Andrea Pearman, 53, and Richard Coleman, 65, have embarked on a remarkable journey that blends nostalgia with innovation, transforming a former Great Western Railway coach into a sought-after holiday getaway. Their project, which began in 2022, has captured the hearts of many, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience in the tranquil countryside of Little Downham, UK.
The couple’s vision was to create a quirky rural retreat with a touch of history. The railway carriage, which retains its original seats, windows, luggage racks, and even the emergency stop handle, offers an unforgettable stay for $218.75 a night (£175). However, their dream didn’t come without its challenges. In 2022, their initial attempt to secure planning permission for the conversion was refused. The East Cambridgeshire District Council argued that the carriage was "unsustainably located" and that there wasn’t a proven need for such a development in the countryside.
But Andrea and Richard didn’t give up. They pressed on, accepting guests and proving there was demand for their unique offering. "Winning the planning application was quite monumental," Andrea said. "Originally, they turned it down because they said there wasn't a need for it and they don't support development in the countryside. But in the meantime, we were open and accepting guests—we could prove there was a demand."
A Labor of Love
The couple’s railway carriage journey is one of perseverance and creativity. Originally, they planned to convert a boat into a holiday let on their pond, but due to water level issues, that idea fell through. Then, through a friend, they found the old train carriage for $3,750 (£3,000) and transported it by lorry from Great Marston, Yorks, to their property.
"The carriage had only come off the track in 2021 and was in really good condition," Andrea explained. The renovation process, however, wasn’t without hurdles. "We had to redesign the bathroom, including moving the waste pipes, and that was quite the ordeal as train floors aren't meant to be drilled through," she recalled.
Despite the challenges, the couple embraced the project with determination. “It looks really simple like we’ve just ripped out the seats and luggage racks, but we stripped it down to the bare bones,” Andrea said. "We’ve had all the paint color matched, so hopefully, you can’t tell what’s new and what’s original. It is still a train." They preserved the integrity of the carriage while updating it with modern amenities, blending nostalgia with comfort.
A Touch of History
The couple’s passion for preserving history didn’t end with the renovation. "Nothing got thrown away. We donated all the underneath gubbings to the local heritage line to bring another carriage back to life," Andrea said. Additionally, some of the fittings found new life in unexpected ways. "All the interior chairs and fittings were bought by Apple TV to create a TV set for the program 'Slow Horses,'" Andrea added. “Stainless steel air vent covers have become fencing, and the water tanks have become an outside oversized sofa.”
Although the project became a financial challenge, with the moving of the carriage costing $12,500 (£10,000) and renovations totaling $31,250 (£25,000) per end, the couple’s dedication never wavered. “It has been a money pit—hence why the planning permission was such a drama,” Andrea laughed.
In March, after submitting a new application supported by overwhelming guest response, East Cambridgeshire District Council granted the necessary permissions. "The additional evidence submitted as part of the current application appears to demonstrate that the accommodation is meeting a need for development in a rural location," the council said. "The proposal is considered to be of an appropriate scale and would not have any significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area."
A Unique Getaway
Now fully transformed into a luxury holiday let, the train carriage is split into two rooms: the Penzance suite, which sleeps four, and the Paddington suite for two. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities like air conditioning, a hot tub, a bathroom, a shower, and even their own private garden area, all set against the stunning backdrop of the rural countryside.
"Our main offering is that it is quiet, rural, and peaceful. People come here to unwind," Andrea said. The couple has seen great success with their project, with many guests returning for multiple stays. One particular guest, a former Great Western Railway employee, has visited three times. "He used to work on this very carriage as a guard," Andrea shared. "We have had a lot of train drivers where their wives book it as a surprise. They come and they're blown away."
Andrea was surprised by how much people love trains. "I didn’t realize how many people love trains, fanatically," she laughed. “Our guests don’t want to leave.”
Legacy of a Dream
For Andrea and Richard, this project has been more than just a renovation—it’s been a labor of love that has brought them closer to their guests and allowed them to create something truly special. "We’ve had a returning guest who used to work for Great Western Railway and has visited us three times," Andrea said with pride. "He used to work on this very carriage as a guard."
Reflecting on the journey, Andrea expressed how meaningful the project has been. "Winning the planning application was quite monumental," she said, looking back on the struggle. "It was a dream we didn’t let go of, and now we’ve created something truly unique that people love."
"I didn’t think we needed planning permission as it’s a moveable, non-permanent structure," Andrea added, highlighting the challenges they faced.
Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of turning an old piece of history into a new beginning. For Andrea and Richard, this quirky holiday let has become more than just a business—it’s a cherished legacy.
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