Our Story
A building with many lives
The home of unique treasures inspired by the history and landscape of Beddgelert.
The Village
A Brief History of Beddgelert
Nestled at the meeting point of the River Colwyn and the River Glaslyn, Beddgelert is one of Eryri’s (Snowdonia) most treasured villages. Its name, meaning “Gelert’s Grave”, comes from the famous Welsh legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn the Great (Llywelyn Fawr).
Long before the construction of the Cob at Porthmadog, the River Glaslyn was tidal, allowing boats to travel right into the heart of the village. This connection with the waterways helped shape Beddgelert’s history as a place of trade, travel, and community.
At the heart of the village stands St Mary’s Church, considered one of the oldest religious sites in Wales. Built on the site of an early Celtic clas and later a 7th-century Augustinian priory, the present building has origins dating back to the 12th century.
Beddgelert was once a thriving mining village, with its traditional terraced houses providing homes for workers from the nearby Sygun Fawr Copper Mine and the surrounding slate quarries.
The Building
Waterloo House
Tourism began to flourish in Beddgelert during the early 19th century. Artists were among the first visitors, drawn by the dramatic landscapes and peaceful beauty of the area. Soon, many more travellers arrived, seeking an escape from the crowded, smoke-filled cities of the Industrial Revolution.
Waterloo House was built by the Sygun Estate on its Perthi Farm property, in response to this growing interest in tourism.
Over the years, Waterloo House has played many roles within the community. It has been a village grocers, Post Office, newsagent, sweet shop, and even a Midland Bank. In the 1980s, new owners lovingly renovated the building, transforming it into a successful bed and breakfast, bistro, and antiques shop, which welcomed visitors for four decades.
Waterloo House through time
c.1830
Completion of the building as it stands today.
Mid-1800s
Welcomes visitors from far and wide.
Mid-1900s
A much-loved village sweet shop, post office, newsagents and bank.
1980s
Welcomes travellers as a riverside B&B.
2024
Waterloo House starts a new chapter.
Today
A family-run business established in 2024
Through our shop, therapy room, and gathering space at Waterloo House, we aim to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the same sense of healing, connection, and wellbeing that drew us to this special place. Come and say hello.
Find Us
Visit the shop in the heart of Beddgelert
You’ll find us on Caernarfon Road, opposite Beddgelert Bridge, in the centre of the village. Come and browse the shelves in person — and while you’re here, the two rooms to hire are just upstairs and down.
Address
Waterloo House, Caernarfon Road Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4UY
Opening Hours
Thursday – Sunday, 12–5pm Mon–Wed · Closed
