Thanks S Driver. I spent Friday through last Monday looking, West / South West - Parthenay, Beaumant, Lencloitre, even L'Absie. i.e. looking in the wrong place for what we want to do. There were some touristy things going on and the countryside was ok but it didn't feel right. Property prices were reasonable enough but I assume the places you mention will attract a higher price - which is fair enough.