Rowden Mill Station Saloon Coach and GWR Brake Van

• Sleeps: 2-4
• Bedrooms: 1-2
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

You’ll discover Rowden Mill Station amongst idyllic North Herefordshire countryside, perfectly positioned to explore both the Malvern Hills and the Wye River valley.  

Originally built in the 1890s, there are plenty of original features to make you feel as though you’ve taken a soothing step back in time.  Yet while your surroundings have been expertly restored to their original glory, you can expect modern first-class facilities from your stay aboard The Saloon Coach, which is ideal for refreshing small-family breaks.

Beautifully lined with ferns, trees, and spring bluebells, the former British Railways Inspection Saloon is peacefully stationed along Platform 2, amidst the rail embankment and with a historic stone bridge as its backdrop.

Step on board via the welcoming coach cloakroom – the former guard’s vestibule – now a luggage compartment. As you explore your new surroundings, marvel at the creative yet authentic restoration throughout; including nostalgic wood-panelled walls and a well-equipped modern kitchen that once catered for the railway engineers.  

The time-capsule lounge boasts panoramic windows and a wall-mounted TV, and you’ll have a choice of comfy ‘sleeper’ compartments: an elegant bunk room that’s suitable for children and adults alike, and a scenery-showcasing double room expertly created from part of the original saloon.

If it’s just the two of you, the GWR Brake Van is also stationed along Platform 2; a wonderfully romantic hideaway with an enormous picture window that looks out on the entire station site (binoculars are even provided for keen wildlife-spotters!).

An exquisite mix of old and new, heritage fittings include dimmable wall lamps, while the projector TV comes with a paid Netflix subscription for cosy nights snuggled up together in the van’s private salon, which also houses a comfy double bed.  Gleaming facilities, meanwhile, include a fully-equipped kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom with a toasty heated towel rail.

At a glance

• A restored saloon coach with mid-century furnishings and modern facilities, set on a green platform within a historic railway station in North Herefordshire countryside.
• The Saloon Coach sleeps up to 4 guests in 2 ‘sleeper’ compartments: a bunk room suitable for children and adults, and a double room with panoramic views
• The GWR Brake Van sleeps up to 2 guests in a double bed.
• Both retreats boast full self-contained facilities.
• There is a secluded al fresco space to enjoy, accessible to both retreats, with a picnic table and barbecue facilities.
• Additional on-site accommodation includes The Station Building, sleeping up to 4 guests, and The Parcel Office, a studio space that sleeps 2 guests.
• Visit the Malvern Hills and the Wye River valley, or head into nearby Bromyard to stock up on supplies. Gourmet Ludlow is just 35 minutes away by car, and there are plenty of historic walking trails to explore.

Features

• Family Friendly

Accommodation Options

More information

Platform 2 also offers a dreamlike setting for a little al fresco time, surrounded by birdsong and abundant natural beauty.  Guests at both retreats are welcome to use the secluded outdoor kitchen, creatively renovated from the cattle dock, where you’ll find a picnic bench, a sunshade, and a gas barbecue.

What to do once you’ve settled in? The pretty market town of Bromyard is just five minutes away by car, so you can easily stock up on supplies of fresh home-grown produce.

In fact, if you’re a foodie then you’re in particular luck, as historic Ludlow, just 35 minutes away, is gourmet heaven, and you’re ideally placed to discover Herefordshire’s regional produce along with its cider and perry-making trails.

You could also explore historic buildings on Herefordshire’s famous self-guided ‘Black and White Villages’ trail, before making your way back to The Saloon Coach just in time for a sizzling sunset supper.

Things to note

Minimum 2 night stay. Check in from 3:30pm, check out by 10am.  Regrettably, pets are not permitted. A selection of bespoke hampers can be pre-ordered for your stay, see the property website for details. Both retreats have a breakage deposit of £100 payable when making the balance payment for the booking – this is returned within 5 days of guest departure – subject to condition requirements