Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway.Our Great Western Railway ‘Toad’ Brake Van dates from 1940 and was one of hundreds which ran on the main line between 1894 and 1968. Ours has been sympathetically converted into a smart, contemporary home from home, with a grandstand view of passing steam trains.
The nickname ‘Toad’ comes from the Great Western Railway’s telegraph code for brake vans, which were attached to the rear of goods trains to allow the guard to apply the brakes where needed and ensure that the train made safe passage. The large ‘Swindon’ sign on the sides denotes its home base.
Lovingly converted with lots of period details, the cosy Toad benefits from full insulation, double glazing and heating.
It also boasts an en-suite WC and shower, double bedroom, fitted kitchen with induction hob and dining area, Freesat TV and an elevated balcony just 20ft away from the station platform with lovely views over the Rother Valley towards Kent.
The Toad sleeps two adults with allocated parking directly outside.
You will have full access to the entire space
We will be available should you need us.
We are located in the beautiful Rother Valley on the Kent and East Sussex border in Northiam.
Located near Bodiam, Tenterden, Rye and Hastings, the carriages provide a fantastic base for you to explore the local countryside and coast with attractions and activities to suit everyone.
The carriages are situated within Northiam Steam Railway Station, a working station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway line. You don’t even need to leave the carriages to get the full railway experience as the steam trains will pull up at the station just over 20ft away.
We have painstakingly given some wonderful, care-worn rolling stock an exciting new life as modern, clean, inviting bases for you to relax in. We carry out as much of the work ourselves as we can, transforming the interiors into unique quirky spaces. The exteriors are painted in period colours and we retain as many original features as possible.
We recommend that you arrive by car and there is plenty of parking at the property. The nearest mainline train stations are Rye and Hastings with connecting buses to Northium.
Anyone who travelled by train from the 1950s to the 1980s will be very familiar with our Mark One coach. Thousands were built by British Railways complete with their trademark slam doors and sliding window vents, and several still run on our Kent & East Sussex Railway neighbours.
‘Plum and Custard’ is just one of the nicknames given to the cream and maroon livery for coaching stock in the early days of British Railways. Our coach was originally a restaurant car on the London Midland Region, serving meals and drinks for both first and second class passengers and seating 23 diners.
This beautifully-converted railway carriage caters for up to six people for the perfect getaway. It has two double bedrooms (one with an en-suite), a family bathroom with a bath and shower, a bunk bedroom for kids, a full kitchen with induction hob, oven, microwave and fridge freezer and an open plan lounge and dining area with a TV and DVD player.
Gas central heating will keep you nice and warm in the winter months and a complimentary welcome hamper is provided too. A travel cot and a high chair can also be provided for the little ones.
Allocated parking for up to three cars is available directly outside.
You will have full access to the entire space
We will be available should you need us.
We are located in the beautiful Rother Valley on the Kent and East Sussex border in Northiam.
Located near Bodiam, Tenterden, Rye and Hastings, the carriages provide a fantastic base for you to explore the local countryside and coast with attractions and activities to suit everyone.
The carriages are situated within Northiam Steam Railway Station, a working station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway line. You don’t even need to leave the carriages to get the full railway experience as the steam trains will pull up at the station just over 20ft away.
We have painstakingly given some wonderful, care-worn rolling stock an exciting new life as modern, clean, inviting bases for you to relax in. We carry out as much of the work ourselves as we can, transforming the interiors into unique quirky spaces. The exteriors are painted in period colours and we retain as many original features as possible.
We recommend that you arrive by car and there is plenty of parking at the property. The nearest mainline train stations are Rye and Hastings with connecting buses to Northium.
This lovely two bedroom coastal cottage is a fabulous place in which to relax and escape from everyday pressures. It is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just a couple of minutes walk from the beach.The light and airy sitting room has comfortable seating and a flat screen smart TV. It is the perfect place to put your feet up after a day on the beach, or a day exploring the countryside of Romney Marsh or the fascinating old town of Rye….
The light and airy sitting room has comfortable seating and a flat screen smart TV. It is the perfect place to put your feet up after a day on the beach, or a day exploring the countryside of Romney Marsh or the fascinating old town of Rye.
The kitchen is well equipped with a large fridge freezer, microwave and coffee machine. The sunny dining area opening from the kitchen has double doors into the garden and is a bright sociable space.
Upstairs are two good sized bedrooms, one super-king and one king. Both have zip and link beds so can be split into twin rooms if you prefer. The master bedroom has a flat screen smart TV, bedroom 2 has a small flat screen TV with freeview.
The doors from the dining area open into the fully enclosed garden with a terrace with table and chairs and a grassy area. There is a rear gate to a footpath providing alternative access to the beach. The owner is happy to welcome one well-behaved dog to stay at the property.
The cottage has a private numbered parking space and there is unrestricted street parking.
Comfortable, light living room with comfortable seating, Smart TV
Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, coffee machine, oven, fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble drier
Dining room with table and chairs
1 Super king bedroom and 1 King bedroom (both rooms have zip/link beds so can be twins) both with TV’s
Family bathroom with full size bath and over-shower, toilet and basin.
Electric convector heaters
Private enclosed garden
Free wi-fi
Bed linens, towels and welcome pack included
Hairdryer, Hoover, Iron & Ironing Board
Books & Games
Travel Cot and Highchair
Private parking space
1 small dog welcome
Beach, shops and pub within walking distance
All bookings at this property will include membership at The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar in Rye to use for the duration of your stay.
There are several excellent bars and restaurants and a very good, dog friendly, dining pub just a short stroll away, as well as a convenience store and post office. There are many and varied walking routes directly from the house as well as good cycle paths and bicycles can easily be hired. Water sports such as kite surfing and paddle boarding are available nearby.
The great draw is of course the miles of sandy beach for which Camber is justly famous but a five or ten minute drive will take you to historic Rye with its interesting shops, cobbled streets, museums and many great eating places. The nature reserve at Rye Harbour and the new visitors’ centre is also a few minutes drive away.
You will enjoy access to the full holiday home with no shared access
Camber Sands is a small beach village boasting 7 miles of sand and sea. Its a perfect UK destination not only for summer, but also a windy winter beach break is just as enjoyable.
Rye is only a short 5 minute drive away and has a wealth of shops, restaurants, tearooms, not forgetting the huge amount of history that is also hidden amongst the town. With cobbled streets and old beamed houses surrounding the church it offers a lovely day out for adventure and good food.
Hastings is only 30 minutes drive and has a very lively fishing part of the town, along with the old town which is like stepping back in time. The seafront offers fun for all ages with crazy golf, arcades and lots of delicious food stops.
Important Information
*Linens and towels will be provided for all guests listed on the booking – so please ensure the guest details are correct on your booking.
*Quest Cottages are a local agent who look after privately owned properties for their owners. You will be sent checking in and property details 48 hours prior to your arrival via email, so please ensure you check your messages and emails.
*Internet access details will be supplied within the property.
Please Note: Electric vehicle charging is NOT permitted on this property due to regulations and potential liability.
If you have an electric vehicle you need to charge please locate the closest public charging station before your arrival.