Rowden Mill Station Saloon Coach

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 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, including a working set of points, 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.

Wood-panelled walls line the corridor, while the time-capsule lounge stays true to its mid-century origins, comfortably furnished with vintage coffee tables and 1960s-style sofas. Here, you can watch the beautiful scenery from panoramic windows by day, and the wall-mounted TV by night.

Meanwhile, outside awaits a carpet of wildflowers, and a secluded al fresco space to relax and catch up in together, all to a joyous soundtrack of birdsong. Why not take advantage of the barbecue facilities, and whip up a sizzling sunset supper?

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.
• Boasting full self-contained kitchen and facilities, the 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.
• There is a secluded al fresco space to enjoy, 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

More information

Back inside, boil the whistling kettle for a welcome cuppa, in the well-equipped modern kitchen that was once used to cater for the railway engineers.

Then, curl up in your 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.

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 to catch another golden sunset.

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. Saloon Coach has 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