Stunning 5-Bed Barn Conversion with Panoramic Views

Sunday morning in Beauville starts with the smell of bread. The boulangerie on the main square fires up early, and if your bedroom window is open—which it will be, because the air here in July is warm but never stifling—the scent reaches you before your alarm does. That's not a selling point you'll find in any brochure. It's just what life is like in this particular corner of Lot-et-Garonne, and it's the kind of thing that turns a holiday home purchase into one of the best decisions you ever made. This four-bedroom village house sits right in the heart of Beauville, one of the most intact bastide villages in Aquitaine. Built to a medieval grid plan in the 13th century, Beauville has the kind of architectural coherence that planners in other towns spend millions trying to recreate. The covered arcades around the central square, the honey-coloured stone, the church tower that chimes the quarter-hours—it's all still here, and this house is part of it. From the front door, the market square is a two-minute walk. From the top-floor living space, you can watch the whole village go about its business. The house covers around 190 square metres across three floors, and what strikes you first is how much space there actually is. Village properties in the Lot-et-Garonne often look compact from the street and reveal themselves slowly. This one does exactly that. The ground floor has a bedroom that works perfectly for guests who don't want stairs, or for owners who eventually want single-level living as a practical option. The first floor holds three more well-proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms. And then there's the top floor—converted, bright, sitting under the original roof timbers—currently used as a family room and home of ... click here to read more

On a Sunday morning in Guern, the first thing you notice is the silence — not emptiness, but the full, textured quiet of deep Breton countryside. Then a woodpigeon somewhere in the old oak at the garden's edge, and the smell of damp stone warming slowly in the early sun. This is a house that has been standing since 1638, and it feels it — in the best possible way. Set on a landscaped plot of just under 2,900 square metres, this five-bedroom stone property sits about ten minutes outside Pontivy, a proper Breton market town with a canal, a Napoleonic street grid, and a covered market where you can buy andouille sausage, buckwheat flour, and raw-milk butter before nine in the morning. The house itself is the kind of place that makes you rethink what you thought you wanted from a French property. Forget the neat and the newly renovated. This is something older and more serious. The oldest section of the main house dates to 1638, and the stonework shows it — thick walls that keep rooms cool through July, a majestic open fireplace beneath a soaring unceilinged section of the living room that turns even a grey November afternoon into something you want to linger in. The living space is generous and genuinely characterful, with an oak-floored mezzanine overhead that looks down over the room and gives the whole space a scale you rarely find in this price bracket. Below, the kitchen connects through to a back kitchen and laundry room — the kind of practical layout that makes a big house actually liveable, not just impressive to photograph. There are two independent entrances to the main house, which opens up real flexibility. One side handles the social, day-to-day flow — kitchen, back kitchen, living room with the fireplace — ... click here to read more

Step out of the garage in the early morning and the first thing you notice is the silence — not the hollow kind, but the full, layered quiet of deep rural France, where the only sounds are wood pigeons in the oaks and the faint trickle of water from the pool filter kicking on. This is Troche, a hamlet in the folds of Corrèze, and life here runs at a pace most people only experience on holiday. Which is exactly the point. Built in 2022 and sitting on nearly 3,000 square metres of open countryside, this three-bedroom house punches well above its modest footprint. At 94 square metres, every centimetre has been thought through. The living room opens directly into a fitted kitchen — no awkward corridor, no closed-off cooking — so whoever's at the stove is still part of the conversation. French doors from this space lead straight to the heated swimming pool. That detail matters more than it sounds. On a July afternoon in the Limousin, when temperatures climb into the low thirties and the air smells faintly of warm cut grass, being three steps from the water is everything. The three bedrooms are calm, well-proportioned spaces. Two come with built-in wardrobes, practical for families who actually want to live here rather than just visit twice a year. The bathroom has both a bathtub and a walk-in shower — again, small choices that reflect considered design. There's also a dedicated storeroom, which international buyers often overlook until they're trying to figure out where to keep pool equipment, bikes, and the extra firewood they didn't expect to use. Then there's the technical spec, and this is where the property genuinely stands out in its price bracket. An air-to-water heat pump handles heating and cooling. A thermodynami ... click here to read more

Stand on the upstairs terrace of this place on a clear morning and you'll understand immediately why people drive three hours south from Paris just to breathe this air. The Corrèze countryside rolls away from you in every direction — deep green, almost shockingly quiet, broken only by the occasional church bell drifting up from Troche below and the sound of wind moving through the oak trees at the edge of the property. This is not a backdrop. It's the whole point. The property itself is genuinely unusual — two separate stone houses, each with its own character and floor plan, joined together by a custom-built glass veranda that has become the heart of the home. That veranda is where you'll end up spending most of your time. It pulls in light from both sides, looks out onto the wooded plot, and has this wonderful in-between quality: sheltered enough for a rainy afternoon with a book, open enough in summer that you barely feel indoors at all. It's the kind of space that takes a moment to understand and then becomes impossible to give up. The first house is anchored by a generously sized fitted kitchen with a wood-burning stove — the sort of stove that makes the whole room feel like somewhere you actually want to be from October through March. A ground-floor bedroom and shower room sit adjacent to it, keeping things practical for guests or for those who'd rather avoid stairs. Head up and the mezzanine living room opens directly onto that terrace with its long countryside views — this is the view you'll be photographing every season, watching it shift from the pale green of April to the amber and rust of late October. A second bedroom and a full bathroom with toilet complete this upper level. The second house runs on its ... click here to read more

Step out of the veranda on a June morning and all you can hear is the low hum of bees working through the meadow grass. The Corrèze countryside rolls away in every direction — soft hills, oak stands, not a rooftop in sight. This is what 2.82 hectares of your own land feels like. The house itself is a proper Limousin stone farmhouse, the kind built to last centuries and the kind that actually has. Slate roof, thick walls that keep the interior cool through August without any air conditioning running. It was renovated in 2003, which means the bones were kept honest while the living spaces were updated enough to move straight into without a renovation project hanging over you. At 131 square metres across two floors, it's genuinely liveable for a family — not so sprawling it becomes a burden to maintain, not so compact you're bumping into each other. The ground floor has a flow that makes sense. You come in through an entrance hall, move into a fitted kitchen that opens directly to the dining and living room — a fireplace at one end, a wood-burning stove doing the heavy lifting in the winter months when the Corrèze hills get properly cold and the idea of curling up with a book and a local Brive-la-Gaillarde walnut cake sounds genuinely appealing. A bedroom and shower room sit on this level too, which means the whole house can function single-storey if needed. But the real surprise is the veranda — large, full of afternoon light, opening straight onto the grounds and the swimming pool. That pool was built in 2025, a traditional 7m x 3.5m format, so it's fresh, clean, and ready for the first summer. Upstairs, three more bedrooms with sloped ceilings give the house that classic French farmhouse character, accompanied by a sho ... click here to read more

You wake up to no particular sound except a wood pigeon in the pear tree and the faint clang of a bell from the village down the lane. The kitchen smells of last night's fig jam still cooling on the counter. Through the window, the farmland rolls out golden in every direction, and by the time your coffee's done, you've already decided you're not going anywhere today. That is exactly the pace of life this three-bedroom stone house in Dolmayrac delivers — and once you've had a taste of it, ordinary weekends will never quite measure up again. Dolmayrac sits in the Lot-et-Garonne département, one of those quietly extraordinary corners of southwest France that doesn't appear on postcards but absolutely should. The Lot Valley cuts through the landscape a short drive away, and the market town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot — with its Saturday farmers' market spilling across Place Lafayette — is close enough to be genuinely useful without intruding on the rural quiet. This is Aquitaine without the tourist crowds, without the inflated prices of the Dordogne, and without any sense that you're following a well-worn expat trail. It feels discovered rather than packaged. The house itself is built in the stone that defines this region — thick walls that keep the interior cool through July and August without air conditioning, and which hold the warmth of a log fire well into November. Inside, exposed beams run the length of the generous living and dining room, where two wood-burning stoves sit at either end like old friends. The stonework throughout is honest and unhurried, the kind you simply couldn't replicate today without serious money and serious patience. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms across the main house give you room to host prope ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in the Périgord Noir, you open the kitchen door onto the terrace and the air smells of woodsmoke and damp stone. A church bell somewhere down the lane counts out nine strikes. That's life in this hamlet just outside Salignac-Eyvigues — unhurried, rooted, and quietly extraordinary. This three-bedroom stone house sits in a small hamlet in the Dordogne département of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, one of the most coveted second-home destinations in all of France. It's a proper working property, not a renovation project or a holiday shell. At 137 square metres spread across three floors, it has the kind of bones that took generations to build and the kind of condition that means you can arrive with a suitcase rather than a skip. The ground floor sets the tone immediately. The main living room stretches to nearly 34 square metres, with exposed stone walls that stay cool in July heat, original beams overhead, and terracotta tiles underfoot that have absorbed a century of footsteps. The fitted kitchen-dining room at just over 20 square metres opens through French doors onto the terrace — which is where summer evenings actually happen, with a glass of Bergerac rouge and the sound of swallows cutting overhead. There's also a ground-floor shower room with WC, practical for anyone coming in from the garden. Upstairs, the first floor reveals the house's most generous room: a 34-square-metre sitting room with a working wood burner tucked into a stone fireplace. On winter evenings — and Dordogne winters are mild but damp — this room is the whole world. Exposed beams run the length of the ceiling, and the stone walls are the same here as on every floor, giving the house a remarkable thermal consistency. The main bedro ... click here to read more

Step into the kitchen of the converted barn on a Saturday morning in October, French doors flung open, the smell of woodsmoke drifting in from the garden, and you'll understand immediately why someone spent years restoring this 1778 farmstead with such patience. The Limousin countryside rolls out in every direction. Nothing but birdsong, the faint trickle of a natural spring feeding an old stone washing basin, and the knowledge that Paris is three hours north and you'd rather stay exactly here. This is a property with real bones and a real story. Built in 1778 and sitting on just over 10,000 square metres of mature gardens, terraces, and lawns in a quiet rural hamlet near Coussac-Bonneval in Haute-Vienne, the estate comprises three separate living spaces — a 173 m² converted barn serving as the main residence, a 124 m² original farmhouse restored as a two-bedroom gîte, and a 29 m² studio apartment currently generating income on short-term rental platforms. That's 325 square metres of habitable space across the full property, plus a workshop, the old pigsty (ripe for conversion), an above-ground pool, and a working well. For a second home that pays for itself, or for two families who want to share a slice of rural France without actually sharing a kitchen, this configuration is genuinely rare. The barn conversion is where the architectural confidence shows most clearly. Downstairs, a 30 m² kitchen anchors the space — big enough to actually cook in, with French doors that open onto two separate terraces so you can chase the shade or the sun depending on the season. A 54 m² living room with fireplace. A laundry room, a WC, and a ground-floor bedroom with en-suite shower, useful when knees or houseguests become a considera ... click here to read more

On a still Tuesday morning in Vignols, the loudest thing you'll hear is a wood pigeon calling from the oak tree at the back of the garden. No traffic. No sirens. Just 3,800 square metres of fully fenced green, a stone-quiet lane, and the kind of rural France that most people assume no longer exists. This is where you find it. Set roughly halfway between Pompadour and Objat in the rolling hills of Corrèze, this solid detached house was built in 2009 — meaning it has the bones of traditional French countryside architecture with the practical advantages of modern construction: proper insulation, up-to-date electrics, and no decade-long renovation list waiting for you on arrival. At 117 square metres, it's not trying to be more than it is. It's a house that works. A proper home, calm and well-proportioned, that a family can walk into and immediately start using. Step inside and the living room anchors everything. The fireplace becomes the heart of the house from October through April — and in Corrèze, those evenings come early and cool quickly, which makes it genuinely useful rather than decorative. The fitted kitchen is generous by French rural standards, with enough room to cook a real Sunday meal: a confit de canard slow-braised from market-bought legs, a tarte aux noix made from the walnuts that grow everywhere in this part of France. Three bedrooms give the layout real flexibility — a master, a room for kids or guests, and the third that quietly becomes whatever you need it to be: a study, a studio, a reading room with the window cracked open to the garden air. The pantry is one of those features that sounds minor until you own it. In a rural vacation home, it's transformative — somewhere to store the cases of Cahors ... click here to read more

Stand at the upstairs mezzanine window on a still Tuesday morning and you'll understand immediately why people come to Corrèze and never quite manage to leave. The rooftops of Saint-Sornin-Lavolps spread out below, and beyond them, the sweeping grass of the local racecourse catches the early light. No traffic noise. Just birdsong, possibly a distant tractor, and the kind of quiet that city dwellers pay a fortune to find. This four-bedroom house sits on an elevated cul-de-sac — genuinely the kind of position where neighbours are close enough to wave to but far enough that you'd never hear them. The elevated plot gives you those racecourse views without any effort, framed from the living room, the garden, and that mezzanine perch upstairs that could be a reading room, a studio, or the best-connected home office you've ever had the pleasure of working from. The ground floor is practical in the best French sense: nothing wasted, everything considered. A proper entrance hall greets you — not a corridor you squeeze past, but a hall that sets the tone. The fitted kitchen leads naturally into daily life here: morning coffee before the market run, long lunches that drift into afternoon, the kind of cooking that happens when you're not in a hurry. The living room anchors the social heart of the house with a fireplace insert — and if you've never spent a Corrèze winter evening with a fire going while rain taps the windows and something slow-cooked on the stove, that's an experience you've been missing. Four bedrooms sit across the ground floor, one of which has its own shower room en suite — a small detail that makes a significant difference when you have guests. A separate shower room and two toilets handle the morning rush for ... click here to read more

The morning light in the Landes hits differently. It comes in low and golden through the pine trees, and by the time you're drinking your first coffee on a 2,500 square metre flat plot with no neighbours in sight, you start to understand why people who discover this corner of southwest France rarely leave. This four-bedroom house in Saint-Geours-de-Maremne is one of those rare finds that gives you something increasingly hard to come by in the region: genuine space, serious potential, and a price that actually makes sense. Saint-Geours-de-Maremne sits in the heart of the Landes, that vast, pine-forested département that stretches between Bordeaux and the Basque Country. The village itself is quiet, unpretentious, and exactly the kind of place where locals still nod at strangers on the street. But don't mistake quiet for remote. Dax, with its thermal baths, covered market, and weekly Saturday feria buzz, is less than fifteen minutes away. Bayonne — home to the famous Fêtes de Bayonne in August, arguably the wildest five-day festival in all of France — is under forty minutes by car. And the Atlantic coast? The surf breaks at Hossegor and Capbreton are a twenty-minute drive, where in September the Quiksilver Pro brings world-class competition to waves that churn year-round. The property itself is 200 square metres of living space, made up of an original older house of around 100 square metres combined with a substantial 100 square metre extension already built across two levels. The extension is structurally complete — the shell is there, the bones are good — but the interior fit-out is yours to define. That's not a flaw; that's the opportunity. Anyone who's tried to buy a finished, move-in-ready house in the Landes at thi ... click here to read more

On a quiet Sunday morning in Tocane-Saint-Apre, you wake to birdsong and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting from a neighbouring farmhouse. You pad downstairs, throw open the kitchen window, and the garden just sits there — unhurried, green, completely yours. That's the rhythm this house has kept for three decades, and it's one you can step straight into. This four-bedroom house in the heart of the Dordogne has been the summer anchor for the same family since the early 1990s. That kind of loyalty tells you something. The property sits in Tocane-Saint-Apre, a genuinely lived-in village rather than a tourist set piece, about 20 minutes northeast of Périgueux along the D939. Local life here revolves around the weekly market in Brantôme — the so-called Venice of the Périgord — just 14 kilometres up the road, where you'll find duck rillettes, walnut oil pressed from trees grown a field away, and strawberries from the farms around Vergt that are, frankly, absurd in their sweetness. The house itself is symmetrical in plan, which gives it an unusually calm, balanced feel the moment you step inside. The entrance hall acts as a natural spine: to one side, a dual-aspect living and dining room with a wood-burning stove that throws out serious heat on autumn evenings; to the other, the kitchen and a shower room with WC, plus a separate guest WC — practical for a family who's actually using the place, not just looking at it. Upstairs, four proper double bedrooms, all generously proportioned in that unhurried way older French houses tend to be. Above that, a full attic accessible by stairs. Storage now, potentially a fifth bedroom or studio space later, subject to the usual planning considerations. Outside is where summer really h ... click here to read more

Step out onto the terrace on a Saturday morning and the first thing you notice is the silence — not the dead kind, but the alive kind. Birds in the walnut trees, a faint breeze off the Dordogne valley, and the faint scent of woodsmoke from a neighbouring farm. That's Saint-Avit. And once you've stood here with a coffee in hand, watching the mist lift off the rolling Lot-et-Garonne hills, it's very hard to imagine being anywhere else. This three-bedroom stone house sits in one of the quieter, greener corners of Aquitaine — a region most people think they know from Bordeaux wine routes and the Périgord truffle markets, but which holds far more than that in its folds. Lot-et-Garonne is sometimes called the "garden of France," and it earns the name. Orchards line the roadsides in spring. The weekly markets in Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Monflanquin spill over with strawberries from the Garronne plain, foie gras from local farms, and cheeses you won't find behind supermarket glass. Life here runs at a pace that feels deliberate rather than slow. The house itself has the bones of something built to last centuries — because it was. Terracotta floor tiles throughout the ground floor, thick exposed stone walls, and chestnut ceiling beams that have absorbed decades of firelight from the wood burner in the main living and kitchen space. That open-plan room clocks in at nearly 28 square metres, big enough for a long Sunday lunch with family but intimate enough to feel genuinely cosy on a January evening when the burner is doing its job. The dining room opens directly onto the terrace through double doors — the kind of detail that becomes central to daily life from May through October, when you'll eat outside more often than not. The g ... click here to read more

On a clear morning in Vienne-en-Arthies, you open the French doors off the living room and the Vexin countryside rolls out in front of you — soft hills, open sky, not a rooftop in sight. Coffee in hand, the only sound is birdsong and the distant rhythm of a tractor somewhere beyond the tree line. This is rural Île-de-France at its most honest, and it's just 70 kilometres from Paris. Vienne-en-Arthies sits in the Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français, a protected landscape of limestone plateaus, wheat fields, and stone villages that feels like it belongs to another century. Five minutes down the road is Vétheuil, the riverside village that captivated Claude Monet before he ever reached Giverny — and you can see exactly why when you walk the Seine bank at dusk. The light here does something extraordinary in the late afternoon, the kind of golden slant that makes even a grain silo look like a painting. The house itself sits on around 1,500 square metres of land, and at 104 square metres of living space it strikes that rare balance — enough room for family and friends without becoming a maintenance burden. The ground floor revolves around a 29-square-metre living and dining area with an open-plan kitchen at one end and a fireplace with an insert at the other. In January, when the Vexin frosts bite, that insert earns its keep. Come July, the glazed doors fold back and the terrace becomes the de facto dining room, the garden stretching away toward open countryside. Upstairs, two generous bedrooms sit under partially mansard rooflines — the sloped ceilings give them a tucked-in quality that guests tend to love. The garden level adds real versatility: a third room currently configured as an additional bedroom, with an adjo ... click here to read more

Sunday morning in Bouquetot moves slowly. The smell of fresh bread drifts up from the boulangerie in Bourg-Achard five minutes down the road, church bells carry across flat green fields, and beyond the tall hedgerows that frame this property's 4,580 square metre plot, there's almost nothing to hear but birdsong and the occasional tractor on a distant lane. This is rural Normandy at its most genuine — not the postcard version, the real one. Built in 1960 and kept in consistently good condition by owners who clearly cared about the details, this 103 square metre house sits on a fully enclosed, tree-lined lot that feels more like a private park than a garden. Step outside on a June evening and the light stays golden until nearly ten. The flat lawn is wide enough for a game of pétanque, a badminton net, or simply a table long enough to seat the extended family for a Norman spread — think camembert straight from the market at Pont-Audemer, a terrine from the charcuterie in Bourg-Achard's Wednesday market, and a bottle of local Calvados to close things out. The entrance through the veranda-style extension sets the tone: this is a house that has been lived in and loved. The 26 square metre living room faces southwest, which matters enormously in Normandy — afternoon sun floods the room, and you earn every one of those winter hours around the fireplace insert. The tiled floors are easy to maintain, practical in the way that a proper country house should be. The fitted kitchen is ready to go from day one, no renovation project standing between you and your first summer here. Three bedrooms give the property genuine flexibility. Use it as a family holiday home and everyone gets their own space. Rent it out during peak summer we ... click here to read more

The church bells from the village of Ménéac carry just far enough on a still morning to reach the kitchen window — but you'd have to open it first, and by then the smell of coffee and woodsmoke from the stone fireplace has already pulled you firmly into the day. This is the kind of place that resets your clock. Six hectares of Breton countryside, two independent dwellings carved out of a grand old granite longhouse, and a second stone longère waiting in the wings. At €292,000 for the whole estate, it's not a fantasy — it's a real opportunity that doesn't come around often. Let's start with what's here right now. The main property is a large traditional Breton stone house, divided into two fully functional dwellings. Both are in good condition and ready to live in, which matters more than people realize when you're buying remotely from abroad. No months of waiting on contractors before your first stay. The first dwelling runs across two floors. Ground level gives you a living room anchored by a fireplace with a wood-burning stove — the kind you'll actually use from October through April — plus a proper kitchen, a laundry room, and a toilet. Upstairs, one bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, there's a second bedroom, a family bathroom, and a room currently used as an office but flexible enough to become a third sleeping space when the cousins arrive in August. The second dwelling mirrors this layout almost exactly: a living room with its own fireplace and wood-burning stove, a kitchen-dining room (slightly more sociable in its configuration), a laundry room, a toilet downstairs, then an en-suite bedroom, another bedroom, a family bathroom, and an office upstairs. Two complete homes. Same stone walls, same slate roof, s ... click here to read more

Stand on the covered terrace on a clear October morning and you can see all the way across the Roussillon plain — the vineyards turning rust and gold, the Mediterranean a thin silver line on the horizon, and the Albères mountains pressing up close behind you. This is Laroque-des-Albères. Not the tourist brochure version of southern France, but the real, lived-in one, where the weekly market on the square smells of thyme and grilled blood sausage, where the locals drink their grenache at tables that have never moved, and where the light in late afternoon turns the stone walls the color of warm honey. The property itself is a two-part setup that gives you rare flexibility. A detached villa of around 95 square meters sits at the heart of the plot, solid in construction and in good condition throughout. Ground floor living is set up sensibly: two bedrooms, a shower room, a separate toilet, an independent kitchen, and a living room that opens directly onto a 30-square-meter covered terrace. That terrace is where life actually happens — morning coffee in the shade of the overhang, long lunches that drift into the afternoon, the smell of wild rosemary carried down from the hills above. Upstairs, a third bedroom, a mezzanine space, and an office give you room to spread out, whether you're working remotely for a week or hosting three generations of family across the summer. Beyond the villa, a completely independent T3 apartment changes the entire financial conversation around this property. Two bedrooms, a shower room, an open kitchen flowing into the living area, its own private terrace with that sweeping view over the plain, and a storage shed. The apartment is fully self-contained — guests, family members, or tenants have t ... click here to read more

Picture a Saturday morning in late September. You pull open the roller shutters and the light that floods the living room is that particular gold you only get this far south — thick, warm, almost edible. Outside, the vines on the Agly plain are turning amber. There's a market in Rivesaltes, twenty minutes on foot, where someone is grilling merguez next to a stall piled with Muscat grapes and local honey. This is not a fantasy. This is a regular weekend when you own this 233 m² villa on a quiet residential street in one of the most quietly compelling corners of the French Midi. Rivesaltes sits in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, tucked between Perpignan and the coast, flanked by vineyards that have been producing wine since the Romans passed through. The town's name is practically synonymous with the famous Muscat de Rivesaltes and the rich Rivesaltes Ambré, and the Cave de Rivesaltes cooperative — one of the largest in the region — welcomes visitors year-round for tastings that won't cost you a fortune. This is everyday life here, not a tourist attraction you visit once. The villa itself is a proper single-storey family home with a footprint that feels rare at this price point in southern France. At 233 m² of living space spread across one generous floor — plus a 16 m² upstairs office — the layout is genuinely practical rather than just spacious on paper. The main living room stretches to 38 m², and with the open-plan kitchen flowing into it, the whole social heart of the house breathes. Five bedrooms, two full bathrooms plus en-suites, a separate laundry room — this is a home that can absorb a large family or a revolving cast of guests without anyone feeling crowded. The 22 m² garage keeps a car out of the Roussill ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the enchanting region of Limousin in France, this charming stone-built house in Bersac-sur-Rivalier beckons with its rustic elegance and serene setting. Perfectly positioned amidst rolling hills, this home offers a distinct touch of French countryside living while maintaining proximity to modern conveniences. As a real estate agent, I'm always on the go, juggling endless properties, but let me spare a moment to take you through this inviting abode in one of France's hidden gems. First off, Bersac-sur-Rivalier is a quaint town that captures the quintessential spirit of rural France. Located in the Haute-Vienne department, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from Limoges, a vibrant city teeming with culture and history. Limoges also offers the advantage of an international airport, which makes traveling to and from this picturesque locale a breeze for overseas buyers. The town also enjoys great connectivity with the A20 motorway, linking you conveniently to both Paris and Toulouse. The local community in Bersac-sur-Rivalier is warm and welcoming, creating an inviting atmosphere for newcomers. Life here moves at a gentle pace, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle, yet there's always something to do. With picturesque walking paths nearby, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Horse-riding enthusiasts can indulge in their passion at the local centre, and the area hosts delightful summer events such as the lively "Graine de rue" theatre festival and colorful car-boot sales. Now, let’s step into your new potential home. This lovingly redone four-bedroom house strikes a harmonious balance between traditional charm and contemporary livability. Here's a quick snapshot of what this delightful property ha ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque village of Laurière within the scenic confines of Haute-Vienne, Limousin, this charming two-bedroom house offers the perfect blend of comfort and potential for personalization. Situated amidst the serene beauty of rural France, this home is ideally priced at €72,000 and is well-suited for those looking to immerse themselves in village life while enjoying easy access to modern necessities. Upon entering the property, you are welcomed by a cozy entrance hall that leads into a dining room equipped with a traditional fireplace. While the flue is currently not in place, all required equipment for reinstallation is readily available, inviting a touch of your own design flair. Adjacent to the dining room is a fully equipped kitchen that promises potential for culinary exploration. The living space extends to a comfortable lounge area, perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings. Beyond this, a handy utility room and a separate toilet complete the ground floor layout, making it both practical and accessible. Moving to the first floor, the residence features two generously sized bedrooms and a modern large bathroom, providing ample space for family and guests alike. An additional room offers flexible space that could serve as a small third bedroom, a dressing room, or a study, adapting to your lifestyle needs. Potential buyers will be pleased to find an expansive attic accessed via stairs from the first floor, offering additional storage or renovation possibilities to create more living space. One of the highlights of this property is its delightful private garden, an oasis of calm mainly laid to lawn and perfect for leisure activities or gardening enthusiasts. Additionally, the property inclu ... click here to read more

Imagine owning a charming piece of history nestled in the picturesque region of Limousin, within the Haute-Vienne department in France. Welcome to this magnificent 16th-century farmhouse located in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, a quaint town that perfectly encapsulates the rural charm of France. Imagine waking up each day to the serene beauty of rolling landscapes, where the past whispers stories through the stones of a grand old Manor House. This captivating farmhouse is not just a property; it's a lifestyle waiting to be discovered. Offering 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, this expansive manor provides ample space for a large family or the opportunity to turn it into a thriving hospitality business. The property used to operate as a hotel restaurant, boasting remarkable features that celebrate its rich heritage, from the two superb monumental fireplaces to the exquisite period cut stone floors in the restaurant area. Situated on over 4 acres of land, the property includes a barn about 100m² in size, and for equestrian enthusiasts, there is an independent horse box and tack room. For those who want to indulge in the farm life, this space offers significant potential for transformation. The barn and wide-open spaces invite the freedom to create a homely oasis or perhaps an organic farm. Let’s delve into the details of this farmhouse, which are nothing short of a fairytale: - 14 spacious bedrooms - 14 bathrooms providing ample accommodation - Historic 16th-century manor aesthetics - Two principal wings offering diverse spaces - Beautiful barn approximately 100m² in size - Independent horse box and tack room - Restaurant area with magnificent old fireplaces - Period cut stone floors - Private apartment area in the tower - Three ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Limousin, Haute-Vienne, Bessines-sur-Gartempe, this striking farmhouse offers a rare opportunity for those seeking a blend of history and potential. Located in the heart of the French countryside, this 16th-century property is spread across a sprawling 4-acre estate. Known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, Bessines-sur-Gartempe is the ideal location for both leisure and residential pursuits, promising a tranquil yet engaging lifestyle. This impressive property proudly boasts fourteen bedrooms and fourteen bathrooms, perfectly suited for large families or potential commercial endeavors. While this grand residence was once a bustling hotel restaurant, its potential for transformation is limitless. Ideal for a family longing for expansive living space or considering a new business endeavor, this farmhouse invites imagination and creativity. With a price tag of 402,800 Euros, this is an undeniably exciting investment opportunity. Property Features: - Authentic 16th-century Manor House - Fourteen bedrooms with private bathrooms - Two wings with individual character - Restaurant facilities with historical fireplaces - 4-acre plot with barn and equestrian facilities - Independent horse box/tack room - Spacious barn approx. 100m2 - Private living area with tower apartment - Large stone fireplaces and period stone floors - Period stone entrance porch - Private and customer parking - Terraces for leisure or entertaining - Double glazing wooden frames - Heating system with oil boiler, fireplaces, and electric radiators - Vaulted cellar - Potential for virtual business revival with furniture and license included As you wander through the captivating rooms of this farmhouse ... click here to read more

Nestled in the tranquil village of Marsac, Charente in the southwestern region of France, stands a unique property that's waiting for the right visionary to unlock its hidden potential. This house, priced attractively for its region, offers a blank canvas ripe for transformation. Situated at the heart of rural France, the property provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals looking to immerse themselves in a life deeply connected to nature and the rich heritage of the French countryside. Marsac, with its serene landscapes and mild climate, is a slice of rural idyll. The area is defined by rolling fields and clusters of traditional stone buildings that speak of history and enduring craftsmanship. The larger town of Angoulême, a mere 15-minute drive away, offers a charming blend of art and culture with its festivals and galleries. Here, you can experience the warmth of the local community and an easy-paced life, all set against the backdrop of picturesque scenery. Now, let's delve into the story of this property. You will step through the gates onto a generous land area spanning 5679 square meters. As you imagine the possibilities, your gaze will fall upon the main structure – a barn that once stood robust but now longs for rejuvenation. The barn is currently in need of extensive renovation, with major masonry work and structural reinforcement required, and a roof that needs to be completely redone. Yet, where some see a dilapidated structure, others will see an opportunity to create a distinct living space that blends rustic French charm with modern living comforts. Here's a quick snapshot of the features of this property: - Land Area: 5679 m² - Habitable Size: 260 m² - Orientation: South West - View: Unobstru ... click here to read more

Welcome to the charming abode nestled in the idyllic setting of Châteauponsac, an enchanting little town in the Limousin region of Haute-Vienne, France. If you're seeking a delightful escape to the French countryside, this spacious 4-bedroom house might just be what you are looking for. Tucked away, just a short 5-minute drive from the bustling shops and amenities of Châteauponsac and the quaint village of Rancon, this house offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. The property is awash with the charm and uniqueness one would expect from a home built with passion and meticulous craftsmanship. Now, let's dive into a little story about this residence. As you enter, you're greeted by an impressive main entrance housed within a beautiful tower structure that sets the tone for the rest of the house. Imagine stepping into a warm, spacious foyer that immediately envelops you in homeliness, guiding you through each thoughtfully designed space. On the ground floor, you’ll find a fully equipped modern kitchen which seamlessly opens onto a large terrace where you can enjoy a cup of morning coffee while overlooking the lush garden. The adjoining living room, with its airy open space, is ideal for an office or perhaps even a cozy reading nook. Additionally, a dining room and a lovely winter garden offer versatile spaces for family gatherings and serene relaxation. The first floor beckons with its inviting staircase, leading you to two generously sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. A delightful mezzanine overlooks the living room, adding an element of openness and connection between the floors. For those who enjoy unwinding in style, the house also boasts an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna – luxurious ame ... click here to read more

Picture yourself descending a handcrafted granite staircase toward your own indoor pool, steam rising gently from the heated water as morning light filters through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking four acres of rolling Limousin countryside. This is not just a house—it's a masterfully designed retreat where a craftsman poured years of expertise into creating the ultimate family escape in the heart of rural France. Every corner of this 266-square-meter residence reveals thoughtful details that transform everyday moments into vacation memories, from the cinema room perfect for rainy afternoons to the winter garden where you'll sip your morning coffee surrounded by greenery. Welcome to your vacation home in Châteauponsac, where authentic French country living meets contemporary comfort just five minutes from town amenities. Nestled in the magnificent Gartempe valley between the market town of Châteauponsac and the village of Rancon, this property occupies a sweet spot that international buyers dream about: rural tranquility with urban convenience. The Haute-Vienne department delivers everything you want from a French holiday home—rolling pastures dotted with Limousin cattle, medieval villages with weekly markets overflowing with local cheese and charcuterie, and neighbors who still greet you with genuine warmth. Yet you're never isolated. Limoges, famous worldwide for its porcelain, sits just 40 minutes away with its international airport connecting you to Paris, Lyon, and beyond. The property's unique architectural centerpiece is its distinctive tower entrance, a feature that immediately signals this house was built with vision rather than convention. Step through the main door into a spacious, light-filled vestibule th ... click here to read more

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Châteauponsac, in the Limousin region of Haute-Vienne, France, stands a delightful three-bedroom house that perfectly balances the charm of village living with modern comforts. This property offers an intriguing opportunity for overseas buyers and expats, particularly those looking for more than just a new home. With a thriving local business included in the offer, it presents not just a lifestyle change, but also the potential for entrepreneurial success. Located in a region renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich history, Châteauponsac is known as the “Pearl of the Gartempe” thanks to its breathtaking views and historic buildings. The village is a vibrant mix of traditional French culture and community spirit, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. It’s a place where you can enjoy quiet country walks one day and head into town for a lively market the next. The climate is typical of this part of France, with warm summers that beckon outdoor activities and mild winters that lend themselves to cozy nights by the fire. The house itself occupies 137 square meters and is a testament to thoughtful renovation and quality living. As you step inside, you're greeted by a large open-plan lounge and dining area, ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends. The original features add character while ensuring a cozy atmosphere, which is further enhanced by a high-KW wood burner. Meanwhile, the fitted kitchen and breakfast room offer just the space you need to whip up culinary delights. For the accommodations, the first floor includes three generous bedrooms, filled with light and an airy feel, ideal for relaxation. One of the bedrooms boasts an en-suite bathroom, w ... click here to read more

Welcome to the serene surroundings of Limousin, Haute-Vienne, located in the heart of Châteauponsac, France. This is a charming three-bedroom house that has been meticulously maintained and is available for purchase at the impressive price of 100,700 Euros. Built entirely from stone, the home stands as an emblem of traditional and comforting French architecture. The property is nestled in a quaint hamlet, providing a sense of community while maintaining privacy. You are just a stone's throw away from the bustling town of Châteauponsac, offering a balance between the tranquility of rural life and the convenience of urban amenities. The dwelling covers a total plot size of 72 square meters and comes with an expansive private garden spanning 2917 square meters which brings with it, lovely views over the dreamy, evergreen French countryside. The garden can serve as your private sanctuary, a place to entertain guests on balmy summer nights, or a safe playground for your children to frolic. The interiors of the house are as inviting as the lush exteriors. The ground floor is home to an entrance hall that leads to a spacious open-plan living area. This area combines the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces, offering a comfortable family living environment. Adding to its appeal is a cosy wood burner, perfect for those chillier nights. The first floor houses three cosy bedrooms, all of which promise a good night's rest. A bathroom with a shower and a WC complete the home, providing all the necessities for a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, the property comes with an attached barn which could become a project for the creative homeowner. The barn's transformation has been started, with plans to create a cube consisting of tw ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of scenic Châteauponsac, Limousin—a delightful commune in the Haute-Vienne department of France—this spacious four-bedroom townhouse offers an incredible opportunity for both relocation and investment. With its combination of modern enhancements and preserved historic features, this property presents a welcoming environment that is perfect for potential bed and breakfast ventures, given the number of ensuite rooms and its prime location in town (subject to necessary permissions). As a global real estate agent who is always on the move, I must say, any buyer will be thrilled to explore the daily charm of living in Châteauponsac. Known locally for its friendly atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes, the town provides residents with a vibrant mix of history and community spirit. The meticulous renovation work in the house ensures you’re purchasing a property that respects the past while providing for the future—a feature that I know buyers from all over the world would appreciate. Upon entering the house, you’re greeted by a grand sense of space and light with a hallway that guides you seamlessly through this spacious abode. To the right of the entrance is a cozy sitting room that presents delightful views over the charming town square. At the end of the hallway, you'll step into a dining room adorned with a real standout fireplace, making it an ideal spot to host family gatherings or intimate dinners. Here’s a taste of what awaits you: - 4 ensuite bedrooms - Main staircase leading to first and second floors - Double-glazed windows (most rooms) - Oil-fired central heating - Modernized kitchen leading to a quaint courtyard - Comfortable sitting room - Spacious dining room with feature fir ... click here to read more

Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Creuse department, in the Limousin region of France, lies a home waiting to open its doors to new adventures. This property is in La Souterraine, a quaint medieval town that harmoniously blends history, culture, and the serene beauty of the French countryside. The area boasts rolling hills, picturesque vistas, and a tranquility that draws visitors from around the globe. This house represents an idyllic opportunity for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the charms of rural French life. The property is marketed at €192,600 and offers a generous 114 square meters of space. Designed with practicality and comfort in mind, it's a home that's balanced well between cozy living and functionality. On the ground floor, you're greeted by a full-sized garage. There's ample room here for multiple vehicles, setting up a workshop, or storing all sorts of personal items—perfect for the DIY enthusiast or anyone with a love for hobbies that require space. As you enter the living space, it's clear that the design accentuates warmth and hospitality. With an inviting open-plan lounge and dining area, this room becomes the heart of the home. It's where family members will gather for meals, and conversations will flow effortlessly from one subject to another. The kitchen doesn't disappoint either; fitted with modern appliances and the essential amenities any cook could need, it ensures that meal prep in this home is never a chore but an enjoyable experience. To add to the luxurious living experience, French doors invite you out onto two splendid terraces—a rear terrace and a porch terrace—each offering a breathtaking view of the unspoiled countryside. Imagine sipping on your morning coffee or ... click here to read more

Situated near La Souterraine, in the serene region of Creuse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, is a spacious and charming 4-bedroom, stone-built farmhouse set across an expansive two-and-a-half acres of lush land. Tucked away in a peaceful hamlet, the property provides a blend of tranquillity and accessibility, being just a five-minute drive or a pleasant 25-minute walk from the bustling market town of La Souterraine. Bursting with rustic charm and modern amenities, this characterful farmhouse offers an authentic slice of French rural living. The property boasts 189 square meters of living space, well-maintained and renovated to accommodate comfort while maintaining its timeless character. There is also potential to expand or create additional accommodation, subject to planning approval, allowing its new owners room for customization and development to fit their personal requirements and tastes. If you've been dreaming of a slower pace of life and a closer connection to nature, here's an opportunity to create your niche in the French countryside, experience a location that is truly postcard-perfect and a local community that's warm and welcoming. The farmstead's features include: - A welcoming entrance hall with exposed beams and a tiled floor - An expansive sitting room with wooden flooring, underfloor heating, and a fitted wood pellet burning stove - A large, open-plan living area complete with a fitted and equipped kitchen, exposed beams, and a tiled floor - A master bedroom suite complete with an en-suite bathroom featuring underfloor heating - A utility room with garden access - Three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom - Loft space for additional accommodation or storage - An attached barn with ... click here to read more

Unearth a unique opportunity nestled in the tranquil hamlet setting of Saint-Sornin-Leulac. Here lies a distinctive stone house, ready and waiting for your vision. With 2 bedrooms, this quaint home offers a canvas full of potential, priced at an attractive 45,000 euros. This property is ideal for those who are looking to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of the Limousin region in Haute-Vienne, France. As you enter, you step into an entrance hall that welcomes you to a space bursting with possibilities. To the left, there’s a grand room of 20.3 square meters. This area features a characterful old fireplace, perfect for conversion into a cozy kitchen and dining area. It’s a space just waiting to be brought to life. On the right, a compact room measures 9 square meters, positioned next to a designated space for a WC and shower room, with an area of 5.9 square meters. Additional ground floor rooms, measuring 9.4 and 7.9 square meters respectively, add to the unique layout. The first floor, accessed via a wooden staircase, opens up to a spacious hall measuring 12.3 square meters. Currently transformed into one expansive bedroom, at 47.3 square meters, the space could easily revert back to two bedrooms with a simple wall reinstatement. The wooden floors on this level are in decent shape, offering a sturdy base upon which to build. A standout feature of this property is the attached stone barn, offering additional space that could be integrated into the living area or maintained as a barn or workshop. The choice is yours, as this structure provides exciting possibilities for expansion or personalization. The property's structure is sound with a robust roof over both the house and the barn, allowing you to focu ... click here to read more

Welcome to your potential dream home in the picturesque hamlet of Saint-Sornin-Leulac, comfortably nestled amid the rolling countryside of Haute-Vienne in the splendid Limousin region of France. This lovingly restored traditional stone farmhouse exudes an old-world charm nicely juxtaposed with today's conveniences, serving up a fine blend of tranquility, simplicity, and style. With a generous living space of 202 square meters, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms, this property not only provides ample space for a family, but brings a wealth of opportunities for customization and personalization. As you step through the front door, you are greeted by a hallway spanning the length of the house, with access to a delightful rear garden and terrace for your outdoor leisure. A traditional, warm country kitchen with exposed oak beams presents the ideal environment for creating culinary delights and making memories. For practical convenience, the house features a laundry room which conveniently doubles as a shower room with a WC. This proves to be an invaluable feature for those fond of outdoor activities, walking, or with pets. The property's spacious lounge is designed for comfort, with a traditional fireplace and large wood burner acting as the room's centerpiece. This transitional room leads into what was previously an old-fashioned barn, now converted into a truly inspiring bedroom with a wood burner, rolltop bath, en-suite bathroom, and a mezzanine offering an additional space great for a dressing room or a home office. The house offers two additional large bedrooms on the first floor, complete with en-suite bathrooms, exposed beams, and traditional wooden floors. The third room on this floor can be used as an office space ... click here to read more

Nestled in the tranquil village of Saint Martin Sainte Catherine, France, lies a charming villa that seemingly offers the perfect blend of serenity and convenience. It's an inviting oasis for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich countryside culture of France. If you're considering moving to this idyllic region or are an overseas buyer in search of the perfect French escape, this villa might just tick all the right boxes. Built in the nostalgic era of the 1970s, the property stands comfortably on a generous expanse of 3,620 square meters, enveloped by lush greenery. Nature enthusiasts will find the surroundings nothing short of a dream with ample privacy and a soothing atmosphere. The home has been well maintained, promising a ready-to-move-in condition while still leaving room for personalization to suit your unique tastes. The ground floor effortlessly welcomes you into a spacious and inviting summer kitchen, a delightful highlight of this home. Covering 25.46 square meters, this kitchen is ideal for sumptuous family meals or entertaining friends, with its light tiled floor contrasting beautifully against a plastered ceiling, making every gathering a bright affair. Adjacent to this area is a cozy bedroom with inviting laminate flooring, providing a restful sanctuary at any time of day. Just across, there is a versatile room designed to fulfill several needs. With amenities such as a kitchenette, toilet, shower cabin, and even an infrared cabin, it's perfect for guests or as your own private retreat. Smart storage solutions, including two cupboards, make sure that every square inch is utilized efficiently, the larger cupboard cleverly housing the boiler. As we ascend to the first floor, the villa continues ... click here to read more

Property Overview Nestled atop a serene hill in Châtelus-le-Marcheix, this three-bedroom house exudes a charm that beckons to those who value both privacy and potential. With an expansive land size of 275 square meters, this house, originally redesigned in the 1970s by an American architect, provides a unique living space that combines rustic appeal with vast possibilities for customization and expansion. The sprawling 2.5 hectares of land encompasses a well, a garden, an adjacent meadow, woods, an outbuilding with a workshop, and two garages, providing ample space for various outdoor activities and future projects. Amenities and Features - Main house with spacious and bright interiors - Outbuilding that includes a workshop and two garages - 2.5 hectares of land including a garden, meadow, and wooded area - Equipped kitchen with storage space - Living room featuring a traditional fireplace with stone flooring - Separate dining/office room - Large 80 m² lounge with bay windows offering garden and hill views - Private library or music room - Generous master suite with fitted wardrobes, dressing room, and en-suite bathroom - Independently accessed 88 m² games room and studio apartment - Vaulted wine cellar Property Condition While retaining much of its structural integrity, the property does require a thoughtful touch of renovation to realize its full potential. Prospective buyers should anticipate refurbishments primarily aimed at updating finishes and possibly reconfiguring spaces to suit modern tastes and needs. This property is ideal for anyone looking to infuse their personal style into their next home while elevating its intrinsic historical and architectural value. Local Area and Lifestyle Living in Châtelus-l ... click here to read more

A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Limousin Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the serene countryside of Saint-Hilaire-la-Treille. This enchanting stone cottage, nestled in the picturesque Limousin region, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal vacation home or second residence for those seeking a peaceful escape. A Home Steeped in Character and Comfort As you step inside, the warmth of the wood burners in the spacious dining room and grand lounge envelops you, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. The fully fitted kitchen, with its traditional design, invites you to explore the local culinary delights, perhaps preparing a meal with fresh produce from nearby markets. The cottage's layout is thoughtfully designed, with two entrance hallways leading to a secondary hallway equipped with a WC and utility room. The first floor, accessible by two separate staircases, offers a large bedroom with a WC and a space ready for a new shower installation. On the opposite side, two generous double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, provide ample space for guests or family members. The attic bedroom on the second floor, with its potential as an office, offers a quiet retreat for work or relaxation. Embrace the Limousin Lifestyle Living in Limousin means embracing a lifestyle rich in cultural and natural beauty. The region is renowned for its rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages, each offering a glimpse into the area's rich history and traditions. Seasonal festivals celebrate everything from local crafts to culinary specialties, providing endless opportunities for cultural immers ... click here to read more

Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom Maison de Maître located on the outskirts of the charming and historic town of Bénévent-l'Abbaye in Limousin, Creuse, France. This character-filled property set on a hilltop offers breathtaking views over expansive gardens and the picturesque countryside beyond. It's situated in a small town that's renowned for its rich history and inclusion in the register of 'Little Cities of Character,' not to mention its location on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. This impressive home has been tastefully renovated, blending modern touches while preserving its original features. The rooms are light and airy, characterized by high ceilings and generous proportions. The living space on the ground floor is designed with an open-plan concept, including a large entrance hall, a living room with an impressive fireplace, and a kitchen dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the ground floor enhance the space, providing seamless access to a wrap-around decked veranda. This veranda offers an idyllic spot for entertaining guests or simply relaxing while taking in the stunning views. Key Features: - 5 Spacious Bedrooms - 4 Bathrooms, including ensuites - High ceilings and generous proportions - Open-plan ground floor living space - Large living room with fireplace - Kitchen and dining area - Wrap-around decked veranda - Floor-to-ceiling windows - Basement with storage rooms, laundry, and boiler room - Sweeping lawns and numerous terraces - Above ground pool - Vegetable garden with greenhouse and a well - Driveway with ample parking and garage outbuilding with workshop and covered storage - Oil central heating system - Double glazed windows throughout - Total plot of 8037m² Off the fi ... click here to read more