They’ll do! They’re the ones I want, said the old farmhouse, probably in Welsh, and the couple (the ones the old place wanted) were drawn into the life of the place, its people, creatures, landscapes and stories, rediscovering a sense of belonging lost since childhood.

An orderly, retired English couple spot a derelict farmhouse for sale in the Welsh borders. They are outbid at the auction, wish the new owners well and think no more of it. But the sale falls through and before they know it ‘their offer’ has been accepted (what offer? – I didn’t know we’d made an offer!) They move in, wrestle to make the tumble-down house habitable, and somehow fall into sheep farming along the way. None of this was supposed to happen. But it did. This is their story …

‘Jolly, insightful and struck through with a deep affection for her adopted Wales, Iolo’s Revenge is a charming account of one couple’s eventful attempts at home-making in the hills. Peppered throughout with amusing stories and colourful characters, this book presents the joyous world of birthing ewes, pond plug-holes and truncated Welsh that the ‘Retired Lady’ has learned to call her own. An uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable read.’ – Oliver Balch

Logaston Iola's Revenge