A 1970s train nestled in a Northumberland garden is now up for sale — and it can house up to four people thanks to an impressive convertion.
The Stannington Pullman train first chugged onto tracks almost 50 years ago in 1978, primarily working across routes to London and the East Midlands.
It was decommissioned in 2020 before current owner Emma Williams saw an opportunity to give it a new lease of life as a holiday home.
Fast forward to 2025, and one of its carriages now stands in Morpeth, where it’s up for sale for £70,000. You don’t get the land it stands up, but you will get some help transporting it to a location of your choosing.
This one’s for the train nerds: the carriage was originally built as a Mark III Tourist Standard Open, but it was repurposed by Grand Central as a Mark III Trailer Standard, and ended up as Coach 41207.
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Today, the home features central heating, a separate shower room/toilet, two bedrooms, and a fully-fitted kitchen with a dining area made from the remains of an authentic East Midlands Railway leather booth.
It’s almost hard to believe so much could fit in such a small space, considering it’s only 23 metres long – so it’s an impressive feat.
From the first concept through to its eventual opening in 2022, Emma says that the project took two years to complete – and she’s now looking to pass the baton to another new owner, as she’s put it on the market for £70,000.
An idyllic new home for trainspotters (Francis Bourgeois, eat your heart out), Emma is looking to sell the home privately.
‘We’d originally looked at putting a couple of log cabins on the land, but with the site being so close to the East Coast Mainline, we had the idea of converting a train carriage instead,’ she reflects.
‘After finding the right option for the space we had, we came up with a design that both provided everything that you’d expect from high-quality holiday accommodation and also retained the character of the carriage.’
‘It’s been a brilliant project to create, especially with the amazing response we’ve had from our guests over the last three years, and it’s been extremely popular all year-round, but it’s now time for the train to pull out of the station and find a new place to stop.’
Naturally, both train enthusiasts and former railway workers have made up a significant number of the guests, particularly considering the context of the view over the East Coast Mainline, which is only a few miles away.
Emma adds: ‘But it’s been popular with people who were just looking for a quirky place to stay and also with children with special educational needs who’ve loved having the chance to stay in a train.
‘We think any number of buyers could be interested, from holiday park owners or destination venues who want to add an extra dimension to their site, through to people like us with some land to use for something interesting or someone who just wants to use the Pullman as their own personal bolthole.
‘We’re happy to give help and advice on how to transport and set up the carriage, and we’d love to think that it goes to someone who’ll enjoy having it as much as we have.’
I spent a day on the luxury Pullman for £10
Buying a train out of your price range? How about a holiday on one instead?
This summer, Metro’s Chris Buswell enjoyed a three-course meal on theGolden Arrow Pullman – one of the most famous luxury trains in the world.
‘Before you’ve even stepped aboard, you’re greeted by Pullman staff (white gloves and all) who give you your seat number with a smile,’ he wrote.
‘Inside the carriage, you can see why this train has such a legacy.
‘Think: plush red carpet that sinks a bit with each footstep you take, golden detailing around every corner of the carriage and a full silverware dining set that awaits you at your table.
‘Even the salt and pepper shakers made me glad I didn’t miss arm day at the gym. Once seated, another glass of Highweald wine welcomes you for the journey ahead.’
Chris’ trip cost just £10 thanks to a special event in partnership with Uber. Tickets on the train are currently listed at £99 per person, with additional seats costing £35, but keep your eyes peeled for future special events in 2026.
This isn’t the first time a converted train has hit the market. In 2023, an old station house complete with its own locomotive and private train track hit the market for £500,000.
There was also an old railway platform and former railway line just to the north of the home, with the track still working as a private railway.
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