A couple has created an idyllic spot for train enthusiasts by investing over £50,000 to revamp a deserted 19th-century railway station into a luxurious getaway. Cecilia Chavez-Brandon and her partner Paul Kirwan acquired Rowden Mill Station in 2017 after a year-long quest for the perfect renovation project.
The station, situated in Bromyard, North Herefordshire, ceased passenger operations in the 1950s due to the rising popularity of cars, leading to its deterioration. Acquiring the 2.7-acre property for £395,000, the couple obtained a slice of track and the original structures.
After extensive refurbishment efforts, visitors can now relive the ambiance of yesteryears and enjoy the same scenic vistas that passengers once admired over fifty years ago. Cecilia, hailing from Mexico and initially trained as an architect, mentioned that they delved into the world of trains once they opened the site to the public.
Describing their journey, 57-year-old Cecilia shared, “After a year of house hunting with a business in mind, we stumbled upon the station, made an offer, and had it accepted within three hours.” Originally shut down in 1952, the station primarily catered to transporting injured soldiers and cattle during the war era.
The previous owners had kickstarted the station’s restoration before Cecilia and Paul took over, refining the premises and infusing their unique style to create a nostalgic ‘time capsule’ experience. They purchased an 18ft dilapidated railway carriage, decking out its interior with vintage 1960s décor. The station welcomed its first guests in July 2022.
Detailing the station’s history, Cecilia explained, “The former owners stumbled upon the station in the 1980s, purchasing it from farmers and reinstating the railway track. We arrived after their 32-year tenure and contributed to its modernization.”
Tourists now splurge over £260 per night to stay in the premium room with panoramic countryside views, a far cry from the mere 15p fare in the 1950s. The main station building is available for hire at £430 for two nights, and The Parcel Office studio can be booked at £220 for a two-night stay.
Despite facing closure during the 2020 pandemic, Cecilia and Paul remained proactive by renovating additional carriages and maintaining the 250 meters of track. Cecilia added, “In 2020, we acquired an inspection saloon coach from 1962, which became our pandemic project for conversion into accommodation.”
While converting waiting rooms and carriages into lodging, the couple preserved the historic station’s essence. Guests enter through the former booking office, akin to passengers from the bygone era, with the ladies’ waiting area now transformed into a primary bedroom.
The couple’s passion for trains has burgeoned, attracting a diverse clientele of railway enthusiasts, station masters, and even children with technical acumen. The serene site, nestled amidst nature with sprawling meadows and wildlife ponds, offers a unique experience for visitors seeking a blend of railway charm and scenic tranquility.
In 2018, Cecilia and Paul acquired a 20-tonne brake van, refurbishing it into luxurious accommodation. Cecilia noted, “The brake van underwent extensive structural work before its conversion into a cozy living space.” Anticipating a positive response, the couple has already secured nine bookings for the newly launched brake van, heralding a promising start for their distinctive railway retreat in North Herefordshire.