In a world where real estate prices are skyrocketing, and finding an affordable dream home can feel like an impossible task, unconventional and sustainable living options are becoming increasingly popular. Imagine residing in converted tiny homes, revamped buses, or even repurposed shipping containers. These dwellings not only offer a unique living experience but also serve as an affordable alternative to traditional accommodations.
Meet Jo Ann Ussery, a visionary who embarked on this extraordinary journey long before it became a trend. Faced with the challenge of finding a new home after her residence was destroyed, Jo Ann’s life took an unexpected turn. With limited resources and the loss of her husband, she initially considered the idea of living in a trailer. However, fate had a different plan for her, thanks to an unconventional suggestion from her brother-in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller.
Discover how Jo Ann’s determination to find a home overcame her initial reservations, leading to the acquisition of a Boeing 727 aircraft that would become her extraordinary dwelling, fondly known as “The Little Trump.” This captivating story of transformation and ingenuity will not only pique your curiosity but also inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to finding your own unique path to a dream home.
Join us on this incredible journey as we delve into the remarkable journey of turning an airplane into a comfortable and luxurious abode. Stay with us as we explore Jo Ann’s journey in depth, from the acquisition of the aircraft to the stunning renovations that transformed it into a one-of-a-kind dream home. Prepare to be amazed as we unravel the secrets of “The Little Trump.”
A Plane of Possibilities
When Jo Ann Ussery found herself in need of a new home, she faced a dilemma that many of us can relate to – limited finances and a desire for more space. However, instead of settling for the conventional, she took a leap of faith that would forever alter the course of her life.
The Little Trump Takes Flight
Jo Ann’s story begins with an unexpected proposal from her brother-in-law, Bob, who suggested that she consider living inside an airplane. The idea may have seemed far-fetched at first, but her desperation to find a home for herself and her children outweighed any reservations she might have had.
Jo Ann embarked on a journey to explore the possibilities of this unique living arrangement, which led her to a retired Boeing 727 aircraft. The plane, once destined for the scrap yard, caught her eye, and she made the daring decision to acquire it for a mere $2,000, plus the cost of transporting the entire aircraft to her property. It was a bold move, but one that would soon prove to be the start of an incredible transformation.
From Scrapyard to Sanctuary
With her newfound “home” in place, Jo Ann faced the daunting task of converting the Boeing 727 into a habitable space. The challenge was not just financial but also practical, as she had to ensure the plane wouldn’t shift out of place. Fortunately, luck was on her side as her property featured a natural lake, providing a picturesque backdrop for her unconventional dream. To achieve the desired effect, she ingeniously hung the plane so that its nose extended gracefully over the tranquil waters. Ensuring the plane’s stability demanded anchoring the tail securely with concrete.
Transforming the interior of the 138-foot long Boeing 727 into a comfortable living space was no small feat. With 76 windows lining the sides, she couldn’t open them, as commercial aircraft windows remain locked in place. Jo Ann addressed this challenge by installing air conditioning and ensuring proper insulation and flooring. Only a single airplane bathroom and the overhead bins remained from the plane’s original design.
As Jo Ann continued her renovations, her determination led to the creation of a truly remarkable home. The Boeing 727 now boasted three bedrooms, a compact bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, and even a dedicated laundry room. This unconventional abode also featured modern conveniences like a washing machine, dryer, telephone, and oven. However, the crown jewel of her transformation was the cockpit, which she turned into a luxurious master bathroom complete with a hot tub. With its unique design, the Boeing 727 allowed occupants to feel as though they were still airborne, adding an element of intrigue to the entire living experience.
Jo Ann’s unwavering dedication led her to live in this extraordinary airplane home from 1995 to 1999. Unfortunately, the story takes a somber turn as the plane was tragically destroyed beyond repair during a move. But the legacy of Jo Ann Ussery’s remarkable journey lives on, inspiring us to think beyond conventional boundaries when it comes to creating our dream homes.
Luxury Takes Flight
As Jo Ann Ussery’s ambitious renovation project continued to take shape, it wasn’t just about making her Boeing 727 livable; it was about turning it into a sanctuary of luxury. The transformed aircraft home, aptly named “The Little Trump,” became a testament to creativity and innovation in unconventional living spaces.
Elevating Comfort
Jo Ann’s determination to create a comfortable living environment within the Boeing 727 knew no bounds. Beyond the basic necessities, she infused the space with an array of luxuries that would rival any traditional home. Here’s a glimpse of what made her airplane abode truly extraordinary:
Three Bedrooms: Yes, you read that right! The Boeing 727, originally designed for commercial flights, was transformed to accommodate three cozy bedrooms, ensuring that Jo Ann and her family could rest and rejuvenate in style.
A Full Kitchen: The kitchen in “The Little Trump” was not an afterthought; it was a fully functional culinary space equipped with everything one would need to whip up delicious meals.
A Living Space: A spacious living area offered a comfortable spot for Jo Ann and her family to gather and relax. The layout was designed with an eye for both functionality and aesthetics.
A Dedicated Laundry Room: Practicality was not compromised. Jo Ann included a laundry room, complete with a washing machine and dryer, ensuring convenience in her sky-high dwelling.
The Cockpit Masterpiece
While the entire aircraft home was a marvel in itself, the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the cockpit transformation. Jo Ann ingeniously converted this space into a master bathroom, and what a bathroom it was! Featuring a luxurious hot tub, it provided a unique vantage point for soaking and relaxation. Imagine taking a bath with a view that made you feel like you were still soaring among the clouds.
Living the Dream
Remarkably, most of these renovations were undertaken by Jo Ann herself, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her unique dream home. From the moment she moved into “The Little Trump” in 1995 until 1999, she experienced the joys and challenges of living in an aircraft turned home. Her story of resilience and creativity continues to inspire those who dare to dream beyond the ordinary.
While “The Little Trump” met an unfortunate end when it was destroyed during a move, Jo Ann Ussery’s legacy lives on as a testament to what can be achieved with vision, determination, and a touch of luxury, even in the most unconventional of spaces.
Living in the Unconventional
Living in a converted Boeing 727 might sound like a fantasy, but for Jo Ann Ussery, it was a reality for several years. Let’s explore what it was really like to call an airplane home and the practical considerations that came with such an unconventional living arrangement.
Size and Space
One might wonder if living in an aircraft meant sacrificing space and comfort. However, Jo Ann’s ingenious renovations ensured that her Boeing 727 provided over 1500 square feet of living space. This ingenious use of space allowed her to have all the essential rooms and amenities one would expect in a traditional home.
Windows and Climate Control
One unique challenge Jo Ann faced was the inability to open the plane’s windows, a characteristic of commercial aircraft. To combat this, she had air conditioning installed, ensuring a comfortable living environment year-round. It’s a testament to her determination to make her dream home as practical as it was unique.
Stability and Safety
Ensuring the aircraft remained stable was of utmost importance. Hanging the Boeing 727 over a natural lake added a stunning aesthetic element, but it also required meticulous anchoring to prevent any mishaps.
Jo Ann’s unwavering determination and creative thinking turned a retired Boeing 727 into a luxurious and comfortable home, defying conventional ideas of living spaces. Her story continues to inspire others to think outside the box when it comes to finding the perfect home.
