By Phoebe Jobling,Swnstom tom Bevan
Copyright manchestereveningnews
People now have the chance to stay inside Britain’s ‘most unusual’ Airbnb which looks like a ‘crashed plane’. Nestled in amongst woodland in the remote Somerset countryside, this unique property offers visitors a ‘genuine Castaway’ adventure. The distinctive rental home consists of two sections of a former Lufthansa aircraft assembled together to create a ‘stranded’ setting. The ex-Dash 8 Q400 airliner – which was purchased on eBay in two halves – was transported for five hours on a trailer before being positioned on site. Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here Authentic aircraft seating was then obtained and installed, with sleeping arrangements divided between a ‘master suite’ in the first-class compartment and an economy section with two camp beds. Visitors so far have been very enthusiastic about their experience – with the Airbnb achieving exceptional 100 per cent five-star ratings. Owner Martyn Baker thought of the concept during a storm last year where a tree crashed into a caravan he had previously been letting out. “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 £9k and the other for £8k,” Martyn explained. “I know it was a passenger plane, a Dash 8 that was used by Lufthansa. Other that that I don’t know much about its history but I would love to find out. But there isn’t really any other clues. “Plenty of folk 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. The listing from Martyn on Airbnb 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 aircraft is divided with a first class section featuring a double bed in luxurious surroundings, plush comfortable seating and ambient lighting throughout. The economy class section contains cooking facilities, log burner, TV and dining area. The dining table can be folded away to provide space for two camp beds. Martyn said he had to dispatch a lorry and a trailer down to Eastbourne and transport the aircraft back to its current location 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 were trying to navigate roundabouts, we got a lot of curious looks,” he added. “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 revealed that the plane was assembled over two days in March last year, with parts of the interior left exposed for guests to see inside. “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,” he explained. “It is nestled in the woods and perfectly complements the surroundings. Who would expect to stumble upon a plane in such a location?”. The unique accommodation is available for rent at £125 per night plus additional fees added on by Airbnb, and it boasts a full five-star rating from guests. “The reviews have been quite positive. 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. Guests can also use camp beds, while there is seating and a kitchen area,” he says. “While it may resemble a plane crash to some and offer a sense of isolation, our guests really do have everything they need and needn’t be worried. There are no snakes on this plane.” Among the reviews posted on the site, one guest wrote: “Unique & brilliant fun. We won’t forget our stay; it is truly unique.” Another added: “A true hidden gem and a getaway that feels so homely yet miles from real life.” A further reviewer penned: “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 than 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.” You can view the listing here. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE