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

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  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 439

  • @isaacfrench
    @isaacfrench Місяць тому +223

    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!

    • @bzflote
      @bzflote Місяць тому +10

      I love how you made the structure covering the train look like a train depot. Beautiful job all around!

    • @RamBo-we9ii
      @RamBo-we9ii Місяць тому +3

      Hi. I just wanted to say this is amazing. Really even more impressive doing it with your family. God bless you all.

    • @morganpierce8461
      @morganpierce8461 28 днів тому +1

      Team restoration all the way!!

    • @michelledarr2508
      @michelledarr2508 28 днів тому +4

      The title is not misleading at all. They paid $3000 to purchase the train and sunk 150,000 into renovating it. Voila!

    • @christinahagar4816
      @christinahagar4816 27 днів тому

      Reminds me of the train ride in Parrish Florida.

  • @rustlesee
    @rustlesee Місяць тому +293

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

    • @isaacfrench
      @isaacfrench Місяць тому +13

      We are so grateful for this! On behalf of the whole family: come back anytime-dinner on us! :)

  • @destrkn
    @destrkn 12 днів тому +21

    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

  • @stephen6532
    @stephen6532 28 днів тому +93

    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🚋

  • @ddlang2514
    @ddlang2514 Місяць тому +73

    What a beautiful job restoring this piece of history!

  • @kimberlypotts3874
    @kimberlypotts3874 9 днів тому +7

    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,

  • @WildBlue533
    @WildBlue533 Місяць тому +166

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

  • @biswajitpattanaik8268
    @biswajitpattanaik8268 25 днів тому +25

    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!

  • @valeriecallaghan
    @valeriecallaghan Місяць тому +40

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

  • @ruthieclarke9125
    @ruthieclarke9125 Місяць тому +45

    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.

    • @christinahagar4816
      @christinahagar4816 27 днів тому

      Like the actual train ride in Parrish Florida

    • @Curious2Know2
      @Curious2Know2 26 днів тому +2

      Don't forget, you already honour your Dad with your life.

  • @ritchiebesas631
    @ritchiebesas631 29 днів тому +19

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

  • @erinadler6522
    @erinadler6522 Місяць тому +48

    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.

    • @Faceplay2
      @Faceplay2 Місяць тому +2

      Personally, I think it wheelchair ramp would sort of ruin the illusion of this location especially if it look tacky, but if you really think about it, this entire area is really not wheelchair friendly it’s a mountainous region, big rocks, uphill climb it.
      I mean I could be wrong, but I just mean that the entire property doesn’t seem that wheelchair friendly so I don’t think a ramp would really help

    • @brookecorry4827
      @brookecorry4827 29 днів тому +3

      I’m unsure how a wooden ramp leading up to a wooden deck would look off putting or “tacky”.
      Also people can do hiking trails in their wheelchairs, it depends on the type of wheelchair you have. However, no matter how rugged a wheelchair is, it’s not going up a set of stairs, so a ramp would definitely help.

  • @trueloveingod2691
    @trueloveingod2691 Місяць тому +29

    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.

  • @eileenmacdougall8945
    @eileenmacdougall8945 29 днів тому +7

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

  • @methos1999
    @methos1999 Місяць тому +20

    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.

  • @earthtree7638
    @earthtree7638 Місяць тому +18

    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

  • @jameswil15213
    @jameswil15213 10 днів тому +1

    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
    @kimistri Місяць тому +22

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

    • @anitalehr4151
      @anitalehr4151 Місяць тому +1

      Now...that's a retirement package right there!
      Beautiful place!

  • @cherylhaugen1897
    @cherylhaugen1897 29 днів тому +3

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

  • @jamesjon1500
    @jamesjon1500 7 днів тому

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

  • @shenitagazaway2370
    @shenitagazaway2370 3 дні тому

    This is really beautiful! Excellent restoration that I would stay in for a few nights. I would love to wake up to that view. Y'all did a fantastic job!

  • @rob-time
    @rob-time 21 день тому +3

    This is such a great idea! I would love to stay in this place.

  • @WealthyChronicle
    @WealthyChronicle Місяць тому +14

    I can't get over the fact that it was a dilapidated, smelly mess before! Talk about a true family project. Makes me wonder, what old piece of history would you renovate? 🔨

  • @danieldwyer5139
    @danieldwyer5139 Місяць тому +5

    You did an incredible job with this video. Truly amazing.

  • @KeiPalace
    @KeiPalace Місяць тому +25

    In Minnesota we have a farm with five railcar rentals and a caboose!

    • @anitalehr4151
      @anitalehr4151 Місяць тому

      What's your website? Thanks!

    • @TeslaVintage
      @TeslaVintage 26 днів тому +1

      I’d like to see that…. Do they have a website ?

  • @helen2276
    @helen2276 26 днів тому +2

    Love it! I love trains and the woods and old wooden trains! Perfect combination!!!

  • @LynnGordon-b1p
    @LynnGordon-b1p 28 днів тому +1

    What an amazing restoration! Thank you for showing us it from start to finish and the final tour. Well done!

  • @CloudTribe
    @CloudTribe Місяць тому +5

    This is actually a pretty ingenious way to give people a unique experience, and turn something from low to high value.

  • @free..to..air..
    @free..to..air.. 2 дні тому

    Fantastic and Imaginitive...a credit to your energies and vision

  • @chrisanderson6611
    @chrisanderson6611 25 днів тому +1

    Great job! Good to see this old relic brought back to life and being used again.

  • @Flyingfrogs2y
    @Flyingfrogs2y Місяць тому +3

    ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! Great job guys and thank you for preserving and presenting history 🤠

  • @lensleader
    @lensleader Місяць тому +1

    You guys need to keep doing these! Fire outlooks, factories, barns. Amazing!

  • @killeresk
    @killeresk 4 дні тому

    Such a great idea and the finished product sure is unique.

  • @4TheMotorist
    @4TheMotorist 28 днів тому

    Oh my goodness, this is just epic!!!
    Love the idea, just brilliant.
    You guys nailed it, well done.
    My hat is off.
    Hugs from Australia

  • @billy1673
    @billy1673 Місяць тому +6

    $150k investment for that turnaround???
    Outstanding!!!
    Congratulations!
    If I’m ever out in Idaho, I will definitely book a stay in this place!

  • @patricknevermind8529
    @patricknevermind8529 Місяць тому +12

    10 Acres for $22,000!

  • @sew_gal7340
    @sew_gal7340 10 днів тому

    It's always dads, this is what ive learned from these videos...if you have an awesome dad there is nothing like it in the world.

  • @roberttresemer8226
    @roberttresemer8226 23 дні тому

    I just love this. Most would have seen the train car as junk and not good for much more than firewood. To see what your family has done with it is nothing short of amazing. I like how you built the surrounding structure to look like a historic railroad platform. You all did an amazing job at bringing back a piece of American history, by turning it into something people can use and enjoy. Well done.

  • @ThePwhite96
    @ThePwhite96 Місяць тому +4

    dang he just free-handed that lettering? An artist.

  • @ralphchristianson
    @ralphchristianson 28 днів тому

    Your team effort really paid off. A lot of work, but your dad's vision paid off. Train guys do get excited about things they coudl make into something else. Well done.

  • @scotttatlock3188
    @scotttatlock3188 25 днів тому

    This is incredible! I would love to live in this full time! Thanks for not letting this train car go to waste.

  • @Gabster1990
    @Gabster1990 Місяць тому +2

    One of the most creative things I have seen.

  • @MurderMostFowl
    @MurderMostFowl 24 дні тому +1

    Can you explain the HVAC choice? It’s confusing to me to see the radiators, mini split, etc. why did you not just run real ducts above the ceiling or floor? Seems like you could easily have hidden them below the train or above the ceiling with a false roof channel.

  • @m.a.2414
    @m.a.2414 День тому

    Fantastic place for tourists. Good luck. You can make a tourist village around it.

  • @nsas54
    @nsas54 Місяць тому +3

    I saw this on Restoration Road a while back. It's a beautiful restoration and on my bucket list of places to stay. I have family in Potlatch so it would be a fun place to stay while visiting!

  • @Dako108
    @Dako108 Місяць тому

    What a fabulous creative labor of love by your family. Starting with a total wreck, you put together a plan incorporating beautiful details and brought it all together in a wonderful complete package. Just BRILLIANT

  • @berlynify
    @berlynify Місяць тому +3

    .. a labour of love ❤ .. well done everyone 🎉

  • @InsideouttrainingWB
    @InsideouttrainingWB 26 днів тому +2

    This makes me so happy ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @barrygrant2907
    @barrygrant2907 25 днів тому +1

    Looks like the sleeper car just pulled into a vintage station. Nice job.

  • @wendy833
    @wendy833 Місяць тому +1

    I love it!! And having all of your family have a hand in renovating it is so awesome. You're lucky to have a close-knit family.

    • @JamarD421
      @JamarD421 Місяць тому

      I'd imagine it would be quite hard to not have a close-knit family of 10 haha.

  • @ArtsyLadyCrafter
    @ArtsyLadyCrafter Місяць тому +2

    Congratulations! Beautiful and expensive restoration.

  • @Sjalabais
    @Sjalabais 29 днів тому

    So much work put into this and it shows. Wonderfully done, and this is how you survive in a rural area. Create your business.

  • @barbaraberrier8840
    @barbaraberrier8840 4 дні тому

    What a beautiful project.

  • @ClaudeYoung
    @ClaudeYoung 25 днів тому

    This is amazing! And bravo for keeping the price reasonable so almost anyone could afford to stay! I never would have thought about doing such a thing until seeing this! Now me and the Mrs have to put this on the bucket list!!!

  • @tendue0726
    @tendue0726 Місяць тому +2

    I love to visit this place one day. Thanks for sharing this amazing story.

  • @Ckhameneh
    @Ckhameneh 26 днів тому

    Really well made video. Good job! Also the owner of this car is a great interviewee. Shared the passion and heart behind this train car really well.

  • @garaseer584
    @garaseer584 Місяць тому +2

    I am Thankful Excellence is FINALLY making a Comeback. 👍🏻

  • @rhondawilliams2140
    @rhondawilliams2140 25 днів тому +1

    Beautifully done.

  • @Nueng-Andres
    @Nueng-Andres 25 днів тому +1

    What an amazing project, beautiful!

  • @GeorgeDamon
    @GeorgeDamon 22 дні тому

    It was an awesome idea to bring this train car back to life. I love historic preservation and wish there were more people doing things like this. I hope you and your family are always successful with this airbnb.

  • @davidlogan4329
    @davidlogan4329 27 днів тому

    really beautiful ,,, thank you Isaac and family

  • @maryal4540
    @maryal4540 20 днів тому +2

    Soooo cool 😎 love it ❣️❣️❣️❣️👏👏👏👏

  • @jaymontange8260
    @jaymontange8260 28 днів тому

    I remember the beginning of this journey. Wow you did good more than I expected

  • @sabrinafayard2679
    @sabrinafayard2679 11 днів тому +1

    Awesome job it looks great

  • @straightarrow372
    @straightarrow372 29 днів тому +1

    Beautiful woodwork!

  • @farahfatima6374
    @farahfatima6374 26 днів тому +1

    Excellent and a marvellous job done ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @thomasackerly5367
    @thomasackerly5367 29 днів тому

    Beautiful, i have been working for the Rail Road for 32 years and i have seen all of the old Pullman and every other car you can imagine.

  • @jh276
    @jh276 Місяць тому +3

    True passion! Congrats!

  • @vicbanks9079
    @vicbanks9079 21 день тому

    Charming idea...great realization...congratulations!

  • @eblair12
    @eblair12 Місяць тому

    Love It !! We rescued a Caboose built in 1898 and it sits on our property today.. I absolutely Love the covered deck all the way around your car.

  • @uchennaanieke4361
    @uchennaanieke4361 26 днів тому

    This is such a great project. Their revenue are going to skyrocket now after this video. Deserved.

  • @ajdeininger
    @ajdeininger Місяць тому +1

    Simply amazing. Thank you!

  • @DiscoveryGlobeLifeDocumentaryY
    @DiscoveryGlobeLifeDocumentaryY 28 днів тому

    We deeply appreciate these innovative ideas! For instance, those abandoned shopping malls can now be transformed into apartments for the homeless. Greattt!!

  • @thegreenpickel
    @thegreenpickel 13 днів тому

    The roof structure looks like a train depot, good job.

  • @user-fy7ru4ii1i
    @user-fy7ru4ii1i 28 днів тому +64

    I spent $3,000 on a train to make $90,000 per year with AirBNB, and SO CAN YOU!
    If you have $150,000 and a small army of talented enough people to restore it.

    • @pileckipilecki3724
      @pileckipilecki3724 25 днів тому +4

      And all kinds of connections so you can do stuff against the regulations.

    • @notcherbane3218
      @notcherbane3218 25 днів тому

      What ?

    • @claudiakarl2702
      @claudiakarl2702 25 днів тому +2

      And charge 350 a night for it, so only people with a good income may rent it.

    • @ruk2023--
      @ruk2023-- 25 днів тому +1

      Have a day off will you.

    • @bigcandy5832
      @bigcandy5832 24 дні тому +4

      @@claudiakarl2702 If you don't have a good income... you shouldn't be attempting to stay in extravagant locations. Live within your means.

  • @menottu
    @menottu 21 день тому

    Labor of love $millions. Beautiful restoration.

  • @arthurwatts1680
    @arthurwatts1680 Місяць тому

    This is awesome. I've seen rail cars converted into restaurants but never anything for overnight guests. I don't know how many of the Jesse James Wanted posters are accurate, or whether such a thing would look tacky but that's the era this evokes. Thanks for the vid.

  • @fergus7548
    @fergus7548 27 днів тому

    What an amazing story, the whole family worked together to make it a beautiful renovation. All the children seem really talented, kudos to the parents for teaching their children great values.

  • @larryjernigan2947
    @larryjernigan2947 Місяць тому

    A remarkable restoration. Would love to stay here for a few days.

  • @S.E.C-R
    @S.E.C-R Місяць тому +2

    Wow! Absolutely gorgeous and not too far from me. I’d love to stay here someday.

  • @anchoredsoul09
    @anchoredsoul09 9 днів тому

    Family coming together

  • @sweluhu29
    @sweluhu29 Місяць тому +1

    That's really really nice. Good job.

  • @sonofrancobollo
    @sonofrancobollo 27 днів тому

    Great video about a Great Project of Love. I've recommended it to everyone I know.

  • @carmellabrown3335
    @carmellabrown3335 Місяць тому +1

    This is so smart and innovative!!! It looks great!

  • @sirus312
    @sirus312 29 днів тому

    now this is creative! bravo! Not just buying some dump doing to a terrible reno and charging a crazy price.

  • @Chillingbones
    @Chillingbones 25 днів тому +1

    It is booked around 265 days a year.

  • @EliteClinicalResearch
    @EliteClinicalResearch Місяць тому +3

    This place is awesome!!

  • @D_R_Martin
    @D_R_Martin Місяць тому +1

    I grew up in Deary but don't really remember that train car. However, the final product certainly looks cool.

  • @Terry_1111
    @Terry_1111 22 дні тому

    Beautiful restoration! Love it!

  • @TaboraMusic
    @TaboraMusic Місяць тому +1

    Amazing, well done!

  • @jimreid67
    @jimreid67 29 днів тому

    That’s pretty cool. I’ve always wanted several caboose’s to set up as rental cabins.

  • @maenewcombe6543
    @maenewcombe6543 27 днів тому

    Absolutely beautiful project and so well done. I'd offer only one addition - smallish tables and some chairs or a loveseat on the porch. Great porch.

  • @kailuakidd1512
    @kailuakidd1512 27 днів тому

    That is incredibly cool. Cheers

  • @leeperrybender5811
    @leeperrybender5811 Місяць тому +1

    Great job! ❤❤❤

  • @daniadejonghe4980
    @daniadejonghe4980 Місяць тому

    This is just brilliant! Beautiful!

  • @miketracy9571
    @miketracy9571 7 днів тому

    Nice job love it

  • @Mytriumph650pre-unit
    @Mytriumph650pre-unit 25 днів тому

    It came out awesome.

  • @JMichaelMoir
    @JMichaelMoir 26 днів тому

    Very authentic restoration! Awesome location! Would love a few days there...best time of year? Thinking winter with snow???

    • @isaacfrench
      @isaacfrench 26 днів тому

      Every season is uniquely magical!

  • @mss7609
    @mss7609 28 днів тому

    Well Done, absolutely stunning ❤

  • @christoph404
    @christoph404 23 дні тому +1

    Beautiful build, I would love to stay there one day. I have a question about the mirrored sauna structure, do you have any issues with birds crashing into that ? It is something I'd worry about, birds being injured or killed because they fly straight into it.