Hafod Station

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

Unique and other-worldly, the vast shingle beach at Dungeness is a magnificent sight to behold (the New York times once stated, “if Kent is the Garden of England, Dungeness is the back gate.”)  

A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve, the area teems with diverse, rare forms of plant, bird, and wildlife.

And it’s fitting that you’ll discover Hafod Station in such a distinctive location as Dungeness, since you’re unlikely to find anything like it elsewhere!

Friendly owner Rebecca has taken a vintage train carriage, dating back from World War Two, and transformed it into a creative, characterful retreat for up to four guests, plus one small, well-behaved dog.

You’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a whole other world when you arrive, as the carriage has been cleverly incorporated into a building that recreates a ticket office, with glorious effects that make it seem as though the carriage is emerging from a tunnel.

The restoration of the carriage itself is quirky, eco-friendly, and soothingly authentic –  Rebecca and her carpenter worked with the Bluebell Railway to have the LSWR fruits and goods van restored, after she found the carriage tucked away behind a wall within her home.  

Upcycled elements have been used wherever possible, including the original carriage handles as towel holders. There are also imaginative touches dotted everywhere you look, such as the ‘vintage fairytale’ guestbook, tracks with glass flooring that showcases the pebbles beneath, and stunning lighting for when the evening rolls around.

At a glance

• A unique, ‘wow-factor’ retreat that consists of a lovingly restored vintage train carriage with upcycled elements and creative touches, nestled on the shingle beach at Dungeness.
• The carriage sleeps up to 4 guests and 1 small, well-behaved dog.
• Modern facilities include a furnished garden, Smart TV, a well-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. There are two bedrooms, a bunk room and a double with sea views.
• There are pubs, restaurants, and attractions close by, with the beach at Camber Sands a short bike ride away.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

(If you’re celebrating something special, you can even choose a decorative theme for your stay, such as a Harry Potter Hogwarts experience, ghost train, Santa’s Grotto, and a range of birthday decorations – just ask!)

There are two bedrooms – or ‘sleeper compartments’! – a bunk room that’s ideal for the kids, and a double room with sea views to greet you from your bed as you wake from a sound night’s sleep.

Although this is a vintage carriage, the facilities are decidedly modern, with a Smart TV to huddle round on evenings in, and a well-equipped kitchen with all the holiday conveniences you could want, including a microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.

While sunny afternoons away in the furnished garden, catching up on life with your loved ones over a chilled bottle of wine (Hafod is Welsh for “summer dwelling” after all.) As the sun descends, why not relax back and welcome the emerging stars.

If you’re in the mood to wander, there’s plenty to explore close by, with pubs and fish-and-chip stops in easy reach, and the beach at Camber Sands a mere bike ride away.  

You could also hop on the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch steam railway for nostalgic trips into the countryside… if you can bear to leave your new-found sanctuary at Hafod Station, that is!