A young Welsh couple has achieved what many can only dream of—securing a 15-year tenancy at one of Wales’ most secluded and scenic farms. Ioan Jones and Sara Jenkins, both 28, are the newly-engaged winners of the second series of Channel 4’s “Our Dream Farm”, a competition that offered seven hopefuls the opportunity to take over running the historic Llyndy Isaf estate in the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Both Ioan and Sara hail from long-standing Welsh farming families—Ioan grew up on a beef and sheep farm in Boduan, Gwynedd, while Sara’s childhood was spent on her family’s property near Tal-y-Bont, Ceredigion. Their shared love of the land and strong agricultural backgrounds made them standout contestants throughout the televised competition, which culminated in their victory revealed on 3 May 2025.
The couple moved onto the 613-acre estate just before Christmas, and the farm has already proven significant in their personal lives; since settling in, they have become engaged. Their new home, Llyndy Isaf, is nestled amidst lowland fields, mature woodlands and rugged mountain pasture, overlooking the tranquil waters of Llyn Dinas. It boasts a traditional four-bedroom farmhouse, which the couple now let out to holidaymakers, a two-bedroom annexe where they currently reside, and two bothies—simple shelters that attract hikers passing through the region.
Channel 4’s “Our Dream Farm” series put each of the seven contestants through a variety of real-life challenges. These included hands-on livestock management, presenting business strategies, marketing produce at the famous Portmeirion market, and welcoming guests to the farm’s holiday accommodation. The competition aimed to test both agricultural ability and entrepreneurial vision, reflecting the evolving nature of rural economies in Wales.
Reflecting on their win, Ioan shared how rare such an opportunity is. “Farm tenancies like this are incredibly difficult to come by these days,” he explained. “When a chance presents itself, you’ve got to seize it. We’re delighted to have been chosen and can’t wait to build a future here.” The couple’s plans for the farm are well underway; they have already begun their first lambing season and are looking to establish their own herd of Welsh Black cattle.
Sara noted how demand for the farmhouse as a holiday accommodation has exceeded all expectations, with bookings filled for the month. The couple have also been developing the bothies, aiming to increase their appeal to walkers by adding more beds and homely touches, and plan to open the second bothy in time for summer.
Further ambitions include collaborating with the National Trust and Eryri National Park authorities to create a small overflow car park for hikers and potentially establish a compact campsite. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to making the farm both viable and welcoming to visitors, while maintaining its unique charm and environmental credentials.
Presenter Matt Baker, who guided viewers through the three-week-long series, praised the couple’s abilities and enthusiasm for the demands of such a challenging landscape. “Over the course of the show, Ioan and Sara proved themselves passionate farmers and deft land managers. I’ve every confidence they’ll be outstanding tenants and valuable partners to the National Trust,” he said.
Despite the competitive nature of the series, the couple have remained friendly with their fellow contestants, regularly keeping in touch and even meeting for Sunday lunch with other finalists. This demonstrates the sense of camaraderie and community that remains at the heart of Welsh farming.
As Ioan and Sara embark on their journey at Llyndy Isaf, theirs is a story of seizing opportunity, honouring tradition, and forging a modern future in one of Britain’s most breathtaking rural settings. Their plans will no doubt be watched with interest in both the farming community and beyond, as they look to blend conservation, hospitality, and agriculture in the hills of Eryri.