Dilapidated 400-year-old cottage next to iconic UK landmark hits market for just £17k – but there’s a huge catch

A DERELICT 400-year-old cottage located near an iconic UK landmark has hit the market for just £17,000 – but it comes at a cost. Nestled among lush foliage in the foothills of Snowdon in the village of Llanberis, Ty Du is a historical treasure trove. A crumbling ruin in the foothills of Snowdon has hit the market for £17,000 Credit: Jam Press/Auction House Ty Du, near Llanberis, comes with the ruins of several cottages, a smithy and an old shop Credit: Jam Press/Auction House The crumbling ruin harbours centuries of fascinating history – from a banished bishop to the spooky death of a renowned poet. However, its temptingly low price hides a gaping flaw – it has no roof. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Exposed to the elements, the enchanting ruin – which comes with the remains of several cottages, a smithy and old shop – will be a project and a half for anyone wishing to take it on. But despite its ramshackle state, Ty Du is listed in the Inventory of the Royal Commission. The plot is surrounded by lush vegetation and woodlands Credit: Jam Press/Auction House Despite its derelict state, the property is listed in the Inventory of the Royal Commission Credit: Jam Press/Auction House The property is located not far from an ancient packhorse trail Credit: Jam Press/Auction House The derelict ruin has one major flaw – it has no roof Credit: Jam Press/Auction House It is believed to have started out as a medieval platform house in the 13th century, before being rebuilt as a two-storey home in the early 17th century. Geoffrey Goodman, who became the Bishop of Gloucester in 1625, is one of its most famous residents. Once the chaplain to Queen Anne, wife of King James I, the court preacher later fell from grace when his Catholic sympathies landed him in hot water. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for four months, and after a string of mishaps and the loss of property, he took refuge at Ty Du between 1643 and 1647. Most read in Money During the 19th century, it was the birthplace of poet and minister David Hugh Jones, known as Dewi Arfon. He later returned to Ty Du after falling ill and died there on Christmas day on 1869. His death became the subject of eerie folklore, after he reportedly asked his sister to set an alarm for 9am – the exact time that he died. The cottage was also home to a man named Yates, believed to be north Wales’ strongest man. Despite decades of exposure to the elements, Ty Du has retained some of its original features, including a fireplace, spiral staircase and graffiti. Historic roof beams and an A-frame have also been preserved by the current owner, who keeps them at this home in Anglesey. Its breathtaking location remains one of its major selling points, with an ancient packhorse trail running behind the property, linking the village Llanberis with the castle town, Caernarfon. The surrounding countryside also boasts woodlands, mountains, lakes, rivers and other historic sites. The property is being sold through an online auction, managed by Auction House North Wales in collaboration with Dafydd Hardy estate agents in Caernarfon. Its guide price sits at £17,000, with bidding running between September 28 and September 29. Comment now