Inside: The Chairman’s Set

Nestled in a forgotten corner of County Durham, a group of mid-century Caledonian Sleeper cars experienced a renaissance, thanks to the imaginative vision of interior designer Sara Oliver. Tasked with the ambitious goal of transforming these cars into Britain’s only private train, Sara Oliver's mission pays homage to the opulent era of travel, promising to whisk passengers away on a journey infused with nostalgia and elegance.

The Designer

Interior Designer Sara Oliver has travelled extensively throughout her life gathering artisans and suppliers for her international and UK projects. With a background in design and construction, Sara's projects have been diverse in scale, and location.

Sara’s inspiration for this project reflected a cinematic journey, drawing from classic films like 'Some Like It Hot' and the iconic 'Murder on the Orient Express.' These movies capture the allure and charm of train travel during its heyday, painting a picture of adventure and sophistication.

Sara Oliver Design

Why George Smith?

"George Smith was the ideal partner for the luxury train renovation, primarily due to their commitment to exceptional quality and timeless elegance. I have used George Smith for decades for residential projects and my clients have always been extremely satisfied with the results" Sara Oliver.

George Smith furniture enhances the experience of The Chairman's Set by providing passengers with a luxurious, comfortable, and visually captivating environment.

What were the challenges with this project?

"I was working inside 23m cigar tubes, with a width constraint of 2.6m while the contents also have to withstand travelling at over 100mph. Each fabric selected for the interiors had to undergo rigorous fire-testing to meet safety standards. This attention to safety extended beyond aesthetics; the design required meticulous calculations for G-forces, and furniture was carefully anchored to ensure passenger safety during travel." Sara Oliver.

Throughout the project, we faced the unique challenge of assembling and upholstering numerous pieces of furniture directly on the train due to restricted access. Our team skillfully worked within the tight confines, guaranteeing that each piece was carefully crafted to uphold our exceptional quality standards.

The Experience

The Chairman's Set travels through the most scenic and historically significant places in the UK, embarking on journeys to destinations such as Scotland, Wales, and Southwest England. Each route is meticulously planned to showcase stunning landscapes and offer a glimpse into the rich history of these regions.

In a world where travel often feels rushed and impersonal, The Chairman's Set serves as a refreshing reminder of what it means to experience the joy of travelling in luxury.

Like What You See?

Check out our catalogue today!

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Inside: The Chairman’s Set

The Designer

Why George Smith?

What were the challenges with this project?

The Experience

Like What You See?

Check out our catalogue today!

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