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Train Car Over 100 Years Old Bought For US$ 3,000, Transported To Idaho Land, And Transformed After US$ 150,000 Renovation Into Lodging That Generates Up To US$ 105,000 Per Year
A historic train car over 100 years old was bought for around US$ 3,000 by a family in Idaho, USA, transported after nearly two years of planning, and restored in six months, becoming today a lodging with an estimated annual revenue between US$ 68,000 and US$ 105,000.
Purchase And Transportation Of The Railroad Car
The acquisition of the historic train car occurred for approximately US$ 3,000, an amount equivalent to almost R$ 15,000 at the current exchange rate.
The railroad structure, over a century old, was purchased by Isaac French and his family in the countryside of Idaho.
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Before starting the renovation, a complex logistical operation was necessary to transport the car to the family’s land. The railroad piece measures about 18 meters long.
The transport required nearly two years of planning and cost around US$ 10,000, approximately R$ 50,000.
The operation used a special truck and tractors to move the car to the location where it would be restored.
Renovation Preserved Original Structure
The restoration of the historic train car lasted six months. The work was mainly carried out by family members who had prior experience in construction activities.
During the process, the priority was to maintain as much of the original structure of the railroad piece as possible. With this strategy, about 98% of the car was reused during the renovation.
This decision guided the entire adaptation project, allowing for the preservation of historical characteristics of the structure while incorporating contemporary functionalities.
Total Investment Reached US$ 150,000
The final cost of the project reached around US$ 150,000, an amount equivalent to approximately R$ 750,000.
Among the main expenses are the construction of a structural platform estimated at around R$ 135,000 and the restoration of the floors, which cost approximately R$ 100,000.
The budget also included landscaping valued at around R$ 60,000, in addition to expenses for electrical systems, air conditioning, furniture, and finishes necessary to adapt the space for its new use.
New Layout Maintained Railroad Logic
The interior of the historic train car underwent a reorganization that respected the original configuration of the railroad structure.
The old passenger area was transformed into a living room and small kitchen. The cargo compartment was adapted to function as a support area.
An old operational cabin was converted into a bedroom, while a bathroom was discreetly integrated into the design.
The electrical and air conditioning installations were hidden to preserve the historical feel of the environment.
External Structure And Operation As Lodging
On the outside, the renovation included the construction of a free-standing roof positioned over the car. The structure protects the original railroad equipment and creates a covered porch inspired by the old station platforms.
The landscaping was planned to highlight the highest point of the land, ensuring wide views of the surrounding natural landscape. The outdoor space also includes a sauna, hot tub, and fire pit area.
Currently, the historic train car operates as short-term lodging. The rates range from US$ 325 to US$ 400, equivalent to about R$ 1,600 to R$ 2,000.
The estimated annual revenue of the project varies between US$ 68,000 and US$ 105,000, approximately between R$ 340,000 and R$ 525,000 per year, resulting from the rental operation of the restored space.
With information from Casa e Jardim.
Reclame sobre a matéria, desagradável!
Incrível !quando for I’ am go to Idaho me hospedarei nesse vagão 🆗🫡
Onde achar o link para a hospedagem?