Retired Designer Transforms 19th Century Train Carriage into Unique Airbnb Retreat
A retired wallpaper designer has ingeniously converted a 19th-century train carriage into an upscale Airbnb accommodation at a historic train station, originally established in 1895.
Nigel Brook, 68, resides in an old British railway station where, despite trains halting service in the 1950s, travelers can now book a stay in the Vintage Carriage for roughly $260 a night. This transformation was made possible thanks to Brook’s $35,000 restoration project.
“It’s stunning and definitely one-of-a-kind,” Brook shared with SWNS.
The exterior of the carriage has been repainted in the original colors sourced from historical railway documents, while the interior boasts period-appropriate wallpaper, beds, and appliances.
“I designed all of the decor, using the original items I discovered during the restoration,” he explained.
Originally built for metropolitan routes, the carriage ceased operation in 1940.
Brook noted, “It was entirely chocolate brown at one point. Now, it’s become this beautiful, static artisan carriage.”
Having purchased the carriage for around $10,000, Brook relocated it to its current site, ensuring it sat on a concrete base that aligns with the station platform for easy access.
“One side had been covered in tin—likely done in the 50s or 40s for protection,” he mentioned. Many of the carriage’s original oak frames were fortunately still in good shape.
“Repairing it required a lot of careful work; I had to remove the rotted sections and replicate them with the original materials,” he said.
“Given its age, this carriage is pretty remarkable. If it wasn’t restored, it would be at risk of collapsing soon,” he added, optimistic about its longevity. “This structure will last for quite a while.”
Brook, who acquired the station in his 30s back in the 1980s, expressed gratitude for owning such a historic property.
“Finding a building with so much character and history was a stroke of luck for me,” he reflected.
The Airbnb venture has drawn significant interest from guests enchanted by its vintage charm and railway heritage.
Looking to expand his offerings, Brook plans to convert the station’s old waiting room into an additional guest area with an en-suite bathroom. “I’m considering turning one of the waiting rooms into a space where guests can stay with friends who are in the carriage,” he mentioned.
“People really appreciate it. There’s a great deal of history to be found here,” Brook said, noting the growing interest in this restored carriage, which offers a glimpse into a luxurious past.
