The popularity of using buses, tiny homes, and shipping containers as building materials for one-of-a-kind homes has increased.
These affordable alternatives to traditional housing provide the same degree of comfort with a variety of customization possibilities.
But long before it was fashionable, Jo Ann Ussery built her own distinctive home.
She acquired a retired Boeing 727 and converted it into an opulent house.
(video of the plane can be found below)
Exceptional housing
Ussery’s journey began after her home in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed in 1993.
She and her two children needed a place to live because her husband had suddenly passed away, but they didn’t have a lot of money.
She had believed that purchasing a trailer would resolve all of her problems, but she quickly realized that she couldn’t afford a home large enough to house her family of three.
Bob, Ussery’s in-law who works as an air traffic controller, suggested that they try living aboard a plane.
Ussery was intrigued by the idea and went to inspect a Boeing 727 that was ready to be disassembled for parts.
She fell in love at first sight, and the item cost only $2,000 with shipping.
Ussery named her Boeing 727 “Little Trump” after finding out that Donald Trump owned a private Boeing 727 as well.
She started her costly and time-consuming house improvements immediately away.
major renovation
She invested less than $30,000 (or around $60,000 in modern currency) in the renovation.
While she worked on the inside, she needed to make sure that it remained in its current position.
By landing the plane such that the nose pointed out over the water, Ussery made use of the lake that was already on her property. For this specific purpose, the tail was secured with a sizable amount of concrete. She then began destroying the interior, which was just about 1,500 square feet.
The aircraft has 76 windows and is 138 feet long.
As is customary on commercial aircraft, the windows did not open, but since the Ussery had air conditioning, this was not a problem.
She installed new flooring and updated the insulation. What precisely was kept from the original 727?
It’s a fantastic solution to the space issue to have just one airplane bathroom and overhead bins for your items.
Featured interiors
After the primary modifications were accomplished, Ussery was able to concentrate on the added comforts and finer details.
The refurbished plane had three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry room.
Along with the washing and dryer, it also had a phone and an oven.
Unquestionably, Ussery’s work on the cockpit’s view of the lake was the best improvement.
She transformed it into a soaking tub–equipped master bathroom fit for a king.
She designed the room’s layout so that anybody who occupied it would experience a sense of floating.
Most importantly, Ussery completed every aspect of the refurbishment by herself.
She lived on her converted plane from 1995 to 1999 before deciding to make it a public museum.
It regrettably fell from the carriage and was destroyed while being transported a short distance.
It’s a good thing we have these breathtaking snapshots below:
Jo Ann Ussery’s journey of transforming a Boeing 727 into a luxurious home remains one of the most unique examples of upcycled housing. Her creative approach and determination set a precedent for alternative living spaces long before the tiny house and container home trends took off.
What makes her story so inspiring is the way she overcame adversity with ingenuity. After losing her home and facing financial constraints, Ussery found an affordable and practical solution in something most would never consider—a decommissioned airplane. For just $2,000, she purchased the retired Boeing 727 and embarked on a renovation journey that would turn the plane into an extraordinary home.
The renovation process wasn’t just about restoring an old aircraft; it was about creating a space where her family could thrive. Ussery spent less than $30,000 on the overhaul, showing how resourcefulness can lead to stunning results. The fact that she managed to do the bulk of the work herself makes it all the more impressive.
The final product was a testament to her vision: a 138-foot-long plane equipped with all the modern amenities one would expect in a traditional home, including three bedrooms, a living room, a full kitchen, and even a laundry room. The plane’s 76 windows offered unique lighting and views, while the air conditioning system kept the space comfortable despite the lack of operable windows.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Ussery’s home was the cockpit, which she cleverly transformed into a luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub that overlooked the lake on her property. The view from the cockpit made it feel as though the occupant was floating on the water—a brilliant way to make use of the plane's design.
Ussery’s story demonstrates how creativity and determination can turn even the most unconventional ideas into practical, livable solutions. Her decision to convert the airplane into a museum after living in it for several years only added to its allure. Unfortunately, while being transported to its new location, the plane was damaged beyond repair, putting an end to its life as a museum.
Although her remarkable home no longer exists, Ussery’s innovative spirit lives on, inspiring those who seek alternative and eco-friendly housing options. Her Boeing 727 home continues to captivate the imagination of those fascinated by out-of-the-box living solutions.
Check out the breathtaking snapshots of Ussery’s home below to see this incredible creation for yourself!
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