Luxury Airbnb Opens in Restored 1895 Railway Carriage in UK

A former railway station in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, has been transformed into a luxurious Airbnb accommodation, offering a unique experience for visitors. The station, once a bustling hub for passengers, now features a restored 1895 Great Western Railway carriage, available for rent at £200 per night. This ambitious project was spearheaded by local train enthusiast Nigel Brooke, who invested £27,000 in the restoration.

The original Delph railway station ceased passenger services in the 1950s. Today, thanks to a meticulous restoration, guests can stay in a carriage that has been authentically refurbished to reflect its historical roots. The exterior of the carriage has been painted in its original colours, guided by historical drawings and charts. Inside, visitors will find a blend of period wallpaper and modern amenities, including a comfortable bed and stove.

Nigel, a retired wallpaper designer, personally oversaw the interior design, stating, “I designed all that interior decor, but it was led by original pieces that I found during the restoration.” The carriage, which was built in 1895 in Swindon, served on the Metropolitan Railway before being decommissioned in 1940. Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair but was salvaged through Nigel’s efforts.

The initial purchase price of the carriage was £8,000, which was transported from Gloucester by road. It is now positioned on two concrete walls to align perfectly with the original platform, ensuring easy access for guests. Nigel detailed the restoration challenges, noting, “One side was covered in tin – that must have been put there in the 50s or 40s to protect one side.” Fortunately, the oak frame remained sturdy, allowing for a more straightforward restoration process.

The restoration involved carefully removing and replacing deteriorated sections with replicas made from the original materials. Nigel remarked, “What I had to do was take each piece off carefully that was rotten and replicate it and rebuild it, using the original bits.” Given its age, the carriage was in remarkably good condition, and Nigel is confident that it will remain a viable accommodation option for many years.

With the carriage now fully restored, Nigel plans to expand his Airbnb offerings by converting the station’s former waiting room into an additional guest room. He has noted that visitors have developed a fondness for the historic site, saying, “People absolutely adore it, there’s a lot of history here. It’s a beautiful place.”

Reflecting on his acquisition of the property in the 1980s, Nigel expressed his gratitude for owning such a unique historical building. He aims to make the station even more inviting by transforming a waiting room into a space with an ensuite bathroom, allowing larger groups the opportunity to stay together.

As the restoration project nears completion, the Delph railway station is set to welcome more guests eager to experience a bit of history during their stay.