A patch of land was once limited by a person’s tolerance to ascend stairs. The introduction of a zippy “vertical transportation system” in the 1850s broke through that ceiling.
Elevators impacted the value of top-tier single-family homes, too.
The first residential elevator — a counterweight lift — was built for Louis XV for his personal chambers in Versailles. Mansions in the United States in the early 1900s had them. But the biggest push for push-button human hoists happened in the 1980s when public buildings , two-stories or higher, were required to have elevators to comply with guidelines outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Compact hydraulic versions made for commercial building were also a good size for homes.
Home elevators are rising in popularity now as people want to age in place with style. About 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and as more people stay in their home for life, elevator manufacturers are pumping out more personal-size elevators.
Even so, China Passenger Elevator  are still a novelty in homes. Neighborhood kids ask to ride in them. Some adults do too.
This week’s real estate gallery takes us on a ride through properties for sale or recently sold with a trophy feature: a private elevator.