Benson Ford

The Benson Ford

The "Benson Ford" originally transported iron and coal for the Ford Motor Company.
The ship was decommissioned in 1981 after nearly 50 years of service.

After being decommissioned it was left to rust for four years before the front part of the ship was removed and perched on top of the 18-foot cliff above Lake Erie , to serve as a vacation home.

Looking across the bow, you get the feeling that the boat is actually steaming
- full speed ahead!

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

The boat was used by Henry Ford himself to travel across the Great Lakes . Thomas Edison was a frequent guest on this beautiful ship. The present four-deck ship-house has an area of 7,000 sq. ft. and includes walnut-paneled staterooms, a dining room with 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 enjoy relaxing there while taking time off from work.
It has now been modernized with a garage, a game room, a bar, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and four bathrooms.
The 90-year-old cargo ship is beautiful, as she sits there looking out over her former waterways.

Don't look down - visitors may need a head for heights if they take a tour out
onto the bow of the boat and see the water way down below.

This ship-home has maintained the historic and beautiful interior,
which has been updated with modern amenities.

Bryan Kaspar said, "Everyone who sees our home from the outside, is
intrigued to look inside. And, I think everyone who sees this beauty, is
amazed at the gorgeous woodwork throughout our beautiful ship-home."

This impressive getaway is large, as it includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a captain's office and living room with panoramic views out across Lake Erie . "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 to watch the sunsets is amazing from there." Videographer Nick James, who conducts tours of the home, said, "The most incredible part is standing at the helm with the way the boat hangs over the cliff. It actually feels like you are out on the open water." I love the history that remains all around the Benson Ford. In the parlor, you can just imagine Thomas Edison and Henry Ford sitting there puffing on their cigars. When you're there, it feels as though you are stepping back in time, and that those two famed gentlemen could appear at any moment."
An incredible beauty of a long-ago ship, still available for water lovers to see.

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