Cochwillan Old Hall was built in 1465 by William ap Gruffydd and was part of the Cochwillan/Penrhyn families estate, connected to the Vaynol estate in old days. It was a powerful place when first built as the Sherriff of Caernarfon lived there, issuing out his judgements.

It was then owned by John Williams, Archbishop of York during the time of King Charles. He joined it to Penrhyn and another estate in Bethesda and they're still together now, though Penrhyn became more powerful because of the slate industry. Cochwillan went into decline, even being used as a farm building.

Lord Penrhyn and the forerunner to CADW decided to renovate it in 1970 and now it's a beautiful house, has been on TV several times and has hundreds of visitors every year.

I came to live here from Lancashire after reading an article in the Sunday Telegraph in 2002 about old houses which needed someone to care for them. I'm originally from Porthmadog, so I decided it was time to come home.

I fell in love with the house, although it's cold and draughty and not very modern. The plumbing and the electrics are ancient, but it's full of life and energy.

I first came alone, but then my two sisters fell in love with it too and eventually joined me.

It's been so hectic with fundraising and tourist visits (by appointment only), and I've had students from Bangor University's Japanese Institute living with us.

The main hall is massive so we use it for fundraising events for Marie Curie Cancer Care. It's 37 feet by 25 feet and three storeys high.

The actual building maintenance is done by the Penrhyn Estate, but keeping it clean and tidy is our responsibility and it's quite a job. We have a dusting pole that's 15 to 20 feet long. The screens made of oak and wattle and daub have to be treated with orange oil.

You've got to be tough and not mind the cold either because central heating would damage the building. So I'm sitting here in November wearing three layers on top, trousers, leggings and thick socks.

None of the windows fits very well and the building's in a very exposed position, although it would have been surrounded by woods originally. But you get used to it and I've no regrets.

By Marilyn Monteith