Tiny homes, shipping container houses, and even converted buses have gained popularity in recent years as creative alternatives to traditional housing. But long before these trends took off, one woman built her dream home in the most unexpected place—a decommissioned Boeing 727.
(video of the plane can be found below)
From Tragedy to Inspiration
In 1993, Jo Ann Ussery from Benoit, Mississippi, faced a devastating setback when her home was destroyed. Recently widowed and raising two children, she needed an affordable solution but couldn’t find a trailer large enough for her family.
That’s when her brother-in-law, Bob—an air traffic controller—suggested something unusual: why not live in an airplane?
Intrigued, Ussery inspected a retired Boeing 727 that was about to be dismantled for scrap. The aircraft instantly captivated her, and at just $2,000 (including delivery), it was too good to pass up. She affectionately named it “Little Trump” after learning Donald Trump also owned a private 727.
A Massive Renovation Project
Determined to make it livable, Ussery invested less than $30,000 (about $60,000 today) into the conversion. First, she secured the plane in place by anchoring the tail with heavy concrete while positioning the nose to extend over her property’s lake—creating the illusion of the jet floating over water.
Inside, she gutted the nearly 1,500-square-foot cabin, keeping only one original lavatory and the overhead storage bins. She installed insulation, laid down new flooring, and added air conditioning to make up for the sealed windows.
Turning a Jet Into a Home
Once the basics were in place, Ussery began transforming the aircraft into a comfortable residence. The finished interior included:
Three bedrooms
A full kitchen with an oven and phone line
A laundry room with a washer and dryer
A cozy living space for family time
But her most breathtaking renovation was the cockpit. Overlooking the lake, she reimagined the space as a luxurious master bathroom—complete with a soaking tub designed to make bathers feel as though they were floating in the sky.
Remarkably, Ussery completed the entire project herself.
From Family Home to Local Landmark
Ussery and her children lived in their airplane house from 1995 until 1999. Eventually, she decided to open it as a museum so others could experience her extraordinary creation.
Sadly, the jet was destroyed during transport to its new location when it slipped off its carriage. Fortunately, photos of the home remain, capturing the creativity and determination that turned a retired plane into a one-of-a-kind mansion.
👉 Don’t forget to share this story with family and friends—it’s too amazing to miss!
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