On the outskirsts of McGregor you will now find a most beautifully restored old train carriage.
This is the brain child of Dustin and Stephanie Taljaard of Red Earth Farm.
The couple had just bought the McGregor farm when Dustin saw the 1941 SAR carriage for sale on Gumtree.
The carriage was then already in private hands but was terribly neglected, standing under the Good Hope Centre bridge in Cape Town, almost as if in a train graveyard.
When the couple first inspected it they had to use their cellphones’ torchlights to try and look at the inside, so dark it was.
The huge task of having it transported to the farm in McGregor, which required a lot of planning, then began, which included permissions and permits.
The carriage was first hauled to Ceres by Ceres Rail, from where a 100-ton crane loaded it onto a flatbed truck – the carriage weighing a hefty 23 tons – which drove it to McGregor.
And only after it had been transported to the farm did the Taljaards realise just how bad a state the carriage was in, far worse than they thought.
They also realised they had no idea what they were getting themselves into. But yet an intense renovation process started, which took the couple six years to complete.
But after so with much patience and tender loving care the carriage has now been restored and has been named the Red Caboose.
This one-of-a-kind, beautifully resorted 1941 SAR Caboose carriage offers accommodation in a train.
The train can accommodate two adults and two children with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a lovely self-catering kitchen.
The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed, while the second bedroom is furnished with a bunk bed, ideally suited for two children. The bathroom is fitted with a bath, basin and toilet. Crisp linen and towels are provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessities.
Outside, guests are spoiled with world-class views of the wonders of nature surrounding the carriage. There’s a lovely fire pit that guests can use to braai and a splash pool for those warm summer days.
The Red Caboose is situated in a great location. It is within close proximity to Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, wine farms, Eseltjierus Donkey Sanctuary and 4 km from McGregor Village, where guests will find wonderful cafés, restaurants, and shops. A truly unique gem for the McGregor Valley.
