WWII Troop Train Car Was Given a New Lease on Life as a Lovely Tiny Home

Renovated with a modern twist and a tinge of rustic vibe, Platform1346 has gotten a new lease on life and is now a charming retreat with a retro vibe perched on a six-acre property near the Smoky Mountains. One doesn't need to be interested in rail history to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of a restored vintage train car, so anyone can enjoy a relaxing retreat in this time capsule.

The Platform1346 train car dates back to 1943 and was commissioned by the US Army in the Second World War. Its purpose was to serve as a troop kitchen car, so back in the day, it was a fully functional kitchen that used to be attached to the trains that were carrying the soldiers. The owners purchased it at a military surplus auction and converted it into a cozy vacation rental. They put it on their flower farm in a location completely hidden from the nearby streets and neighbors by bamboo forests, which makes it a perfect vacation venue for folks who want complete privacy.

This troop train kitchen car from WWII has been consciously renovated to highlight the era in which it originated. Don't expect a rusty exterior and unmodified interior, but you will notice some of its original features have been preserved to give guests a glimpse into its origins and history. For instance, the interior floors have been kept intact, with their reddish worn color and rural look, while the ceilings in the kitchen are adorned with the remnants of the original train car's 300-gallon water tanks.

Moreover, the exterior of the train car still hearkens back to its military days, with an all-steel exterior painted a dark green hue that gives it a rather gloomy look. In stark contrast with the exterior aesthetic, the interior is surprisingly warm with a cozy cottage vibe.

The interior layout has been carefully planned out to ensure every square inch of space is utilized to its fullest potential. The 520 square feet (48.3 square meters) of interior space have been divided between a full kitchen, bar seating, a living area, a sleeping space, and a bathroom. With a queen-size bed and a sleeper sofa, this tiny home can comfortably accommodate up to four people.

Moreover, despite the vintage look, the train car turned vacation home comprises all kinds of modern conveniences, from a huge plasma TV to stainless steel kitchen appliances, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and more.

With such a spacious interior, the owners could have used divider walls to create a sense of privacy, at least in the bedroom, but instead, they chose to keep things simple with an open-space layout and a seamless transition between the different areas.

The spacious kitchen is surprisingly modern and is completely outfitted with full-size appliances that would make even the more discerning chefs happy. There are plenty of cabinets for storing cookware and butcher block countertops for meal prep. A full range, a double sink, a microwave, and an apartment-size refrigerator enhance its functionality.

A long wooden bar counter that offers seating for four people can be used as a dining nook, and the most amazing thing about it is that it's strategically placed under a row of windows, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The center of the train car is occupied by the lounge area, which is fitted with a sofa bed, a long center table, and a taller table holding the TV. The adjacent bedroom area comprises a comfortable Murphy bed and a vintage-looking wardrobe. This space also offers double functionality, as you can lift up the Murphy bed and fold down the wooden table attached to the wall to create a nice office area for remote work.

A narrow halfway from the bedroom leads to the bathroom of Platform1346. It has a nautical feel with its blue walls and charming tile floor, and it's fitted with a retro claw-foot tub painted Robin's Egg Blue, a vanity with a sink and large mirror, and a toilet.

Guests can admire the beauty of the property on which Platform1346 is placed from the wooden porch, which is spacious enough for a dining set. Nearby, the owners also installed a gazebo, a BBQ grill, a picnic table, and a fire pit to fully enjoy the experience.

This train car-based tiny home is also somewhat of a local celebrity, having been showcased on television on The Design Network's "Tiny Bnb" and various websites like the Travel Channel and NBC's Today Show.