New Frontiers

What was your brief, and how did you fulfil it?

Belmond’s vision for this project was to create a quintessentially British train – the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales. Every Belmond train has a rich narrative, and this was no exception. Our approach was to weave a story through every element of the interiors, celebrating British heritage, craft and natural landscapes – whether it’s the meticulously tended parterres of English country gardens, the wildflower meadows in our National Parks or the rugged coastlines.

From the outset, we wanted to be unapologetically British, not just stylistically but in the way the train told its story. British botanicals formed the central narrative, which is referenced throughout, from the names and colour palettes of the three Grand Suites – Valerian, Juniper and Elder – to the potting-shed-inspired dining car and the Victorian apothecary-style bar. In the spa we tapped into marine botanicals with their healing properties and sourced some amazing marbles with undulating veins that reference the waves of the oceans without being too literal.

We also championed British makers throughout the project. Nearly every piece of furniture was designed specifically for the train, ensuring it functioned beautifully in the space while maintaining a handcrafted aesthetic. We collaborated with Luke Edward-Hall to design a bespoke Rubelli fabric that captures moments in the train’s journey – such as the landscapes, shells, and botanicals – in a whimsical and illustrative way.

How did designing a train compare to designing other hospitality spaces? How did it challenge you?

Designing a train is a completely different beast from designing a traditional hospitality space. Unlike a hotel or a home, a train is constantly in motion, which impacts everything – from the materials we selected to the weight of the furniture.

One of the biggest challenges was working within the tight dimensions. The train is essentially a long, narrow jigsaw puzzle, where every element must fit together seamlessly. There are no expansive spaces, so every detail had to be carefully considered. We focused on layering textures, rich materials and intricate details to create depth and luxury within the small footprint.

Fire regulations were also a huge consideration. In fact, they’re more stringent than for an aircraft, so every single fabric, material and finish had to go through extensive R&D and testing.

Did you introduce any clever space-saving tricks?

Absolutely – every millimetre counts in train design. We had to think creatively about how to integrate storage, functionality and flexibility into the design without compromising on elegance.

For example, the sofa beds in the cabins had to transform seamlessly from day to night without looking like traditional sofa beds. The bespoke swivel chairs in the Grand Suites, designed as an iconic statement piece, take inspiration from antiques but were reimagined to fit the train’s proportions.

We also designed tiny, 15cm-wide bedside tables with built-in brass-lined alcoves to hold a water glass securely while the train moves. Every material had to be considered for movement and durability, so we used glass fiddle rails in the bar to keep bottles and glassware in place. Even the wardrobes and vanities were designed with clever push-and-pull mechanisms to maximise storage while maintaining a sense of discovery.

Were you inspired by the Golden Age of Travel or was this a chance for a fresh interpretation?

The romance of train travel was a huge inspiration, but we wanted to avoid being overly nostalgic or pastiche. Instead, we reinterpreted traditional elements through a modern lens.

We did look to the Golden Age of Travel, particularly the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in historic trains, but we also took cues from British stately homes, botanical gardens and even rock pools along the coastline.

The Grand Suites, for example, feature a tented bedroom with upholstered walls, giving the small space a sense of grandeur and opulence that you would normally find in a stately home or boutique hotel. Even the carpets in the double cabins were designed to feel like bordered rugs, giving the sensation of stepping into an intimate, layered space within a home.

So while we honoured the romance of train travel, this project was also about creating something fresh, evocative and deeply rooted in the British landscape. British design has always balanced craftsmanship with storytelling, and this train is no different. It’s a jewellery box of an interior, rich in detail and deeply rooted in Britain’s landscapes, history and traditions.

Images: Salva Lopez