Couple shares how they converted an old cargo plane into a two-bedroom Airbnb where stays cost $349 PER NIGHT

This house is amazing in more ways than one.

Stephanie Blanchard and Jon Kotwicki of Alaska converted a retired 1956 Douglas DC-6 cargo plane into a living space. The plane now rents for $349 per night. Airbnb.

In a YouTube interview with Tiny House Giant Journeythe couple – who both work as pilots and flight instructors – detail the step-by-step DIY process.

Jon estimates the renovation has cost over $500,000 so far, with the plane costing about $100,000 and a similar amount to take it apart and trailer it from Fairbanks to Wasilla.

Footage from the short film shows the aircraft now resting on sturdy pillars, with one of the wings converted into balcony space, while a staircase and veranda extension provide a more traditional approach.

Stephanie Blanchard and Jon Kotwicki of Alaska were converting a retired 1956 Douglas DC-6 cargo plane into a livable space, with the plane now rented for $349 per night on Airbnb

In a YouTube interview with Tiny House Giant Journey, the couple – who both work as pilots and flight instructors – describe the step-by-step DIY process

Footage from the short film shows the aircraft now standing on sturdy pillars, with one of the wings converted into a balcony space, while a set of stairs and a veranda extension provide a more traditional style of entrance

Jon estimates the renovation has cost over $500,000 so far, with the plane costing about $100,000 and a similar amount to take it apart and trailer it from Fairbanks to Wasilla.

While thinking about building guest houses for his flight school, Jon said he suddenly thought about buying an airplane and turning it into a home to create “the most uniquely amazing experience for our students and for our guests.”

From the beginning of how the ambitious project came to be, Jon tells viewers: ‘So the idea of ​​buying an airplane and turning it into a tiny house came about more or less by accident.

‘Stephanie and I were looking for ways to run a flight school here in Alaska [and we were looking at] how we could house students in the neighborhood.

‘We have decided to use this site, which is over 40 hectares in size, to build our own runways and hangars. We also want to build small huts where students can stay and train.’

While thinking about the building process, Jon said he suddenly thought about buying an airplane and turning it into a home to create “the most unique, amazing experience for our students and for our guests.”

After months of research, Jon located and picked up the retired 100-foot-long, 115-foot-wide cargo plane.

It started out as an empty shell, but YouTube shows how Stephanie and Jon transformed the plane into a spectacular two-bedroom home.

Jon shows how they have retained many of the original features, including the cockpit with all controls and the cargo door so guests can load large luggage.

Other aviation-themed objects in the home include a propeller from a smaller plane and a side table made from a Boeing 727 tire with a glass top.

After months of research, Jon located and picked up the retired 100-foot-long, 115-foot-wide cargo plane

From an empty shell to a spectacular two-bedroom house, YouTube shows

All rooms have curved walls, with partitions to divide the spaces

In addition to a master bedroom and a smaller bedroom, there are other areas such as a master bathroom with a shower and a dining/kitchen/living room.

There are many aviation-themed items in the home, including a propeller from a smaller plane and a side table made from a Boeing 727 tire with a glass top.

The couple’s next jobs include landscaping and they have another aircraft conversion project in the pipeline

All rooms have curved walls and partition walls have been installed to divide the spaces.

In addition to a master bedroom and a smaller bedroom, other spaces include a large bathroom with shower and a dining room-cum-kitchen-cum-lounge area.

A total of six people can sleep in the plane, as the sofa in the living room can be folded out into a bed.

Outside there is also a balcony on one of the wings, complete with a freestanding bath.

Jon says he is “pretty happy” with the end result of the wing deck, as it was a “huge challenge” to build a flat deck on a “cambered, curved, angular wing surface.”

Jon says the biggest concerns when converting an airplane into a home include installing proper insulation and controlling condensation.

He says about this: ‘The aircraft has been treated with spray foam to ensure good insulation.

‘[Then]Condensation is probably the biggest concern we have here since you’re in an aluminum beer can and you’re going to be cooking here [and] ‘Shower’.

Jon and Stephanie’s airplane house currently has a 4.97 out of 5 rating on Airbnb and many guests are raving about the unusual building.

A previous guest wrote: ‘My family had a fantastic time at this unique location. My son (and I) loved taking imaginary flights in the cockpit. The view from the wing patio was amazing!’

Another former visitor says: ‘Sleeping in the DC6 is an experience. Drinking a beer in the cockpit with that view of the mountains, priceless! The place is super clean and everything you need is there.’

Jon and Stephanie say they’ve met pilots who previously flew the plane and found the new interior much more comfortable.

Their next job includes site construction and they have another aircraft conversion project in the pipeline.