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A Unique Restoration Project: The Revival of a 1909 Train Car in Idaho

In 2020, Isaac French, along with his family, embarked on an extraordinary venture by purchasing a train car that had been abandoned on a neighboring farm in Deary, Idaho. The acquisition price was a modest $3,000, but what they found was a historic relic that needed significant restoration.

The train car, known as number 306, boasts a rich history, having been constructed in the 1900s and operating on the Washington Idaho & Montana Railway from 1909 until the 1950s. When the French family took possession, the car was in a state of disrepair, with rotting wood, algae growth, and approximately 20 stray cats residing inside.

Isaac reflects on the project, crediting his father for having the vision to take on such a challenge. “[My dad] had the faith and the vision for it, and I’m so glad he did,” he shares. He describes the process of restoring the train car as deeply rewarding, stating, “There’s something so rewarding about taking an old structure that was so lovingly built and breathing life back into it.”

This renovation became a collaborative family endeavor. To finance their project, the French family secured a loan of $150,000, which included the purchase of the train car and funds for moving the 61-foot-long structure to their expansive 145-acre property. French describes the location as “a beautiful, secluded place in nature” and emphasizes their choice of positioning the train car to capture stunning views.

Over the course of six months, the family invested the remaining loan amount—$137,000—into the renovation, aiming to transform the car into a unique Airbnb destination. French recognizes that today’s travelers are seeking enriching experiences, and he emphasizes that a compelling story enhances the stay: “The more rich a story you can tell through a stay, through a property, the better the experience will be.”

Although they sought to create a revenue-generating venture, the primary motivation was passion. “We just felt like this is the right thing to do. This is what excites us, and we think it’s going to excite other people too,” he notes.

In the renovation, French and his family converted the former passenger room into a cozy sitting area and transformed the mailroom into a bedroom. Guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside as they wake each morning. The project included the installation of a kitchenette with a gas potbelly stove, a bathroom, and refurbished floors and furniture.

Additionally, amenities such as a mirrored sauna, a hot tub, and a firepit were added to enhance guests’ experiences. French explains, “The idea is to reflect the nature surroundings. Since we had these beautiful pine trees and this spectacular view, we thought it would be a cool juxtaposition of new and old.”

Upon listing the train car on Airbnb, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Within just a week, the Restored 1909 Train Carriage booked out for months, with nightly rates ranging between $325 and $350. French expressed his joy at the unexpected success, noting, “I think all of our dreams were surpassed with the reception of it and how fun it was for us to do as a family.”

In its inaugural year, the train car achieved an impressive 90% occupancy rate, generating $14,179 in revenue. The financial performance continued to improve, reaching an annual earnings range between $75,000 and $110,000. For instance, in 2024, the train car reported $110,172 in revenue with bookings for 140 nights.

With a profit margin around 65%, the French family allocates a portion of their income for cleaning, maintenance, property taxes, and insurance. They also engage in direct online bookings, allowing for more personal interactions with guests, which French finds fulfilling. He claims, “With Airbnb, it feels more like a transaction, whereas the direct booking allows for more of a relationship that we can build.”

Despite the train car’s popularity, the family has no intentions to increase nightly rates, preferring to provide a memorable experience for visitors who wish to engage with a piece of history. French’s father, Webb, shared, “Our best experience in hosting has been the thanks that almost every other guest sends to us for taking care of this piece of history.”

Thanks to the rental income, the family was able to pay off the loan for the renovation project. They have chosen to reinvest these funds back into the train car and the overall guest experience, rather than pocketing the profits. French comments, “It’s hard to overestimate how hungry the general public is for story-driven, one-of-a-kind stays, and restoration projects are one of the best ways to achieve that.”

For those looking to pursue a similar path, French advises aspiring hosts to remain open-minded and establish connections: “There are a lot of opportunities right under people that they don’t even realize because they’ve always been there and are out of the box.” He encourages individuals to engage with their neighbors, emphasizing the potential partnerships that could emerge from these interactions.

While the restoration of the 1909 Train Carriage was a distinctive find, French’s message resonates broadly—hidden treasures await anyone willing to explore creatively. “You have to have some love and some inspiration to participate in a project like this and breathe new life into it,” he concludes.

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www.cnbc.com