Six years ago, a blaze swept through a 17th century farmhouse in Llawhaden.

Despite desperate efforts by firefighters, the grade II listed house was reduced to a shell and sadly the body of its owner, 91-year-old Edith Thomas, was found inside.

The historic house and some of its outbuildings have now been sold and they could be given a new lease of life as a complex of holiday properties.

While most people would have been daunted by the task of restoring and renovating Llawhaden House, Sharon Davies and her husband Stephen Rogers have taken up the challenge.

Sharon works in the family business, Davies Implements of Carmarthen, while Stephen is a builder.

The couple, who have two children, live next door at Bank Farm, Llawhaden, which was Sharon's family home.

"Although I wasn't living at Bank Farm at the time, I saw the place the next day. The fire and Miss Thomas' death were such a shock to the community," said Sharon.

When the property came up for auction, the couple decided to bid for it and beat three other interested parties.

"We purchased the house, two barns directly behind it, and four acres of land," explained Sharon.

"If things work out, our plans are to renovate and restore the house and let it out as a nine bedroom holiday property.

"We've done research and there is nothing like that on the market at the moment. The barns will also be converted for holiday letting. They are in a nice location and very central to the whole of Pembrokeshire."

Because it is a grade two listed building, Sharon and Stephen have to restore the exterior to what it was and they are now in talks with planning officers about the interior.

"The outbuildings are also listed and the work there is likely to be even more difficult," said Sharon. "It could be both financially and emotionally exhausting, but we are looking forward to the challenge."

Sharon admitted that while she was struggling to see the bigger picture, her husband was very enthusiastic and not at all worried about what lies ahead.

"I don't have his energy levels, but then he is running three marathons at the end of the month to raise money for charity," she said.