Buses, tiny dwellings, and shipping containers are increasingly being used to make one-of-a-kind homes.
These low-cost alternatives to traditional housing offer the same level of comfort while allowing customers a wide range of customization options.
Jo Ann Ussery, however, built her own unique home long before it became fashionable.
She purchased a former Boeing 727 and transformed it into a luxurious home.
Exceptional housing
Ussery’s adventure began when her Benoit, Mississippi, house was destroyed in 1993.
She and her two children needed a place to live after her husband died unexpectedly, but they didn’t have much money.
She had thought that buying a trailer would solve all of her issues, but she soon discovered that she couldn’t afford a home large enough to accommodate her family of three.
Bob, Ussery’s in-law and an air traffic controller, recommended they try living on a plane.
Ussery was intrigued by the idea and went to view a Boeing 727 that was about to be disassembled for parts.
She fell in love at first sight, and the piece cost only $2,000, including shipping.
Ussery called her Boeing 727 “Little Trump” after learning that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727.
She began her pricey and time-consuming home modifications right away.
major renovation
She spent less than $30,000 (or approximately $60,000 in modern currencies) on the restoration.
Ussery made use of the lake on her property by landing the plane with the nose pointing out over the water. A significant amount of concrete was used to secure the tail for this precise purpose. She then started demolishing the interior, which was roughly 1,500 square feet.
The plane has 76 windows and measures 138 feet long.
As is common on commercial airplanes, the windows did not open, but this was not an issue because the Ussery had air conditioning.
She put new flooring and upgraded the insulation. What exactly was preserved from the original 727?
It’s a fantastic solution to the space issue to have just one airplane bathroom and overhead bins for your items.
Featured interiors
After the major changes were completed, Ussery was able to focus on the extra comforts and finer features.
The restored airliner featured three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry facility.
It included a phone and an oven, in addition to the washer and dryer.
Unquestionably, Ussery’s work on the cockpit’s perspective of the lake was the most significant improvement.
She upgraded it to a soaking tub-equipped master bathroom fit for a king.
She created the layout of the room such that everybody who occupied it felt as if they were floating.
Most notably, Ussery did the entire restoration herself.
She lived on her converted plane from 1995 to 1999 before deciding to turn it into a public museum.
It unfortunately fell from the wagon and was destroyed while traveling a short distance.
It’s a good thing we have these stunning snapshots below:
