When Isaac French, a native of Deary, Idaho, saw an abandoned train car on a neighbor's farm, he sensed the possibility of something extraordinary. This car, constructed in the 1900s, had been languishing in the same place for decades. The wood was decaying, algae was spreading, and around 20 cats called it home. French, now 27, shared this story with CNBC Make It.

Discovering the Hidden Gem

Train car number 306 originally ran on the Washington Idaho & Montana Railway from 1909 until the 1950s. It took several years, but in 2020, the family managed to purchase this train car for a mere $3,000. "My dad had the belief and the vision for it, and I'm immensely glad he did," French expressed. "There's a certain satisfaction in bringing back to life an old structure that was crafted with so much love."The family then embarked on a quest to find someone willing to transport the 61-feet-long structure to their 145-acre piece of land. "It's a truly beautiful and secluded spot in nature," French said. "We chose the highest point on our property to capture those magnificent views." The move cost around $10,000.

Uncovering the Past

French and his family discovered a photo from the day the train car was completed in 1906. This discovery added a new dimension to their restoration project. They spent a significant amount of time and effort restoring the train car to mimic its original design. French hand-painted the lettering on the exterior based on an old photo they found. The train car even retained its original windows.In the summer, they would open these windows and let the gentle breeze flow through the car. It was a truly beautiful sight. During hay season, the aroma of rye grass would waft through, creating a unique atmosphere. French and his family did most of the renovation work themselves. They built a platform, refurbished the floors, added a bathroom, landscaped the area, and furnished it with care. They also hired subcontractor friends for the HVAC and electrical work.

Transforming the Interior

To make the train car livable, French and his family converted the passenger room into a cozy sitting area. They added a kitchenette and a gas potbelly stove for added warmth and charm. They built a bathroom with a barn door and transformed the former mailroom into a bedroom with a king-sized bed."Our guests absolutely adore it. They wake up in the morning and are greeted by these breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside. It's a truly remarkable place to sleep," French said.

Enhancing the Experience

To enhance the guest experience, they added a mirrored sauna, a hot tub, and a firepit right outside. "The idea was to reflect the natural surroundings. Given the beautiful pine trees and the spectacular view, we thought it would be a cool contrast of new and old," French explained.Despite being in a remote location, the train car became an instant hit on Airbnb. According to Fast Company, it became one of the most successful Airbnb locations in the country. It costs between $325 and $350 per night to stay in the Restored 1909 Train Carriage.In the first year, the train car had a 90% occupancy rate and earned $14,179. Since then, the earnings have increased between $75,000 and $90,000 per year. This year, French predicts it will bring in $105,000. In 2023, the train car was booked for 231 nights on Airbnb. It has a profit margin of about 65%, with 30 to 35% of the overall revenue going towards cleaning costs, ongoing small maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and insurance.The family could raise the price per night, but they have no plans to do so. They find it fulfilling to host people from all over who want to experience a piece of history. "How many old buildings and stories are just waiting to be discovered and loved?" French said. "You need to have that love and inspiration to participate in a project like this and give it new life."