Buses, tiny houses, and shipping containers are gaining new interest as potential building materials for unique residences.
These alternatives to conventional housing offer the same comfort at a fraction of the cost, with many customization options.
But Jo Ann Ussery built her unique home long before it became a trend.
She purchased an out-of-service Boeing 727 and transformed it into a luxurious apartment.
In 1993, Ussery’s home in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed, marking the beginning of her journey.
Her husband had just passed away, so she and her two children needed a place to live, but they had very little money.
She hoped a mobile home would solve all her problems, but she quickly realized she couldn’t afford a large enough home for her family of three.
Ussery’s brother-in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested she try living in an airplane.
Ussery was open to the idea, so she went to inspect a Boeing 727 destined to be dismantled for parts.
She fell in love at first sight, and the price, including shipping, was only $2,000.
Ussery named her Boeing 727 „Little Trump“ after discovering that Donald Trump also had a private Boeing 727.
She immediately began the expensive and laborious renovation work.
She spent less than $30,000 (approximately $60,000 in today’s money) on the renovation.
She had to ensure it stayed in its current location while working inside.
Ussery utilized the existing lake on her property and parked the plane with its nose facing the water.
For this particular reason, a significant amount of cement was used to secure the rear.
She then started dismantling the interior of about 1,500 square feet.
The plane is 138 feet long and has 76 windows.
The windows didn’t open, as is usual in commercial airplanes, but this wasn’t a problem for Ussery since the plane had air conditioning.
She improved insulation and installed new flooring. What remained of the original 727?
Only an airplane bathroom and luggage compartments to store her belongings, a brilliant solution to the limited space issue.
After completing the major renovation work, Ussery could focus on finer details and additional comfort.
There were three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry room in the renovated airplane.
She even had an oven and a phone next to the washer and dryer.
The most notable thing Ussery did with the cockpit overlooking the lake was undoubtedly the best improvement.
She turned it into a regal master bathroom with a deep bathtub.
She planned the layout so that occupants would feel like they were floating in the air.
The most remarkable part is that Ussery did all the renovation work herself.
Between 1995 and 1999, she called her renovated home, deciding to open it to the world as a museum.
It was being transported for a short distance when it tragically fell off the trailer and was destroyed.
We’re fortunate to have these incredible photos here.
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