Escape Inspiration: Converting a Train Station

Living in a converted train station seems an amazing, long-term escape. We thought we'd find many such instances when we set out to research the topic, but it seems the endeavor is even rarer than we first supposed...

Some tips to consider in the unlikely event that you're actually considering the purchase and conversion of a railway station:

Is the track still in use? About 50 per cent are - so weigh up the pros and cons: noisy trains running past your house versus a very handy form of transport (important in more remote branch lines and locomotive outposts).

Be prepared to move: it's no easy thing to match a prospective buyer with a railway station in a specific area.

More tips at Find a Property's The Truth About ... Station Conversions

Image: www.property.org.uk

Comments (4)

Not a railway station house per se, but this was the winner of New Zealand Home of the Year 2008 (it's called Signal Box and is built right next to a station):

http://www.mellingmorse.co.nz/signal-box

I like the images of the kitchen best.

posted by JoJenks on July 29th 2009 at 7:17am
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The first tip about a 'very handy form of transport' doesn't make sense. Even if trains were still using the track, I highly doubt you would be buying a train station where the trains still make a stop.

Also, if you haven't seen it, The Station Agent was an enjoyable movie.

posted by home body on July 29th 2009 at 7:17am
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For a shorter term escape: In Scotland there's the cozy West Highland Way Sleeper, a hostel in the original Bridge of Orchy train station building: http://www.westhighlandwaysleeper.co.uk/index.asp
http://www.westhighlandwaysleeper.co.uk/accommodation.asp

I had a great stay there while hiking the West Highland Way!

posted by jprice on July 29th 2009 at 8:06am
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There was a converted train station for rent in NH a little while back. The track was no longer in use, and I wanted it so badly! Too bad I live in Providence. It was so cute.

posted by cassielynn on July 29th 2009 at 11:06am
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