From Tragedy to an Unbelievable Dream Home
In 1993, Jo Ann Ussery’s life changed forever. A disaster destroyed her family’s home, leaving her — a widow with two young children — homeless and desperate for shelter. Traditional housing options were far too expensive, so she began thinking outside the box.
Her brother-in-law, an air traffic controller, suggested a wild idea: “Why not live in an airplane?” At first, it sounded impossible — but then Jo Ann found a decommissioned Boeing 727, priced at just $2,000. Inspired, she nicknamed it “Little Trump” and embarked on a journey to transform the retired jet into a fully functional family home.
Over four years, Jo Ann gutted the 1,500-square-foot cabin, upgraded insulation, installed air conditioning, replaced flooring, and designed a living space that included three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and even a laundry area. She preserved unique airplane features like overhead storage bins and the lavatory, blending them with modern comforts.
The cockpit became a luxurious master bathroom with a soaking tub, offering a stunning view of the lake below — creating the sensation of floating above the water. With a renovation budget under $30,000, Jo Ann turned an old plane into a lavish, one-of-a-kind home, demonstrating incredible resilience and creativity.