Homing device

Welcome to the safe, quiet home of Ed and Dianna Peyden of Dover, Kansas. Excuse the floor, carpeting the hall would be prohibitive. Don't look at the sky, there isn't any. But then there aren't any missiles here either, not since the mid-Sixties. It was a silo until the Atlases and Titans were overtaken by technology. Now it's Casa Peyden. It cost $40,000 in 1984 - reduced from $4m in 1959. During the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, there were rockets here standing ready with nuclear tips (above); now it's more likely to be Dianna with guacamole. The Peydens have made it so comfy, they've taken out options on several more. Photographs by Najlah Feanny

At home with the Peydens: relaxing in the lounge, no noisy neighbours, no intruders, no burglars; let there be food, and let there be light - they only have to open the 47-ton garage door to see clear blue sky