By Leah Larwood
Railways Carriage
I’ve always been attracted to quirky dwellings so when we discovered this beautifully restored railway carriage, and not too far from where we live, we had to check it out.
Two nights here felt like longer and I think that’s thanks to Settle’s quiet and serene setting. Located on the edge of Breckland Forest in South Norfolk, in a sleepy village called Shropham, the owners of the land have worked extremely hard to convert two old railway carriages into the most breathtakingly beautiful holiday pads surrounded by nature, a stunning lake and peaceful countryside.
Recently, they’ve also added a hand-built luxurious cabin, the jewel of the crown, and for those interested in getting even closer to nature, there are three canvas safari tents kitted out with a comfortable double bed and all the desired accessories.
As you’ll see from the pictures, no expense has been spared and every attention has been given to the detail. Standing in the carriage when I first arrived I couldn’t help but feel and sense the sheer amount of energy that has created such an alchemy - transforming what was once something derelict and abandoned into a piece of heaven.
We stayed in Carriage 2, which in my opinion, has the prettiest setting and the best views, though Carriage 1 does house a king-sized bed. The owners have plans to extend the site even further with the addition of a third carriage.
Each carriage has it’s own drive way and even the back entrance is stunning, with reclaimed bench, firewood piles with a welcoming rustic appeal.
The kitchen is Scandinavian lodge chic and literally has everything you could hope for! There is a fridge-freezer big enough to hold food for four days, if not more. A gas cooker with two hobs. A beautiful ceramic Belfast sink with reclaimed draining rack and stunning utensils, coffee maker and crockery.
Our breakfast basket contained sourdough bread from Wooster’s Bakery in Bury St Edmunds, fresh coffee from Norwich-based Koffra, porridge oats, raw fresh butter from Bungay and raw milk from Coston Hall Dairy.
The carriage’s back doors spill open onto a large terrace and a lake. Though technically I think it’s an extremely large pond but I’m rebranding it as a lake because pond just doesn’t do it justice.
The only sound was of wild geese and other waterfowl. Absolute bliss.
Off the kitchen is a beautiful bathroom, with shower, Victorian wooden toilet and laundered towels in charcoal greys and sandy gravel. There are home made soaps provided and fresh flowers everywhere in the carriage, even in the toilet.
A train door off the kitchen takes you to the double bed and living area, which has a wood burner and a generous supply of wood.
The wooden terrace at the back has a beautiful table and chairs for al fresco dining and two further chairs by the outdoor wood burner. In short, it’s heaven here.
It’s one of the loveliest, calmest and most charming places I’ve stayed, and I’ve stayed at a fair few far-flung spots. This is one of Norfolk’s best-kept secrets. I left feeling extremely inspired, and above all, settled.
Railways Carriage
from £140 per night
This retired goods carriage was given a full, sympathetic renovation, using salvaged resources from a reclamation yard. Its interior cladding is finished in Bauwerk Colour, giving the resulting retreat its light, Scandinavian feel.
Settle Larling Road Shropham Attleborough Norfolk NR17 1EA
+44 (0) 1953 497030 [email protected]
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