This house near Gloucester has a 400-yard mini railway in its garden

The current owner built the railway as a form of therapy after retiring as a prison chaplain

Trainspotters won’t have to leave the comfort of their own home at this family property near Gloucester.

Pike House is a four-bedroom, single-storey residence in Saul, a village on the banks of the River Severn near the Sharpness Canal. But what sets it apart is the 400-yard mini-railway in its garden.

The current owner spent five months building the railway as a form of therapy after retiring as a prison chaplain.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, covered for year-round use

It comes with a selection of trains, including three diesel-electric locomotives, two steam locomotives and a scale model of the Queen’s train that can fit up to 20 people.

There is a functioning turntable so trains can switch between parts of the track, which takes about four minutes to circuit.

The rest of the one-acre garden is mostly laid to lawn with an array of mature trees and shrubs, an orchard and productive vegetable and fruit beds.

There is also a heated swimming pool, covered to allow use all year round, with a changing room and shower facility. Outbuildings include a heated workshop, a greenhouse and a mower store.

The railway in action

The house itself, once used as a turnpike, has been extended and reconfigured over the years. The large open-plan living area has garden views in several directions, with a vaulted wooden ceiling and French doors opening on to a sun terrace.

There are four bedrooms; the master bedroom having an en suite bathroom and a door to the garden. The study could be used as a fifth bedroom.

The property is on the market for £835,000 through The House Shop (0800 048 8910, thehouseshop.com).