A Grade II-listed historic cottage in north Wales that has operated as a tearoom for over a decade is being auctioned by its owner, the Snowdonia Society, prompting hundreds of residents and visitors to petition for alternatives that would preserve public access to the building. The Ugly House, known locally as Tŷ Hyll, sits on the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig and has become a familiar landmark for both Gwynedd residents and tourists. The organisation is selling the property with a guide price of £199,000, stating that proceeds will be reinvested in Snowdonia's landscape, wildlife and people.
The building's origins remain shrouded in mystery, though it is believed to be connected to the Welsh tradition of tŷ unnos—a practice where a house erected with its chimney smoking by dawn could be claimed by the builder. The Snowdonia Society's website notes that the name Tŷ Hyll may derive from Llugwy, the river that runs nearby, or from the crude boulders used in its construction, as the Welsh word hyll can mean rough or crude as well as ugly. However, the organisation acknowledges that
no-one really knows who built the house or when.
Why is the tearoom manager concerned?
Jane Davies, who has managed the tearoom since it opened in 2012, expressed deep concern about the sale's implications for public access. She revealed that she had offered to purchase the building herself but was informed that the Snowdonia Society required the property to go through a public auction process. Her primary worry centres on the building potentially being converted into private residential property, cutting off visitor access entirely.
I don't want it to be closed to the public... I want it to be open for everyone to come and see the house, Davies said. She highlighted that the auction listing fails to specify conditions for the building's future use, which she identified as her greatest source of anxiety.
They don't stipulate [in the auction listing] what happens to the house, and that's what worries me the most. Following the sale, Davies indicated she intends to relocate her business elsewhere.
What makes Tŷ Hyll special to the community?
The cottage holds significant cultural and emotional value for locals and visitors alike. James Charlton, who works occasionally at the cafe, described the building as exceptionally popular with both community members and tourists. When asked about its appeal, he remarked that
it's not ugly at all, it's cute, adding that
the place is like something out of Lord of the Rings. The tearoom has become known for serving homemade Welsh food in peaceful surroundings that visitors describe as deeply atmospheric.
What is the community's response?
Public opposition to the sale has been substantial. A petition created on 8 August 2026 calling for the Snowdonia Society to pause the sale and explore community-focused alternatives has gathered significant support. According to local reporting, the petition had accumulated more than 850 signatures by the time the auction date was announced. Catherine McGuinness, who created the petition, wrote that
the community is devastated. Tŷ Hyll is not just a building, it is a symbol of Snowdonia's heritage, folklore and identity. She continued:
Generations of locals and visitors know it as a place to get a taste of homemade Welsh food, to experience the peace of its grounds and get lost in it's beauty. McGuinness urged relevant bodies to
work together to protect this landmark for future generations.
What is the property's scope and condition?
The sale encompasses considerably more than the cottage itself. According to the auction listing with Town and Country Property Auctions, the property includes approximately 5.19 acres of adjoining land, comprising the historic cottage, a car park, and surrounding woodland. However, prospective buyers should be aware that the existing drainage arrangements will require replacement or substantial upgrading, with the new owner responsible for installing a compliant septic tank, mini treatment plant or alternative solution.
Why is the Snowdonia Society selling?
The Snowdonia Society has characterised the decision to sell as difficult but necessary. In a statement, the organisation said the choice
was not an easy one, and stressed it did not intend to
devalue the love and hard work that has gone into making the building, the garden and the woodlands what they are today. The society believes that
the best use of our resources, in the future, will be more appropriate elsewhereand that
others are likely to be in a better position to continue looking after the building and the land.
The organisation has committed to reinvesting all proceeds from the sale directly into Snowdonia's landscape, wildlife and people. Director Graeme Cotterill expressed hope that new owners would maintain public access, stating that any future proprietors would be encouraged to
continue to welcome visitors to the historic property, wildlife-friendly garden and neighbouring woodland. Cotterill added that the Snowdonia Society remains
committed to helping them to do so, including through supporting groups of local volunteers to help maintain the grounds, if there is sufficient interest.
What are the auction details and timeline?
The property is being marketed by Town and Country Property Auctions as offering
exciting potential for a variety of future uses including tourism, hospitality, educational or commercial purposes, whilst retaining its significance as one of the area's best-known landmarks. The auction was originally scheduled for 26 August but has been rescheduled. According to updated auction information, bidding is set to open on 23 September 2026 at 5:30pm, with online bidding closing that same evening. The auction conditions require full legal completion within 28 days of the sale.
Key Facts
- Tŷ Hyll is a Grade II-listed historic cottage believed to be linked to the Welsh tŷ unnos tradition, where a house erected with smoking chimney by dawn could be claimed by the builder
- The property has operated as a tearoom since 2012 and spans approximately 5.19 acres including the cottage, car park and woodland
- The Snowdonia Society is auctioning the building with a guide price of £199,000, with bidding scheduled for 23 September 2026
- A community petition created on 8 August 2026 has gathered over 850 signatures calling for the sale to be paused and community alternatives explored
- The tearoom manager has expressed concern that the building could be converted to private residential use, restricting public access to the historic landmark
