From Abandoned Train Car to Thriving Airbnb: A Family’s $150,000 Success Story
A family’s ambitious project of transforming a dilapidated, abandoned train car into a lucrative Airbnb has become a remarkable success story. The French family’s journey, involving a $150,000 investment, six months of dedicated renovation, and a unique vision, showcases the power of creative entrepreneurship and the burgeoning demand for unique travel experiences. Their tale is a compelling blend of restoration, hospitality, and savvy business acumen, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking alternative income streams.
Key Takeaways: A Family’s Train Car Transformation
- A $3,000 find: The French family purchased an abandoned train car for a mere $3,000, transforming a seemingly derelict asset into a profitable venture.
- Significant investment: The project required a substantial $150,000 investment, encompassing the purchase, relocation, and extensive renovation of the train car.
- High Occupancy & Revenue: The Airbnb listing boasts 90% occupancy in its first year, generating a significant $14,179 in revenue, a figure that has since skyrocketed to between $75,000 and $110,000 annually.
- Unique selling proposition: The restored train car offers a one-of-a-kind experience, appealing to travelers seeking unique and story-driven accommodations.
- Financial success: The project’s high profit margin (around 65%) and the recent payoff of the initial loan demonstrate the impressive financial returns of their initiative.
The Discovery and the Vision
In 2020, Isaac French, along with his family, stumbled upon a neglected train car number 306 sitting abandoned on a neighbor’s farm in Deary, Idaho. This relic from the Washington Idaho & Montana Railway, dating back to the early 1900s, had fallen into disrepair. “[My dad] had the faith and the vision for it and I’m so glad he did,” Isaac shares, emphasizing the family’s shared belief and commitment to transform this abandoned structure. The train car, filled with rotting wood, algae, and approximately 20 cats, was far from being a luxurious destination; but it held a remarkable potential.
From Derelict to Delightful
The family secured a $150,000 loan to finance the project, covering the purchase price, the cost of moving the 61-foot-long structure to their 145-acre property (“It’s just a beautiful, secluded place in nature,” Isaac explains), and, most importantly, the extensive renovation. The location was carefully chosen: “We chose the highest point on our property so that we could capture these epic views.“
The Transformation: A Labor of Love
The six-month renovation involved transforming the old passenger room into a comfortable sitting area and repurposing the mailroom into a cozy bedroom. The family’s efforts resulted in a unique space that blends historical charm with modern amenities. “Our guests absolutely love it,” Isaac proudly asserts. “They wake up in the morning and look straight out onto these beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. It’s a really epic place to sleep.“
Adding Modern Comfort
Beyond the aesthetic restoration, the French family added essential modern conveniences, including a well-equipped kitchenette with a charming gas potbelly stove and a fully functional bathroom. The floors and furniture were meticulously refurbished, creating a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Further enhancing the guest experience, the property includes amenities such as a mirrored sauna, a luxurious hot tub, and a relaxing firepit, seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. “The idea is to reflect the nature surroundings,” Isaac explains. “Since we had these beautiful pine trees and this spectacular view, we thought it would be a cool juxtaposition of new and old.“
Airbnb Success: A Story of Demand
The family’s vision was validated almost immediately. Upon listing the restored train car on Airbnb as “The Restored 1909 Train Carriage,” bookings poured in. Within the initial week, the unique accommodation was fully booked for months, commanding nightly rates ranging from $325 to $350.
Financial Gains and Strategic Diversification
The success of their Airbnb venture is undeniable. The first year alone saw 90% occupancy and $14,179 in revenue. This has since grown significantly, with yearly revenue consistently falling between $75,000 and $110,000 annually. In 2024 alone, the Airbnb generated $110,172 in revenue from 140 booking nights. The family maintains a healthy profit margin of about 65%, with roughly 30-35% of the revenue allocated to cleaning, maintenance, taxes, and insurance. Beyond Airbnb, the French family also maintains their own online booking system, “Stay in Deary,” which allows for a more direct interaction with their guests.
Lessons Learned and the Future of the Project
The French family’s entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about financial success; it’s about passion, creativity, and a commitment to preserving history. “Our best experience in hosting has been the thanks that almost every other guest sends to us for taking care of this piece of history,” Webb French, Isaac’s father, gratefully shares. The revenue generated has already allowed them to pay off their initial loan. Instead of personal compensation, they wisely reinvest the profits into enhancing the train car and providing an even more exceptional guest experience.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Isaac offers invaluable advice for those inspired by their success story: “There are a lot of opportunities right under people that they don’t even realize because they’ve always been there and are out of the box.” He emphasizes networking and open communication: “Talk to your neighbor. Your neighbor may be the person to partner with if you don’t have any money or if you don’t have the experience your neighbor might.” The key, he believes, is passion, vision and a connection to the project you undertake.
“How many old buildings and old stories and old train cars are just sitting out there waiting to be discovered and loved? ‘I think that’s the key,‘ he says. ‘You have to have some love and some inspiration to participate in a project like this and breathe new life into it.‘
