Who says a home has to be confined to bricks and mortar? If you're prepared to think a little outside the box, you could create a truly unique property that stands out from the rest. Once ruling the skies, tracks and highways, these converted planes, trains, cars and vans have been given a new lease of life as stunning residential homes. All aboard and let's take a look inside...

Plane enthusiast and pilot Joe Axline made his life-long dream a reality when he converted two airplane fuselages into a cool liveable space. Joe began Project Freedom back in 2011, taking inspiration from the 1970s show The Magician, starring Bill Bixby, in which the crime-solving hero lives in a jumbo jet.

After a four-month search, Azline 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, it houses all the creature comforts he needs.

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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 theater and arts and crafts room, according to an interview with Houstonia magazine. Throughout both airplanes, details of their former lives have been lovingly preserved, with the cockpits, cabinets and flight attendant call buttons remaining.

As well as the cozy 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.

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 escape.

The train car was originally a kitchen carriage for Second World War 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.

The open-plan interior comprises a modern kitchen fitted with top-of-the-range Smeg appliances and a large fridge, plus a comfy living area to relax and unwind in. The original carriage windows still line the living space, drawing in plenty of light. The caboose also offers a stylish claw-footed bathtub and shower, along with a luxurious marble-topped sink.

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 spot to sit back and take in the scenery whilst toasting marshmallows. Fancy spending a night at Platform1346? Check out the listing here.

In February 2017, Gabriel and Debbie Mayes and their four children Grace, 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. 

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 Skoolies, which tend to have a center aisle floor plan, their unique zig-zag layout creates more defined zones for additional privacy.

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 gray 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.

The family’s sleeping quarters are situated at the rear. The traditional center 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.

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Listed on Airbnb, this next property has to be one of the most unusual guesthouses in France's Brittany 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. 

Located on a scenic campsite in the picturesque area of Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, it's ideally situated for holidaymakers, with the sandy beaches of Tharon, Pornic and Saint Brevin just a stone's throw away from the plane's front door. During the summer months, you can enjoy access to a swimming pool and water slides on the site too.

Guests will have the whole plane to themselves, which has been fitted out with a double bedroom as well as two children's beds in the main living area. There's also a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, offering everything you could need for a family holiday.

The owners have painstakingly converted the plane and have been careful to retain the jet's original features, from the seating and table to a flip-down bed and exit signs. For an authentic aviation experience, it really doesn't get better than this!

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

Inside, the caboose is bursting with character, offering rustic warm wood finishes and quirky period details. The spacious kitchen features unique upcycled shelving, a varnished wooden ceiling and bottle cap-shaped bar stools which give the room a quirky retro feel.

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.

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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. Fancy calling this charming space home for a night or two? Check out the listing here.

Once a police vehicle, this unassuming van has been converted into a space-savvy and stylish mobile home. Couple Theo and Bee (also known as The Indie Projects) decided to swap their one-bed house for tiny living 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.

Previously a police van, they've traveled 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.

The living area consists of a comfy L-shaped sofa, plus a slide-out composting toilet and a scratching post for their much-loved cat, Ginjey Bear. Every inch of space is cleverly utilized – underneath the gray sofa sit an array of recycled storage crates that keep the space clean and tidy.

The back of the van features the couple’s cozy double bed along with their own self-installed electrical wiring and heating system to keep things warm and cozy 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.

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

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Bruce forked out $100,000 (£77k) for the plane, plus an extra $120,00 (£93k) 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 realized. Fully equipped with water, electricity and sewage, the plane has all the practicalities of a regular house. 

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 interior, 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.

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.

Known as Station House, this former Victorian train station, now on the market, 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.

Situated on over two acres of land, the carriages are a train-lover's 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 Coalbrookdale, close to the famous Ironbridge Gorge, the train cars are surrounded by rugged woodlands and manicured lawns.

Retaining many period features, the carriages still contain their original windows, while their characterful façades remain relatively untouched. Both carriages feature a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area, ideal for a large group of friends or extended family.

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. Fancy snapping up this unique property? It's currently on sale for $1.2 million (£895k) via Strutt & Parker.

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 cozy residence and the hard work certainly shows. The impressive interior includes a double bed and two bunk beds, offering ample space to relax on the road.

Inside, the clever conversion is spacious enough for two adults and two children. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a fridge, two hobs, an oven and a grill, as well as running water. The only amenity the van is missing, however, is a shower, which may prove more difficult on longer journeys.

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.

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Channeling a cute coastal vibe, the snug double bed is flanked by pastel blue drawers and features a wall mural that transports guests straight to the seaside. When not traveling across the country, George can be found parked in Norfolk awaiting his next adventure.

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.

Cut into the hillside, the eye-catching home utilizes 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.

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.

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.

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Surfer Rich of Vanalog Vibes spent two months transforming his former transit van into an adventurer’s hideaway with his girlfriend Katya. It took the couple just eight weeks to convert the old transit into a charming 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.

The clever and compact space features a cute kitchen complete with a small gas cooker, a 12-volt energy-saving fridge and running water. Their cozy double bed sits widthways across the van, allowing the rear windows to frame views of the great outdoors.

Storage space includes innovative box shelves beneath the foot of the bed, which keep the van neat and tidy. The couple uses extra space on the opposite side of the bed underneath the frame to store surplus food and hiking gear. Surfboards are safely secured on the van’s roof whilst they travel around.

The reclaimed wood-paneled floors and ceilings add a warm, cozy 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." You can follow the couple's adventures here.

The old Derwent Valley Light Railway in the heart of Yorkshire now houses three carriages converted into unique holiday homes. Great for a peaceful family getaway, the quirky carriages at Skipwith Station cost around $310-$466 (£240-£360) for a three-night stay.

One of the homes, the Lady Deramore car, is a converted Virgin Trains West Coast carriage and features air-conditioning for the warmer summer months. The car comes equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms complete with a Jacuzzi bath and shower. The car also offers an open-plan living space and an airy kitchen with an island, oven, refrigerator and dishwasher.

The luxurious master bedroom features wooden floors, a plush double bed and an en suite bathroom. Outside, a private garden offers the ideal spot to soak up the sun or dine alfresco. The carriages are conveniently located within easy reach of York and are adjacent to the Skipwith Common Nature Reserve, offering guests no end of beautiful countryside scenery.

Next to the carriages sits the old station ticket office and waiting room which has 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.

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Adventure couple Martin Hill and Iona Stewart forked out $26,000 (£20k) to convert the back of an old bread lorry into their dream mobile home after buying it on eBay for just $4,700 (£3.6k). The impressive 28-foot-long space took four months of hard work to convert, with the pair now committed to the tiny living life – Martin even sold his home and bar in Nottingham to move into the lorry permanently.

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, hope to take their new home on wheels to the slopes for the next ski season.

The five-ton vehicle comprises a clever split-level kitchen and living area which includes a hob, oven and sleek varnished wood countertops. The converted space even has its own wood-burning heater in the living room to keep it extra toasty, plus a tiny bathroom and sink towards the back of the lorry.

Iona designed the lorry’s interior whilst Martin did most of the building and fittings himself to create their new home. The pair completely transformed the former Hovis lorry into a luxurious liveable space with all the comforts and amenities of a traditional home. The mobile house features a cozy double bedroom with stylish furnishings and a fitted closet offering plenty of storage.

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 perched on a 50-foot-high stone pedestal, which cantilevers out above the rainforest floor. Got a head for heights? Walk this way...

Now a quirky hotel, the structure was custom-built from the body of a former Colombian Avianca Airlines aircraft and meticulously assembled on-site. The old Boeing 727 was salvaged from San Jose airport and then transported to the edge of the Manuel Antonio National Park and converted into a suave jumbo suite.

The plane hideaway boasts its very own wooden observation deck built atop the plane’s right wing. It's the ideal spot to kick back with a drink in hand and observe the area's treetop residents, from monkeys and lizards to toucans and sloths. The suite also has access to the hotel's three pools, breakfast bar and off-site restaurants, including El Wagon, a converted antique rail car!

Inside, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite is decorated with traditional carved wooden paneling 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° views of the gorgeous surrounding rainforest. It doesn't get better than this!

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