In recent decades, the world has witnessed a growing movement towards alternative housing—structures that break away from traditional building methods and materials to create innovative, affordable, and often eco-friendly living spaces. Among these unconventional homes are tiny houses, repurposed buses, converted shipping containers, and even aircraft. These homes offer unique lifestyles and reflect their owners’ creativity and determination to think outside the box.
Long before these types of homes became trendy, Jo Ann Ussery’s remarkable vision set her apart. Her story begins in a small town in Benoit, Mississippi, where, in 1993, fate forced her to confront immense challenges that would ultimately lead to the creation of an extraordinary home: a fully functional, beautifully refurbished Boeing 727 airplane turned into a lavish residence.
A Life Altered by Loss and Necessity
Jo Ann’s journey into airplane homeownership began under difficult circumstances. In 1993, a disaster destroyed her family’s home, leaving Jo Ann — a widow with two young children — homeless and in desperate need of shelter. With very limited financial means, she was forced to rethink what a home could be.
Jo Ann initially considered buying a trailer or mobile home. However, she quickly realized that the cost of trailers large enough to accommodate her family of three was far beyond her reach. Determined not to let hardship defeat her, she sought alternative ideas, hoping to find an affordable yet practical housing solution.
It was during this time that her brother-in-law Bob, who worked as an air traffic controller, suggested a radical option: why not live inside an airplane? The idea was unconventional, but it captured Jo Ann’s imagination. Together, they searched for a retired aircraft that could be purchased and repurposed into a home.
Discovering the Boeing 727
Bob located a decommissioned Boeing 727 slated to be scrapped for parts. The airplane was a perfect candidate — large, spacious, and structurally sound. When Jo Ann first saw the plane, she was immediately smitten by its potential. Remarkably, the entire plane, including shipping costs, was priced at just $2,000, making it an affordable option for her family.
Inspired by the fact that Donald Trump owned a private Boeing 727, Jo Ann nicknamed her new home “Little Trump,” adding a touch of humor and aspiration to the project.
What followed was an enormous undertaking. Jo Ann committed herself to transforming the retired aircraft from a relic of commercial aviation into a warm, inviting, and functional family home.
The Extensive Renovation Process
The conversion was no small feat. Jo Ann’s renovation budget was limited, totaling less than $30,000 (roughly $60,000 in today’s money), but her resourcefulness and determination propelled the project forward.
First, she had to position and secure the massive aircraft on her property. The plane, measuring 138 feet in length and featuring 76 windows, was carefully placed so that its nose extended over an existing lake, providing stunning panoramic views. To ensure stability, especially for the tail section, a significant foundation of concrete was poured.
Inside, Jo Ann gutted the original nearly 1,500-square-foot cabin. Commercial airplane interiors are designed for efficiency rather than comfort, so the transformation involved removing the old seats and panels to create a liveable space. One challenge was the airplane’s windows — none of which opened, as is typical for commercial jets — but this was solved by installing a robust air conditioning system to regulate temperature and airflow.
She also upgraded the insulation to make the space more energy-efficient and comfortable, and replaced the flooring with durable, home-style materials.
Balancing Original Features with Modern Comforts
While Jo Ann modernized much of the interior, she cleverly preserved some of the airplane’s original elements, which added character and addressed spatial challenges. For example, she kept the single airplane lavatory and the overhead storage bins, which proved practical for maximizing limited storage.
The plane’s layout was reimagined to include three bedrooms, a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a phone line, and a laundry room complete with a washer and dryer—amenities not typically found on a jet.
Perhaps the most innovative aspect was the transformation of the cockpit. Overlooking the peaceful lake, the cockpit was converted into a luxurious master bathroom featuring a soaking tub. The design gave occupants the sensation of floating above the water, creating a serene and unique experience.
Jo Ann’s Personal Triumph
What makes Jo Ann’s story even more inspiring is that she completed much of the renovation work herself, demonstrating remarkable resilience, skill, and dedication. Over four years, from 1995 to 1999, Jo Ann and her children lived in their one-of-a-kind airplane home, enjoying the novelty and charm that came with it.
Eventually, Jo Ann opened the plane to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to witness this incredible example of innovative housing and to be inspired by her story.
A Tragic End to a Dream Home
Unfortunately, Jo Ann’s Boeing 727 home met a tragic fate. While being transported to a new location, the plane fell off the carriage and was destroyed, ending the physical existence of what had been a remarkable and pioneering home.
Despite this loss, Jo Ann Ussery’s vision remains a powerful testament to creativity, determination, and the human spirit’s ability to adapt and thrive. Her airplane home broke boundaries and showed that with imagination and grit, even the most unlikely objects can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Legacy and Inspiration
Jo Ann’s story continues to inspire those who dream of alternative living. Her Boeing 727 home was more than just a place to live; it was a symbol of hope and reinvention in the face of adversity. As housing costs continue to rise and people seek more sustainable, affordable living options, stories like Jo Ann’s encourage us to rethink what a home can be.
In a world where innovation and resilience are increasingly vital, Jo Ann Ussery’s incredible journey from tragedy to triumph stands as a shining example of how passion, creativity, and determination can transform not only spaces but lives.
