Gin and Toffee is a beautifully restored railway carriage featuring a bright and rustic, yet stylish, design which offers serenity from the doorstep with historical charm and rural tranquillity. Sleeping two in an open-plan carriage, your furry friends are welcome too and it is ideally located for those seeking a peaceful retreat while remaining close to nearby towns and amenities.
As you arrive at Gin and Toffee, you are surrounded by a wooden-fenced garden with spectacular views of the farm. Step inside to an open-plan railway carriage with a well-equipped kitchenette, with a mini oven with two hobs, a mini fridge freezer, tea and coffee facilities and all the utensils you need for a cosy meal away from home. There is a folding table inside or you can step outside for al fresco dining overlooking the farm.
There is a comfortable king-size bed with storage underneath, a flat-screen television and a fully functional private bathroom with all the facilities you need, including a hot and cold running water shower.
Rain or shine, there are books and board games to keep you entertained. For a cosy evening you can toast marshmallows on the firepit, which is attached to the table.
For those muddy, rainy days, there is a dog-washing area to keep the canines clean and to wash off your boots.
Gin and Toffee Carriage is located on a family farm in Thaxted, run by two brothers who are fourth generation farmers - their great-grandfather came to the farm in 1926 when it was part of the Horham Hall Estate. Although the farm is mainly arable, there is some livestock, including sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys at Christmas. The "Gin and Toffee" line was the informal name for the Elsenham & Thaxted Light Railway in Essex, which operated between 1913 and 1953, and supported by Lees Sweet Factory in Thaxted and Gilbey’s Gin Family. In its day, the line served as a vital transport link for the local community, particularly for those travelling between Elsenham, Henham, and Thaxted.
Sadly, not much of the railway is visible today, as it was levelled off and returned to farmland, but with a bit of imagination and the odd intact fence post, you can still spot hints of where it once ran.
Between Saffron Walden and Thaxted, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés. Some local favourites include Cafe Cou Cou and Gluttons in Saffron Walden. Dorringtons Bakery is also nearby, offering delicious takeaway, from freshly made sandwiches and sausage rolls to a tempting selection of baked cakes.
Additional Information:
One well-behaved dog is welcome for an additional charge of £15 per stay. Please keep your dog under close supervision, as this is a working farm with livestock such as sheep, chickens in close proximity
One child aged 5 -13 is allowed for an additional charge of £25 per stay and an airbed will be provided.
Logs provided
Parking available
INSIDE
Kitchen
Tea and coffee facilities
Mini fridge/ freezer
Twin mini oven, toaster, kettle, pans, frying pan
Living Room
Folded table and chairs for two
Books and games
Bedroom
King-size bed
Television
Bathroom
Flushing toilet and toilet paper
Sink and hand wash
Shower with hot running water
Towels
OUTSIDE
Large patio with wooden-fenced garden
Garden furniture with table and chairs
Firepit - attached to the table
Outdoor dog washing station made of stone
