Maiden Ale Wagon & Wisteria Cottage
Maiden is our 1940's GWR Ale Wagon . Once used to ferry goods back and forth on Britain's railways - helping, in her own small way to keep the wheels of commerce turning. She has been lovingly sanded, scraped wire brushed, painted and brought gently into our time, to share with us a taste of history, giving us a close up glimpse of her beautifully solid character and personality.
Converted, now, into a romantic and quirky garden bedroom - she comes complete with original cast iron double bedstead, comfy modern mattress and sturdy oak furniture. A subtle pale grey exterior and soft green on the ironwork helps to underline her industrial past. Wallpapered and painted inside, with a blackened hardwood floor - she is far from 'roughing it' - feeling exactly like an old fashioned bedroom - but outside in the garden! The world is your oyster - shut and lock the double doors, feeling safe and snuggly under the duvet - or sleep with the doors and windows flung open on a warm evening, dropping off to the sound of the owls. Your patch is completely your own - no-one to bother you except the rabbits.
‘............we really felt like we have got away from it all and had a taste of the outdoors – whilst still enjoying a touch of luxury! ..................As for Maiden, we slept so well! The bed is SO comfy that all our attempts to get up early failed! A real ‘quirky’ treat. Thanks for making our first anniversary so memorable.
Clovissa and Paul – Leeds
She has electric lights, hot water bottles and spare blankets for cooler evenings.
‘................great central base to spread our wings in any direction. Love Maiden – hope to see you soon.
Maggie and Phil – West Midlands
There is more ..........
Maiden has her own south facing cottage in the same grounds of approx 1/6 acre, Wisteria Cottage is a veritable sun trap housing a large open plan kitchen and lounge - with patio doors, and bathroom with large shower, toilet and wash basin. Much reclaimed oak has been used throughout, and lots of recycling of bricks and hardwood flooring has taken place. A large bottle green enamelled and stainless steel Godin French woodburner , comfortable curl up and snooze sofa and chair, full size gas cooker and fridge. No television .We like it so much we might take our holiday here ! The only thing lacking in the kitchen is a washing machine - feel free to do some hand washing while here, and peg it outside - but there is a launderette a few miles down the road if you need it. We have a picnic hamper, local map guide, and all the usual kitchen paraphenalia at your disposal.
The garden is deliberately open - we were after a wild and woolly effect- a little grass, a lot of slate chippings, some bark, and plenty of nordman spruce at the far end. (the pigeons seem to like it in the big conifer at the back of the rockery!) We have sited a campfire for your pleasure - whether it be a sausage on a stick, toasted marshmallows, or simply a glass of wine or mug of cocoa by firelight. The skies are so clear down this part of the world - no light pollution. Why not lay on the grassy mound in the dark and wait for shooting stars!
You are bounded on one side by native hedging and trees, home to many a critter and bird - rabbits have made the banks underneath their home. Look overhead for Buzzards - our large birds of prey - reeling and riding the thermals - impressive wing spans.
You don't have to be interested in railways to stay in Maiden - more the point, she offers a unique stay in something a little less obvious but no less romantic - a down to earth experience which in no way compromises home comforts.
So if you have time for a few rivets and bolts , and still enjoy a little rust and cast iron , solid oak and maple , rough plaster and more oak , but also like a touch of luxury and home comfort .......
For some more pictures ( will open another window )
