A Scottish couple has converted an ex-Royal Navy search-and-rescue helicopter into a rentable holiday home for six.
After purchasing a decommissioned Sea King ZA127 at an online auction in March, retired farmer Martyn Steedman, and his wife, Louise, began imagining the absurd project during the craft's final flight over Stirling. The couple has reportedly spent over £40,000 on the restoration and refurbishing of the aircraft.
The aircraft, having ended active service in 1994, had been used for naval training for eight years post-retirement. Today, it stands to be a roomy holiday home for a family of six, complete with a single, double and triple bed spread across the body and tail.
The 17-meter long helicopter's facade has been maintained and repainted so as to retain the original Sea King ZA127 surface. However, the interior walls of the craft have been insulated, panelled with wood and repainted so as to give it a more nautical feel.
The aircraft-turned-holiday-home features three bedrooms, a fully-functional shower, a working kitchen, a lounge, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. All rooms are furnished in tones of navy blue, grey and beige to resound cozy earthy tones.
The Steedmans have noted that the true focal point of the aircraft is the cockpit which offers guests with a panoramic view over the Stirling countryside. Aside from the additions of swivel seats and tables, as well as the removal of the sonar station, the couple has noted that the cockpit has been retained with original lighting and the Sea King's original features.
According to Martyn Steedman, the original dashboard, roof panel switches and foot pedals we retained so customers could experience the helicopter in all its former glory and imagine they are flying it on a mission.
The bizarre holiday home is set to begin taking in guests in spring of 2017 with prices set at £150 per night for couples.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
