Also situated within the garden of High Cross Cottage is another railway carriage. This one, dating from 1876, is the oldest surviving carriage of the former London & South Western Railway. It was a First Class Family Saloon; essentially, the best private hire carriage available at that time. In 1905, the carriage was converted into living space at Exmouth, Devon, before being rescued by the current owners in a very dilapidated state.

Charles and Marion have restored it with great attention to detail, aided by the discovery of a time-capsule of original fittings and materials concealed, along with a newspaper dated 1896, within the walls. The result is a museum-standard restoration of a luxurious railway carriage interior, with fine Brazilian mahogany, gold leaf lining, polished brass fittings, embossed wallpapers, rich fabrics, superb lace antimacassars, fascinating notices, and a railway map and sepia photographs under the luggage racks.

The First Class Saloon is available for hire, allowing guests to savour for themselves the delights of a First Class Dinner prepared by a professional cook or Afternoon Tea served in a sumptuous Victorian setting complete with original South Western silverware and china. Either option a truly memorable experience, and ideal for a special occasion.
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Menus vary depending on the time of year. Below are samples for your information.

Dinner menu

A

Smoked Salmon parcel

Skillet chicken breasts with salsa verde

Sticky toffee pudding

B

Ham hock terrine

Tagliata of Dorset lamb with salsa verde

Clafoutis and clotted cream

C

Garlic and chicken liver tart

Pork fillet with herb mousseline and mustard sauce

Chocolate-hazelnut meringue-roulade

Tea or coffee

Prices

Two people – £58 each

Three people – £55 each

Four+ people £50 each              

Afternoon tea

Scones, jam and clotted cream,  Victoria sponge, tea or coffee

Two people £ 20 each

Three people £ 18 each

Four+ people £ 15 each