BLUNHAM Station

 

 
Blunham Station has been very tastefully refurbished and converted into two semi detached private dwellings.

The Old Station Court bears little resemblance to how it looked in 1975, being now a pleasant cul-de-sac of modern houses.

 

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

Compared to the photographs taken by Nick Catford in 1975, it is pleasing to notice that much of the exterior brickwork rendering and fascia is unchanged from the original station construction.

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

The two new dwellings are quaintly named "Stationmaster's Cottage" and "Station House".

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

The new houses have been built around the old station, giving the 19th Century buildings a somewhat incongruous look (except to railway enthusiasts).  

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

The view from the back garden. This picture was taken from the up platform, approximately where the "Ladies' Waiting Room" would have originally been situated. The edges of both platforms are clearly visible, although now are surrounded by the accoutrements of a modern-day garden.  

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

Although extensively refurbished and modified, the structure of the old station is largely intact. According to the owner, none of the original fixtures and fittings remained at the time of purchase; the sign on the western wall to the side of the conservatory is a recent acquisition. 

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

However, the owner was able to source the original number plate of the bridge immediately to the east of the station, which here is photographed lying on the down platform outside the stationmaster's quarters, .

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

After 38 years, the track bed is no longer visible, and many visitors to this dignified residence would probably be unaware of this building's former use.  

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

It is a testament to the quality of the builders of the Bedford & Cambridge railway that the station buildings and platforms have survived in such good condition since their construction in 1862. Particularly impressive are the two chimneys either side of the main building, which must have provided a welcome source of warmth to chilly Blunham travellers for 65 years.

Photo: Blunham Station in July 2006
Photo by Mike MacKechnie

All of the land surrounding Blunham Station is now in private ownership, which makes it difficult to reproduce the distance shots such as those taken by Nick Catford in 1975.