A disused 19th-century railway station just an hour from Cheltenham has been lovingly transformed into a luxurious haven for train enthusiasts. Cecilia Chavez-Brandon and her husband Paul Kirwan purchased Rowden Mill Station, located in Bromyard, North Herefordshire, in 2017 for £395,000 – a 2.7-acre site complete with original buildings and a stretch of railway track.
The station, which closed to passengers in the 1950s as car travel became dominant, had fallen into disrepair. The couple’s extensive renovation project, costing over £50,000, has turned the site into a captivating ‘time capsule’ that invites visitors to step back into the 1950s and 60s.
Cecilia, an architect originally from Mexico, explains how their vision evolved: “We wanted a business and when this station came on the market, we put in an offer that was accepted within three hours. The station’s history fascinates us—from moving soldiers during the war to farmers transporting cattle.”
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The original station building has been sensitively refurbished. What was once the booking office is now a welcoming kitchen, the waiting room has been converted into a lounge, and the gentleman’s toilets have become a full bathroom. The parcel office has been transformed into a cozy studio suite complete with ensuite bathroom and central heating.
Adding to the nostalgic charm, the couple restored an 18-foot-long railway saloon coach, furnishing it with 1960s pieces, and launched accommodation in July 2022. For guests seeking a more spacious stay, the main station building and the parcel office studio are both available for hire, with prices ranging from £220 to £430 for two nights.
Even during the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, the couple pressed forward with renovations. They acquired a famous 1962 inspection saloon coach painted in classic British Rail livery, which they are converting into accommodation as a special project. They also maintain over 250 meters of railway track, storing their vintage vehicles on-site.
Preserving the station’s authentic character has been paramount. Features like the original canopy roof remain intact, and guests enter through the historic booking office. The ladies’ waiting area now serves as a main bedroom, complemented by an adjacent bunk room. The tranquil setting offers not only a railway experience but also scenic countryside views, meadows, hedgerows, and wildlife ponds.
The transformation has attracted a diverse mix of visitors—from hardcore railway buffs and professionals like station masters and train drivers, to families and children fascinated by trains. Cecilia reflects, “It’s become a full-time passion for us. We’ve joined an amazing network of railway enthusiasts and the response from guests has been incredible.”
In 2018, the couple acquired a 20-tonne brake van, once in poor condition, which they have painstakingly restored into additional luxury accommodation. Using antique, period-appropriate furniture, they’ve preserved the van’s unique shape while making it comfortable for guests. Since launching this new offering in April 2024, bookings have been very promising.
Now, Rowden Mill Station stands as a one-of-a-kind retreat—offering visitors an immersive blend of railway heritage and nature’s beauty, overlooking the Wall Hills. As Cecilia says, “There really is nowhere else like it.”