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The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I transformed abandoned UK train station into ultimate Airbnb steeped in Victorian character – now I make £200 a day
A RAILWAY fanatic who lives in an old station has spent thousands converting a former train carriage in to a luxury AirBnB apartment. Nigel Brooke, 68, lives in the old Delph railway station in 7 Nigel Brooke was inspired by fittings from the original period when he designed the interior Credit: William Lailey 7 The carriage sits level with the old Delph station, where Nigel lives Credit: William Lailey 7 Passenger train services ceased in the area in the 1950s, but - thanks to a loving £27,000 restoration - visitors can once again step inside a carriage at the station. Instead of a ticket price, they'll have to part with the £200 per-night cost for the luxury accommodation. The second class 1895 Nigel used on the outside with original colours from old drawings and charts, while the interior has been given a stunning makeover. READ MORE IN NEWS The inside has been given a stunning makeover to create a cosy bedroom in the style of the same period. Some additional features , such as a bed and stove, were necessary to make it inhabitable. Retired wallpaper designer Nigel said: "I designed all that interior decor, but it was led by original pieces that I found doing the restoration. "The carriage was built in 1895 in Swindon, it's a GWR carriage. Most read in Money "It ran on the Metropolitan Railway. It was decommissioned in 1940, it was all painted in dark colours because of the war, I think. "It was just chocolate brown everywhere, it became a workman's carriage static somewhere." End of an era as King Charles AXES royal train after 150 years as cost of keeping iconic vehicle going hits £1.2m a year Nigel splashed £8,000 on the carriage, which was hauled up from Gloucester by road. It now stands on two concrete walls designed to keep it completely level to Delph station's original platform, making it accessible step-free. In total, the dad-of-three says he spent £27,000 on the restoration. He added: "One side was covered in tin - that must have been put there in the 50s or 40s to protect one side. "The woodwork of the frame was in great condition with it being built of oak, they built these in Swindon out of oak. "What I had to do was take each piece off carefully that was rotten and replicate it and rebuild it, using the original bits. It was in reasonable condition. 7 Before Nigel got his hands on it, the carriage was a dusty, unloved shell 7 Nigel is expanding his offerings with another chamber in the station's former waiting room 7 A stay in the plush room will set you back £200 a night Credit: TNT SPORTS "It's quite early, 1895, for a carriage - it's getting towards disintegration at that age if they've not been restored, this will be good for a long time now." Nigel is now planning on expanding his Airbnb offering with a new chamber in the station's former waiting room, to allow larger groups to visit. Nigel said: "People absolutely adore it, there's a lot of history here. It's a beautiful place. "It is beautiful, and it's quite unique here, I bought this place in the 80s when I was in my 30s, I was quite lucky to acquire such a nice old historic building. "I may turn one of the waiting rooms into an Airbnb with an ensuite, so when people stay in this carriage, if they've got friends they can stay in the waiting room at the station house." 7 Nigel says that people absolutely love his creation Credit: Splash News
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
I transformed abandoned UK train station into ultimate Airbnb steeped in Victorian character – now I make £200 a day
The carriage was a dusty, unloved shell before this enthusiast had his way GOING LOCO I transformed abandoned UK train station into ultimate Airbnb steeped in Victorian character – now I make £200 a day A RAILWAY fanatic who lives in an old station has spent thousands converting a former train carriage in to a luxury AirBnB apartment. Nigel Brooke, 68, lives in the old Delph railway station in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester. Advertisement 7 Nigel Brooke was inspired by fittings from the original period when he designed the interior Credit: William Lailey 7 The carriage sits level with the old Delph station, where Nigel lives Credit: William Lailey 7 Passenger train services ceased in the area in the 1950s, but - thanks to a loving £27,000 restoration - visitors can once again step inside a carriage at the station. Instead of a ticket price, they'll have to part with the £200 per-night cost for the luxury accommodation. The second class 1895 Great Western Railway carriage has been restored to its former glory on the outside and finished in the original colours - gleaned from old drawings and charts. Nigel used on the outside with original colours from old drawings and charts, while the interior has been given a stunning makeover. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS 'BRIGHT LIVES LOST' Heartbreaking tributes to Brit pals who drowned in Algarve pool The inside has been given a stunning makeover to create a cosy bedroom in the style of the same period. Some additional features, such as a bed and stove, were necessary to make it inhabitable. Retired wallpaper designer Nigel said: "I designed all that interior decor, but it was led by original pieces that I found doing the restoration. "The carriage was built in 1895 in Swindon, it's a GWR carriage. Advertisement "It ran on the Metropolitan Railway. It was decommissioned in 1940, it was all painted in dark colours because of the war, I think. "It was just chocolate brown everywhere, it became a workman's carriage static somewhere." End of an era as King Charles AXES royal train after 150 years as cost of keeping iconic vehicle going hits £1.2m a year Nigel splashed £8,000 on the carriage, which was hauled up from Gloucester by road. It now stands on two concrete walls designed to keep it completely level to Delph station's original platform, making it accessible step-free. Advertisement In total, the dad-of-three says he spent £27,000 on the restoration. He added: "One side was covered in tin - that must have been put there in the 50s or 40s to protect one side. "The woodwork of the frame was in great condition with it being built of oak, they built these in Swindon out of oak. "What I had to do was take each piece off carefully that was rotten and replicate it and rebuild it, using the original bits. It was in reasonable condition. Advertisement 7 Before Nigel got his hands on it, the carriage was a dusty, unloved shell 7 Nigel is expanding his offerings with another chamber in the station's former waiting room 7 A stay in the plush room will set you back £200 a night Advertisement "It's quite early, 1895, for a carriage - it's getting towards disintegration at that age if they've not been restored, this will be good for a long time now." Nigel is now planning on expanding his Airbnb offering with a new chamber in the station's former waiting room, to allow larger groups to visit. Advertisement Nigel said: "People absolutely adore it, there's a lot of history here. It's a beautiful place. Advertisement "It is beautiful, and it's quite unique here, I bought this place in the 80s when I was in my 30s, I was quite lucky to acquire such a nice old historic building. Advertisement "I may turn one of the waiting rooms into an Airbnb with an ensuite, so when people stay in this carriage, if they've got friends they can stay in the waiting room at the station house."
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lip reader reveals Macron's cheeky remark about Prince William to King Charles after arriving at Windsor Castle
A LIP reader has revealed the moment Emmanuel Macron made a cheeky remark about Prince William to King Charles. The French president, and his wife Brigitte, were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt this morning. 4 The moment President Macron made a cheeky remark to King Charles Credit: Sky 4 William was then seen replying as the pair smiled Credit: Sku They were then welcomed in Windsor by the King and Queen, with Macron warmly greeting Charles and kissing Camilla's hand. As they stood chatting, Mr Macron also placed his hand on the King's back as part of a friendly greeting. It was shortly after when chatting to the monarch, that the French leader made an observation about Wills, says lip reader Nicola Hickling. According to the lip reader, Macron said to King Charles: 'He is incredibly tall.' Read More in Royals KING AND EYE King spotted with painful-looking red eye after suffering burst blood vessel King Charles, who is said to be 5ft 10, is then understood to have replied: 'He is very tall. He's six foot one, he is, ever so.' Prince William then weighed in: 'Actually, I'm six foot three.' 5ft 7 Macron is said to have replied cheekily: 'Unlike us, we're short.' Mrs Macron was seen greeting Queen Camilla with "la bise" - the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss. The royal party and their guests stood still for the French national anthem, surrounded by household cavalry members. From there, the King and Mr Macron travelled together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau. They were followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron in the Semi-State Landau, Buckingham Palace announced. End of an era as King Charles AXES royal train after 150 years as cost of keeping iconic vehicle going hits £1.2m a year In the third carriage, the Ascot Landau, ferried Kate and Wills, who accompanied France's armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister Rachida Dati. The final two Ascot Landau carriages transported French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff. The processional route, lined through the town by the armed forces, takes in Datchet Road, Thames Street High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. Security was heightened with an enhanced police presence and teams inspecting the area around the castle and checking locations such as flower planters. A ceremonial welcome took place at the castle, and inspection of the Guard of Honour. French President Emmanuel Macron is the first European leader to attend a state visit to the UK since Charles III was crowned, and since the UK left the EU. Macron has now headed to London where he is addressing Parliament. He says it's a "great honour" to address MPs and peers, before praising Keir Starmer for being the first British leader in 80 years to spend Armistice Day in France. Downing Street said in a previous statement they were hoping for "good progress" during Macron's three days in the UK. Macron will end a busy day with a state banquet back at Windsor Castle. 4 The royals meeting President Macron and his wife Brigitte today Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Lip reader reveals Macron's cheeky remark about Prince William to King Charles after arriving at Windsor Castle
A LIP reader has revealed the moment Emmanuel Macron made a cheeky remark about Prince William to King Charles. The Advertisement 4 The moment President Macron made a cheeky remark to King Charles Credit: Sky 4 William was then seen replying as the pair smiled Credit: Sku They were then welcomed in Windsor by the King and Queen, with Macron warmly greeting Charles and kissing Camilla's hand. As they stood chatting, Mr Macron also placed his hand on the King's back as part of a friendly greeting. It was shortly after when chatting to the monarch, that the French leader made an observation about Wills, says lip reader Nicola Hickling. According to the lip reader, Macron said to King Charles: 'He is incredibly tall.' Advertisement Read More in Royals King Charles, who is said to be 5ft 10, is then understood to have replied: 'He is very tall. He's six foot one, he is, ever so.' Prince William then weighed in: 'Actually, I'm six foot three.' 5ft 7 Macron is said to have replied cheekily: 'Unlike us, we're short.' Mrs Macron was seen greeting Queen Camilla with "la bise" - the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss. Advertisement Most read in Royals The royal party and their guests stood still for the French national anthem, surrounded by household cavalry members. From there, the King and Mr Macron travelled together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau. They were followed by the Queen and End of an era as King Charles AXES royal train after 150 years as cost of keeping iconic vehicle going hits £1.2m a year In the third carriage, the Ascot Landau, ferried Kate and Wills, who accompanied France's armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister Rachida Dati. Advertisement The final two Ascot Landau carriages transported French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff. The processional route, lined through the town by the armed forces, takes in Datchet Road, Thames Street High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. Security was heightened with an enhanced police presence and teams inspecting the area around the castle and checking locations such as flower planters. A ceremonial welcome took place at the castle, and inspection of the Guard of Honour. Advertisement French President Macron has now headed to London where he is addressing Parliament. He says it's a "great honour" to address MPs and peers, before praising Keir Starmer for being the first British leader in 80 years to spend Armistice Day in France. Downing Street said in a previous statement they were hoping for "good progress" during Macron's three days in the UK. Advertisement Macron will end a busy day with a state banquet back at Windsor Castle. 4 The royals meeting President Macron and his wife Brigitte today Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Macron being escorted inside Windsor Castle by the King Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Unholy' row breaks out between Charles' vicar and choirmaster with King asked to broker peace deal
THE King has been asked to mediate a row at his local church between the vicar and choirmaster. The bitter argument is said to be over the future of the choir at the 4 King Charles has been asked to intervene in a row at a church in Sandringham Credit: Getty 4 The row is said to be over the future of the choir at the parish church of St Mary Magdalene Credit: Alan Keith Beastall Rev Canon Paul Williams, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, is said to want to modernise — including getting a social media account for the choir at St Mary Magdalene Church. But director of music Dr Claire Stewart is said to have responded to a report into her role with a 28-page grievance dossier. King Charles, who worships at the church near his Norfolk estate, has been made aware of the row. Several weeks ago, he made a point of staying behind after a service to chat to parishioners. READ MORE ON KING CHARLES The Bishop of Norwich is said to have been inundated with letters over the simmering row. This month, local councillor Lord Greville Howard, Baron Greville of Rising, held a meeting with church leaders in a bid to sort out the mess. Meanwhile, numbers in the 'tight knit' choir at Sunday services and practices have dwindled. A source said yesterday: 'It feels like an episode of Most read in Royals 'But it's turning into an unholy row and it's starting to get very bitter and damaging. 'It is overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King's royal estate and heads need to be banged together.' End of an era as King Charles AXES royal train after 150 years as cost of keeping iconic vehicle going hits £1.2m a year Another source said: 'The King has been made aware that there is an issue between the vicar and choirmaster.' Dr Stewart has been director of music at the church for 12 years. Parishioners say she is 'hugely adored' and has been put under a lot of pressure. Rev Williams joined in 2023 after moving from Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucs. 4 Rev Canon Paul Williams, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, is said to want to modernise the church's choir Credit: Times Media Ltd 4 Claire Stewart, director of music at the church, has filed a 28-page grievance dossier Credit:
