The Red Train Carriage is a special place to stay next to the train tracks of The Swanage Railway. We believe it was built in about 1858 for GER as a 2nd class passenger carriage. It was just a shell when we got it, with it's original walls, doors, ceiling and floor, but the seating had been removed. There was only a few clues about its history in some of the doors and windows. We have saved as much of the original carriage as possible whilst making it a comfortable place to stay for a week. The layout has been designed to give all the convenience of modern life but in a very small space, so be prepared to squeeze round each other on occasion. Victorian carriages have a smaller width and length than static caravans, therefore we have made the most of the outside space with decking all around as if at the platform. The carriage is very old and therefore not perfect. A window may stick a bit or the window ledges might feel a bit rough as it was 2nd class. Being next to a railway line it also gets dusty quite quickly. We will always clean and make it fresh between guests, but its just a gentle reminder that you are staying in a train carriage which is approx 160 years old and so hopefully it's quirkiness is something to be embraced. The carriage is situated at the end of our back garden, away from the main house, in a sunny spot right on the Swanage Railway line, so be prepared for a bit of smoke as the steam engines pass by. We strongly do not recommend babies or toddlers to stay in the carriage, it simply would not be safe for them. We have 3 children ourselves and think that it is not suitable for that age range. We also would not recommend it to people who may suffer any reaction to the steam as the trains pass by. Particularly as the carriage is very close to the train line. The carriage is secure and you will have your own sets of keys as well as a key to the side gate which takes you through our yard and to the footpath to the carriage. There is storage under all the beds and a cupboard / wardrobe. There is also storage in all the luggage racks. Shampoo, soap, bed linen, towels, tea, coffee, sugar and milk are all provided. Well behaved dogs are welcome, and we would be grateful if you could let us know if you are bringing a dog as we like to leave a towel for them. Again unfortunately if they are puppies and maybe excitable or want to chew things we don't recommend the carriage as a place to stay, because we have young children that live next door and most of the carriage is made up of chew-able pieces of wood :o) Please be aware we have a Patterjack dog (who is extremely friendly and loves other dogs and children) and two cats that live at the property and use the back garden.