Amy Corbett is a member of All Belong Collective, a local hosting business in Virginia that runs several unique vacation stays. One is “James Station,” a renovated Southern Train Caboose that overlooks a river and train factory!
Below, Amy shares the inspiration behind the caboose renovation and how they chose to lean into the train theme. The space is a favorite of locomotive enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. It has 4.97 stars on Airbnb.
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Stay in a Train Overlooking the Tracks! Virginia
Images via All Belong Co.
It’s located overlooking the James River less than half a mile to downtown Lynchburg, VA.
Images via All Belong Co.
Funny story- we owned this land that overlooked a river, so we wanted whatever we put there to be awesome…
Images via All Belong Co.
BUT the land is on a cliff that also overlooks a factory and train tracks.
Images via All Belong Co.
We knew trains going by would be an issue for guests that we would have to disclose on our listing.
Images via All Belong Co.
But when a friend gave us the idea to purchase a train car, we loved the idea of leaning into the “downside” of a place and making it an attraction.
Images via All Belong Co.
If you’re staying in a train car, watching other trains is now part of the excitement!
Images via All Belong Co.
Naturally, I found our caboose on Facebook Marketplace.
Images via All Belong Co.
It was a kids’ concession stand in West Virginia 3.5 hours away.
Images via All Belong Co.
The cost to transport and install the caboose was over twice as much as the actual caboose itself!
Images via All Belong Co.
We used a lot of repurposed items in this project (obviously, the whole train is a repurpose project!).
Images via All Belong Co.
The wood ceiling, $5 light fixtures from the Habitat Re-Store, original sink and lockers from the caboose, and more are all repurposed.
Images via All Belong Co.
We offer a kids’ package (conductor hat, bandana, branded train whistle & sticker book).
Images via All Belong Co.
Our guests love the experience!
Images via All Belong Co.
Highlights:
- All aboard! Welcome to James Station, a train caboose overlooking the James River.
- Large deck, Solo Stove fire pit, pollinator garden & gas grill
- Hammock swings inside + porch swing overlooking river
- Watch the trains + factory action below!
- 1/2 mi walk to Blackwater Creek nature trails & downtown Lynchburg dining
- Keurig + local coffee, fast wifi
- Full bathroom w/ rain head shower & Public Goods soaps
- 12 min to Liberty Univ & Univ of Lynchburg
- BEDROOM
- queen bed
- reading lights
- white noise machine
- smart TV
- small dresser
- remote controlled LED lights that illuminate the ceiling in different colors
- blackout pulldown blinds
- LIVING/DINING:
- loveseat + twin sleeper sofa
- coffee table
- built in walnut table/bar w/ 2 swivel seats
- optional clip-on hammock chairs
- KITCHEN:
- quartz countertop w/ sink
- fridge w/ freezer
- large toaster/convection oven with air fryer
- portable 2 burner cooktop w/ induction pots and pans for cooking
- Keurig, French press, coffee grinder, reclaimed closet for hanging clothes
- BATHROOM
- shower w/ Public Goods products
- original stainless caboose sink
- toilet
- towels + hairdryer
- DECK
- outdoor bistro table & chairs
- gas grill
- sitting benches
- OUTSIDE
- Fire pit w/ Solo Stove & chairs
- porch swing
- hammock
- pollinator garden
- PARKING: up to 3 cars may park at the caboose (off-street driveway for 1-2, street parking for 1-2)
- HEATING/AIR: ductless heating & air with remote
- TV SERVICES – No cable. Smart TV streaming services only (guests must use personal login credentials)
- POTENTIAL FOR NOISE: You will hear the sounds of trains going by, construction forklifts beeping, etc. The factory works through the night.
- The caboose has sound-proofing and double layers of insulation around the bedroom area, and we provide a white noise machine and portable fan for your added comfort.
- *You must be 25 years or older to reserve James Station.
Learn More:
Related Stories:
- 1950s Train Car Tiny House in Australia
- Get Cozy in the 32 ft. Caboose: A Tiny House with a Main Floor Master Bedroom
- WWII Troop Train Kitchen Car Turned Tiny Home
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Natalie C. McKee
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