Buses, small houses, and shipping containers have all gained popularity as potential building materials for unique homes.
These alternatives to conventional lodgings provide the same level of comfort at a fraction of the cost and with a variety of customization options.
But Jo Ann Ussery built her own distinctive home long before it was popular to do so.
She purchased a retired Boeing 727 and converted it into a luxurious mansion.
(a video of the plane is available below)
Exceptional housing
The destruction of Ussery’s home in Benoit, Mississippi in 1993 marked the beginning of her journey.
Her husband had passed away recently, so she and her two children needed a place to live but had very little money.
She had hoped that purchasing a trailer would solve all of her problems, but she soon realized that she could not afford a home large enough for her family of three.
Bob, the air traffic controller brother-in-law of Ussery, suggested that they try living on an airplane.
Ussery was receptive to the idea, so he inspected a Boeing 727 that was about to be disassembled.
The price, including shipping, was only $2,000, and she fell in love at first sight.
Ussery nicknamed her Boeing 727 “Little Trump” after discovering that Donald Trump also owned a Boeing 727.
She jumped right into her expensive and time-consuming home improvements.
Extensive refurbishment
She spent less than $30,000 (approximately $60,000 in current currency) on the makeover.
She had to ensure that it remained in its current position while she worked inside.
Utilizing the lake that was already present on her property, Ussery parked the plane so that its nose pointed over the water. For this reason, a substantial amount of concrete was utilized to secure the tail. She then began demolishing the interior’s nearly 1,500 square feet.
The aircraft is 138 feet long and contains 76 windows.
Standard on commercial aircraft, the Ussery’s windows did not open, but this was not a problem because the aircraft was equipped with air conditioning.
In addition to upgrading the insulation, she installed new flooring. What specific components of the original 727 have been preserved?
Having a single airplane restroom and overhead bins for storage is a brilliant solution to the problem of limited space.
Interior attributes
After the major renovations were completed, Ussery could move on to the finishing touches and supplementary comforts.
The updated plane featured three bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and even a laundry room.
In addition to the washer and dryer, it had an oven and a telephone.
What Ussery did to the cockpit’s view of the lake was without a doubt the greatest improvement.
She transformed it into a luxurious master bathroom complete with a soaking tub.
She designed the room so that its occupants would have the sensation of floating in midair.
Notably, Ussery performed all of the renovations by herself.
She lived in her converted jet from 1995 to 1999 before deciding to open it to the public as a museum.
Tragically, while being transported a short distance, it fell from the carriage and was destroyed.
It’s fortunate that we have these breathtaking photographs below: