A 400-year-old property in the foothills of Wales' highest mountain is being offered for sale at £17,000, though prospective buyers should be aware that the structure lacks a roof and requires substantial restoration work.
Ty Du, situated near Llanberis in Gwynedd, is a roofless stone shell positioned in woodland beneath Yr Wyddfa. The site encompasses approximately half an acre and includes two ruined cottages at the eastern gable, another ruined cottage 40 yards to the west, a ruined smithy and a former small shop, according to the auction listing.
The main building retains intact walls up to eaves level, and the owners have preserved the original A-frame roof structure and other timber elements. The property is being sold as freehold with title number WA484415.
What is the historical significance of Ty Du?
The site holds considerable historical importance for the region. Ty Du is recognised as the most important domestic building in the parish of Llanberis, according to the Inventory of the Royal Commission. The structure is believed to have originated as a medieval platform house in the 13th century before being rebuilt in the early 17th century.
Among its notable past residents was Godfrey Goodman, the Bishop of Gloucester, who lived at Ty Du after being banished by Oliver Cromwell. The property has also been home to north Wales' strongest man and the poet Dewi Arfon, according to Auction House.
What makes the location appealing?
The property offers access to extensive countryside, with walking routes available in all directions from the site. Notably, visitors can walk from the house to the summit of Yr Wyddfa without crossing a public road, Auction House says. At the rear of the property lies an old pack horse trail that historically connected Llanberis to Caernarfon.
What is the current condition of the buildings?
The main house survives as a ruined shell with structural walls preserved to eaves level, meaning the upper portions of the walls that would support a roof remain intact. The owners have carefully maintained the original A-frame roof timbers and other period woodwork, preserving key architectural elements despite the absence of a functioning roof.
When will the auction take place?
The property is listed as Lot 1 in Auction House Wales' current online auction, with bidding opening on Monday 28 September 2026 and closing on Tuesday 29 September 2026. The sale is being handled through Auction House North Wales in partnership with Dafydd Hardy estate agents in Caernarfon.
Key Facts
- Ty Du is believed to date from the 13th century as a platform house, rebuilt in the early 17th century
- The site comprises approximately half an acre with the main house plus two cottages, a smithy and a former shop
- The property is recognised as the most important domestic building in Llanberis parish by the Royal Commission
- Bidding in the online auction runs from 28–29 September 2026
- The freehold property is sold with title number WA484415
