Sierra Train + House
An iconic 1970’s BART train meets a modern getaway cabin.
Part of Season 3 of Design vs. Build: The Series
Press
NBC Bay Area: A Closer Look: BART Car AirBNB Plan
The San Francisco Standard: This vintage BART car is headed to the Sierra Foothills. The owner wants to Airbnb it
San Francisco Chronicle: ‘I hate to see things go’. BART says farewell it its legacy train cars
Mercury News: Last call: Old BART cars being turned into homes, shops, entertainment spots, and training facilities
Project Status: Under Construction
Completion Date: November 2025
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Product Categories
Long House Exterior
Roofing
WRB/Sheathing
Windows
Doors
Solar Panels
Backup Power
Wood Cladding
Rough In
Framing
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Insulation
Interior Finishes
Flooring
Paint
Cabinets & Hardware
Countertops
Trim & Moulding
Fireplace
Wood Paneling
Appliances & Fixtures
Furniture
Electric Appliances
Bathroom Fixtures
Outdoor
Decking
Railing
Plunge Pool
Outdoor Games
Jamestown, CA
What happens when a 1970s A-2 BART Train Car is retired from commission? It gets a new job! The Sierra Train + House is a stunning hybrid of modern cabin and retro design, merged with a helping of iconic California transit history.
Design & Construction Credits
Homeowner: Michael Lin
Architect: Juliet Hernandez-El
Production Credits
Production Company: Pearl MF
People
All Aboard!
Nestled in the heart of California's historic Gold Country, a truly unique experience is chugging its way to completion. The Sierra Train House (STH) is poised to redefine the vacation home market, offering guests a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts and amenities. Slated to open by the end of 2025, STH ingeniously combines a meticulously preserved 1970s A-2 BART train car with a contemporary longhouse, creating a one-of-a-kind retreat.
Design & Construction Photos
The BART Train
This ambitious project breathes new life into a piece of California transit history. Of the original 669 BART cars, fewer than ten remain, and STH represents the only one being transformed into a residential dwelling. The train car, with its distinctive sloped-nose, space-age design, will retain many of its original features, including transit maps, seats, grab bars, and sliding doors, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the Bay Area's past. Imagine sipping your morning coffee in the driver's cab or challenging a friend to a classic arcade game in the train's converted living area. The train will also feature a bunk room, a bedroom, a coffee bar, a workspace, and a bathroom.
The Longhouse
But the STH experience extends beyond the train car. A modern longhouse, echoing the style of traditional train stations and platforms, connects seamlessly to the historic railcar via a generous deck. This 996-square-foot addition boasts vaulted ceilings, north-facing windows, two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, and a sunken conversation pit with a repurposed Malm Fire Drum, now an electric fireplace. The design blends rural cabin charm with 1960s/70s space-age modern touches, including terrazzo floors and wood cladding. This integration, however, presents a key challenge: ensuring a seamless and structurally sound connection between the vintage train car and the modern longhouse will require careful planning and execution, potentially revealing unforeseen complications during construction.
The outdoor space is equally impressive. A 600-square-foot deck epitomizes California indoor-outdoor living, featuring a hot tub, an outdoor screen and projector, and access to a firepit and a footbridge leading to the back of the property. Here, guests can relax under the oak trees and watch steam trains from the nearby California State Park chug by – a truly magical experience, especially given the direct view of the park’s iconic Sierra Steam Engine No. 3, familiar to movie buffs from appearances in films like "Back to the Future III." Navigating local building codes and obtaining the necessary permits for this unique project could also pose potential hurdles.
The Town
Located in Jamestown, STH offers easy access to the region's rich history and natural beauty. The property is just a short distance from the town's charming Main Street, two reservoirs, a ski resort, wineries, a cidery, and a casino and conference center. It's also conveniently located near Yosemite National Park.
The Sierra Train House is more than just a vacation home; it's an experience. It's a chance to connect with history, enjoy modern comforts, and create lasting memories in a truly unique setting. With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and thoughtful design, STH is poised to become a highly sought-after destination. The project has already garnered local media attention and is expected to be featured in national publications and on Airbnb’s “OMG!” category, further solidifying its status as a must-see location.
