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The Brake Wagon at High Barn Heritage

(Ref. 1117637)

Greenstead Green near Halstead, Essex Show on map

4.8★

About Sykes tick ratings

Our Property Experts award tick ratings to the property during the initial onboarding stage, before they are added to our website. While tick ratings vary, they are all based on the same fundamental standards.

Simple, practical, no frills.

Well presented and well run.

Good level of quality and comfort.

Excellent standard throughout.

Exceptional standard with a degree of luxury.

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets: No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Dishwasher

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • lovely (7)
  • location (5)
  • brake (5)
  • wagon (5)
  • all (5)
  • peaceful (5)

15 Customer Reviews

  • "We had a wonderful relaxing holiday in the Brake Wagon and will definitely be coming back for a return visit."

    The location was so peaceful and tranquil and just 'what the doctor ordered'. Plenty to do in the surrounding area and nice to sit outside and watch the wildlife.

    Reviewed by Amanda5.0★Apr 2025

  • "We enjoyed our stay."

    The property was clean cosy and warm. Had all we needed to make our stay feel at home. The welcome pack was great.

    Reviewed by Diane4.4★Mar 2025

  • "The Brake Wagon is gorgeous."

    Beautifully converted from a pair of vintage train wagons, it has everything you’d want for a lovely break away from it all. The location is SO peaceful that it’s ideal for a break away from the chaos of daily life.

    Reviewed by Alison5.0★Aug 2024

  • "What a fantastic and quirky property the Brake Wagon is, surrounded by farmland and woods."

    We saw Deer, Munt Jacks, Hares, Pheasants and 2 friendly Squirrels every day. The Wagon had been restored perfectly, plenty of room for 2 people. Equipped with everything you could want, just wished we had took a pair of binoculars. James, the owner was a very nice and friendly young man, would like to thank him for the lovely welcome pack. Plus tea, coffee, sugar, milk and a pack of crumpets, just what we were ready for when we arrived. Would definitely recommend this property. Carol & Derek 30th September

    Reviewed by Carol5.0★Sep 2023

  • "Lovely spot, very relaxing holiday."

    The extra touches such as providing charcoal, the welcome pack made it just that bit more special

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Sep 2023

  • "Lovely setting,all facilities perfect cannot say I could find anything that would put me off recommending it to anyone else,the only thing was bed was soft compared to ours at home but it is something you perhaps could not get correct for everyone as people have different preferences."

    Reviewed by Brian5.0★Sep 2023

  • "We had an excellent stay in the Brake Wagon."

    The location was very peaceful, surrounded by fields and woodland, and we saw lots of birds, squirrels, deer and hare from our windows. We were made welcome by the owner, James, and the Brake Wagon had been expertly restored to make a special place to stay for a relaxing holiday. We will certainly be back to stay!

    Reviewed by Catherine5.0★Aug 2023

  • "This was a really lovely place to stay."

    All facilties were as described. Met the owner, who was really nice and informative. Very quiet relaxing environment. Had visit most evenings from pheasant, hares. Also could see plenty of deer too. Would love to stay again in future.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0★Jul 2023

  • "Delightful, quirky property."

    highly recommended and would definitely consider staying here again. Thanks for the welcome hamper too.

    Reviewed by Derek5.0★Jul 2023

  • "Quirky, peaceful, everything has been thoughtfully put together."

    Thank you.

    Reviewed by Timothy5.0★Jun 2023

  • "No WiFi as promised."

    Wouldn't have booked had we known this. Signing of health & safety form seemed of paramount importance which we did not do, our contract was with Sykes. No visitors book which was very unusual. No regular oven which would have preferred to a dishwasher. Bed far to soft. Good hamper and countryside gorgeous but would not book again.

    Dear Robert. Thank you for your stay. As mentioned to you directly we have never had WiFi across any of our properties, and personally never advertised it. I had been in touch with Sykes on your behalf (whilst you were staying) who informed me that their listing did not show WiFi when you booked, however I can not confirm what you saw when you found our property and please contact Sykes about as they are your agent. I have had several emails with them regarding this on your behalf and they are adamant that no WiFi was promised - so please talk to them. Signing of the Health and Safety form is something we have worked on with our insurers, and we ask us our guests to do, and sorry you didn't want to do that (or do it at all). Also included in there is general safety information to keep you safe, and to respect other people on site including our neighbours. Sorry you did not see the benefit in this. As for facilities, all of these are pictured extensively, and by creating this holiday let in a Brake Wagon it means that we can not fit a full size kitchen and all appliances in. As such you were fully aware of no regular oven, only the combination microwave oven, and we find most guests use the dishwasher often during their stay. Apologies the bed wasn't to your liking, we have had feedback on it being too hard in the past so unfortunately it is of a personal preference. We do have a mattress topper fitted so if you had said we could have removed it to try and provide a firmer feel. We are always happy to help and wish you would have phoned and asked so we can try to rectify the issues during your stay. As we heard nothing we allow our guests to relax and enjoy in countryside, which I'm glad met with your approval. Kind Regards, James Property Owner

    Reviewed by Robert3.1★Jun 2023

  • "Absolutely fantastic restoration."

    Beautifully equipped. Lovely location. Loads of wildlife just outside the door. Hares, Munt Jacks. Fallow deer. Squirrels. Pheasants. Several NT EH properties within easy distance. 3 Pigeons pub 2 miles away best in village. We took a MiFi unit and Firestick as no smart TV in property, This worked perfectly for us. Please be aware there is a dog kennels 500 yards away and the dogs start barking at 5am. until they are fed and walked at 10am Also unfortunately the noise from Stansted flight path I found extremely disturbing. Others may not find this a problem. but do think this should be in listing, had it been we would not have booked.

    Dear Ashley. Thank you for your stay, and glad you enjoyed the wildlife. We have been in touch with the kennels nearby and they are looking into why there was a disturbance during your stay. As for Stansted, we are not on the official flight path and all flights inbound or outbound over us should be above 6,000ft. Please thank your partner for the lovely telephone message she left for me following your stay, I'm happy the weather good! Kind regards, James Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ashley4.4★May 2023

  • "An absolute gem."

    Quirky and fantastic. Extremely well kitted out and very comfortable. A wonderfully peaceful location where you can relax completely.

    Reviewed by Jennifer5.0★Feb 2023

  • "The Brake Wagon we stayed in was really lovely."

    Very comfortable and all the amenities you need. Really warm too as the weather was a bit cool. The owners have converted this railway carriage to a very high spec and would definitely recommend staying in it. The goodie box that was left for us was a lovely surprise.

    Reviewed by Michael5.0★Nov 2022

  • "Beautiful constructed accommodation in a beautiful setting even in November."

    Comfortable seating and comfortable bed. Fully equipped kitchen. Plenty of outside space whether on the attached balcony or front seating area to observe local wildlife as well as the many windows to give almost 360 degree raised viewing of surrounding countryside.

    Reviewed by Douglas5.0★Nov 2022

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Summary

  • Large Single-storey Converted Railway Wagons (approx 400 sq ft)
  • One double bedroom
  • Bathroom with shower, basin, WC, and heated towel rail
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with large adjoining balcony to bedroom.
  • Air Conditioning
  • Electric Air Source Heating
  • Electric hob, Microwave combination oven, Fridge with ice-box/freezer compartment, Dishwasher, Toaster, Kettle
  • TV with DVD player
  • Shared Use of Washing Machine, Iron and Ironing Board provided in the Laundry Room on site
  • Softened Water
  • Hairdryer
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking for one car
  • Private decked area with furniture, large private balcony with furniture, and shared wrap-around lawn
  • Charcoal BBQ
  • Winner of the Best Quirky holiday let 2022
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shops from 2.4 miles, Pubs from 2 miles
  • Note: This is an adult only property
  • Note: There are a flight of steps, with handrail to both the front and rear of the property
  • Note: The garden is not enclosed
  • Please note: Shared Amenities with The Carriage (1075120)

The property

Halstead 2.3 miles.

Situated on the outskirts of Greenstead Green, close to the attractions of Halstead, lies this converted 1938 London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (LMS) Wagon, The Brake Wagon at High Barn Heritage.

Enjoying expansive countryside views and a tranquil setting, whilst offering a quirky and characterful self-catering accommodation, the property provides the ideal base for a romantic getaway, inviting two guests.

Arrive at your new home-from-home, taking in the sweeping garden overlooking the surrounding farmland.

Climb the steps to enter the wagon, entering the end lobby with views over both the neighbouring farmland and woodland. Carrying through and leading to the contemporary kitchen/diner; here you will find all expected amenities to rustle up and enjoy some tasty meals, along with a reconstructed guards seat to immerse yourself and look up and down the rail line.

The kitchen is equipped with all the appliances you need; from the electric hob and microwave combination oven, to the handy dishwasher and fridge with ice-box; while a separate dining table is where you can host romantic meals night after night. Travelling through the dwelling, move from the Brake Wagon into the enlarged Freight Box, and reach the inviting sitting room where you can delight in peaceful evenings spent on the sofa, with a wall-mounted TV and DVD player providing entertainment.

The sitting room provides views and access to the large rear balcony (which also adjoins the bedroom), where you can toast to your getaway or read one of many books on offer with the sound of the birds tweeting in the backdrop. After a stroll around the grounds, complete your nightly routine in the bathroom, before retiring to the double bedroom, complete with soft furnishings and crisp bed linen, along with a chest of drawers.

Some hanging space for clothing is provided in a central cupboard between the kitchen and sitting room. From the bedroom you can look out over the countryside and Patio doors lead out to the large rear balcony, ideal for an evening drink amidst the tranquil countryside setting. As well as having Air Conditioning, if the weather turns inclement, then the Electric Heating ensures a relaxing stay. Steps to the front and back lead to the charming countryside, with a decked area to the front allowing for a breakfast cup of coffee or an evening meal area if desired. Enjoy a rural escape by booking The Brake Wagon at High Barn Heritage. Note: This property can be booked with Ref: 1075120 (The Carriage at High Barn Heritage – which is situated over 60ft further down the rail track), together sleeping up to 4 guests.

Access to the properties is shared along with the grassed meadow both overlook, but both lets have independent decking and eating areas situated a distance from each other.

High Barn Heritage Carriages

High Barn Heritage Carriages consist of two lovingly converted passenger train carriages resting rurally in Greenstead Green, Essex. Enveloped by far-reaching countryside views, overlooking neighbouring farmland and fields, whilst offering a unique and charming base mixing both contemporary and traditional furnishings, the collection provides the ideal base for romantic getaways. A short journey away you will find warm, traditional pubs to dine out, whilst visiting the market town of Halstead will provide even greater options, home to several restaurants, including fine dining establishments, quaint cafés, and wine bars. Grab your walking shoes and start exploring the village; there are local walks available just outside your door, or you can head along the Stour Valley Way to continue your stroll while taking in the riverfront scenery, or stay indoors to watch the local pheasants, deer, and partridge, that periodically emerge from the adjacent calm woodland. Nearby attractions also include the two heritage railways (Colne Valley Railway and East Anglian Railway Museum), which will take you on a charming ride through picturesque countryside in their vintage steam and diesel trains. You can also visit the charming grounds of Ickworth House, Melford Hall, and the stunning Hedingham Castle, all of which are accessible by car. Colchester, a historic town, also has a renowned zoo and a Roman Castle that may be explored. Escape to the countryside with High Barn Heritage Carriages as your base.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

Where you’ll be staying

HALSTEAD

Braintree 7.1 miles; Colchester 13.4 miles.

Halstead is a traditional market town resting in the Braintree District of Essex. The River Colne runs through the heart of the town and provides beautiful riverside walks. There are a number of amenities to satisfy visitors, including independent boutique shops, family butchers & bakers, cafés, restaurants; a wealth of floral attractions, buildings built by the Courtauld’s family and two beautiful Churches. The town is also popular with florists, with the Halstead in Bloom being formed in 2000 and from 2009 have been GOLD award Winners every year since; it was also named as Best Town in Anglia in Bloom, on 5 occasions by RHS Britain in Bloom. The nearby town of Braintree provides a popular shopping outlet, while a little further away lies Colchester, a historical Essex town, with a good choice of attractions including the family favourites Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle.

Flexible cancellation terms

If you cancel before 12 noon , get all of your money back:

  • Rent
  • Extras
  • Fees

excluding the Flexible Cancellation fee and any insurance premium.

There are a small number of circumstances where you can’t use Flexible Cancellation. See the Flexible Cancellation Terms that apply.