The trend of building homes using non-traditional materials, including buses, tiny houses and shipping containers, continues to grow in popularity.
These unique and affordable alternatives offer the same level of comfort and plenty of customization options. But Jo Ann Ussery pioneered this trend long before it became a thing.
After his home in Benoit, Mississippi was destroyed in 1993, he embarked on a unique adventure transforming an old Boeing 727 into a beautiful, fully functional home.
From tragedy to triumph
Ussery’s journey began when her husband died unexpectedly, leaving her and her two children in need of a new home. Facing financial difficulties, he initially considered the purchase of a trailer as a solution.
But he soon realized that he couldn’t afford to buy a house big enough to accommodate his growing family. Then Ussery’s father-in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested the unusual idea of living in an airplane.
Intrigued by the concept, Asseri went to see the Boeing 727 disassembled and fell in love at first sight. fatty? It’s only 2,000 won including shipping. Ussery was inspired by Donald Trump’s personal Boeing 727 and named his new acquisition “Little Trump”.
With determination and creativity, Usseri began the important task of transforming the aircraft into a unique and comfortable home. With $30,000 (the equivalent of about $60,000 today), he began a project that would require a significant time and financial investment.
Ensuring the aircraft’s stability during repairs was so important that he strategically landed it on his property with its nose pointed at a beautiful lake. The tail was secured with concrete and held in place. After the foundations were laid, Usseri began to dismantle the interior, which covers an area of 1,500 square meters.
The nearly 40-meter-long plane, with its 76 windows, provided plenty of natural light. To realize his vision, Usseri made significant changes to the aircraft’s design. Although the original windows were non-functional, the existing air conditioning system provided a comfortable living environment.
He prioritized improved insulation and installed new flooring throughout the aircraft. Ussery also did a great job redesigning the plane’s bathrooms and luggage areas with space-saving solutions. result? A beautifully designed living space that makes optimal use of the available space.
A unique oasis of comfort
After extensive renovations, Usseri focused on creating a wonderful and comfortable living environment. The updated plane now has three bedrooms, a cozy living room, a fully functional kitchen and even a convenient laundry room.
Not content with just the basics, Ussery went to great lengths to equip his improved aircraft with unexpected luxuries such as telephones and stoves. But without a doubt, the highlight of this design was the transformation of the guest bedroom into a beautiful master bathroom. Ussery cleverly installed the bathroom to take advantage of the amazing views outside.
The layout of the rooms has been carefully planned so that anyone entering them feels as if they are floating on water. What really makes Ussery’s achievement stand out is that he accomplished this incredible transformation on his own. From 1995 to 1999, she and her children enjoyed their unique home in a converted airplane.
The experience was so satisfying that Ussery decided to shаrе his creation with the world and turn it into a public museum. Unfortunately, the aircraft had an accident during the short trip, sliding off the carriage and breaking up.
Ussery’s Boeing 727 may no longer take to the skies, but its legacy continues to captivate and inspire.
His incredible journey of transforming an old airplane into a one-of-a-kind home proves that with vision, creativity and determination, you can create a truly unique living space. Jo Ann Ussery’s story is a testament to the endless possibilities we have when we think outside the box and make our dreams come true.
