Elvis Presley’s Luxurious Jet Finds a New Home
Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, is remembered not only for his groundbreaking music and iconic voice but also for his impeccable sense of style and flair for the extraordinary. While many fans know about his love for blue suede shoes and his eclectic palate, fewer are aware of his keen eye for interior design—a talent that extended even to his private jet.
In 1962, Elvis purchased a Lockheed JetStar, customizing it to reflect his lavish tastes. The interior features elegant wooden paneling, plush red velvet seats, and luxurious carpeting, creating an ambiance that perfectly encapsulates his larger-than-life persona.
Elvis treasured the JetStar for over 35 years. After his passing in 1977, however, the aircraft was left idle. Among his collection of planes, the Lockheed JetStar held a special place, though he also famously owned a customized Convair 880—dubbed the “Lisa Marie” with the call sign “Hound Dog 1”—and another JetStar known as “Hound Dog 2.” These aircraft symbolized his extravagant lifestyle and passion for aviation.
For decades, the Lockheed JetStar sat stationary in Roswell, New Mexico, exposed to the elements. Its vibrant red paint has faded, but the aircraft remains in remarkable condition, considering its long dormancy. Recently, the jet found a new owner when a devoted Elvis fan purchased it for $260,000 at the Florida Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Sale on January 8th. The sale was conducted via phone bids, with the winning offer securing a piece of rock-and-roll history.
The jet’s interior is a testament to Elvis’ distinctive taste. Its spacious cabin includes cozy red velvet seats and wooden accents, exuding the charisma synonymous with the King of Rock. An advanced television—state-of-the-art for its time—is integrated into the design. The cabin also features a compact kitchenette, complete with vintage appliances, where one might imagine Elvis preparing one of his iconic peanut butter, banana, bacon, and mayonnaise sandwiches.
Even the lavatory reflects his penchant for luxury, with its velvet accents and opulent sink. Compared to today’s cramped commercial planes, this jet offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Elvis’ preferred mode of travel.
For over three decades, the jet remained a silent relic of a bygone era. Now, it embarks on a new chapter, preserved by a fan dedicated to honoring Elvis’ legacy. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or an Elvis devotee, this plane stands as a fascinating artifact of the King’s enduring influence.
If you know an Elvis fan, don’t hesitate to share this story and celebrate a piece of rock-and-roll history!
Woman buys abandoned lighthouse and turns it into cozy “nautical” home
Picture owning your very own lighthouse, a majestic beacon overlooking a vast bay, embodying both hope and history.
Sheila Consaul, a 65-year-old aficionado of historic preservation, turned this dream into reality.
For a sum of $71,000, Sheila purchased a derelict lighthouse in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, and embarked on a journey that would see her invest over $300,000 in transforming it into her dream vacation home.
Living in a lighthouse is far from ordinary; solitude greets you at every turn.
Forget about a driveway leading to the front door; instead, you park half a mile away and transport everything you need by hand, from groceries to generator fuel. Yet, the experience, once embraced, is unparalleled.
Sheila’s journey began from her passion for historic preservation and a desire for a unique summer retreat.
Upon discovering that the government was auctioning off lighthouses, she saw an opportunity to merge her interests.
Though the lighthouse she acquired was in a sorry state, with cracked windows and peeling plaster, Sheila remained undeterred.
With the aid of a home equity loan, she embarked on a challenging yet fulfilling renovation project.
Renovating the lighthouse presented numerous challenges; every construction material had to be hoisted by crane and transported by boat due to its remote location.
Furthermore, being entirely off the grid posed additional hurdles; rebuilding the electrical system and relying on a gasoline-powered generator were just a few of Sheila’s tasks.
Despite these obstacles, the transformation is remarkable.
Today, the lighthouse boasts a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops and modern appliances.
The plumbing and electrical systems have been overhauled, while the once-broken windows now showcase stunning stained glass.
However, preserving its historical essence was equally paramount.
Original features like dark brown floorboards and cast-iron stairs remain intact, alongside innovations such as a rainwater collection system.
Since 2012, Sheila has welcomed guests to the lighthouse, hosting annual open houses and sharing this community treasure with others.
Maintained by the Coast Guard and still serving as a navigational aid, the lighthouse stands as a testament to community and heritage.
Would Sheila embark on this journey again? Perhaps not, but the rewards have been immeasurable.
While she currently has no plans to rent out her unique summer home, she remains open to the possibility.
For now, she revels in the fruits of her labor and the extraordinary experience of lighthouse living.
Sheila Consaul’s story exemplifies what happens when perseverance and passion converge.
She didn’t just acquire a property; she rescued a historical gem, ensuring it endures for generations to come.
Take a virtual tour of the lighthouse in the accompanying video below!
Feel free to share this remarkable tale with your loved ones.
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