‘Tram’endous! Lakeside lift sets new standard story by Brett Mclaughlin | photos courtesy of Marine Innovations
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here aren’t many homes on Lake Jocassee, but those there are include some very distinctive retreats carved into hillsides that envelop one of the Upstate’s greatest resources. One such home is an unparalleled, lodge-style structure comprised of an estate home and guest cottage with a combined 5,800-square feet of living space. The home, which the owner frequently rents to visiting guests, features five bedrooms and six and onehalf baths. The home’s two kitchens and outdoor cooking facilities are on a par with those found in the finest restaurants. Expansive patios on four levels provide gathering spaces with unrivaled views of Lake Jocassee and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A vertical elevator provides interior access to all floors. However, for as spectacular as the home is in its entirety, it is a newly-installed inclined elevator that puts an exclamation point on the homeowner’s claim to “luxury living” accommodations. Marine Innovations, a privately-owned company based in Frazee, MN, completed installation of a tram last June that connects the parking level to the main house, guest house, all patio levels and a custom two-slip dock. “Inclined elevators of 70 degrees or less is all we do,” said Marine Innovations Marketing Manager Eric Hausten, whose conversational tone confirms his stated belief that this Lake Jocassee installation may be among the company’s best efforts.
{above and at right} The tram has a total length of 250 feet with a vertical rise of 120 feet, and it stops at six levels. Galvanized aircraft cable propels the carriage at speeds up to 70 feet per minute.
66 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
