Iconic 1902 Cora J. Pope Victorian Estate with River Views, Elevator & Turnkey Boutique Inn

Welcome to the Cora J. Pope Home, one of Ottawa’s most recognizable historic landmarks and a rare opportunity for a luxury Airbnb, boutique inn, or bed-and-breakfast.

Built in 1902, this Victorian masterpiece has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur while updated for modern comfort.

Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River, the stately exterior features welcoming porches, decks, and balconies.

The 5,638 sq ft interior impresses with a grand foyer, elegant woodwork, a stunning staircase, and multiple gathering spaces, including a parlor and family room, each with a fireplace.

The formal dining room is a showstopper with beamed ceilings and a china cabinet.

The property is perfectly configured for hospitality, featuring:

A total of 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.

Multiple luxury suites, including “Cora’s Room” with its en-suite soaking tub and the Riverview Suite with a private balcony.

An updated main kitchen plus a butler’s pantry/kitchenette.

A convenient elevator.

An additional income-generating separate ranch home currently rented.

The basement houses exceptional, well-maintained mechanical systems, including a fire-suppression system, dual boilers, and 400-amp electrical service. This is a striking blend of history, luxury, and opportunity, ready for its next chapter as a truly remarkable piece of Ottawa’s heritage.

Key Details at a Glance

• Price: $685,000 

• Location: 116 W Prospect Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350 

• Beds/Baths (Total): 10  / 9 

• Square Footage: 5,638 sq ft 

• Year Built: 1902 

• Lot Size: 0.72 Acres 

• Special Feature: Includes separate Rental Ranch Home & Elevator 

 History of Milton and Cora Pickens Pope

The Builders: The house was built in 1902 by Milton Pope (born 1852) and Cora Justene Pickens Pope (born 1860). They were married in 1897 in Ottawa.

Milton Pope’s Background: Milton came from a well-established family in LaSalle County, Illinois, with ancestral roots tracing back to the Revolutionary War. By 1900, he was a successful, progressive farmer who had retired from active agricultural labors.

At the time the house was built, he was a director in the First National Bank of Ottawa and actively engaged in negotiating loans and other business interests, making him a prominent, wealthy citizen.

Cora Pope’s Role: Cora Pickens was also from a respected Ottawa family. She acquired a liberal education and was noted to be “well qualified to grace any station in life.” The historical record indicates that Cora herself oversaw much of the construction work of the 18-room Victorian mansion, suggesting she was the driving force and primary designer behind this “masterpiece.”

The Legacy: The home is not just a building; it is a monument to the couple’s prominence and is already known locally as a historic landmark. The current use as “The Pope House BnB” (Source 1.1, 1.4) shows its successful transition into a hospitality venue.

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