RAILWAY enthusiast Peter Willis spent two years on a long and difficult journey converting the dilapidated Railway Station into a home which gave great pleasure. Sadly the 64-year-old GP died suddenly from a heart attack in March, but the unusual property, in Wall, Northumberland, is now on the market – just the ticket for another rail fanatic.
Peter’s son, 39-year-old Simon Willis, explained that The Railway Sation at Wall was his father’s dream home. Simon, a radiation protection adviser for Newcastle University living in Hexham, said: “He used to pass it when he was a young GP in Hexham – it had long since closed as a railway station. “The original building had more or less burnt down in the 40s and it had closed for good in 1956. It ran into dilapidation from then.” Despite its run-down state it still always managed to catch Peter Willis’ attention. And when it came to market in the late 1980s he was quick to snap it up. Simon explained: “When my dad got it in 1987, the only part of the original building that was still standing was the ladies waiting room, which is the room at the front of the property. The signal box was also there but it was being utilised as a barn.” After two years of sheer dedication, Peter and a local builder managed to transform the property into a character home. The property has oil-fired central heating to radiators and enjoys a rural and tranquil location overlooking the river North Tyne with stunning countryside views. Accommodation includes an entrance hallway, large living room, dining kitchen, sitting room, ground floor cloakroom and ground floor bedroom. There are two further bedrooms in the main property. The former signal box has also been transformed. It now includes a kitchenette, living room and a ground floor bedroom with en-suite wet room. Peter – painstakingly true to the building’s roots – found an old stretch of railway track and carriage for the gardens which also include a lawned area, the original station platform, private car parking to the side, paved patio area to the rear as well as a large stone outhouse and additional garden shed. Simon explained: “He worked as a GP all the way through the renovation project, while living in a caravan on-site. It was most definitely a labour of love for him. “When he saw it was up for sale he was straight down to put in an offer. I think he thought it was fantastic to have a railway station as a house. “He always had a huge interest in railways and he proved that by going one step further by having the track and carriage delivered. I think many people thought he was a bit eccentric! “My children – two of his now five grandchildren – used to really enjoy staying there and playing in the carriage and signal box. “My father was very happy there. I think it would now make an excellent family home.” The Railway Station, Wall, is for sale through Northumbria and Cumbria for offers in excess of £475,000, tel: (01434) 600146. | 
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