Tired of economy class? Inside 'crashed plane' Airbnb named the UK's 'quirkiest'

Welcome to what could well be Britain's most eccentric Airbnb - a 'crashed plane' divided in half in deep woodland, providing visitors with a genuine 'real-life Castaway' adventure. This extraordinary lodging consists of two sections of a former Lufthansa aircraft assembled together to create a 'stranded' atmosphere in remote Somerset countryside.

The ex-Dash 8 Q400 commercial aircraft - which was purchased on eBay in two halves - was transported for five hours via trailer before being positioned on site. Authentic aircraft seating was then obtained and installed, with sleeping arrangements divided between a 'master suite' in the first class compartment and an economy class area accommodating two camp beds.

However, rather than confronting a fight for survival, visitors have been singing the praises of their experience - achieving exceptional 100 per cent five-star ratings. The proprietor, Martyn Baker, conceived the concept after a storm shortly before Christmas last year sent part of a tree crashing into a caravan he had previously been letting out.

He explained: "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.

"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.

"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."

The Airbnb listing from Martyn 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 divided into a first class compartment featuring a double bed in plush surroundings, rich comfortable seating and soft lighting throughout.

The economy class compartment boasts cooking facilities, log burner, TV, and dining area. The dining table can be folded away to make room for two camp beds. Martyn revealed he had to dispatch a lorry and a trailer down to Eastbourne to transport the plane back to its current base in Somerset - a journey taking around five hours to complete.

He added: "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.

"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."

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Martyn revealed the aircraft was assembled over two days in March last year, with other sections of the interior left exposed so visitors can glimpse inside the plane. Martyn continued: "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."

He rents it out for £125 a night plus fees added by Airbnb and has achieved a perfect five star rating from visitors. He continued: "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 feedback posted on the website, one visitor commented: "Unique and brilliant fun. We won't forget our stay it is truly unique!"

Another guest remarked: "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 then just a hotel room.

"The plane really needs to be seen to be appreciated. What an amazing place to stay, really quirky and such fun. The plane was well thought out and very comfortable."

To view the listing, click here.