There is something unique satisfying the forgotten art pieces from the past and breathing new life into it. In rural Idaho, Isaac French and his family did just that transforming a dilapidated 100-year old train car into a one of a best kind Airbnb experience. Today, the beautiful train car, located in the rolling hills of Idaho, stands as a testament to dedication, innovation, and historical perspective. Isaac says, he loves hearing the guest feeling they just got back to old history.
Forgotten Train Car
The story of this remarkable transformation began over five years ago. Isaac’s father, a passionate train enthusiast, was called to help a neighbor shovel snow off a barn roof. Little did he know that beneath that barn was a hidden gem a decaying, 61-foot-long train car that had been left to deteriorate. Most people, including Isaac, would have seen it as a lost cause. But to Isaac’s dad, it was an opportunity.
The train car was in rough shape. The wood was rotting, algae covered parts of it, and the smell was unbearable from the colony of around 20 cats that had made it their home. Despite its condition, Isaac’s dad immediately saw its potential.
Family decision and commitment
With the decision made to restore the train car, the real work began. Moving the train car was no small feat it took two years just to find someone willing to tackle the project. The car, originally part of the Washington, Idaho, and Montana Railway, had to navigate windy, hilly roads in northern Idaho. Its difficult to get 18 wheeler bulldozer to our property but we just managed, Isaac.
Once the train car was in place, the restoration process took about six months to complete. The family, including Isaac’s seven brothers and two sisters, jumped in to handle most of the work. Nearly all of the labor was done by family members, though they brought in subcontractors for HVAC and some electrical work. We all very affirmed with expertise and handled as a family, Isaac explains.
Breathing New Life Into the Train Car
The restoration project was a labor of love. The family spent around $150,000 on the entire conversion, which included the initial $33,000 to purchase the train car, $110,000 to move it, and thousands more for the build out of the platform, canopy, HVAC system, and furnishings.
The train car was restored with care, maintaining much of its original charm. Isaac hand-lettered the markings on the train car, replicating the exact font and positioning from old photographs. The original windows were kept intact and still open to allow the breeze to flow through during summer months.
The train car is specially designed for comfort and peaceful rest. The passenger area was converted into a sitting room with a kitchenette, complete with vintage furnishings sourced by Isaac’s mother. A gas potbelly stove was added for warmth, reflecting the old railroad style.
The cargo area was transformed into a coat room, luggage racks, and a bathroom, complete with a barn door for a rustic touch. The bedroom, which was originally the male room, was redesigned with a king-size bed and large windows offering panoramic views of the beautiful Idaho countryside.
The family also added modern amenities like air conditioning, while blending in details that paid homage to the train car’s past. A mirrored sauna was added outside, reflecting the surrounding pine trees and creating a perfect juxtaposition of the old and new.
Unique Airbnb Experience
Car 306, as it’s called, offers more than just a place to stay and it’s an incredible experience. Guests come from all over to stay in this historic train car, enjoying the views, wildlife, and quiet, secluded environment. The car is available for rent for $325 to $350 a night, making it an affordable luxury for many visitors to Idaho. Isaac says, we have between $75k and $90k in annual revenue for the first few years, and in 2024 the projected revenue around $105k.
The Heart of the Project: A Love for History
For Isaac, the most rewarding part of this entire venture is knowing that they are preserving a piece of history. The train car holds a story, and by breathing new life into it, Isaac and his family are helping write its final, most exciting chapters. There is sense of history, this is something very motivating as many rural towns and old train cars are meant to be experience and loved. Its about sharing the historical story with others and bringing so many people together to experience the relic.
Isaac’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, hard work, and a little creativity can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. His success with Car 306 is just one example of how old structures and forgotten pieces of history can be turned into thriving, profitable ventures.
As more and more old buildings and pieces of history fall into disrepair, there’s an opportunity for others to step in and bring them back to life. Isaac’s message is clear: if you have the vision and the heart for it, there’s potential waiting to be uncovered in places you might least expect.
