Converted South Western Railway Passenger Luggage Van
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Beach nearby
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Walking
- Watersports
- Ideal for honeymoons
- Other rental properties on site
- Pet Friendly
Located on a site at next to St Germans train station in Cornwall, The Old Luggage Van is a quirky, cosy hideaway. Once a passenger luggage van for the London and South Western Railway, it was withdrawn from service in 1932 and is now a completely unique place to stay, part of the One Off Places collection of railway retreats.
The Old Luggage Van, with its wood burning stove and room just for two, is perfect for unique romantic getaways, whether you’re specifically in search of railway carriage holidays or not! There’s nothing quite as memorable as a stay in a train carriage, with a working station platform right on your doorstep. Now mounted on a reconstruction of the original chassis, the carriage has been thoughtfully restored to its original colour scheme on the outside and modern comfort on the inside. Just moments away are 10 acres of private woodland for you to explore, the surrounding village of St Germans is charming, and the beautiful countryside of South East Cornwall spreads out around you. If you're looking for unique holidays, or more specifically a holiday rental in Cornwall, then this is certainly one of them.
St Germans is a small village with a population of just 600, and as such it is a lovely tranquil escape for those in search of railway carriage holidays. Just a 5 minute walk from the carriage is The Eliot Arms, a charming village pub which serves Cornish ales and delicious food all day, and next door is a traditional community shop and post office, which has an excellent stock of food, household supplies, alcohol and newspapers. The impressive Port Eliot Estate (open from March to late June) is just a few minutes’ walk away, and the local area is also home to Antony House and Mount Edgcumbe. If you’re looking for beaches, head for Whitsand Bay, and the fishing towns like Looe and Saltash are absolutely charming. Plymouth, just 15 minutes away by train, has plenty to offer visitors, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor are not far away, and there are lots of opportunities in the local area for walking, cycling, horse riding or water sports. You’ll never be bored!
Getting There:
Directions provided on booking.
Nearest Train Station:
St Germans next to platform 1!
Nearest Restaurant:
The Eliot Arms in St Germans
Nearest Shop:
St Germans
Car Hire:
Optional
Interior Details
The van measures 24 by 8 feet and comprises a double bedroom, a galley kitchen with all the necessary facilities and a lounge diner with a wood burning stove, fireside chairs and a TV/DVD player and hi-fi. There is also a shower room and a flushing toilet. The carriage comes complete with free wireless broadband, electric heating, and an unlimited supply of logs for the burner – useful on those chilly nights!
Exterior Details
The van is surrounded by a spacious enclosed garden area, with seating and a BBQ for al fresco dining. Guests also have access to 10 acres of private woodland.
Conditions of Rental
The balance of the rental must be received 8 weeks prior to the start of your holiday. For holidays booked within 8 weeks of the start date, full payment of the rental must be made at the time of booking. No smoking. The property will be available from 3.30pm on the holiday start day and must be vacated by 10.30am on the finish day except by special arrangement. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement and a cot and high chair are available at no extra cost. There are laundry facilities on site, as well as a deep freeze. 2015 winners of the Gold Awards for Sustainable Tourism and for Wildlife Friendly Business in the Visit Cornwall Awards.
The Owners' Eco principles
Green principles are at the core of what we do. All carriages have gardens managed for optimum wildlife benefit. Our energy is from 100% renewable tariffs, with solar panels at St Germans. We offer a £50 carbon-savers discount for guests arriving by train, or who live locally. Additionally guests have the option of off-setting their emissions by opting into our tree-planting scheme, which, in addition to trees planted on our land, has helped fund several community orchards in Cornwall and Devon. We are immersed in our local community; our volunteering activities include working at the community shop, writing eco-articles for local newspapers and parish newsletters, teaching music at a local youth music project and regular beach cleans. We have won numerous awards for our sustainable approach, including Visit England Gold for the most sustainable tourism business in England and most recently the Most Sustainably Managed Small Business at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2023. Our welcome pack is sourced locally and our vases filled with our own home-grown flowers. Whether it’s sourcing wood from our own woodland for restoring or heating our carriages, up-cycling, or choosing the most ethical materials for our curtains or upholstery, every detail is scrutinised to find the most eco-friendly option. For us, sustainability goes hand in hand with comfort, quality and an excellent holiday experience.
