Bruce Campbell has always been fascinated by transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary creations. His passion for innovation led him to build one of the most unusual homes in the world: a retired airplane repurposed into a fully functional living space. In his early twenties, he purchased 10 acres of wooded land in Oregon for $23,000, dreaming of a unique home. His original plan involved retrofitting cargo ships, but inspiration eventually pushed him in a different direction.
Decades later, Campbell discovered the story of Joanne Ussery, a Mississippi woman who rebuilt her life by converting a retired Boeing 727 into a home after losing her house to a fire. Her creativity sparked something in Campbell, and he decided to redesign his own vision around an aircraft, determined to give it a personal twist.
In 1999, he purchased a retired Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways for $100,000. Transforming this once-iconic plane into a home presented enormous logistical challenges. Transporting the aircraft from Athens, Greece, to Oregon required meticulous planning and an additional $120,000, bringing his total investment to about $220,000.
Once the plane arrived, Campbell set out to preserve its original character while making it livable. The cabin became the heart of the home, and the cockpit remained intact as a historic centerpiece. Natural light streamed through the plane’s windows, creating an open, airy atmosphere that blended industrial design with modern comfort.