Dreaming Big and Thinking Outside the Box
In a world where alternative housing options like tiny houses and converted shipping containers are gaining popularity, one woman took her housing adventure to new heights. Meet Jo Ann Ussery, a fascinating individual with an adventurous spirit and a passion for aircraft. Her extraordinary journey began when she purchased an old Boeing 727 and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind and unorthodox residence.
From Defunct Plane to Unique Home
Jo Ann Ussery’s quest started in the early 2000s when she acquired a no-longer-in-service Boeing 727 plane. Instead of letting it go to waste, she saw the potential to turn it into a home and embarked on an ambitious endeavor to transform it. Despite facing numerous challenges, Jo Ann’s unwavering dedication and vision allowed her to design and restore the interior, converting the airplane’s cabins into a warm and unique house.
A Monument to Vision and Perseverance
Today, Jo Ann Ussery’s Boeing 727 residence stands proudly as a testament to her extraordinary vision and unwavering perseverance. Nestled in the woods, this one-of-a-kind edifice has garnered international attention and praise. It represents the spirit of ingenuity and the ability to think outside the box when it comes to finding unique housing solutions. Jo Ann’s story is an inspiration to all, showing that with devotion and ingenuity, dreams can become reality, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
From Adversity to Innovation
Jo Ann’s journey began in 1993 when her home in Benoit, Mississippi was devastated. As a widow with limited funds and two children to care for, finding a new place to live was a daunting challenge. Initially considering a trailer, she soon realized it wouldn’t accommodate her large family. That’s when her in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested something truly unique – living on a plane.
Love at First Sight
Intrigued by the idea, Jo Ann visited a disassembled Boeing 727. It was love at first sight, and she purchased it for a mere $2,000, shipping included. She 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, Jo Ann took on the incredible task of transforming the aircraft into a functional living space.
From Plane to Palace
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Jo Ann strategically placed the plane with its nose pointing out over a beautiful lake, securing the tail with a substantial amount of concrete. With an interior space of approximately 1,500 square feet, Jo Ann wasted no time in revamping the airplane. Despite the non-functioning windows, which are common in commercial airplanes, the presence of air conditioning made this issue insignificant.
Comfort, Practicality, and Luxury
Once the major renovations were complete, Jo Ann focused on enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of her unique home. She created three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry facility within the plane. In addition to practical amenities like a phone, an oven, and a washer and dryer, Jo Ann’s 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 breathtaking view of the lake.
A Remarkable Achievement
Remarkably, Jo Ann 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, Jo Ann’s remarkable ingenuity and determination have left an indelible mark on the world of unique housing.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story is a true testament to the power of imagination and the belief that anything is possible. Her remarkable accomplishment serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that regardless of our age, dreams can come true with unwavering determination and a willingness to think creatively.
