\nDiscover the incredible story of Jo Ann Ussery, who converted a retired Boeing 727 into a stunning, fully-functional home. Learn about her journey, challenges, and the unique features of her airplane house.\n
The trend of converting unconventional structures into homes has seen a rise in popularity, with people using buses, tiny homes, and shipping containers to create unique living spaces. However, long before it became fashionable, Jo Ann Ussery embarked on a remarkable journey to transform a retired Boeing 727 into a luxurious home.\n
In 1993, Jo Ann Ussery\u2019s life took an unexpected turn when her home in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed. Recently widowed, Ussery was left to care for her two children with limited financial resources. Initially considering a trailer, she soon realized it wouldn\u2019t suffice for her family\u2019s needs.\n
\n
Her brother-in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested a novel idea: living in an airplane. Intrigued, Ussery visited a Boeing 727 that was slated for disassembly. Captivated by the idea, she purchased the aircraft for a mere $2,000, including transportation costs.\n
Ussery dubbed her new home \u201cLittle Trump\u201d after discovering that Donald Trump owned a private Boeing 727. She embarked on a major renovation project, investing less than $30,000 (equivalent to about $60,000 today). Ensuring the plane remained in its current location, she positioned it over a lake, with the nose extending over the water and the tail secured with concrete.\n
The aircraft, measuring 138 feet in length with 76 windows, offered approximately 1,500 square feet of space. While the windows didn\u2019t open, air conditioning provided ample ventilation. Ussery upgraded the insulation and installed new flooring, retaining only a few original features such as an airplane bathroom and overhead bins.\n
The renovation process allowed Ussery to design a space that was both functional and stylish. The transformed aircraft featured three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a laundry room complete with a washer, dryer, phone, and oven. One of the most impressive features was the master bathroom, located in the cockpit, which offered a stunning view of the lake and included a soaking tub.\n