Eyre Peninsula couple convert an old train carriage into a luxurious, off the grid cabin
Trash can really be turned into treasure – check out this SA coastal town’s newest accommodation offering.
Port Lincoln
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An Eyre Peninsula couple have transformed an early 1900s train carriage salvaged from a scrap heap into the region’s newest and most unique Airbnb.
About an hours drive form Port Lincoln, The Green Carriage has arrived in Coulta, after designers and owners Tara and Luke Rowe saved the vehicle from a neighbouring property for $500.
Nestled on their 120ha property, nearby Coles Beach and its Instagramable rock pools and sizeable swell, the old carriage has been completely refurbished after two years of hard work fulfilling their vision for secluded and sustainable accommodation with the help of builder Ross Campbell.
“We’ve always been really into sustainable design and living off the grid and leaving a small footprint and we just love where we live and we’re really connected to it,” Ms Rowe said.
“We always wanted to have some sort of Airbnb on our property and Luke in particular wanted to do something a little bit different and loved the idea of a train carriage or tram conversion.”
With three kids, a farm and a business already, Ms Rowe said they were ‘crazy’ for tackling the project but after receiving $30,000 from the SATC Tourism Industry Development Fund program, the pair “just went for it and it all fell into place.”
Ms Rowe said sustainability was at the core of tiny home construction process including the ethically sourced timber cladding and vintage, up-cycled and second-hand finds like the French laundry cast-iron basin in the bathroom and the old farm wheel turned outdoor fire pit.
“Sourced from dormant trees in the Wanilla forest, all of the timber came from within a 30 kilometre radius and was processed locally,” she said.
“One of my favourite pastimes is spending hours sifting through antique and second hand stores.
“I love that feeling of discovery when you find something you truly connect with.
“I wanted the interior to feel the same – each piece having lived a life already, each piece being a talking point.”
Ms Rowe said they were inspired to create the off the grid experience and join revegetation efforts as the area had become increasingly popular but was often scrutinised for its lack of tourism infrastructure.
“We’re just wanting to take care of the beaches and the land out here, look after the area and make sure it’s great for generations to come,” she said.
Follow @thegreenlycarriage on Instagram for updates and bookings.
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