The cabin of an airplane has been transformed into an extraordinary living space!
Bruce Campbell, a 64-year-old retired electrical engineer with a knack for creative projects, has always been someone who thinks outside the box. At just 20 years old, he made a bold move by purchasing 10 acres of densely wooded land near Hillsboro, Oregon, for $23,000. Back then, he likely couldn’t have imagined that this property would one day host one of the most unique homes in the world—a fully repurposed airplane turned into a livable masterpiece.
Campbell’s lifelong love for tinkering and finding innovative ways to repurpose items has been the driving force behind many of his projects. Ever since he was young, he enjoyed taking things apart, understanding how they worked, and reassembling them in creative ways. Initially, he envisioned using his Oregon land to build a house out of retired shipping containers. At the time, this concept seemed groundbreaking to him, but he later discovered that others had already executed similar ideas. While disappointed that his plan wasn’t entirely unique, this discovery didn’t deter him. Instead, it fueled his passion for pursuing an even more ambitious and distinctive project.
About 20 years after buying his land, Campbell came across a story that would forever change the trajectory of his plans. He learned about Joanne Ussery, a hairstylist from Mississippi, who had experienced a devastating fire that destroyed her previous home. Rather than rebuilding a traditional house, Ussery took an unconventional path: she transformed a decommissioned Boeing 727 into her new residence. Situated beside a serene river, her airplane home became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity. This story deeply resonated with Campbell, inspiring him to pivot his own vision in an extraordinary way.
In 1999, Campbell made the daring decision to follow in Ussery’s footsteps and bring his own airplane dream to life. After much research and planning, he purchased a retired Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways for $100,000. The aircraft had been stationed in Athens, Greece, so transporting it to his Oregon property was no small feat. The logistics involved were daunting, and the transportation costs alone amounted to an additional $120,000. All in all, the project set him back $220,000—a significant investment for a dream home. Despite the high costs and logistical challenges, Campbell firmly believed it was money well spent to achieve something truly remarkable.
Once the airplane arrived on his land, the real work began. Campbell poured his energy into converting the aircraft’s interior into a functional and comfortable living space while retaining its distinctive character. The result is a home that’s as practical as it is awe-inspiring, blending the futuristic feel of an airplane cabin with the warmth and functionality of a traditional residence. Walking into his home is like stepping into a dream—a harmonious blend of engineering brilliance and creative vision.
One of the key aspects of Campbell’s project is his commitment to sustainability. By repurposing a retired airplane, he’s given new life to a massive structure that would otherwise have been scrapped or left to deteriorate. His innovative approach not only minimizes waste but also sets an example for how unconventional materials can be used in housing projects. Campbell believes that retired airplanes offer a unique and underutilized resource, and his work demonstrates the potential for these machines to be repurposed in meaningful ways.
The interior of Campbell’s airplane home is nothing short of fascinating. While many elements of the original aircraft design remain intact, he’s made thoughtful modifications to ensure the space is livable. The seating has been removed to make way for open, functional areas, and the original cockpit has been preserved as a tribute to the plane’s history. Large, transparent windows flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Every detail, from the flooring to the storage solutions, reflects Campbell’s meticulous attention to detail and his passion for combining practicality with creativity.
For Campbell, living in an airplane is more than just a personal project—it’s a way to challenge conventional thinking and inspire others to see the possibilities in unconventional ideas. He’s proud to share his story and frequently opens his home to curious visitors who want to see the transformation firsthand. His airplane home has become a local landmark, attracting attention from people across the globe who are eager to witness this one-of-a-kind living space.
While Campbell’s journey hasn’t been without its obstacles, he’s found immense fulfillment in turning his dream into reality. From the initial purchase of his land to the complex logistics of transporting and converting a retired airplane, every step of the process has been a testament to his perseverance and passion for innovation. His story is a powerful reminder that with vision and determination, it’s possible to create something truly extraordinary out of the ordinary.
Today, Campbell continues to live in his airplane home, finding joy in the uniqueness of his surroundings and the inspiration it brings to others. His journey has become a symbol of ingenuity and sustainability, proving that thinking outside the box—or, in this case, outside the traditional idea of a home—can lead to incredible possibilities. His work challenges us all to look at the world with fresh eyes and to consider how we might repurpose the resources around us in creative and meaningful ways.
Bruce Campbell’s airplane home stands as a shining example of what can happen when creativity meets determination. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a celebration of innovation and the endless possibilities that arise when we dare to dream big.
