In recent years, we have seen a surge in alternative housing options like tiny houses and shipping containers. These affordable alternatives offer comfort and customization. However, long before this trend took off, there was Jo Ann Ussery, a woman with an adventurous spirit who embarked on her own extraordinary housing adventure. She purchased an old Boeing 727 and transformed it into a beautiful home.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story is truly remarkable. She saw the potential in an old Boeing 727 airplane, and instead of scrapping it, she decided to convert it into a one-of-a-kind residence. Her journey is a testament to human ingenuity and the power to make dreams come true.
Born with a passion for aircraft and a love for adventure, Jo Ann’s quest began in the early 2000s when she purchased a defunct Boeing 727 plane. Rather than seeing it as a burden, she saw its potential and embarked on an ambitious endeavor to transform it into a suitable living place.
With dedication and meticulous planning, Jo Ann designed and restored the interior of the airplane, turning its cabins into a warm and unique house. It wasn’t an easy journey, but her unwavering commitment to her vision paid off in the end.
Today, Jo Ann Ussery’s Boeing 727 residence stands as a testament to her singular vision and perseverance. Situated in the woods, this one-of-a-kind edifice has garnered 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 story is an inspiration to everyone who desires to bring their aspirations into reality. It goes to show that with devotion and ingenuity, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
A Housing Adventure Like No Other
Ussery’s journey began in 1993 when her home in Benoit, Mississippi was devastated. As a widow with two children and limited funds, finding a new place to live was a challenge.
Initially, she considered buying a trailer but soon realized it wouldn’t accommodate her large family. It was then that Ussery’s in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested something unique – living on a plane.
Intrigued by the idea, Ussery went to see a disassembled Boeing 727. It was love at first sight, and she purchased it for just $2,000, shipping included.
Ussery affectionately named her new home “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 challenging task of transforming it into a functional living space.
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Ussery placed the plane on her property with its nose pointing out over a lake. The tail was secured with a substantial amount of concrete.
Despite the non-functioning windows, 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.
One of Ussery’s most impressive transformations 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.
Remarkably, Jo Ann Ussery completed the entire renovation herself. From 1995 to 1999, she lived happily 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, Ussery’s ingenuity and determination left an indelible mark on the world of unique housing.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story is one of resilience and creativity, reminding us that with passion and perseverance, we can turn our wildest dreams into reality. Her example serves as an inspiration to all, proving that it’s never too late to embark on an extraordinary adventure.
