Romantic GWR Victorian Railway Carriage in a Hilltop Village
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Cycling
- Golf nearby
- Walking
A romantic retreat in a converted Victorian railway carriage and goods wagon, in a rural setting on the borders of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. It is set in an idyllic secluded garden with breathtaking views of the unspoilt Blackmore Vale, made famous in the writings of Thomas Hardy. From the One Off Places collection of railway carriage holidays and railway retreats.
The Victorian railway carriage was originally a ‘birdcage’ third class carriage on the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway in 1882, and finished up on what is now the Great Western Railway in South Wales in 1927. This unique piece of history has been beautifully converted into a holiday let with the addition of a 1952 Western Region goods wagon, which is now the bedroom and bathroom. The carriage is set in the lower part of the owners' large cottage garden, in the peaceful hilltop village of Cucklington which is set amongst a beautiful rural landscape. It is just a stone's throw from the pretty 13th century church of St Lawrence.
The carriage is in the heart of Wessex and there is masses to see and do in the surrounding area. For a start, there’s no shortage of excellent village pubs and eateries to try out. The National Trust house and garden at Stourhead are 10 minutes away, and the National Trust properties of Lytes Cary Manor and Montacute are both less than 30 minutes. Visit the hilltop town of Shaftesbury and its famous cobbled Gold Hill (15 mins), and the town of Sherborne with its castles and magnificent Abbey (25 mins). The iconic monument of Stonehenge is 35 mins way, England’s smallest city - Wells - with its stunning cathedral, is 40 mins away, and the historic city of Bath is under 1 hour away. There are many footpaths and walking trails in this beautiful countryside. And for the railway enthusiasts, you can travel by steam train along a 2 mile track on the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore.
Getting There:
Directions provided on booking.
Nearest Train Station:
Gillingham
Nearest Restaurant:
Wincanton
Nearest Shop:
Wincanton
Car Hire:
Essential
Interior Details
The living space is housed in the 1882 Great Western Railway carriage and the bedroom and bathroom is in the adjacent Goods Wagon. Inside is brimming with character and decorated in a 1950s retro style with lots of vintage touches. The living area is full of light from its 20 windows and has double doors opening onto the 'platform'. There is a wood burner (logs provided) and electric heaters throughout. The compact kitchen is fully equipped with an electric oven, hob and fridge (with a small freezer section). There is wifi, TV/DVD player, and a small library of games, books and DVDs. The double bedroom has Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels, and there is an en suite bathroom with shower. There is a washing machine / tumble dryer, and eco-friendly washing products are provided.
Exterior Details
French doors from the Goods Wagon open onto a balcony with table and chairs overlooking a pretty and private garden with panoramic views across the valley. Facing west into spectacular sunsets, this is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a sundowner at the end of the day. Off road parking for one car.
Conditions of Rental
Changeover days are Monday and Friday. Minimum 2 night weekend stays and 3 night midweek stays. Long Hill Carriage is closed from mid November until mid March. Fresh flowers, food essentials and a welcome basket including award winning cheese from the cows in the village included. Sorry, no children and no pets.
