National awards for station’s new use as a holiday retreat

Sep 27 2008 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S an ideal retreat for a railway buff or for someone who simply loves beautiful surroundings.

There’s little wonder that England’s highest mainline railway station has just picked up two national awards after its conversion to a luxury holiday home.

Dent station is situated 1,150 ft above sea level on the Settle to Carlisle railway line within the Yorkshire Dales National Park in what is now part of Cumbria. It is Grade II Listed and was opened in 1877.

Chartered surveyor Robin Hughes has always been interested in railways and decided to buy the station and restore it as a luxury retreat.

He’s done just that. The restored woodwork gleams with a fresh coat of Midland Railway maroon and cream paintwork, while inside a coal-fired Rayburn is complemented by efficient, modern-day under-floor heating.

The former booking hall is now a spacious sitting room and the original ladies’ waiting room has been turned into a kitchen/dining area. The three bedrooms sleep six people.

The conversion has won Robin two awards. One is a National Railway Heritage Award – The First Group Craft Skills Award – and the other the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors North West Tourism and Leisure Award 2008.

Dent won the latter against stiff competition from much larger and prestigious projects that included Aintree Racecourse and the Liverpool Cruise Liner Terminal.

A week’s stay at Dent Station for six people costs from £785. For details ring Robin Hughes on 07824 665266 or visit www.dentstation.co.uk