The Train Wreck Inn in Grand Coteau might have one of the more unusual names for a bed and breakfast. But its collection of historic railroad cars and buildings makes it an unforgettable place to spend the night.
a unique stay in grand coteau
Grand Coteau, a small town known for its old Acadian-style houses and deep Catholic roots, seems like the perfect setting for this quirky inn, where vintage railcars and train buildings sit next to the local post office. The Train Wreck Inn, an Airbnb, features a restored railroad mail car, a ticket office, an old train depot, and a bright yellow caboose, all repurposed for overnight guests.
Local attorney Ben Trant, co-owner of the inn, has long been fascinated by railroads. “I have always loved railroads, and I wanted to do something cool, do something that I could work on myself,” Trant explains. When the opportunity arose to purchase the railcars, he jumped at the chance.
New home for old railroad structures
The cars had originally belonged to Armand and Margaret Brinkhaus, who ran a bed and breakfast in the nearby town of Sunset. The late state Senator Armand Brinkhaus became interested in acquiring a caboose after his unsuccessful attempt to require railroads to keep cabooses on trains. Trant grew up in the area and was aware of the original train bed and breakfast. “I checked them out a few times and I thought it would just be a great fit,” Trant says of the railcars. When the property became available, he moved them a few miles down the road to Grand Coteau and began the process of restoring them.
a blend of old and new at train wreck inn
Designer Carly Viator Courville worked with Trant to bring a fresh look to the old train cars while preserving their historical charm. “It’s just timeless in its very own world,” Courville says, describing the blend of modern touches with antique railroad memorabilia. The oldest railcar, a U.S. Mail car built in the 1880s, received a luxurious makeover. “The mail car is a little more of the high-class car,” Courville explains. “It’s got all new appliances and a custom-made kitchen.”
Each of the four units is designed for comfort but without televisions, encouraging guests to unplug. Instead, every room is equipped with an old record player and a stack of vinyl records featuring regional Louisiana music. “I think people like to stay in unique things, and we’ve made them comfortable,” Trant says. “so you kind of get the best of both worlds.”
naming the train wreck inn
The name Train Wreck Inn comes from the many challenges faced in moving, restoring, and redesigning the vintage railcars. But the inn is getting great reviews, according to Courville. “People that have stayed here and locals that have popped in have just been blown away,” she says.
The railroad bed and breakfast is a little bit antique, a little bit modern, and undeniably unique—fitting right in with the charm and character of Grand Coteau.
train wreck inn featured on tv
getting there
The Train Wreck Inn is located at 211 Chatrain Street next to the post office in Grand Coteau, LA. Phone: (337) 466-8002. Click here for more information and booking through the Inn’s website:
211 Chatrian St, Grand Coteau, LA 70541
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