Cymdeithas Eryri seeks new owner for historic Tŷ Hyll

Cymdeithas Eryri aims to inspire more people to act sustainably in support of a more nature-rich Eryri and make Eryri an exemplar for sustainable management of designated landscapes, where people of diverse backgrounds are active in ensuring that landscape, culture and the historic landscape are valued, protected and enjoyed.

For almost 40 years, Tŷ Hyll, near Betws-y-coed, has been an integral part of the Society’s efforts to deliver its aims.  Purchased in 1988, it was our headquarters until 2010 and for much of the period since has been a tea-room, hub for honey bees and demonstration site both for woodland conservation and wildlife-friendly gardening.  Now, however, the Society’s trustees have decided that we need to re-direct our resources elsewhere, and we’re seeking a new owner for this historic house/tea-room, buzzing garden and beautiful woodland.

The decision to sell was not an easy one, and does not in any way intend to decry the contribution that Tŷ Hyll has previously made to the Society’s work, nor intentionally devalue the enormous amount of love and hard work that have gone into making the building, garden and woodlands what they are today.  It simply acknowledges that we think the best use of our resources will, in future, lie elsewhere – and that others are likely to be better-placed to continue to care for the building and land.

Assuming that its still-to-be-determined reserve price is met, Tŷ Hyll will be sold at auction later this summer.  Whilst we recognise that we have no control over any new owner’s plans for the building and land, we hope very much that they will continue to manage the site in a spirit that acknowledges the years of effort put in by Cymdeithas Eryri staff and – more importantly – volunteers.  Where possible, we may even be able to actively support them in their efforts to manage the site sustainably.

Once a sale has completed, Cymdeithas Eryri’s intention is to designate the funds raised within our accounts to make sure we can specifically track what the sale proceeds have been used for and share this news with our supporters.  Importantly, they will not simply contribute to the Society’s day-to-day running costs, as we do not believe that this would be an appropriate legacy for the site and its people.  All monies will, in due course, be directly re-invested into Eryri’s landscape, wildlife and people.