Buying An Abandoned Train Car For $3K — And Turning It Into A $90K/Year Airbnb

Isaac French, 27, and his family bought and transformed a $3,000 abandoned train car into an Airbnb in Deary, Idaho. After investing around $150,000 in renovations with his family, the 100-year-old train car now offers guests a unique stay for $325 to $350 a night. Take a look inside.

Unlocked is a home tour series focused on how much people across the globe spend on their housing, what they get for the money and what they had to sacrifice to make it happen.

Produced, Shot and Edited by: Mickey Todiwala
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Reporter: Celia Fernandez
Animators: Elham Ataeiazar, Uma Sharma
Additional Footage: Isaac French

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We Bought An Abandoned Train Car For $3,000 - And Spent $150K Renovating It

[isaacfrench]

This project truly was a labor of love for our family. Such an honor to play a small part in this piece of history.

This is the future of travel—guests are looking for experiences, not just places to stay. Anyone can do this, and I hope you will follow along to see what we’re up to next!

[rustlesee]

I’ve stayed in this, it’s just as cool as you think it’d be. Magical sunset views.

[destrkn]

what's great about this airbnb is that it isn't taking up valuable space that could be rented to a family/person/couple in need and driving up housing costs. It was purpose built as an airbnb and that only adds to how awesome it is

[stephen]

I stayed in this time machine in the beginning of March 2021 for 3 nights. It was magical, and the view is also incredible! The host Edward was wonderful, thank you Isaac for posting this current video, brought back some happy memories🚋

[ddlang]

What a beautiful job restoring this piece of history!

[WildBlue]

I am sure their revenue will go up a lot after this video. Very cool concept.

[valeriecallaghan]

i'm blown away at how beautiful this is ! I love trains ! Would love to see more of them restored like this. Great job!!!!

[kimberlypotts]

THIS TRAIN CAR PROJECT TURNED OUT TO BE SUCH A TREASURE - I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO RESTORE A TRAIN CABOOSE - IT'S BEEN A DREAM OF MINE SINCE CHILDHOOD. SO GLAD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAVED A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY - THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY - I TRULY ENJOYED IT,

[biswajitpattanaik]

Very nicely done!!
Here in India, Indian Railways is converting the old coaches into restaurants, shops, museums etc... and also affordable hotels, for tourists on a budget or students or people visiting a place for one or two nights. Great use of existing coaches!

[ruthieclarke]

This is my dream. My dad was a train enthusiast all of his life and he passed during the covid deal. If I could afford it I would do this exact thing to honor him and live out my life honoring him.

[erinadler]

This is definitely a beautiful piece of history brought back to life!! Have you considered installing a handicap ramp? My father worked for the railroad for 23 years. He has since passed, but I know my mother would love to stay in this train car AirBnB. However, she has issues with stairs and would not be able to make it inside with stairs being the only option. Installing a handicap ramp would increase your rentals. Just some food for thought.

[eileenmacdougall]

What a tremendous job your family has done. It's absolutely beautiful. Thank you for your video.

[trueloveingod]

Wow, what an incredibly talented family. And your dad had such a great ability to reimagine that old train car, with your mom’s design savvy. Fabulous, love it.

[methos]

I love non-conventional builds like this! IMHO, the interior is pitch perfect, straddling the line between historic feel and modern comfort. I certainly would rent it out if I was in the area.

[earthtree]

As a Railroad fan, this is wonderful to see. If possible I'd recomend a few Railroad paintings simply for the esthetic, but that'd the only thing I could recomend. This is truly amazing, thank you for fixing it and making it great again

[ritchiebesas]

soo, what happened to the 20 cats? where are they now?

[jameswil]

I love the feel of the old school charm with the new world feel on the inside. It’s been beautifully decorated and restored. It be cool to stay here!

[kimistri]

7️⃣brothers plus 2️⃣sisters⁉️ This is truly a Family Business❕🚞

[jamesjon]

This is the real America that inspires us all. Well done guys. I admire your ingenuity!

[cherylhaugen]

Beautiful! And very unique! Brings back the past and a slower time of life! Love it!