From shipping containers to buses and tiny houses, unconventional living spaces have gained massive popularity in recent years. These creative alternatives promise comfort, style, and affordability—all with a unique twist. But one woman took this trend to extraordinary heights.
After purchasing a decommissioned Boeing 727, a Mississippi woman turned the aircraft into a spectacular and fully functional home that left everyone speechless.
The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey
In 1993, Jo Ann Ussery faced a devastating setback when her home in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed. Recently widowed and raising two children, she urgently needed a new place to live but had a limited budget.
Initially, she considered buying a trailer. However, anything spacious enough for her family was far beyond what she could afford—until a surprising idea changed everything.
Her brother-in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested something wildly different: why not live in an airplane? Intrigued by the idea, Jo Ann went to inspect a Boeing 727 that was about to be scrapped.
It was love at first sight.
A Bold Purchase
The entire plane—including shipment—cost her just $2,000. Inspired, she affectionately nicknamed her new project “Little Trump”, after learning former president Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727.
Rather than hiring contractors, Jo Ann rolled up her sleeves and took on the project herself.
Turning a Plane Into a Palace
With a remodeling budget of under $30,000 (around $60,000 today), Jo Ann began transforming the 138-foot-long aircraft into a luxury residence packed with comfort and style:
- Over 1,500 square feet of living space
- 76 windows along the cabin
- 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and even a laundry area
- Working oven, washer, dryer, and phone line
- Air conditioning and upgraded insulation
- Stunning new flooring and interior design
To stabilize the aircraft on her lakeside property, she anchored the tail in concrete and positioned the nose to point dramatically over the water—giving the illusion of flight.
The Showpiece: A Cockpit Bathroom With a View
Perhaps the most breathtaking feature of her airplane home was the cockpit, which Jo Ann masterfully converted into a spa-like master bathroom, complete with a soaking tub that offered panoramic views of the lake. She designed the room so that anyone relaxing there would feel as if they were floating through the air.
Even more impressive? She completed all the renovations entirely on her own.
From Family Home to Public Attraction
Jo Ann and her children lived happily in their extraordinary plane home from 1995 to 1999. Eventually, she decided to share her one-of-a-kind creation with the world by turning it into a museum.
Sadly, disaster struck when the plane fell and was destroyed while being moved to a new location nearby.
A Legacy of Creativity and Courage
Although the aircraft no longer exists, Jo Ann’s pioneering vision continues to inspire thousands around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that with imagination, determination, and a touch of daring, even the impossible can become home.
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