In recent years, alternative housing options like buses, tiny houses, and shipping containers have gained popularity among people looking for affordable and customizable living spaces. While these options may be relatively new, there is one person who embarked on a truly remarkable housing adventure long before this trend took off. Jo Ann Ussery, a fascinating individual with an adventurous spirit, purchased an old Boeing 727 and transformed it into a beautiful and unorthodox home.
A Monument to Ingenuity and Dreams
Jo Ann Ussery’s story is a testament to human ingenuity and the power to make dreams come true. Born with a passion for aircraft, she captivated the world’s interest with her extraordinary housing endeavor. In the early 2000s, Ussery purchased a defunct Boeing 727 plane and instead of scrapping it, she saw its potential as a unique living space. With unwavering dedication, she embarked on the ambitious task of converting the airplane into a suitable home.
A Warm and Unique Home in the Woods
Despite facing challenges along the way, Jo Ann methodically designed and restored the interior of the airplane, turning its cabins into a warm and one-of-a-kind house. Today, her Boeing 727 residence stands proudly in the woods, drawing international attention and praise. It represents the power of ingenuity and thinking outside the box when it comes to finding unique housing solutions. Jo Ann’s inspiring journey demonstrates that with devotion and ingenuity, aspirations can be turned into reality, proving that the sky is truly the limit.
A New Beginning
Ussery’s housing adventure began in 1993 when her home in Benoit, Mississippi was destroyed. As a widow with two children and limited funds, finding a new place to live seemed like a challenge. Initially considering buying a trailer, Ussery soon realized that it wouldn’t accommodate her large family. It was then that her in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested something truly unique – living on a plane.
Love at First Sight
Intrigued by the idea, Ussery went to see a disassembled Boeing 727 and immediately fell in love with it. She purchased the plane for just $2,000, including shipping, and affectionately named it “Little Trump” after discovering that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727. With a budget of less than $30,000, she embarked on the challenge of transforming it into a functional living space.
Creativity in the Face of Challenges
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Ussery placed the plane on her property with its nose pointing out over a lake, securing the tail with a substantial amount of concrete. Although the non-functioning windows were a common feature in commercial airplanes, the presence of air conditioning made this issue inconsequential. With around 1,500 square feet of interior space, Ussery wasted no time in revamping the airplane.
A Home Designed for Comfort
After completing the major renovations, Ussery focused on improving the comfort and aesthetics of her one-of-a-kind home. She created three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry facility within the plane. The most impressive transformation was turning the cockpit into a luxurious master bathroom with a soaking tub. The layout was designed to give users a sense of floating while enjoying the stunning view of the lake.
A Labor of Love
Remarkably, Jo Ann Ussery completed the entire renovation herself. From 1995 to 1999, she happily lived aboard her converted plane. Eventually, she made the decision to transform it into a public museum. Unfortunately, during the process of relocating it for display, the plane slipped off the carriage and disintegrated. Despite this setback, Jo Ann’s ingenuity and determination have left an indelible mark on the world of unique housing.
Jo Ann Ussery’s extraordinary journey serves as an inspiration to all who have a desire or passion. Her story reminds us that with dedication and creativity, we can turn our dreams into reality.
