Cockpit Cottage or the Plane Hotel in Costa Rica

It’s a story time 🙂

This story inspired me.

And I hope it will at least surprise you (and maybe even inspire you too).

Imagine waking up inside an airplane, high above the jungle, with a stunning view of the ocean just outside your window.

Welcome to Cockpit Cottage.

Here, you can unbuckle your seatbelt and roam freely inside the cabin.

It’s a one-of-a-kind airplane hotel located in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

This isn’t just a vacation home; it’s the dream of Allan Templeton, a man who turned an airplane junk into a stunning place.

But how did this come to life?

The Spark of an Idea

It was the 1970s.

Allan was living in Connecticut, working a corporate job.

He was tired of the daily hustle, the same old, predictable life, and yearned for something different.

Then, one day, he decided to join the Peace Corps and moved to Costa Rica.

There, Allan found everything he was looking for: Costa Rica’s natural beauty, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the sense of freedom he always wanted.

Soon, Costa Rica became his home.

But there was still something missing.

You see, Allan was passionate about airplanes.

Little did he know his passion project would come to his life sooner than anticipated.

From Junkyard to Dream Home

He was in Tennessee when he first heard thought of this concept.

He learned it from an entrepreneur who was trying to sell ‘hurricane-proof-homes' with airplane junk pieces put on a pedestal, and rotating as the wind struck them.

Though he never actually built the concept into reality.

But Allan was determined and filled a fire to work on Boeing 727, the predecessor of Cockpit Cottage.

At first, Allan didn’t see the junk as a home.

In his vision, he could see a bar in the middle of Manuel Antonio.

And so, he created that.

The plane’s cockpit soon became the favorite spot for tourists.

Even with this huge success, Allan’s vision didn’t stop there.

After the bar’s success, Allan decided to take his dream even further.

Why not live inside the airplane?

He imagined a home in the sky, surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rica’s jungle.

It was something no other property could offer.

Hit the Brakes: There’s a Mountain ahead

If you think that turning the 727 into a home was easy, think again. Allan faced various challenges.

Sometimes, with the local zoning regulations, sometimes the difficult task of lifting the airplane 40 feet into the air.

And the overall cost of this transformation.

But Allan couldn’t stop.

No.

His dream was within his reach.

He turned to experts, using a 90-ton crane and a team of workers to lift the heavy plane and place it on a sturdy platform.

Though the entire process cost him a whopping $300,000, every penny was worth it.

Birth of Cockpit Cottage

And just like that, Allan went to create Cockpit Cottage.

A suspended bridge, covered with a blanket of the jungle, takes to the cottage.

Different from the Boeing 727, this cottage is created in the cockpit, providing a cozy but luxurious feel.

In the place of the original pilot chairs, you will find a kitchen, complete with a stunning view of the jungle and the ocean.

The entire space gives off an intimate vibe that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the view, the drink, and the unique setting without the hubbub.

Living the Dream

With the Cockpit Cottage, you are in for a ride in the lap of nature (though perched in the air).

The location is unlike any other.

Elevated above the jungle, surrounded by monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.

For Allan, turning this dream into a reality was the best decision of his life.

He found a place where he could be free and live his passion.

And now, he gets to share that with others.

More than just a Hotel

When I first came across the story of Allan Templeton, I realized that Cockpit Cottage was not just a place to stay.

It was a story of vision, determination, and creativity.

This unique space truly inspired me, opening my mind to possibilities I'd never even considered before.

I hope it inspires you the same.

P.S. I recently recorded a short video about this incredible place, check it out here.