[Zmagnette] FW: Home Overlooking Lake Erie . . .

Wed Feb 5 17:02:34 MST 2014

90-year-old cargo ship serving as a holiday home hanging over a cliff on
Lake Erie

*	Ship originally transported iron and coal for Ford Motor Company 
*	Interior designed by Henry Ford. Thomas Edison was a passenger. 
*	Was decommissioned in 1981 after nearly 50 years of service. 
*	Ship's forecastle removed and hung over Lake Erie as a holiday home.

During its time in service this cargo ship played host to illustrious guests
such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. 

>From the time it was built in 1924, the boat was also used to transport coal
and iron ore across the American lakes.

After being decommissioned in 1981 it was left to rust for four years before
the front part of the ship was removed and perched on top of an 18-foot
cliff to serve as a holiday home.

The Benson Ford was originally a cargo ship for the Ford motor company, but
has been converted into a holiday home hanging above Lake Erie

Looking over the bow, which dangles 18 foot above the Lake, it still looks
as if the boat is sailing

The ship still contains wood paneled state rooms, dining room and lounge
designed by Henry Ford

The boat was used by Ford himself to travel across the American Lakes and
Thomas Edison also took a ride

The four-deck, 7,000 square foot getaway is made out of the ship's
forecastle and includes the walnut paneled state rooms, dining room, galley,
and passenger lounge designed by Henry Ford for his own personal use while
on board.

The ship-house was originally owned by Frank J Sullivan, but after trying
and failing to turn it into a hotel in 1992, Sullivan eventually auctioned
the building to father and son Jerry and Bryan Kaspar, who still like to
relax there while taking time off work.

However it has been modernized with a garage, a game room, bar,
state-of-the-art kitchen and four bathrooms.

90-year-old US cargo ship converted into holiday home

Don't look down: Tourists may need a head for heights if they take a tour
out onto the bow of the boat

The four-storey, 7,000sq ft home has kept the historic interior and updated
it with some modern technology

Along with the original features the ship's forecastle now has a garage,
kitchen, bar and games room

New life: After being decommissioned in 1981 the ship was left to rust but
in 1986 the forecastle was removed (left) before being sailed to Lake Erie
and perched on top of a cliff (right) where it remains to this day

Tourists are also able to take guided walks around the vessel which hangs 18
feet above the surface of Lake Erie.

Bryan Kaspar said: 'Everyone that sees it is intrigued to look inside and I
think everyone that looks inside is amazed at the woodwork throughout the
ship.

'Also from the bow it almost feels like you are on the water because of its
close proximity to Lake Erie.

Frank J Sullivan, who first converted the vessel, tried to turn it into a
hotel in 1992 but was denied permission

Sullivan sold it to father and son Jerry and Bryan Kaspar in 1999 who now
allow guided tours around the house

The impressive getaway includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a captain's
office and living room with panoramic views out across the Lake

'I love the deck on the fourth floor - It's a great place to enjoy a
cocktail overlooking the lake and the nearby cliffs and watching the sunset
is amazing from there.'

Videographer Nick James, who conducts tours of the hotel, said: 'The most
incredible part is standing at the helm and the way the boat hangs over the
cliff it actually feels like you are out on the open water.

'I love the history that is still all around in the Benson Ford. In the
parlour you can just imagine Thomas Edison and Henry Ford sitting smoking
their cigars.

'When you're there it feels as though you step back in time and they could
appear at any moment.'

"The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree."

~ Spike Milligan

-- 

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