The tearoom sits in the beautiful Snowdonia national park (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A charming yet peculiar lopsided cottage in the Snowdonia-Eryri national park remains largely shrouded in mystery, with its origins, construction methods and date all unknown.
Ty Hyll, or the « Ugly House », is currently owned by the Snowdonia Society, with its grounds home to numerous beehives. A dedicated honeybee facility on the premises is maintained by Snowdonia Society volunteers.
The organisation is as a registered charity committed to safeguarding the region. Today, the cottage functions as a beloved family-run tearoom offering homemade cakes, scones, teas and coffees. However, the exact historical journey that led to its current purpose remains unknown, according to Visit Wales.
The builder’s identity and construction date remain unknown. Nevertheless, we do have records of its former occupants, reports Wales Online.
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The Ugly House, tea room at Betws-Y-Coed (Image: REDA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The earliest documented resident was a shepherd named John Roberts, who inhabited the Ugly House in 1900.
Life within the substantial, dry stone walls would have been simple and peaceful. John’s dwelling comprised a single living area, a sizeable fireplace providing warmth and cooking facilities, and a ladder ascending to a sleeping platform beneath the roof.
The most enduring residents were the Riley family, who occupied the property from 1928 until 1961. Edward Riley was employed at the Towers, which now operates as an educational centre.
Edward chose to leave his own legacy on the property by adding an upper floor featuring bedrooms and a bathroom, alongside a distinct parlour and scullery on the ground level.
Rugged mountain scenery leading to Mount Snowdon (Image: Getty Images)
Lilian, Edward’s spouse, frequently welcomed guests to stay. The couple also kept a pet cockatoo.
After the Rileys left the premises in 1961, the Snowdonia Society acquired the building in 1988, subsequently operating it as both an antiques showroom and tea rooms before it deteriorated.
The Snowdonia Society later restored the property, utilising it for their headquarters until 2010. Currently functioning as a tea room, it welcomes visitors Monday through Sunday from 10.30am until 4.30pm, garnering enthusiastic reviews.
Gareth wrote on Trip Advisor saying: « Every time we come to North Wales we go to Ty Hyll. Amazing staff, amazing food and a great all round experience.
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« A great welcome from attentive staff and a wonderful goodbye said from the heart and one that makes one want to come back soon. The chilli is gorgeous and tastes amazing.
« Keep doing what you’re doing as it is great. I remember a few years ago, being open was a gamble, but now, it’s open to the advertised times. »
Carol Watson added: « Such a sweet little place and a little unplanned stop but couldn’t resist. Lovely cup of real tea with tea strainer and tea pot and a jug of hot water to refill. »
It appears that the Ugly House’s avian residents weren’t limited to the Riley’s Cockatoo. Carol shared: « Friendly staff and a delicious slice of victoria sponge cake. Table by the window, all so very sweet. To top it all, a little Robin comes in to visit! They call him Bob… will always remember this day. »
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