116 W Prospect Avenue, Ottawa, IL

Welcome to the Cora J. Pope Home, one of Ottawa’s most recognizable historic landmarks and a rare opportunity for anyone seeking a luxury Airbnb, boutique inn, or bed-and-breakfast property. Built in 1902 by Milton and Cora Pickens Pope, this Victorian masterpiece has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur while thoughtfully updated for modern comfort. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River, the home immediately impresses with its stately exterior, welcoming porch, decks and balconies, and intricate architectural details that have welcomed guests for more than a century. Inside, the grand foyer sets the tone with elegant woodwork and a hearth room featuring a fireplace, a stunning staircase, and warm gathering space. The adjacent full bathroom with a garden tub sits conveniently beneath the stairs. Off the hearth room you’ll find a large formal parlor with space to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a home with deep local roots; an elevator provides additional convenience. The family room offers another cozy retreat with a second fireplace, built-ins, and a turret-style sitting nook perfectly positioned for river views. The formal dining room is a showstopper with beamed ceilings, wainscoting, built-in china cabinet, and a fireplace, creating a timeless atmosphere for gatherings of any size. A kitchenette or butler’s pantry with original cabinetry and leathered granite connects to the main kitchen, which blends modern stainless steel appliances with custom cabinetry designed to match the home’s historic character. The main level also includes a bedroom currently used as an office, a full bathroom, and three additional flex rooms currently used as a gathering room, family room, and gift shop, offering excellent layout options for guest suites or business use. Upstairs, the expansive landing showcases leaded glass windows with sweeping river views and leads to four bedrooms, each full of character. Cora’s room features birds-eye maple woodwork, a fireplace, and an en-suite bathroom with a stunning soaking tub and separate water closet. Milton’s room also includes an en-suite bathroom and connects to an adjoining bedroom that can remain private or linked as a suite. The Starved Rock room sits next to a historic full bathroom with original “wet-set” subway tile and soaking tub. An additional full bathroom with tub/shower rounds out the second level. The third floor continues the home’s rich character with the Riverview Suite, named for its stunning views, complete with French doors opening to a private balcony and an en-suite full bathroom. The Bishop’s Suite features beautiful exposed brick, a walk-in closet, an impressive bath with curved walls showcasing a soaking tub, and an attached secondary bedroom and kitchenette, making it ideal for extended-stay guests. The basement houses exceptionally well-maintained mechanical systems, including a fire-suppression system with three 100-gallon tanks, dual boilers, anti-freeze protection, two sump pumps with French drains, 400-amp electrical service with a 220 plug, laundry area with egress window, and a convenient half bathroom. The elevator has been fully updated to current standards with new mechanical lines. Also on the property, sits a separate ranch home, currently rented. This property is a striking blend of history, luxury, and opportunity, offering an unmatched layout for short-term rental hosting, multi-suite accommodations, events, or a dream owner-occupied business. With its rich history, breathtaking views, restored architectural integrity, and modern updates, the Cora J. Pope Home stands ready for its next chapter. Don’t miss the chance to own and operate a truly remarkable piece of Ottawa’s heritage.