A farmer from Angus has transformed a £25,000 retired Hawker 700 jet into a self-catering holiday experience, offering a unique aviation-themed getaway that is capturing public interest amid the trend for unconventional accommodation.
Iain Gall, a farmer and Conservative councillor from Angus, has taken an audacious leap into unique tourism by converting a retired private jet into self-catering accommodation. Priced at £25,000, the Hawker 700 aircraft, once owned by a Russian tycoon and used for luxurious travel between Moscow and the Caribbean, was purchased via eBay and transported to Gall’s Glenskinno Farm in Montrose.
The aircraft, which dates back over 40 years, has been transformed into a quirky holiday experience, featuring a double bed nestled within the cockpit and original flight seats that add to its vintage charm. Iain plans to welcome guests this summer, pricing stays at around £150 a night. “We have already had a huge amount of interest on our Facebook page,” he noted, highlighting the intrigue generated by the unconventional accommodation. His vision aims to provide a memorable experience for couples and families alike, particularly those with an enthusiasm for aviation.
The transformation of the Hawker 700 aligns with a growing trend in alternative accommodation options, where unusual settings serve as both a novelty and a unique getaway. Previous examples include a retired Sea King helicopter converted into luxury glamping facilities by Martyn and Louise Steedman, which offers a memorable escape for families, further showcasing the creativity seen in modern tourism. The Steedmans bought their decommissioned helicopter for just £7,000 and have presented it as a family-friendly destination at Mains Farm Wigwams.
Iain’s ambitious project is currently awaiting final approval for a short-term let licence from the local council, but he remains optimistic about launching the venue in the coming weeks. “It will definitely be something memorable for couples or kids to come with a parent if they love planes,” he explained, underscoring the unique appeal of spending the night in a private plane, albeit one stationed on a Scottish farm.
Interestingly, the Hawker 700 has a previous celebrity connection, having appeared on the television show “George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces” where it was showcased for its potential. Iain believes the aircraft was in remarkably good condition upon purchase, requiring only some aesthetic upgrades to make it suitable for guests.
As the landscape of holiday accommodation evolves, Iain Gall’s initiative encapsulates the essence of modern glamping—a blend of nostalgia, adventure, and luxury tailored for today’s travellers seeking distinctive experiences. With the right mix of charm and comfort, this project is set to take off, offering a new way for holidaymakers to escape the ordinary.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scots-farmerconverts-25k-aircraft-bought-35335232 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-farmer-offer-holiday-makers-28589944 – Angus councillor Iain Gall purchased a Hawker 700 aircraft for £25,000 on eBay, previously owned by a Russian tycoon. He plans to convert it into a luxury holiday let at Glenskinno Farm, near Montrose, Scotland, aiming to welcome guests from spring 2023. The aircraft, estimated to be about 40 years old, was transported from Yorkshire to Scotland and is set to be transformed into a unique self-catering accommodation for couples, featuring original flight seats and a double bed in the cockpit.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/4383103/angus-private-jet-glamping/ – Iain Gall, an Angus farmer, acquired a Hawker 700 aircraft via eBay for £25,000. The aircraft, once owned by a Russian oligarch, is being converted into a luxury holiday accommodation at Glenskinno Farm, near Montrose, Scotland. The project aims to offer a unique glamping experience, featuring original flight seats, a double bed in the cockpit, and an en-suite shower room, with plans to welcome guests by late summer.
- https://newatlas.com/helicopter-glamping-sea-king/50864/ – Martyn and Louise Steedman transformed a decommissioned Sea King helicopter into a luxury glamping accommodation for up to five guests. Purchased at auction for £7,000, the helicopter was restored and converted using boat-building techniques, featuring a double bed, single bed, kitchen, bathroom, and private cockpit lounge. Located at Mains Farm Wigwams in Scotland, the unique accommodation offers a memorable experience for visitors.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/farmer-to-turn-navy-sea-king-helicopter-into-glamping-family-holiday-home-a3228991.html – Martyn Steedman, a farmer from Stirling, Scotland, purchased a Sea King search-and-rescue helicopter for £7,000 in an online Ministry of Defence auction. He plans to convert it into a family ‘glamping’ accommodation, featuring a cockpit dining area, mini kitchen, en-suite shower room, and ‘flight’ deck. The project aims to offer a unique holiday experience, preserving the helicopter’s original features while providing modern comforts.
- https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/quirky-cottage-which-was-transformed-using-boeing-737-goes-on-the-market/ – Andrew Mellon, a private chef from Banff, Aberdeenshire, purchased a Boeing 737 galley on eBay for £149 and converted it into a working kitchen for his cottage. The galley includes genuine plane cabin windows and serving carts from British Airways. The cottage, entirely off-grid with solar panels, is now on the market for £60,000, offering a unique living experience with views of the sea and potential for further development.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/305495/converted-sea-king-helicopter-height-luxury-glampers/ – A former Royal Navy Sea King helicopter has been converted into a luxury glamping accommodation by Stirling farmers Martyn and Louise Steedman. Purchased at auction for £7,000, the helicopter was transported to Mains Farm Wigwams near Thornhill, Scotland. The interior was transformed to sleep a family of six, featuring a double bed, triple bed, single bed in the tail, and retaining many original features. The project offers a unique holiday experience for guests.
