Properties

Features
: Forced Air , Zoned , Other , Natural Gas
: Central Air , Zoned , Other
: Partial , Unfinished
: Driveway , Off Street , Additional Parking , Owned , Concrete , Yes
: Balcony
4
: Hardwood
: Elevator , Built-in Features , Walk-In Closet(s) , Special Millwork , Separate Dining Room , Granite Counters , Historic/Period Mlwk , Beamed Ceilings , 1st Floor Bedroom , 1st Floor Full Bath
: Public Sewer
: River Front
: Victorian
Address Map
US
IL
La Salle
Ottawa
61350
Prospect
116
Avenue
W89° 9' 34.5''
N41° 20' 23.8''
From 6 and 23 - Take 23 south over bridge - Turn right (west) on W Van Buren - Turn right (north) on Christie St - Home will be on the left (north) side of the street
Danway / Dayton / Naplate / Ottawa / Prairie Center
W
Neighborhood
141
Ottawa Township High School
140
141
Additional Information
: Wood Siding
Circuit Breakers,200+ Amp Service
: Stone
: Corner Lot , Views
242x153x205x95
685000
https://youtu.be/aLDo6QeZmRE
: Public
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
George Shanley
Financial
Not Applicable
: None
17206.66
Listing Information
258186
28140
Active
2026-07-30T05:06:09Z
MRED
: None
2026-07-30T05:05:29Z
Property Description

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.

Residential For Sale

116 W Prospect Avenue, Ottawa, Illinois 61350

  • Bedrooms : 10
  • Bathrooms : 9
  • Square Footage: 5,638 Sqft
$595,000
Listing ID#12528964
QR Code
Basic Details
Property Type : Residential
Listing Type : For Sale
Listing ID : 12528964
Price : $595,000
View : Water
Bedrooms : 10
Rooms : 16
Bathrooms : 9
Half Bathrooms : 1
Square Footage : 5,638 Sqft
Year Built : 1902
Lot Size : 0.72 Acre
Full Bathrooms : 8
Listing Status : Active
Roof : Asphalt
Waterfront Yn : 1
Contact Agent