Britain’s quirkiest Airbnb is a ‘crashed plane’ split in two in the woods – offering guests a ‘real-life Castaway’ experience.
The unique accommodation is comprised of two parts of an old Lufthansa aircraft pieced together to resemble a ‘marooned’ scene in the isolated Somerset countryside.
The former Dash 8 Q400 airliner – that was bought on eBay in two pieces – was transported for five hours in a trailer before being put in situ.
Original plane seats were then sourced and added, with the rooms split into a ‘master suite’ in the first class carriage and an economy class section that can fit two camp beds.
The owner Martyn Baker had the idea after a storm just before Christmas last year blew part of a tree into a caravan that he had previously been renting out.
He said: ‘It caused a fair bit of damage so when we took it out I just thought I wanted something a bit different.
‘I saw on eBay someone selling this glamping pod that was in two parts. I rang the seller up and bought one half for £9,000 and the other for £8,000.
‘I know it was a passenger plane, a Dash 8 that was used by Lufthansa.
‘Other than that I don’t know much about its history but I would love to find out. But there aren’t really any other clues.
‘A lot of people have things like shepherd huts in the woods but this is unique. It is different and people seem to really love it because of that.’
Martyn’s Airbnb listing reads: ‘Tired of economy class? Charter a stay in a first class fuselage with wood fired hot tub situated in tranquil woodland.
‘Welcome onboard your own private aircraft, step inside to the sleek contemporary interior of first class.
‘Outside, unwind in seclusion in private woodland, a short walk away from the West Somerset Railway and the AONB of the Quantock Hills.’
The plane is split in half, with a first class compartment offering a double bed in plush surroundings, rich comfortable seating and soft lighting throughout.
The economy class compartment then contains cooking facilities, log burner, TV and dining area. The dining table can be folded away to allow room for two camp beds.
Martyn said he had to send a lorry and a trailer down to Eastbourne and transport the plane back to its current base in Somerset – a journey taking around five hours to complete.
‘It was a journey of about 200 miles.
‘It wasn’t too bad on the motorway but when we tried to navigate roundabouts, we got a lot of curious looks.
‘It just seems to have captured people’s imagination.
‘It wasn’t set up with the intention of creating a crash site but I can see why people might think that.
But it is definitely in isolation and if our guests enjoy that Castaway experience then I’m all for it.’
Martyn said the plane was put up over two days in March last year.
Parts of the interior are exposed for guests to see the inside the plane.
Martyn added: ‘It was almost ready to go and had been done up really well. We just had to put it in place and join it together.
‘We even managed to find original plane seating.
‘It is in the woods and just seems to work with the vibe. Who would expect to come across a plane in a location like that.’
Rental is £125 per night plus Airbnb fees – and guests have only left 100 per cent five star ratings so far.
Martyn said: ‘The reviews have been pretty good. People say it’s very different and a bit quirky.
‘We’ve got a hot tub, barbecue and part of the plane has a double bed.
‘They can also use camp beds, while there is seating and a kitchen area.
‘It may resemble a plane crash to some and offer a feel of isolation, but our guests really do have everything they need and needn’t be worried.
‘There are no snakes on this plane!’
Among the reviews published on the site, one said: ‘Unique & brilliant fun. We won’t forget our stay it is truly unique.
Another read: ‘A true hidden gem and a getaway that feels so homely yet miles from real life.’
One reviewer pointed out that the property was ‘more interesting than a hotel room’, saying: ‘The plane itself was so much fun to stay in and had a great view out the front.
‘Would recommend to anyone wanting somewhere to stay that is different and more interesting then just a hotel room.
‘The plane really needs to be seen to be appreciated.
‘What an amazing place to stay, really quirky & such fun. The plane was well thought out and very comfortable.’
