Stay in this real Train Carriage in McGregor | The Red Caboose

If you are seeking a little adventure and love the extraordinary, then The Red Caboose in McGregor is a must-visit for couples and small families. The Red Caboose offers a distinctive retreat for those seeking a blend of history and tranquility. Situated on Red Earth Farm, just 15 km from Robertson and 4 km from McGregor, this meticulously restored 1941 South African Railways (SAR) caboose carriage provides a unique accommodation experience.

A Journey Back in Time

The Red Caboose is a lovingly restored train carrier that has been re-build to a fully-equipped tiny hotel. What you can expect:

Main Bedroom: Furnished with a comfortable double bed, offering a cozy haven for relaxation.
Second Bedroom: Equipped with a bunk bed, ideal for accommodating one adult or two children. The top bed is smaller than usual, so will only fit a small child. The minimum age for an overnight stay is 6 years.
Bathroom: Maintained with its original fittings, providing a nostalgic touch while ensuring modern comfort. You will find a bath tub and functional toilet.
Self-Catering Kitchen: Fully equipped with a bar fridge, freezer, stove, oven, and essential cutlery and crockery, allowing guests to prepare their own meals.
Dining Area: A charming booth setup reminiscent of classic train journeys, perfect for family meals.

Towels and bedding are provided. Children will also find a handful of games like UNO and Micado for their entertainment. Adults will find a guest book to sign as well as the history of the Red Caboose and it’s restoration process. You will also learn about “Big Red” and his remains…

Outdoor Delights

The outdoor area is where you probably spend most of your time during your stay and it is perfect to relax and unwind:

Wood-Fired Hot Tub: Overlooking the picturesque valley and mountains, it offers a relaxing soak under the open sky.
Firepit: Ideal for evening braais, where guests can gather around the fire and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Splash Pool: A refreshing spot for warm summer days, ensuring fun for both adults and children.
Boule Game: The lawn in front of the Red Caboose is inviting for a fun game of Boule.

Explore the Surroundings

Red Earth Farm’s prime location provides easy access to several attractions:

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve: A haven for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities.
Wine Farms: The region is renowned for its vineyards, inviting guests to indulge in wine tastings and tours.
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary: A delightful visit for animal lovers, dedicated to the welfare of donkeys.
McGregor Village: Just 4 km away, the village boasts charming cafés, restaurants, and shops, perfect for leisurely explorations.

A Testament to Passionate Restoration

The transformation of The Red Caboose is a story of dedication. Dustin and Stephanie Taljaard acquired the carriage in 2017 when it was transported from Cape Town to McGregor. The restoration process involved incredible attention to detail, ensuring that the caboose retained its historical charm while offering modern comforts.

Things Good To Know

The accommodation sleeps 4, 2 or 3 adults & 1 child. Or 2 adults and 2 children.
Prices per night start from R2,600.
Smoking is not allowed inside the carrier.
There is no aircon, so it can get quite hot during summer inside the carrier.
Space inside the carrier is limited, so you won’t be able to store a lot of luggage.
Wifi connects best in the bedroom or near the pool.
One bag and basket of wood is provided. Additional wood is available at R60 per bag.
Check-In is at 2pm and check-out is at 10.30am.