The last passenger train ran between Bromyard and Leominster via Rowden Mill in 1952, well before Dr Beeching had been invented. The history is now commemorated on a plaque on the main station building.The Wilkinson restoration was referred to in the Wikipedia article quoted earlier. But the new owners have taken the up-fettling to a much higher level.
The site now offers a beautifully restored station and FOUR self-catering hereditaments, all of very high quality. There is accommodation for four in the main block.These rooms are complemented by a lounge and kitchen.Next door is the Parcels Office ...... offering a bijou room with a huge telly!
But the real delight are the two pieces of old rolling stock that have been wonderfully repurposed as accommodation.
Accommodates two.
Have you every fancied staying in a GWR brake van?Well you can at Rowden Mill.And, yes, shower and toilet facilities are included. A GWR guard ...... would be incredulous at how much luxury had been squeezed in.
The "piece de resistance", however, has to be the carriage. It once looked like this ...... then like this ...... then like this ...... and finally like this.
The vehicle now looks like this outside ...... and like this inside.It has accommodation for four ...... plus kitchen and bathroom.
It was an inspection saloon made at Swindon.
fbb would vote for the brake van every time; but does wonder whether heavy rain will sound like a load of gravel being emptied on the roof as it did at The Sidings Beningborough?
fbb has no connection with this business or any of the others featured in this series.
But if he and the Mrs were younger and thus were keen enough to drive to Herefordshire ...... the welcome looks delightful.
The Hereford Times paid tribute to the Wilkimsons who first transformers the station ...... and won an award for their efforts.The plaque is on display in the main station building.
Details if orices are available on the Rowden Mill Station web site
Next Variety blog : Sat 4th July























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