The year 2021 was a busy and memorable period for BBC's Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts, that included him buying a historic property in Wales as well as new TV ventures.
During the past 12 months, Martin appeared on BBC2's University Challenge and stripped in ITV's Strictly The Real Full Monty to raise awareness of the importance of going to see a doctor for an early diagnosis of possible medical issues.
But Martin has also been seen recently roaming around the Rhondda more often than usual visiting his new property purchase.
READ MORE: Local baker buys tiny valleys terrace and becomes one of Homes Under The Hammer's luckiest buyers
Martin does appear on the streets of south Wales frequently while filming for Homes Under The Hammer, checking out the auction properties being bought and renovated, and many of them are located in the Rhondda.
His connection to the area goes back years, which could be why he's been seen popping into the local chippy and also getting involved with local groups such as the Rhondda Tunnel Society exploring underground with their team.
But there is another reason why Martin is becoming more of a regular face around the area, he's bought what's reported to be one of the Rhondda's oldest properties to refurbish and the transformation is remarkable.
The period property is a well-loved four-bedroom former farmhouse of local importance, set within a private garden that surrounds it and behind a gated entrance.
As well as the exposed ceiling beams in many of the rooms and a number of feature fireplaces, the house can boast casement windows, stone walls, flagstone floor and an impressive entrance porch.
The house achieved its Grade II* listing from Cadw in 1972, amended 1996, for being 'an important example of a large, mid 17th century farmhouse because of its rare surviving, good quality interior timber details'.
After entering via the porch and the original solid wood front door, the house flows into the kitchen diner and then two generous reception rooms.
The refurbishment of the property has included exposing more beams, revealing sections of some of the stone walls and white-washing others. In the lounge much has stayed the same, with more sofas clustered around the fireplace, which now houses a working log burner.
The next reception room boasts arguably the most impressive fireplace, an inglenook with chunky wood mantel beam and another log burner taking centre stage on the slate hearth.
This is another sociable space, with ample space for formal dining, lounging and also gathering round the piano for a song or two.
The ceiling beams in both spaces are a delight to discover and are balanced by the white-washed stone walls and warmth of the wooden floor.
What do you think of Martin's transformation? Have your say in the comments section.
Into the kitchen diner and maybe that space can boast the best fireplace, as it's a beautiful beast in here too.
This is a vast space that can welcome a comprehensive kitchen, island unit with dining facilities that has been upcycled and a sofa too, with an abundance of floor space still on show.
On this ground floor the utility room and bathroom have been updated with neutral tones, natural materials and timeless additions such as metro tiles, but modern touches too on the floor and choice of taps.
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The first floor has four bedrooms and arguably it's this level that has seen the biggest transformation, and like an episode of Homes Under The Hammer the 'after' reveal is something special.
Cleverly, Martin has taken down the ceilings in three of the bedrooms to expose the incredible roof structure and make them the focus of each space, supported by sections of exposed stone, timeless furniture choices and neutral, understated bedding.
Putting the ceilings in the skip has been an inspired move, making these bedrooms double-height rooms that feel so spacious as well as allowing the character and charm of the historic home's original structure to dominate.
But it appears that the historic house also comes with some sitting tenants as well as some lovely interior design too - a collection of ghosts.
As Martin is happy to sometimes share his new property with guests via Airbnb, you may one day be staying there and bump into someone who isn't part of your party on the landing in the middle of the night - or maybe you won't - there's no guarantee either way.
But the extra spirits that are believed to reside at the property has led to Martin and his period farmhouse to appear on an episode of Celebrity Help! My House is Haunted, due to air in February on Discovery+, date to be confirmed.
The three members of the Help! team, exorcist and medium Ian Lawman, paranormal researcher Jayne Harris, and paranormal consultant Barri Ghai turn up at the Rhondda house to chat to Martin and potentially meet the ghosts that are said to reside there.
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An emotional investigation unfolds with incidents that include voices, hide and seek with a potential child spirit, and a mobile phone that sends the team on a walk into the Rhondda streets.
But Martin is not at all phased about the haunted aspect of his new Welsh property.
The Daily Star has reported that Martin loves his haunted house, saying: "I sensed it straight away but nothing negative. While renovating I was talking to the house, saying I was here to help it.
"A historical investigator learned there was a woman, a little boy and girl, and a man sat in the living room with a shotgun."
Martin's Rhondda makeover project is the last episode of the new six part series of Celebrity Help! My House is Haunted, which began on Friday January, 21.
The first episode of the new series saw the team conduct an investigation of the cottage owned and lived in by Alex Best, presenter, model and wife of legendary footballer George Best.
The series also visits the celebrity homes of 'The Only Way Is Essex' stars Frankie and Joey Essex, 'Geordie Shore' star Charlotte Crosby, singer and actress Toyah Wilcox and social media star Arron Crascall.
Celebrity Help! My House Is Haunted is available to stream from Friday January 21 exclusively on discovery+
