from two of the region's most characterful bastide towns, the estate spans a generous 349 square metres of living space across a main farmhouse, two guest cottages, a stone-vaulted cellar, a substantial barn, a separate study with shower room, and a secluded swimming pool surrounded by mature gardens. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, move-in ready, and priced at €480,000. The maths are compelling. The lifestyle is better. The farmhouse itself does what good old stone buildings do — it keeps you cool in July and warm in January without much effort. Walls half a metre thick have their advantages. Inside, original terracotta floors run through the ground floor, overhead beams show their age in the best possible way, and the wood-burning stove in the living room is not decorative — it earns its keep from November through March. The kitchen has been updated for real use: long lunches, big pots of cassoulet, Sunday afternoons that stretch until the light goes. French doors open onto the balcony, which faces due south across the valley. That view is the property's most persuasive argument for ownership. The practical bones of the place have been thoroughly ad ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Puy-l'Évêque sounds like this: church bells rolling down from the medieval tower, the distant clatter of the weekly market on the square, and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting across stone rooftops that have been standing since the 13th century. You're in the kitchen of a house built in 1887, coffee in hand, sunlight cutting through the original glazed vestibule and landing in stripes across the flagstone floor. This is the kind of morning people drive thousands of miles — or book a flight to Cahors — to find. Puy-l'Évêque sits high on a limestone cliff above the Lot River, one of those Quercy villages that somehow stayed real. It didn't get polished into a tourism showpiece. The boulangerie on Rue du Dr Malbet still sells the same walnut bread it always has. The Tuesday market brings farmers from the surrounding causse with duck confit, aged Rocamadour cheese, and Malbec from the Cahors appellation — vineyards that start just minutes outside the village limits. The Lot Valley is serious wine country, and if you're here in October during harvest, you'll understand why locals don't leave. This five-bedroom stone house sits at the center of that village, not on the periphery. You walk out the front door and you're already in it — the rhythm of Puy-l'Évêque life, the café terraces, the medieval lanes, the river views from the promontory a few minutes on foot. But step back inside and shut the electric gate and the outside world drops away entirely. The house itself is the result of a careful, expensive renovation carried out by owners who clearly lived here rather than just owning it. They kept the stone staircase — a genuinely handsome piece of 19th-century craftsmanship that anchors the entrance h ... click here to read more

Stand on the terrace on a clear July morning and you can see the entire silhouette of Tournon-d'Agenais sitting up on its ridge—the church tower, the medieval ramparts, the rooftops catching the early light—while down below you, the saltwater pool glints and the Lot-et-Garonne countryside rolls away in every direction without a neighbor in sight. That view is the first thing you notice. It won't be the last thing you remember. This is a serious property. A 19th-century stone farmhouse of 297 square meters, a fully renovated guest cottage, a massive old tobacco barn, multiple outbuildings and workshops, a ten-car garage, and nearly two hectares of established gardens—all sitting behind a gated entrance on a quiet rural lane just minutes from one of the most photographed bastide towns in Aquitaine. Properties that combine this scale, this condition, and this setting in Lot-et-Garonne come along rarely. This one is move-in ready. The renovation has been thorough and thoughtful rather than cosmetic. Travertine floors run throughout the main house, cool underfoot in summer and warmed from below by an efficient heat pump system in the cooler months. Exposed stone walls and original oak beams have been kept exactly where they should be—everywhere—while the infrastructure underneath has been quietly modernized: double glazing throughout, an air circulation system, underfloor heating, radiators as backup. The bones of the 1800s, the comfort of the present. The main living space opens into a generous open-plan room with a soaring mezzanine above and wide glass doors that fold back onto the terrace. On a warm evening this isn't a room that ends at a wall—it spills outside. The covered dining room with its summer kitchen is where ... click here to read more

On a clear morning, standing at the front of this house with a coffee in hand, the Pyrenees sit low and blue on the horizon, their snow-capped peaks catching the early light. Behind you, half an acre of mature garden hums quietly — bees in the lavender, water catching the sun in the salt-treated pool. This is the kind of scene you stop and actually notice, not because it's unusual, but because you've just realised you own it. Salies-de-Béarn is one of those French towns that hasn't been polished up for tourists. It still works. The Wednesday and Saturday markets on the Place du Bayaà fill up with local producers selling Ossau-Iraty cheese, Bayonne ham cured in the town's own famous salt, and wine from the Jurançon vineyards a short drive east. The thermal spa baths — the Thermes de Salies-de-Béarn — draw French visitors for week-long cures, and have done for centuries, which means the town has good restaurants, decent bakeries, and a calm, purposeful energy that's hard to manufacture. There's a genuine medieval quarter here, with the characteristic half-timbered maisons salanoises leaning over the Saleys river. Wander up Rue des Moulins on a Sunday and you'll smell roasting duck before you see anything. The house itself sits close enough to town to walk for bread in the morning, but far enough out to feel genuinely rural. That's not an easy balance in a town this size, and it's one of the property's quiet strengths. The setting is peaceful without being remote — a practical distinction for anyone managing a second home from abroad. Inside, the renovation has been done with a sensible hand. The ground floor centres on a generous living and dining room, heated by a pellet burner that throws out serious warmth through th ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of charming Poitou-Charentes, you'll find this cozy south-facing stone village house located in Civray, Vienne, France. For international buyers, Civray offers a true slice of French life, filled with opportunities to immerse in its local culture and community. The property spans a comfortable 80m², with a reasonable asking price of €75,000. This 3-bedroom house is not just a property; it's your gateway to experiencing the serenity of French village life. Imagine waking up to the gentle clatter of village life, with a boulangerie, bar, and post office just a stone's throw away. The house invites you to make Civray your own, a community known for its vibrant market that promises fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and a lively atmosphere. Whether it’s picking out cheese or a fresh baguette for breakfast, the local market adds an endearing routine to life in this quaint village. The house itself comes equipped for year-round comfort with oil-fired central heating—a must during the chilly French winters. Let's take a walk through the property together, room by room, starting with the spacious living room. It's a delight with its blend of wood and tile flooring, accented by a beam ceiling, creating a warm ambiance. A handy wooden staircase provides easy access to the upper level. The fitted kitchen, cozy yet functional, includes a beautiful tiled floor and a window offering a pleasant view of the garden—ideal for those who enjoy cooking with a scenic backdrop. Features include: - 3 Bedrooms - 1 Bathroom - Living room (35m²) - Fitted kitchen (7.65m²) - Wooden and tiled flooring - Oil-fired central heating - Double glazing (partly) - Insulated roof (redone in 2017) - Enclosed courtyard garden - Outbui ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque village positioned between Civray and Ruffec, this charming 5-bedroom house presents a unique blend of traditional aesthetics and versatile living space. Previously operated as a thriving bed and breakfast until 2019, this property is infused with a pastoral appeal that could either be revived as a business or transformed into a comfortable, expansive family home. The home spans 140 square meters and is set over two main floors, featuring ample living spaces that are both functional and welcoming. The ground floor offers three bedrooms, making it conveniently accessible for those preferring single-level living or hosting guests. The charisma of the house is accentuated by its lovely parquet floors, original fireplaces, and the rustic charm of wood and electric heating systems. This property is fully integrated with double-glazed windows and connected to mains drainage, assuring contemporary comfort amidst its historical character. The place, furnished negotiably, invites its new owners to instill their personal touch, turning this into a truly bespoke home. - Property Features include: - Five Bedrooms - Four Shower Rooms - Double Glazed Windows - Electric and Wood Heating - Connection to Mains Drainage - Fitted Kitchen The external amenities enrich the property’s appeal which includes: - Large enclosed courtyard perfect for family activities or social gatherings - Two small storage sheds - A spacious 90m2 hangar - Traditional bread oven - A stable and a barn (note: the barn’s roof is in need of repair) - A large chai of 140m2 When considering relocating or purchasing property abroad, Civray offers an enchanting living experience. The town is steeped in rich history, ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Civray, France, lies a delightful property waiting for its next chapter. Situated in the beautiful Poitou Charentes region, this two-bedroom house offers a perfect blend of history and comfort. For those seeking a genuine slice of French life, this property provides an enticing opportunity. It's not just about buying a house; it's about embracing a lifestyle, where mornings start with a fresh croissant from the local bakery, and evenings end with a short stroll to the cinema or local restaurant. As we step into this property, we're greeted with a spacious and inviting entrance paved with classic tiles. The ground floor boasts practical spaces suited for modern living. An equipped kitchen, generous in size at 25 square meters, becomes the heart of the home, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Adjacent to the kitchen, a utility room serves as an area to keep life organized, ensuring the living spaces remain tidy and tranquil. The dining room, spacious enough to be converted into a third bedroom, adds flexibility to cater to your unique lifestyle needs, be it growing families or accommodating guests. The living room offers a cozy retreat, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Its laminated floors provide a warm atmosphere, encouraging relaxation. As we journey to the first floor, we find two well-sized bedrooms. The master bedroom comes with an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience. The second bedroom, accompanied by a dressing room, offers potential for creating an additional bathroom, giving the next owner a chance to customize the space further. For those envisioning more expansion, the attached barn presents a huge potential. Spanning three ... click here to read more

Nestled on the serene outskirts of Civray, in the picturesque region of Poitou Charentes, France, this three-bedroom bungalow offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a peaceful abode without straying too far from everyday conveniences. Located within walking distance of various commerce options, this property effortlessly blends tranquility with accessibility—a perfect choice for those planning to live in France either as expats or new home owners from abroad. Now, imagine starting your day in a place where every morning the soft sunlight bathes a beautifully maintained garden that spans about ¾ of an acre, south-facing, offering mesmerizing views over rolling fields. With nature so intertwined with your living space, the air feels fresher, and every glance outside brings a sense of relaxation and peace. This bounty of outdoor space not only serves as a peaceful retreat but also holds vast potential for gardening enthusiasts or those eager to incorporate outdoor recreational amenities. Civray itself is a charming little town, vibrant yet calm, typical of this part of France. It is well-serviced with local market days that allow local shopping for fresh produce—ideal for food lovers eager to sample the renowned French cuisine right from their kitchens. For those interested in cultural pursuits, Civray offers historical sites and is renowned for its tranquility and slower pace of life. Living in Civray also means embracing a climate that's quite mild. You can expect warm summers, breezy springs, and gentle winters—the kind of weather that makes a stroll to the nearby local boulangerie for fresh croissants not just a possibility, but a pure delight. Plus, the area’s geographical location brings you within reach of ... click here to read more

Nestled on the verdant fringes of a cozy hamlet in the heart of Civray, Poitou Charentes, resides a welcoming 3-bedroom detached stone house, ripe for your arrival. Bursting with light and space, this south-facing haven stands invitingly amidst 8640m2 of sprawling land, dominated by serene countryside views. For those attuned to the subtle rhythms of rural life, this property offers a splendid canvas upon which to paint your new chapter. The house, with its robust stone construction, beckons you to step inside and experience the sunlit interior. Framed with double-glazed windows throughout, the warmth from the wood and pellet burners entwines comfortably with the abundant natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that begs to be lived in. Thanks to a first-rate energy rating, you can enjoy a cozy environment without the hefty energy bills. Every room is a testament to the potential this property holds, ready to be furnished exactly to your taste. The entry level unveils an open-plan L-shaped living space, seamlessly integrating the lounge, dining area, and kitchen. Stretching 74m2, this communal area becomes the heart of the home where family gatherings take place, stories are shared, and lasting memories are created. The well-appointed kitchen, complete with fitted units, writes the script for culinary adventures, accomapnies by the double-aspect windows delivering generous views of the magnificent landscape. Continue onwards, and you’ll find the bathroom/utility room—a space that doubles as a critical junction between functionality and versatility. Plumbing and electrics are in place, allowing you to shape this 20m2 area into a personal retreat. Whether it transforms into an en-suite bedroom or remains a luxuri ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this expansive 9-bedroom estate in Civray, France, offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home that combines rustic charm with modern comforts. With its sprawling 540 square meters of living space, this property is more than just a house; it's a gateway to a lifestyle steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds, as sunlight filters through the trees surrounding your private sanctuary. This property, set on over 14 hectares of lush land, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to unwind in the countryside or explore the vibrant local culture, Civray provides the perfect backdrop for your European holiday home. ### A Tale of Two Homes The estate comprises two distinct residences, each exuding its own charm and character. The main house, a beautifully restored stone farmhouse, boasts four spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, seamlessly blending traditional farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary amenities. With full central heating, wood-burning stoves, and double-glazed windows, comfort is assured year-round. Adjacent to the main house is a romantic studio, perfect for creative endeavors or as a cozy retreat for guests. This open-plan space includes a living area, bedroom, and bathroom, offering privacy and comfort. The second property, a fully furnished four-bedroom home, is ideal for hosting additional guests or generating rental income. Situated at a comfortable distance from the main house, it features its own swimming pool, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. ### Embrace the Outdoors The estate's extensive grounds ar ... click here to read more

A Timeless Retreat in the Heart of Poitou-Charentes Imagine waking up in a 10th-century chateau, where history whispers through every stone and beam. Nestled in the picturesque town of Civray, this remarkable property offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal vacation home or second residence for those seeking a slice of French heritage. A Journey Through Time As you step through the grand entrance, the stone tower stands as a sentinel of the past, its spiral staircase inviting you to explore the stories etched into its walls. The chateau's two wings, connected by an open passageway, offer a harmonious balance of space and privacy. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, this residence is perfect for hosting family gatherings or intimate retreats. Living the French Countryside Dream The daily rhythm of life here is a gentle dance with nature. Mornings begin with the soft light filtering through double-glazed windows, casting a warm glow on exposed stone walls and flagstone floors. The aroma of freshly baked bread from the working bread oven mingles with the scent of lavender from the garden, creating a sensory tapestry that is quintessentially French. Seasonal Splendor and Local Delights Each season brings its own magic to Civray. Spring paints the landscape with wildflowers, while summer invites leisurely picnics by the Charente River. Autumn's golden hues are perfect for exploring nearby vineyards, and winter's crisp air is best enjoyed by the warmth of the wood-burning stove. The local cuisine is a celebration of regional flavors, with markets offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines. Dining al fresco on the wooden terrace, with views stretching over 2 hectar ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque town of Civray, located in the charming region of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, France, this 4-bedroom house is more than just a home—it's a gateway to a new lifestyle. Set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and historic architecture, Civray beckons those seeking the tranquility of the countryside while being close to a bustling market town. This spacious home sits just a short walk from the heart of Civray, making it perfect for families, retirees, or expats eager to immerse themselves in French life. Now, let’s dive into what this house has to offer. Boasting around 177 square meters of living space, this property is in good condition, offering a blank canvas to make it truly your own. You'll find two light-filled bedrooms conveniently located downstairs, each with easy access to the secluded garden—a genuine retreat for relaxation. One of these downstairs bedrooms features a dressing area and opens into a fully double-glazed garden room. This room, heated with underfloor warmth, serves as a cozy spot for morning coffee or quiet evening reflection. The dining and sitting rooms are quite cheerful and inviting, well-suited for family gatherings or entertaining guests. The kitchen is modern, equipped with a sizable central island that provides ample storage and a breakfast bar, making family mornings a breeze. Additionally, the main floor features a large bathroom with a bath, a walk-in shower, and a double basin. For the convenience of guests, there's also a separate WC. Upstairs, the house continues to impress. One bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort. The other room upstairs is currently used as a study, with an adjacent storage room offering the perfect oppor ... click here to read more

Nestled in the quaint and picturesque town of Civray, in the heart of the Vienne region of Poitou-Charentes, France, this charming home offers an engaging peek into French countryside living. At a price of €185,000, this property presents an excellent opportunity for international buyers and expats seeking to immerse themselves in the local way of life. The house welcomes you with its relaxing vibe, inviting you to explore the 113 square meters of well-laid-out living space. As you enter, you are greeted by a sunlit living room where family gatherings and relaxed evenings unfold. Adjacent to the living room, the dining area promises delightful meals and laughter shared over stories, as natural light fills the space through large windows. Cooking will be a pleasure in the household's well-appointed kitchen, which allows for delightful culinary adventures with all of your favorite local ingredients from the nearby market. On the same level, three comfortably spacious bedrooms await, ready to house you, your family, or guests who come to savor your slice of French countryside life. A practical bathroom serves the household with its straightforward utility. The basement level expands your living possibilities. A summer kitchen offers that bit of extra space for enthusiastic cooks or those partial to al fresco-style dinners. The property also features a shower room, garage, storage room, boiler room, and a cellar that could potentially house your wine collection. This property boasts a lovely garden spread across 3,159 square meters, dotted with sheds, which could spark a gardener's passion or provide ample room for those looking to invest in further landscaping. It offers more than just a backyard; it's a slate for you ... click here to read more

Parlez-vous la langue de l'opportunité? Here we have a sprawling 6-bedroom stone house nestled in the picturesque hamlet near Civray, Poitou-Charentes, France. This expansive property not only offers ample space for a growing family or a holiday retreat, but also promises a serene lifestyle with its impressive rural vistas and well-maintained features. The property is conveniently located close to the vibrant towns of Ruffec and Civray, where one can find an impressive range of shops, restaurants, and transportation options. This part of France, with its rich history and warm community spirit, is truly a welcoming place. Maison de rêve? Well, this one just might be. With 315 square meters of interior space, this home invites you to create lasting memories. The main house greets you with two large reception rooms, each boasting a charming fireplace and a cozy wood-burning stove—the perfect setting for those chilly evenings. While these reception rooms are mostly complete, one does require some finishing, offering the opportunity to add your personal touch. For the culinary enthusiast, the large kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a hub for family and friends. With top-notch equipment and a view over the garden terrace, it's an entertainer's dream. Adjacent to the kitchen, a spacious utility/laundry room adds extra convenience. Imagine starting your day with a tranquil breakfast on the terrace, soaking up views of the luscious gardens. Moving upstairs, you find two large double bedrooms sharing a modern, comfortable shower room. Prefect for family or visiting guests. On the ground floor, a generous bedroom suite complete with a private bathroom offers a peaceful retreat. But that's not all—the property incl ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this charming 3-bedroom house in Civray offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a second home in France. With its serene riverfront location and proximity to local amenities, this property is perfect for overseas buyers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the River Charente flowing by, as sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over your private garden. This is the daily reality for those fortunate enough to call this property their second home. Located on a peaceful no-through road, the house offers a perfect blend of privacy and accessibility, just 2 km from the vibrant town center of Civray. Property Highlights: - Spacious Living: The house boasts a generous 82m² of living space, with three well-appointed bedrooms, including a master suite with an en-suite shower room. - Riverside Charm: Enjoy approximately 27 meters of river frontage, providing stunning views and a serene atmosphere. - Modern Comforts: Equipped with oil-fired central heating and a cozy fireplace in the living room, ensuring comfort year-round. - Functional Layout: The bright living area is situated above a large 87m² basement, offering ample storage or potential for further development. - Well-Maintained: The property is in good condition, ready for immediate occupancy, with a recently installed septic tank. - Outdoor Oasis: The expansive garden leads directly to the river, perfect for leisurely afternoons or entertaining guests. - Convenient Location: Situated in a quiet hamlet, yet close to all necessary amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Local Lifestyle and ... click here to read more

Saturday morning in Civray starts with a sound you won't hear in Paris or London — the unhurried clatter of market stalls being set up along the town square, vendors arranging towers of local goat's cheese, bunches of sunflowers, and baskets of walnuts from the Charente countryside. From this house, you can walk there in under ten minutes. That's not a selling point dressed up as a lifestyle — it's just Tuesday. Or Saturday. Or any day you choose. Civray sits in the southern tip of the Vienne department, in a region that most international buyers haven't discovered yet — which is precisely why it still feels real. The Charente River curves lazily around the edge of town, and the surrounding landscape is the kind of unhurried, rolling farmland that makes you slow down involuntarily. If you've been looking at overpriced Dordogne villages or the increasingly crowded Lot, the Vienne is quietly offering something comparable for a fraction of the cost. This house is a proper maison bourgeoise — the kind of solid, high-ceilinged French townhouse that was built to last centuries and very much has. At 103 square metres, it's not enormous, but every room breathes. The ground floor draws you in through a living room lined with decorative wood panelling that catches the afternoon light in a way that feels almost theatrical — warm, amber, like the inside of a French film you can't quite name. That room flows into a lounge with an ornamental fireplace, and beyond it, a fitted modern kitchen that somehow manages to feel at home alongside all the period character. French doors off the kitchen open directly onto the terrace, so summer dinners happen naturally outside — a carafe of Haut-Poitou rosé, the garden going gold in the evening ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Civray. The market on the Place du Champ de Foire is already humming—local farmers setting up stalls of Charentais melons, rounds of chèvre, and bottles of Pineau des Charentes—and from the veranda of this town house, the soft green sweep of the valley rolls out in front of you with not a single rooftop to interrupt it. That unobstructed view across the Charente river valley is the first thing people notice. It tends to be the thing they remember longest. Civray sits in the Vienne department, right at the southern edge of the old Poitou-Charentes region, a part of France that doesn't make it onto postcards as often as it should. That's quietly a selling point. Property prices remain grounded compared to the Dordogne or the Loire Valley, the countryside is genuinely unspoiled, and the rhythms of daily French life here feel real rather than performed for tourists. The boulangerie on Rue du Marché opens at 7am and runs out of croissants by 9. The café on the square fills up after noon with regulars who have been having lunch there for thirty years. It's that kind of town. The house itself sits in a calm residential pocket just a short walk from all of those shops and cafés—close enough to grab a baguette without getting in the car, far enough that the street outside is quiet. It's been renovated to a solid standard and is genuinely move-in ready, something that matters more than it sounds when you're buying from abroad. No surprise works to commission before you can turn the key. The heat pump, double glazing, and full renovation are already done, and the energy bills reflect it—this is a low-consumption home with a GHG rating of B, which is genuinely rare in French residential stock of this age. The li ... click here to read more

Discover a blend of potential and tradition in this quaint 4-bedroom house nestled in the charming town of Civray, part of the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Vienne, France. Positioned idyllically with a total living space of 235 sqm, this property not only offers spacious accommodation but also an opportunity to tap into the hospitality sector, thanks to its previous use in hosting guests for seminars and meetings. As you enter the property, you're welcomed by a versatile ground floor area that includes a meeting room complemented by relaxation and sanitary facilities. Additionally, there is a cozy apartment on this level that can sleep three, featuring a private bedroom. Ascend to the upper floors, and you'll find two more apartments. One is capable of accommodating six guests with a closed bedroom and an adjoining room, whilst another caters to four guests with similar arrangements. This layout offers great flexibility in terms of usage whether you’re looking into maintaining its commercial capability or converting it into a sizeable family residence. With its high-quality renovations, the property offers good services, ensuring comfort without losing the authentic French rural charm. A courtyard and a garage add to the practicality, and the property is being sold fully furnished, which makes for an easier transition whether for private use or continuation of business. Amenities: - Courtyard - Garage - Fully furnished - Heating system - Rustic charm with modern facilities While the house is solid and liveable, it represents a splendid opportunity for someone with an eye for enhancements or a penchant for customizing their living space to their taste. With parts of the home previously adapted for commercia ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Poitou-Charentes region, this delightful 3-bedroom house in Civray offers an idyllic escape for those seeking a second home in France. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Civray is a hidden gem that promises a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the French countryside, where the air is crisp and the mornings are serene. This charming house, with its 119 square meters of living space, is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle while enjoying the comforts of a well-maintained home. ### A Glimpse into Your New Home - Spacious Living: The ground floor welcomes you with a cozy living room, a functional kitchen, and a convenient shower room with a toilet. It's a space designed for relaxation and family gatherings. - Comfortable Bedrooms: Upstairs, you'll find two inviting bedrooms, each offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the local area. - Additional Studio: A separate 30 square meter studio, complete with its own shower room and toilet, provides an excellent opportunity for rental income or a private guest suite. - Outdoor Oasis: The property boasts a charming garden, perfect for alfresco dining or simply soaking up the sun. A garden shed and garage offer additional storage and convenience. - Investment Potential: With a rental income of €300 per month from the studio, this property is not only a delightful second home but also a smart investment. ### Discover Civray and Beyond Civray is a town that captures the essence of French rural life. Its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. As a ... click here to read more

The kitchen window faces east, and on a clear morning in Civray, the light comes in low and golden across terracotta floors that have been worn smooth over generations. There's a particular stillness to this corner of the Vienne — not emptiness, but the kind of quiet you have to actively seek out and rarely find. This is that place. The house is a stone longère, which is the long, low farmhouse form that defines rural Poitou-Charentes. These buildings were built to last, and this one has. Thick limestone walls keep the interior cool in July when the sunflower fields along the D1 are baking in 30-degree heat, and warm in February when morning frost whitens the lawn. At 243 square metres, the proportions are genuinely generous — you feel it the moment you step through the entrance hall and realize this isn't a weekend cottage stretched thin across too many rooms, but a proper family house with room to breathe. The heart of everything is the dining room. Cathedral ceilings, exposed oak beams, a fireplace wide enough to stand in, and a mezzanine gallery above that catches afternoon light beautifully. This is the room that will make your guests go quiet for a moment when they first see it. It's the room where Christmas happens, where Sunday lunches run until four in the afternoon, where the kids eventually claim the mezzanine as their own private territory. The country kitchen sits adjacent — practical, substantial, with a dining area and a large utility room behind it that serious cooks and rural living both demand. There's also a sitting room with a wood-burning stove and a quieter room that works perfectly as a study or reading space, the kind you actually use rather than just photograph. A ground-floor bedroom with its ... click here to read more

Discover a charming home nestled in the serene setting of Savigné, Vienne, in the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, France. This beautifully renovated stone barn offers a unique blend of rustic appeal and modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil French countryside while enjoying the conveniences of contemporary living. Property Features: - Three generously-sized double bedrooms - Two bathrooms; one family bathroom with WC and one ensuite in the larger bedroom - Spacious open-plan living room/dining room with exposed beams, original stonework, and polished wooden floors - Large, well-equipped kitchen with ample dining space and French doors opening to an outside sitting area - Total living space of 148 square meters This delightful house, once a traditional stone barn, has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve its historic charm while providing modern amenities. The interior needs only minor finishing touches, giving new owners the perfect opportunity to personalize their space. Although the property currently lacks a heating system, the installation of a wood-burning stove or other heating solutions can easily be accomplished, making this home comfortable for year-round living. The house sits on the edge of a peaceful hamlet, offering expansive views of the surrounding farmland. The tranquility of the area is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Living in Savigné: Residents of Savigné enjoy a lifestyle that is deeply connected with nature and the community. The local area is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing, thanks to its lush landscapes and proximity to the river Charen ... click here to read more

Nestled in the charming French countryside, this delightful three-bedroom house in Savigné invites you to step into a quaint village lifestyle—an oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of Poitou-Charentes. With ample character and a sense of history, this home offers a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal dwelling for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As we find ourselves increasingly drawn to spaces that offer solace and comfort, this property certainly delivers on both fronts. Property Highlights: - Renovated old farmhouse - Entrance of 29 m² - Spacious living room 93 m² with integrated kitchen, lounge, and dining area - Ground-floor bedroom of 14 m² - Mezzanine of 38 m² - Two upper-floor bedrooms (15 m² and 21 m²) - Shower room 12 m² and separate toilet - Additional cellar space - Adjoining barns and outbuildings - Generous land with wooded areas Let's embark on a visualization of this lovely home. As you enter, you are welcomed by a generous 29 m² entryway that sets the tone for the expansive and open atmosphere of the entire dwelling. This home has been thoughtfully renovated, preserving the authenticity of an old farmhouse while providing contemporary living spaces. In the spacious living room of 93 m², you'll find the perfect space to entertain family and friends—or simply relax, enveloped by the warmth and character of the wooden beams and stone walls. The open-plan kitchen is designed for convenience, allowing you to cook up French delicacies while engaging with guests seated in the cozy lounge or at the dining table. Descending to the ground floor, a well-sized bedroom of 14 m² provides a convenient and comfortable rest space, ideal for g ... click here to read more