Real Estate

London Routemaster turned into an Agatha Christie-inspired holiday let


In the heart of the Devonshire countryside, there’s a piece of London nestled amongst the towering trees and rolling hills.

This traditional red Routemaster bus, a common sight on the roads of the capital, has been converted into a self-contained hotel room with all modern amenities.

Stepping on board is like journeying back to the Fifties, thanks to the retro patterned curtains, doily-covered dining table and vintage-inspired armchairs.

Head up the original stairs to find a retro fully-functional kitchen, living room with a working vintage TV, dining room and a double bed located at the back of the bus – with a curtain to protect privacy.

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Top deck: a double bed is located at the back of the bus

Downstairs you’ll find the bathroom next to the driver’s cab with a shower curtain to help hide your modesty.

The change tray makes sure your soap stays in one place and towels are kept on the handle that opens the driver’s cab.

However, this quirky transformation proved to be trickier than first thought, as owner Hilary McArdell explains. “Keeping the automatic doors operational and lockable proved to be a challenge.”

On the top deck there is also a library full of novels by Agatha Christie, alongside a reading nook.

There’s a reason why Miss Marple’s creator is top choice…

“I happened upon ‘Bertram’s Hotel’ by Agatha Christie, on the cover was a red double decker bus. It was the perfect inspiration and helped us get the name, era and style sorted!”

It took six weeks for Hilary to find the Routemaster. A team of four then spent four months completing the conversion.

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Busman’s holiday: the retro colour scheme will be heaven for fans of the Fifties

Located in a two-acre field surrounded by a herd of grazing alpacas, pygmy goats, donkeys, chickens and duck, visitors won’t be short of company.

If you fancy a change of scenery, head down to one of two fishing lakes stocked with carp.

Once you’ve headed home after a day of exploring, enjoy a stiff drink – or two – from the cocktail bar located upstairs.

Hilary thinks couples who want to enjoy a quiet break surrounded by nature would be particularly drawn to this rental – and you don’t have to be Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple to enjoy the surroundings!

  • Sleeping up to five people, a seven night stay costs from £516. Visit Skye Cottages to book.



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