The owners of a popular tearooms business at Tŷ Hyll, known as the Ugly House, in Eryri national park near Betws-y-Coed have expressed their distress after the site's future was thrown into doubt. The property, which includes its garden and woodland, is set to go to auction on August 26.
Auction threatens tearooms' future
The tearooms operator said they are "really upset" that the business will likely be taken away from them. The tearooms must vacate the Ugly House by the end of August. Cwmdeithas Eryri, which has owned the property since 1988, said it will have "no control" over its future use. Concerns have been raised that the property could become a private residence or holiday let, closing it to the public.
In a social media post, the tearoom's operator said: "This really upsets me as this will most probably take it away from being a tourist destination where everyone can visit." The tearoom made an offer to purchase the property but was turned down. The operator will now try to buy it at auction, adding: "If we are unsuccessful then our last day of trading as a tearoom will be August 31."
Charity's legal obligations
A spokesperson for Cwmdeithas Eryri said its trustees had resolved to "re-direct our resources elsewhere." The society said it "hopes very much" the incoming owner will manage the site "in a spirit" that reflects previous efforts. "Where possible we may even be able to actively support them in their efforts to manage the site sustainably," they added. As a charitable organisation, it is legally required to secure the "best terms" for any assets it disposes of, meaning it cannot negotiate exclusively with a single buyer.
The spokesperson said: "We have done our best to keep interested parties in the loop throughout our deliberations – especially those with a clear, very current interest. There is no intention to stop Tŷ Hyll being a visitor attraction and every chance that it will remain as such."
History and legends
Tŷ Hyll is steeped in myth and legend. Built from boulders weighing up to three tonnes, the property on Thomas Telford's A5 route has captivated visitors with stories of being a 15th-century bandits' refuge or a "Tŷ Unnos" – a dwelling that could be claimed if erected overnight on communal land. Welsh heritage organisation Cadw described such accounts as having "amusing improbability." Cwmdeithas Eryri suggests the Ugly House may be a Victorian curiosity or accommodation for Irish workers building the A5 Afon Llugwy bridge in 1820. Charles Darwin was a frequent visitor.
Tŷ Hyll originally opened as a tearoom after the First World War and was known for a bad-tempered, cursing cockatoo. Later owners operated it as an antiques shop and visitor attraction. An auction reserve price has not yet been set. Cymdeithas Eryri confirmed proceeds will be "re-invested into Eryri's landscape, wildlife and people."
In an online post, the tearoom's operator acknowledged the difficulty of outbidding rivals, saying: "I am so upset about it all. The worst part of this is we will all be out of work. If anyone feels they would like us to move our business to new premises, please let me know. Thank you to all our customers for your support, it has been a pleasure to serve you all."
