From the outside, you would think it's an old farmhouse, with all of the country charm and classic exterior. But don't be fooled by its humble appearance, because it is actually a new-build that's full of surprises: namely the fact it has become a bit of a celebrity hotspot hotel over the years.

Located in the pretty village of St Brides Major, just over a mile away from Ogmore beach, you can see why St Bridgets has become a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike. Not only do the owners close the other rooms for bookings when they know a celebrity is staying, but they also have breakfast with them, and sometimes go out for dinner with their special guests in the local area.

Walking around, the warmth of the building does stand out. It's definitely got that cosy vibe you'd want on a countryside break, just like an old farmhouse that has stood for centuries.

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But what else is it about this place that keeps these high profile people coming back again and again? For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here

Firstly, the remote setting of the hotel has plenty of appeal if you're a celeb in search of a digital detox. And it seems that stepping away from the limelight here isn't just about being away from the stage or screens. Chris, who owns the house with his wife, Julie, claims that he learned how to keep a secret when he used to garden for Tom Jones: "Working for Tom Jones, I learned how to keep things to myself when I cut his garden for two years and the people around me taught me how to be private and we don't share it when well-known people come here because why should they have to deal with the hassle?"

Speaking to WalesOnline, Chris resisted name-dropping any of his regular celebs which come to stay. "I can't say who comes here, but we've had some very big names. I'd say that 90% of the celebrities who come to stay here come back again. We try to include them with the things we do together as a family but also let them enjoy the peace and quiet. Julie makes all of the jams herself, and anyone who stays here will usually end up going home with one. They have access to our fields outside, and we end up eating with them quite a lot." Join our WhatsApp news community here.

Chris and Julie have lived in St Brides, near Bridgend, all their lives and have 14 family members around their table for Sunday dinner every week. When I stepped inside a few weeks ago, before knowing anything about their hotel and there to quiz them about something completely different (the 20mph speed limit for which the village was a pilot area) I was greeted almost like I was an old friend — like they were expecting to see me there or something.

I wasn't, and they weren't, but I was keen to find out more about their business and what made them tick. "It does feel like you are going into someone's house, in a good way", I remarked and Chris replied: "People can sometimes be a bit overcome with it when they realise there are nice people in this world, and it's a privilege for to be able to offer that and be considered a genuine person. We have a lot of well-known people staying here. But what we do is, we treat everybody like a celebrity and anyone who walks through that door will have everything they need."

I imagine a lot of guests will come here for a taste of country life and home comforts. And call me anti-social but usually when I go away the last thing I want to do is make small talk with anyone. Julie and Chris were so openly warm, however, I remember thinking I could have chatted to them all day. The secret as to why they've been drawing famous faces was starting to emerge, as it seemed clear they are intent on fostering real human connection without being in your face.

There are three bedrooms in the hotel, each named after a story or location from the surrounding area: Dunraven, Tusker and Sker. Despite them never intending to run a business, it has been a labour of love. You know when you meet someone, and they have something about them that instantly makes you want to know more? Julie and Chris radiated that welcoming energy, that made it impossible not to ask them about what got them involved in hospitality.

Chris explained: "We always wanted to build our own home. But we'd had trouble getting the planning permission to do it here, so applied to be a business and got a yes. Since then, we've never looked back. And that homely feel, it's something we've emulated after visiting a bed and breakfast in Ireland and we met this guy who was part of the heritage trust there. And he did exactly the same thing: we came to his house, he only had three rooms and it was beautifully decorated like ours is really. He made breakfast, and then he came and ate with us and chatted, and we became friends."

Although the hotel was only built five years ago, it has oodles of detail inside which gives it that classic farmhouse feel. There are stone spiral staircases that are carved directly into walls, miniature ‘secret’ doorways, and every room is decorated with beautiful art that the couple have collected over the years.

The house is situated on what was once the local vicar’s field where he used to keep his horse and grow vegetables. The old stone shed on the right as you come up the drive was the old parish stable to keep the vicar’s horse and Chris and Julie still use the vegetable garden to this day.

I had a peek inside all of the rooms, which all had plenty of space and beautiful views. They all looked extremely clean and comfortable, but one thing they don't do is make you feel like you're walking on eggshells or tiptoeing around decorations that look like they might wobble over. Everything inside the hotel, although it is brand new, is comfortingly traditional. From the wooden drawers and bed frame, to the floral curtains, there is an element of simplicity that immediately puts you at ease.

The field around the house is extensive, and has also been used for carnivals, weddings and, more recently, film locations. And each room is equipped with an en-suite bath and shower, a complimentary drink using home made liquor, a refreshment tray with tea, coffee, biscuits and spring water, dressing gowns, a TV, a hairdryer and the all-important Wifi password. Chris added: "We maintain high standards. We're not full all the time because we don't advertise, apart from being on Visit Wales. There are only three rooms in the house, which we feel is enough because we can give the people who stay there our full attention. We have both lived in St Brides for 60 years so we know the area and can tell them about it. We just like to be nice. We're the right side of the soil."