A restored railway carriage named Gin and Toffee is offering travelers a unique glamping experience in the Essex countryside, combining rustic heritage with modern comfort.
Located on Loves Farm in Cutlers Green, Thaxted, the accommodation is part of a working family farm operated by brothers James and Chris, who represent the fourth generation of farmers on the property. Their great-grandfather first took over the farm in 1926 when it was part of the Horham Hall Estate.
The name Gin and Toffee pays tribute to the historic Elsenham & Thaxted Light Railway, which operated between 1913 and 1953 and was informally known for its connections to the Lees Sweet Factory in Thaxted and the Gilbey’s Gin family.
Though most of the line has long been returned to farmland, traces of its path remain visible around the area.
The converted carriage accommodates two guests and features a king-size bed, a fully equipped kitchenette with an electric hob and fridge freezer, and a private bathroom with a flushing toilet and shower.
Amenities such as central heating, electric lighting, and Wi-Fi are included, and a fenced garden provides outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a barbecue area.
One well-behaved dog is welcome for an additional £15 per stay, and an airbed can be provided for a child aged 5 to 13 for £25. The site is open year-round and offers parking behind the hut.
Guests are within walking distance of local amenities, including a pub about 20 minutes away and shops roughly 25 minutes away.
The nearby town of Thaxted features traditional English architecture, cafés, and pubs such as The Swan and The Maypole, while Saffron Walden—just 20 minutes away—offers attractions like Audley End House and Gardens and a historic market square.
During summer, the Thaxted Festival showcases classical, jazz, and folk music, while spring brings the Thaxted Morris Dancing weekend, a celebration of English folk traditions.
The location offers convenience for travelers, sitting only 20 minutes from London Stansted Airport, with direct bus access via the 316 route.
Coastal destinations such as Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, and Brightlingsea are within an hour’s drive, and the university city of Cambridge is also easily reachable by car or train.
For glamping operators and outdoor hospitality business owners, Gin and Toffee demonstrates how heritage assets and underused rural land can be repurposed into unique, experience-driven accommodations.
By blending historical storytelling with modern comfort, the site appeals to visitors seeking both authenticity and convenience—an increasingly important balance in the evolving glamping market.
Featured image by Gin and Toffee via glampinghideaways.co.uk