Cornwall Guest House Transforms Decommissioned Helicopter into Accommodation

The proprietors of a guest house located in Cornwall are providing individuals with the opportunity to sleep within the rear section of a helicopter. The cockpit of the decommissioned Lynx helicopter has been maintained in its original operational condition. However, the back of the aircraft has been converted into a sleeping area, furnished with curtains, carpet, and a double bed. Owners Mike and Caroline Thomas stated their decision to acquire the Royal Navy aircraft was to create additional sleeping quarters for patrons at their guest house in Lizard Village. Mr. Thomas reported investing approximately £25,000 for the fuselage and subsequently attached the rotors to make the helicopter experience “more authentic.” “When it arrived and was lifted into our garden the engine and gearbox had already been removed,” he explained. “After that I had to remove the fuel tanks and some other equipment to make space for the sleeping compartment – I got busy with my angle grinder.” He further noted, “The fuselage only has enough room for a bed really, so guests use a nearby toilet and shower facilities and have breakfast in the main guesthouse.” He mentioned that in the evenings, visitors also have the option to unwind in the original crew seats positioned around a fire pit. The aircraft previously belonged to 815 squadron, which was stationed at RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron). Mr. Thomas commented, “It would have served on the back of frigates and destroyers, hunting submarines, border force control, that kind of thing.” Guests are able to review selections from the aircraft’s handwritten logbook. While the aircraft’s seats were taken out to create the sleeping space, the cockpit remains nearly complete. “I’ve seen some guests sit in the cockpit seats reading a book on a rainy day,” Mr. Thomas stated. He added that the aircraft has established itself as “a bit of a landmark” within Lizard village. “People often say ‘just look for the helicopter’,” he remarked. “It’s certainly raised a few eyebrows and provided a bit of mild amusement.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.