Aberdeunant, near Talley in Carmarthenshire, could be what many of us would imagine when asked to picture an unspoilt traditional farm. Owned by the National Trust, and lovingly cared for by tenants Huw and Bethan Williams, this thatched farmhouse looks as though it slept through the twentieth century when many similar buildings were modernised.

This trick of the eye was skilfully achieved through years of renovation by the Trust, but what makes Aberdeunant special today is not that it is a museum piece preserved in aspic, rather a living, working farm that is home to a young family. Walk in and you feel the genuine warmth of a family home, not the contrived atmosphere of an historic exhibition.

"I guess we first realised it was something very special when Rhodri’s teacher asked if they could bring his class round to see the house on a school trip! Then the next week another class came. Children love climbing the ancient stone staircase, I think it must remind them of a castle turret!"

The farm was purchased by the Trust complete with original furnishings, including some wonderful local pieces such as a Carmarthenshire stick chair, a local longcase clock and a fitted corner dresser. As part of the tenancy agreement the Williams family have to open a couple of the best preserved rooms to the public once a month in the summer. Doesn’t it bother them having strangers snooping around their bedroom?

"Not really. You get used to it, and you meet some interesting people who really care about our heritage. It is a wonderful house, and a great place to raise a family." says Bethan, "But we love it most because of the sense of community here. Everyone helps out, be it at shearing time, or just if you need to borrow a cup of sugar. That to us is the traditional Welsh way of living."