In 1986, I purchased two solid bronze handles from the Queen’s Coronation Railway Carriage and immediately knew they would one day inspire a project. Decades later, they became the starting point for my railway carriage build—a project that combines comfort, authenticity, and meticulous craftsmanship. I built this railway carriage (7.2m x 3.1m) with comfort in mind, using the highest-rated insulation in the ceilings, walls, and floors. This is to ensure that our guests are warm and cosy. Many authentic New Zealand Railway antiques were incorporated throughout, giving the space character and a unique sense of history. The structure itself is low maintenance, requiring little more than a fresh coat of paint every ten years.

The vaulted roof provides a spacious sense of headroom, while the carriage’s compact size ensures it remains easy to heat. For the flooring, I chose planked laminate—durable, easy to maintain, and practical—yet still carrying the charm of a traditional, vintage finish.

I custom-made all the architraves and skirtings to suit the proportions of the space, while details such as a linen-grain kitchen benchtop add to the industrial feel. Tongue-and-groove ply lines the interior, just as in original carriages, enhancing its authenticity. Art Deco lights salvaged from a 1930s carriage were converted to LED, blending vintage charm with modern efficiency. The cabinetry, finished in Jarrah laminate, contributes to the timeless look I was aiming for. A new vintage-style toilet and sink sourced in Auckland further reinforce the heritage feel, making the interior feel like a living museum of New Zealand Railway antiques.

My background as a retired boat builder helped me maximize every millimetre of the compact space. The dining table, for example, rests on a cast iron leg salvaged from a railway workbench - solid, timeless, and full of character. A Jarrah servery was cut down and laminated into the tabletop. The layout was designed to fit a queen bed while still allowing comfortable walking space, and two doors provide through-draft ventilation on warm days.

Despite its modest size, the carriage feels open and airy thanks to several windows that can be opened to keep it cool in summer. The interior is painted in Dulux Quarter Villa White, giving it a soft warmth. The bathroom is surprisingly spacious, with a one-metre square shower, vintage-style basin and toilet, nickel-plated taps, and a chrome-plated shelf. An old Bakelite clock, still running on 240 volts like those once used in railway stations, adds to the period feel, while enamel signage and British Racing Green subway tiles further enhance the authenticity of this unique build.

Visitors often ask where I sourced the railway carriage, amazed that it was my own creation. To me, it feels like a work of art—meticulously planned and executed down to the smallest detail, from the powder-coated spouting which matches the roof paint to the two doors that allow views from either side. Accessibility was also a priority, with a wheelchair ramp for guests to access and enjoy the space. Among the many repurposed details, a London Underground buffer turned into a bedside table stands out as a conversation piece. Every element reflects my commitment to authenticity and attention to detail, creating a railway carriage that feels both historic and welcoming—a space where history, craftsmanship, and comfort meet. The layout feels perfectly balanced, just the way I envisioned it. Everything came together exactly as I hoped—I wouldn’t alter a single detail.