Planes, trains and automobiles you'll want to call home
These tired modes of transport have been completely transformed

Converted ambulance, Kansas, USA

This retired emergency vehicle has been converted into a smart tiny home that's perfect for life on the road. Owned by Hogan Matson, the ambulance came with insulation, lighting and heating already fitted, making it an easier option for a self-build conversion.
Converted ambulance, Kansas, USA

Converted ambulance, Kansas, USA

Converted ambulance, Kansas, USA

Platform1346, Tennessee, USA

Sitting at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee, is Platform1346. Formerly a carriage from the Second World War, the car has been transformed into luxury accommodation. Nestled within six acres of gorgeous land, this unique home is the perfect rural spot to escape the rat race.
Platform1346, Tennessee, USA

The train car was originally a kitchen carriage for World War II troop trains carrying soldiers to the East Coast, but has since been repurposed into this lovely secluded property, ideal for guests who want a bit of privacy.
Platform1346, Tennessee, USA

Platform1346, Tennessee, USA

The main bedroom includes a comfy king-sized bed, while a pull-out sofa bed in the living room can accommodate extra guests. There’s even a patio terrace complete with a gazebo and firepit – the ideal place to sit back and take in the scenery whilst toasting marshmallows. Check out the listing here.
School bus conversion, USA

In February 2017, Gabriel and Debbie Mayes and their four children Gracen, Darby, Deacon and Jovey, started their Skoolie adventure. Following a few hiccups with their first school bus buy and plenty of research and careful planning, the couple hired a company to convert their new and improved 250-square-foot vehicle.
School bus conversion, USA

The classic school bus was stripped back to a shell and transformed into a stylish family home. The impressive space was fitted with a full kitchen and a spacious living area, perfect for the large family. Unlike most school bus conversions, which tend to have a centre aisle floor plan, their unique zig-zag layout creates more defined zones for additional privacy.
School bus conversion, USA

The Scandinavian decor is modern and pared-back, giving the snug home a bright and airy feel. Debbie explained: "We are naturally minimalists and love the Scandinavian modern style. I'm drawn to black, white and grey and like to have a very simple, clean style". The sleek interior is both functional and stylish, with storage solutions hidden underneath the sofas to keep the clutter at bay.
School bus conversion, USA

The family’s sleeping quarters are situated at the rear. The traditional centre aisle features bunk beds for the children which fit over the wheel wells. At the very back of the bus lies Gabriel and Debbie’s master bedroom, one of the hardest parts of the bus to design. The room lost a few inches after the walls and back windows were sealed up, so to make up for this, overhead storage was added above the bed.
Private jet conversion, Loire-Atlantique, France

Listed on Airbnb, this next property has to be one of the most unusual guesthouses in France's Loire-Atlantique region. Once a private jet, it's been recently converted into a quirky yet comfortable holiday home, with many of the plane's original features left intact.
Private jet conversion, Loire-Atlantique, France

Private jet conversion, Loire-Atlantique, France

Private jet conversion, Loire-Atlantique, France

Seaboard Coastline caboose, North Carolina, USA

Located in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains, this cool converted train you can call home lies within a 65-acre buffalo ranch. Dating back to the 1960s, the caboose has been completely overhauled and transformed into a fun holiday home perfect for a family adventure.
Seaboard Coastline caboose, North Carolina, USA

Seaboard Coastline caboose, North Carolina, USA

The large main bedroom comprises a double bed with plenty of storage, as well as air-conditioning for those humid southeastern nights. A further bedroom, plus a pull-out twin sofa bed in the living room, allow the home to accommodate up to five guests. The bathroom also comes complete with underfloor heating to keep visitors warm in the chillier winter months.
Seaboard Coastline caboose, North Carolina, USA

Outside, the wooden viewing deck is the ideal spot to watch bison, horses and goats feeding in the surrounding fields. The caboose's exterior is authentically painted and the carriage is even positioned on a makeshift train track. Check out the listing here.
Former police van, UK

Once a police vehicle, this unassuming van has been converted into an amazing tiny home on wheels. Couple Theo and Bee (also known as The Indie Projects) decided to swap their one-bed house for the tiny life back in 2014. From living in a Volkswagen T4 for 18 months to spending three years in a 30-foot narrowboat, they're no strangers to small spaces.
Former police van, UK

Previously a police van, they've travelled the globe in their latest conversion project, a Mercedes Sprinter. Inside, the van hides a carefully crafted sage-green kitchen, complete with oven, stove, fridge and reclaimed wood cabinets. A small copper sink sits snugly in the corner, powered by a foot pump.
Former police van, UK

Former police van, UK

The back of the van features the couple’s cosy double bed along with their own self-installed electrical wiring and heating system to keep things warm and cosy in colder climes. Cubby hole shelves are situated at the foot of the bed as well as underneath the frame, providing even more storage for the pair.
Boeing 727 home, Oregon, USA

This incredible Boeing 727 conversion in Oregon is an aeroplane-lover's dream. Former electrical engineer Bruce Campbell took upcycling to the extreme when he channelled his passion for planes into transforming the aircraft, which was used as a commercial airliner until the mid-1960s.
Boeing 727 home, Oregon, USA

Bruce forked out £81,500 ($100k) for the plane, plus an extra £97,800 ($120k) to move and temporarily house it. After relocating it to a peaceful woodland spot and carrying out some minor modifications, Bruce's quirky dream home was realised. Fully equipped with water, electricity and sewage, the plane has all the practicalities of a regular house.
Boeing 727 home, Oregon, USA

The plane's original retractable staircase offers a unique entrance to Bruce’s home, which is safely propped up on concrete pillars. Inside the 1,066-square-foot living space, Bruce has skillfully preserved most of the original interior. One of the most wow-factor additions, however, is the impressive see-through acrylic floor, which shows off the plane’s impressive design.
Boeing 727 home, Oregon, USA

The aft compartment, towards the rear of the plane, is now Bruce's main living space and workshop and also accommodates his kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Pared-back and minimalist, he sleeps on a space-saving fold-away futon which doubles up as a sofa. Curious? Bruce hosts live music events on the wing of his plane, dubbed "Concert on a Wing", giving people the chance to visit his unusual property.
Station House, Shropshire, UK

Known as Station House, this former Victorian train station features two vintage Mark 1 Great Western Railway carriages dating back to 1883. Transformed into a pair of unique homes, they look a little different inside than they did back in their heyday.
Station House, Shropshire, UK

Situated on over two acres of land, the carriages are a train-lovers dream and the perfect way to turn a much-loved hobby into a unique and lucrative holiday home business. Located within the historic area of Coalport, close to the famous Ironbridge Gorge, the train cars are surrounded by rugged woodlands and manicured lawns.
Station House, Shropshire, UK

Station House, Shropshire, UK

One of the carriages offers three bedrooms, while the other includes two larger bedrooms decked out in modern decor. Part of a larger estate, the grounds also feature the original station house which has a generous five bedrooms and three reception rooms, offering even more space for a family getaway.
George the RAF ambulance, Norfolk, UK

A former RAF ambulance, George is now a unique mobile holiday home – perfect for a family road trip. The quirky camper took several years to convert into a cosy residence and the hard work certainly shows. The amazing motorhome's interior includes a double bed and two bunk beds, offering ample space to relax on the road.
George the RAF ambulance, Norfolk, UK

George the RAF ambulance, Norfolk, UK

Space-saving storage solutions above the cab leave plenty of room for luggage, while the kitchen offers space to store food and drink for a long journey. George also has its very own wine rack, undoubtedly a road trip must-have. While the interior is compact, a clever awning adds some extra room to the van whatever the weather.
George the RAF ambulance, Norfolk, UK

747 Wing House, California, USA

With its sleek lines and unusual curves, the structure of this quirky home in Malibu incorporates the wings of an old Boeing 747 plane. Destined for the scrap heap, David Hertz Architects purchased the entire plane and tried to use as many of its components as possible in the design of the unique dwelling.
747 Wing House, California, USA

Cut into the hillside, the eye-catching home utilises the plane's old wings and tail stabilizers within the sleek roof structure to stunning effect. Sprawled over two levels, the house has an open-plan modern living room on the ground floor, while the main bedroom suite sits on the upper level.
747 Wing House, California, USA

The kitchen features a futuristic curved breakfast island in warm wood, while stark exposed concrete walls and columns add an organic aesthetic that reflects the rugged mountain scenery outside. Swathes of glass allow light to pour into the living spaces as well as framing the structural roof, formed from salvaged plane parts.
747 Wing House, California, USA

The 5,200-square-foot property comprises two bedrooms and three bathrooms – the ideal space for a small family. Outside, the luxurious sustainable house also has its own firepit crafted from the engine cowling, plus an alfresco dining area and luxury pool so you can take a swim whilst soaking up the idyllic surroundings.
Surfer's 'vangalow', USA

Surfer Rich of Vanalog Vibes spent two months transforming his former transit van into an adventurer’s hideaway with his girlfriend Katya. A tiny home on a tiny budget, the couple converted the old vehicle into a charming mobile home. Starting in San Diego County, the pair have hit the road in their new pride and glory, exploring beautiful beaches and secluded surf havens all over California.
Surfer's 'vangalow', USA

Surfer's 'vangalow', USA

Surfer's 'vangalow', USA

The reclaimed wood-panelled floors and ceilings add a warm, cosy feel to the mobile home. Rich said: "As far as living out of the van goes we've managed to blend in among the many vans scattering the quiet side streets, only to all rise the next morning and migrate to the nearest beachside parking to check the surf".
Project Freedom, Texas, USA

Plane enthusiast and pilot Joe Axline made his life-long dream a reality when he converted two aeroplane fuselages into a cool liveable space. Joe began Project Freedom back in 2011, taking inspiration from the 70s show The Magician, starring Bill Bixby, in which the crime-solving hero lives in a jumbo jet.
Project Freedom, Texas, USA

After a four-month search, Axline sourced two wingless halves of retired planes and had them shipped to an airfield in Texas from Arkansas. With one of the planes renovated – an MD-80 he calls Freedom – the space is now his main residence. Offering three bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and lounge, the extraordinary home conversion houses all the creature comforts he needs.
Project Freedom, Texas, USA

The second plane, a Spirit Airlines DC-9-41, is still a work in progress, but Joe has plans to convert it into a movie theatre and arts and crafts room, according to an interview with Houstonia magazine. Throughout both aeroplanes, details of their former lives have been lovingly preserved, with the cockpits, cabinets and flight attendant call buttons remaining.
Project Freedom, Texas, USA

As well as the cosy living spaces, Joe has a grand plan to build a miniature control tower and terminal too. Ideal for aeronautics buffs, he currently offers unique tours around his much-loved property for members of the public, including an interactive flight experience. Interested? To find out more, check out the Airbnb experience here.
Skipwith Station, Yorkshire, UK

The old Derwent Valley Light Railway in the heart of Yorkshire now houses three carriages converted into unique holiday homes. The charming historic facades have been carefully preserved, while signs of the carriages' former lives are evident inside.
Skipwith Station, Yorkshire, UK

Skipwith Station, Yorkshire, UK

Skipwith Station, Yorkshire, UK

Next to the carriages sits the old station's ticket office and waiting room, which have been transformed into a modern four-bedroom home. Additionally, the former loading bay has been converted into a quirky industrial-style cottage, complete with a master suite, hot tub, private courtyard and underfloor heating for the crisp Yorkshire winters.
Converted Hovis lorry, UK

Converted Hovis lorry, UK

The project was such a success that the adventurers are now living in the lorry as they travel across Europe. The keen snowboarders, who met while working in the French Alps, took the converted lorry back to the slopes to test it out.
Converted Hovis lorry, UK

Converted Hovis lorry, UK

727 Fuselage Suite, Quepos, Costa Rica

A residence with real wow-factor, the Costa Verde in Costa Rica boasts a luxury suite hidden inside a 1965 Boeing 727. If that wasn't enough, the former plane is now a cliffhanging home, perched on a 50-foot-high stone pedestal that cantilevers out above the rainforest floor. Got a head for heights? Walk this way...
727 Fuselage Suite, Quepos, Costa Rica

727 Fuselage Suite, Quepos, Costa Rica

727 Fuselage Suite, Quepos, Costa Rica

Inside, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite is decorated with traditional carved wooden panelling sourced from tropical hardwood trees. A charming reminder of the structure's past life, the bedrooms have the original cabin windows intact. The suite also includes a kitchenette, an ocean-view terrace and unbeatable 360-degree views of the gorgeous surrounding rainforest. It doesn't get better than this!
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