Welcome to the 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway'

The original Somerset and Dorset Railway closed very controversially in 1966. It is time that decision, made in a very different world, was reversed. We now have many councillors, MPs, businesses and individuals living along the line supporting us. Even the Ministry of Transport supports our general aim. The New S&D was formed in 2009 with the aim of rebuilding as much of the route as possible, at the very least the main line from Bath (Britain's only World Heritage City) to Bournemouth (our premier seaside resort); as well as the branches to Wells, Glastonbury and Wimborne. We will achieve this through a mix of lobbying, trackbed purchase and restoration of sections of the route as they become economically viable. With Climate Change, road congestion, capacity constraints on the railways and now Peak Oil firmly on the agenda we are pushing against an open door. We already own Midford just south of Bath, and are restoring Spetisbury under license from DCC, but this is just the start. There are other established groups restoring stations and line at Midsomer Norton and Shillingstone, and the fabulous narrow gauge line near Templevcombe, the Gartell Railway.

There are now FIVE sites being actively restored on the S&D and this blog will follow what goes on at all of them!
Midford - Midsomer Norton - Gartell - Shillingstone - Spetisbury


Our Aim:

Our aim is to use a mix of lobbying, strategic track-bed purchase, fundraising and encouragement and support of groups already preserving sections of the route, as well as working with local and national government, local people, countryside groups and railway enthusiasts (of all types!) To restore sections of the route as they become viable.
Whilst the New S&D will primarily be a modern passenger and freight railway offering state of the art trains and services, we will also restore the infrastructure to the highest standards and encourage steam working and steam specials over all sections of the route, as well as work very closely with existing heritage lines established on the route.

This blog contains my personal views. Anything said here does not necessarily represent the aims or views of any of the groups currently restoring, preserving or operating trains over the Somerset and Dorset Railway!

Sunday, October 02, 2011

once in a lifetime opportunity?


The station at Masbury, lovingly restored over the last few years, is now available to rent! This would be a dream come true to an S&D fan, the chance to live the dream at one of the S&D's most iconic location!

It's currently on eBay, rent is £1150 per month.

Wells letting agents Palmer Snell are pleased to offer:Something Special - Built in 1874 by the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway a completely refurbished Station House retaining many of the period features and set in the enchanting hamlet of Masbury. The Station House is accessed down a completely private road and benefits from total privacy and is far from the madding crowd. Parking for two or three cars. The Cathedral City of Wells is just 3miles away with easy reach of Bristol and Bath as well as the regions major link roads.Wells in Somerset is an unspoilt market town of outstanding beauty, located in rolling countryside, at the foot of the Mendip hills. Although much of the glory of Wells lies in the past, it is very much a city of the present day, a busy market town, and an educational and commercial centre.Accommodation comprises: Entrance hall, beautiful fitted kitchen with completely restored Aga, together with an electric hob, integrated dishwasher and belfast sink, some of the original wood paneling has been replaced to add to its authenticity, utility, good sized lounge with dual aspect windows and wood burning stove, new downstairs bathroom with shower over bath, there is also a dining room with feature fireplace which could also be used as a third bedroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms both retaining the original feature fireplaces. The garden is to the rear of the property and was part of the original platform and is surrounded by mature shrubs and trees. This is a fantastic opportunity to rent something special in an outstanding rural location

It's currently listed on eBay here.

2 comments:

Brian said...

For how much a month? I had to look again. Yes it really is that much being asked. Theres not that much loose change lost down the back of MY sofa and would wager same is true of other readers?

Nice photo though (chuckle chuckle).

Anonymous said...

If I laid some rail outside do you think they'd knock a bit off? :)