In recent years, alternative housing options like buses, tiny houses, and shipping containers have gained popularity among those looking for affordable and customizable living spaces. However, long before this trend took off, Jo Ann Ussery embarked on her own extraordinary housing adventure. She purchased an old Boeing 727 and transformed it into a beautiful home.
An Adventure into Unconventional Living
Jo Ann Ussery is a fascinating individual best known for her remarkable achievement of transforming a Boeing 727 airliner into a one-of-a-kind and unorthodox residence. Her story is a testament to human ingenuity and the power to turn dreams into reality.
A Passion for Aviation
Jo Ann’s adventurous spirit and love for aircraft led her on a journey that would captivate the world’s interest. It all began in the early 2000s, when she purchased a retired Boeing 727 plane. Instead of discarding it, she saw its potential as a unique home and embarked on an ambitious endeavor to convert it into a suitable living space.
A Transformation Worth Celebrating
With meticulous planning and dedication, Jo Ann designed and restored the plane’s interior, turning the airplane’s cabins into a warm and extraordinary house. The project presented its fair share of challenges, but Jo Ann’s unwavering commitment to her vision paid off in the end.
A Unique Residence in the Woods
Today, Jo Ann Ussery’s Boeing 727 residence stands as a testament to her remarkable vision and perseverance. Nestled in the midst of nature, her airplane home has garnered international attention and praise. It represents the power of creative thinking and serves as an inspiration for anyone with dreams and passions, reminding us that the possibilities are limitless when we devote ourselves with passion and ingenuity.
Beginning of an Adventure
Jo Ann’s journey started back in 1993 when her home in Benoit, Mississippi was destroyed. As a widow, with limited funds and two children, finding a new place to live was a challenge. Initially, she considered buying a trailer, but it simply wouldn’t accommodate her large family. It was then that her in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, came up with a unique suggestion – living on a plane.
Love at First Sight
Intrigued by the idea, Jo Ann went to see a disassembled Boeing 727 and immediately fell in love with it. She purchased the plane, including shipping, for just $2,000. Affectionately naming her new home “Little Trump” after discovering that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727, she embarked on the formidable task of transforming it into a functional living space with a budget of less than $30,000.
Innovative Solutions
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Jo Ann positioned the plane on her property with its nose pointing out over a serene lake, while securing the tail with a substantial amount of concrete. With an interior space of around 1,500 square feet, she wasted no time in renovating the airplane. The non-functioning windows, common in commercial airplanes, were of little concern since the presence of air conditioning solved any ventilation issues.
A Comfortable and Stylish Home
Once the major renovations were complete, Jo Ann focused on enhancing 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. Along with essential amenities such as a phone, an oven, and a washer and dryer, her 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 Personal Triumph
Remarkably, Jo Ann completed the entire renovation herself. From 1995 to 1999, she happily lived aboard her converted plane. Eventually, she decided to share her accomplishment with the world by turning it into a public museum. Unfortunately, during the relocation process, 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 story is a testament to the power of imagination and the limitless possibilities that lie within each of us. Her Boeing 727 home was not just a place to live but a manifestation of her dreams and passions. It is a reminder that age is no barrier to pursuing what we love and that with dedication and creativity, we can transform even the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.
