In recent years, alternative housing options like buses, tiny houses, and shipping containers have gained popularity for their affordability and customization. These unique alternatives offer comfort and charm. But before this trend took off, there was a remarkable woman named Jo Ann Ussery who embarked on her own extraordinary housing adventure. She purchased an old Boeing 727 and transformed it into a beautiful and unconventional home.
Meet Jo Ann Ussery, a fascinating individual known for her incredible transformation of a Boeing 727 airliner into a one-of-a-kind residence. Her story is a testament to human ingenuity and the power to turn dreams into reality.
From a young age, Jo Ann Ussery had an adventurous spirit, and her passion for aircraft led her on an incredible journey that captured the world’s interest.
Jo Ann’s quest began in the early 2000s when she acquired a retired Boeing 727 plane. Instead of scrapping it like others would, she saw its potential as a unique living space and embarked on an ambitious endeavor to convert it into a suitable home.
With meticulous planning and unwavering dedication, Jo Ann transformed the airplane’s cabins into a warm and extraordinary house. The journey was not without its challenges, but Jo Ann’s determination and vision eventually paid off.
Today, Jo Ann Ussery’s Boeing 727 residence stands proudly as a testimony to her singular vision and perseverance. Nestled in the woods, this one-of-a-kind airplane home has garnered international attention and praise.
This remarkable living space represents ingenuity and the ability to think outside the box when it comes to finding unique housing solutions. Jo Ann’s inspiring tale serves as a reminder to everyone that with passion, devotion, and creativity, the sky is truly the limit in turning aspirations into reality.
Let’s take a closer look at Jo Ann Ussery’s journey and her transformation of the Boeing 727.
From Loss to Discovery
The journey started in 1993 when Jo Ann Ussery’s home in Benoit, Mississippi was devastated. As a widow with two children and limited funds, finding a new place to live presented a significant challenge.
Initially considering a trailer, Jo Ann soon realized that it wouldn’t accommodate her large family. It was then that her in-law, Bob, who happened to be an air traffic controller, suggested something truly unique – living on a plane.
Intrigued by the idea, Jo Ann went to see a disassembled Boeing 727. It was love at first sight, and she acquired it for just $2,000, shipping included.
Affectionately naming her new home “Little Trump” after learning that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727, Jo Ann embarked on the task of transforming it into a functional living space with a budget of less than $30,000.
Turning Dreams into Reality
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Jo Ann strategically positioned the plane on her property, with its nose pointing out over a picturesque lake. The tail was firmly secured with a substantial amount of concrete.
With an interior space of around 1,500 square feet, Jo Ann wasted no time in revamping the airplane. Despite the non-functioning windows, a common feature in commercial airplanes, the presence of air conditioning made this a minor issue.
Once the major renovations were complete, Jo Ann focused on enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of her one-of-a-kind home. She skillfully designed 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 involved turning the cockpit into a luxurious master bathroom with a soaking tub. The layout was designed to give users a sense of floating while taking in the stunning view of the lake.
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 remarkable creation with the world by transforming it into a public museum.
A Setback, but an Indelible Mark
Unfortunately, during the process of relocating the plane for display as a museum, it slipped off the carriage and disintegrated. Despite this setback, Jo Ann’s ingenuity and determination have made an indelible mark on the world of unique housing.
Jo Ann Ussery’s extraordinary journey of turning a Boeing 727 into a dream home is a true inspiration. Her story showcases the power of following one’s passion and the incredible possibilities that can be achieved with perseverance and ingenuity.
So, if you ever find yourself dreaming of something out of the ordinary, remember Jo Ann Ussery and her remarkable accomplishment. With dedication and a touch of creativity, you can turn your dreams into reality just like she did.
