housing adventure of a lifetime.
It’s become increasingly popular to construct homes out of unusual materials like buses, tiny homes, and shipping containers.
The same degree of comfort and a variety of customization options are offered by these distinctive and reasonably priced substitutes. But before this trend became popular, Jo Ann Ussery paved the way for it.
After the destruction of her home in Benoit, Mississippi, in 1993, she set out on an incredible journey and converted an old Boeing 727 into a beautiful and functional home.
Triumph over tragedy.
Ussery’s journey started after her husband unexpectedly passed away and she and her two kids were left without a place to live. She initially considered buying a trailer as a solution to her financial problems.
But she soon realized she couldn’t afford a house big enough for her expanding family. Bob, Ussery’s brother-in-law and air traffic controller, then put forth the novel idea of residing on a plane.
Ussery visited a disassembled Boeing 727 out of curiosity and instantly fell in love with it. The plane, including shipping, only cost $2,000, which is the best part. Ussery gave the name “Little Trump” to her new acquisition in honor of the fact that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727.
Ussery began the difficult task of converting the plane into a distinctive and comfortable home with determination and creativity. She started a project that would require a significant time and financial commitment for less than $30,000 (roughly $60,000 today).
She deliberately landed the plane on her property with the nose facing a picturesque lake to ensure the stability during the renovation. Concrete was used to keep the tail in place and firmly anchor it.
Ussery eagerly commenced the interior’s 1,500 square foot impressive dismantling once the foundations had been set. The nearly 138-foot-long plane, with its 76 windows, provided a ton of natural light.
Ussery made some significant changes to the plane’s design to make her vision a reality. Even though the original windows were broken, the air conditioning system already in place kept the house comfortable.
She installed new flooring throughout the plane and gave priority to insulation upgrades. Ussery also cleverly found ways to save space by repurposing the overhead bins and bathroom. As a result, a brilliantly planned living space was created that made the most of the available space.
A Comfortable Oasis of Uniqueness.
After the significant renovations were finished, Ussery focused on creating a remarkable and cozy living space. The newly updated aircraft now featured three bedrooms, a comfortable living area, a fully functional kitchen, and even a handy laundry room.
Ussery went above and beyond, making sure that her updated jet included unexpected luxuries like a phone and an oven. The master bathroom she converted from the cockpit was unquestionably her design’s shining achievement.
Ingeniously, Ussery added a soaking tub to make the most of the breathtaking views outside. Anyone entering the room would feel as though they were floating on water thanks to the carefully thought-out layout.
Ussery’s accomplishment is truly unique because she pulled off this remarkable transformation by herself. She and her kids lived in their converted plane from 1995 to 1999, enjoying the benefits of their special home.
Ussery found the experience to be so rewarding that she ultimately decided to open a public museum to display her work. Unfortunately, a mishap occurred while the airplane was being moved a short distance, causing it to fall off the carriage and crash.
Ussery’s Boeing 727 may not be flying today, but its legacy still fascinates and motivates people. Her remarkable journey of transforming a dilapidated airplane into an extraordinary home demonstrates that one can design a home that is truly one-of-a-kind with vision, creativity, and tenacity.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story is a testament to the countless opportunities that are available when we dare to think creatively and make our dreams come true.
