A charming yet wonky stone cottage nestled within the Snowdonia-Eryri national park remains shrouded in mystery, with its origins – the why, how and when of its construction – lost to time.

Ty Hyll, or the "Ugly House", is now under the stewardship of the Snowdonia Society, with its grounds buzzing with beehives. The property features a honeybee centre managed by Snowdonia Society volunteers.

The registered charity is dedicated to safeguarding the region.

Nowadays, the cottage operates as a beloved family-run tearoom offering homemade cakes, scones, teas and coffees. Yet the precise history that led to its present incarnation remains curiously obscure, according to Visit Wales.

The identity of the house's builder and the date of construction are unknown. However, we do have some knowledge of its former inhabitants, reports Wales Online.

The earliest documented resident was a shepherd named John Roberts, who made the Ugly House his dwelling in 1900.

Life within those thick, dry stone walls would have been simple and secluded. John's abode consisted of just one living space, a substantial fireplace for warmth and cooking, and a ladder leading to a sleeping loft beneath the roof.

The longest-term occupants were the Riley family, who resided there from 1928 to 1961. Edward Riley was employed at the Towers, which today serves as an active learning centre.

Edward left his own lasting impression on the property, adding an upper floor complete with bedrooms and a bathroom, alongside a separate parlour and scullery on the ground floor.

His wife Lilian frequently welcomed guests to stay, and the couple also kept a pet cockatoo.

After the Rileys vacated the property in 1961, the Snowdonia Society acquired the house in 1988, where it subsequently operated as an antiques room and tearoom before falling into a state of neglect.

The Snowdonia Society stepped in to rescue the building, renovating it and using it as their offices until 2010. Now operating as a tearoom, it welcomes visitors Monday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and has proved a firm favourite with guests.

Gareth left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, writing: "Every time we come to North Wales we go to Ty Hyll. Amazing staff, amazing food and a great all round experience.

"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 the Ugly House's feathered residents weren't limited to Riley's Cockatoo. Carol remarked: "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."