Set within the idyllic grounds of Apple Mount Retreat - a luxury, adults only (16+) glamping site in Suffolk - Mind The Gap is a one-of-a-kind getaway in a converted 1938 London Tube Carriage. The only private, converted London tube carriage in the world, you will quite literally be staying in a unique piece of British history. Lovingly restored in 2023, Mind The Gap blends British heritage with Scandi design to create a luxurious “tiny home” experience with all the mod-cons, including a private hot tub!
Just a short distance away from Britain's best preserved mediaeval village, Lavenham, Mind The Gap is perfectly situated for nature lovers and foodies alike. Spend your mornings sipping a coffee on the carriage deck, surrounded by nature (including roaming peacocks!), and your evenings at one of the many top-rated local pubs, bars and restaurants. During the day, you can avail of all that Apple Mount Retreat has to offer, including a tennis court and heated pool (open May-Sep). And if you’re in the mood for some pampering, why not book a massage on the property or enjoy your private hot tub under the stars.
Having spent its first 50 years serving the people of London on the London Underground, our little tube carriage then retired and spent the next 20 years on the Isle of Wight as a passenger train (fun fact: because of the height restrictions on the Isle of Wight line, retired tube carriages are one of the only types of carriages that can actually work the line!). Whilst we have restored the carriage and turned it into a holiday rental, the space is still very reminiscent of a London underground tube carriage, and everything you would expect it to be - an entry cabin, which used to be the driver’s cabin, followed by an open, 17 metre long and 2.3 metre wide carriage with three seating compartments. The three seating compartments have been turned into:
- A living room with TV and two banquette-style sofas
- A cosy bedroom with a UK double bed; and
- A galley-style kitchen with banquette-style seating
We have also converted the very far end of the carriage (next to the kitchen) into a compact bathroom complete with a sink, toilet and shower.
Please note that, because it's a converted tube carriage, whilst we’ve strived to make it as comfortable and luxurious as possible, it's still a small space with unique details. Some things to be aware of:
- The shower is small, with limited headroom given the curved carriage roof.
- The kitchenette contains electric appliances only (mini-fridge, microwave, air-fryer, toaster, kettle, coffee machine). There isn't an oven or stove, however there is a private BBQ on the deck and you can purchase coal on-site.
- It is impossible to black-out the carriage at night, given the number of windows and doors, so whilst there are curtains at most windows, there will still be some natural light that comes into the carriage each morning.
- We have installed underfloor heating, and insulated the roof and sides of the carriage, however it is a metal structure with residual areas of ventilation so it has the potential to get cold during the winter - extra blankets can be provided as needed.
