116 W Prospect Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350
Local realty services provided by:ERA Naper Realty
116 W Prospect Avenue,Ottawa, IL 61350
$595,000
- 10 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 5,638 sq. ft.
- Single family
- Active
Listed by: george shanley
Office: coldwell banker real estate group
MLS#:12528964
Source:MLSNI
Price summary
- Price:$595,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$105.53
About this home
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....
Contact an agent
Home facts
- Year built:1902
- Listing ID #:12528964
- Updated:June 26, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:10
- Total bathrooms:9
- Full bathrooms:8
- Half bathrooms:1
- Rooms Total:16
- Kitchen Description:Kitchen
- Basement Description:Partial, Unfinished
- Living area:5,638 sq. ft.
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Central Air, Zoned
- Heating:Forced Air, Natural Gas, Zoned
- Central air:Yes
Structure and exterior
- Roof:Asphalt
- Year built:1902
- Building area:5,638 sq. ft.
- Lot area:0.72 Acres
- Lot Features:Corner Lot
- Architectural Style:Victorian
- Exterior Features:Balcony
- Foundation Description:Stone
- Levels:3 Story
Schools
- High school:Ottawa Township High School
Utilities
- Water:Public
- Sewer:Public Sewer
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$595,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$105.53
- Tax amount:$17,207 (2024)
Parking
- Total parking spaces:10
- Parking description:Concrete, Driveway, Off Street
Copyright 2026 Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. All rights reserved. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.New listings near 116 W Prospect Avenue
- New
$235,000Active4 beds 3 baths1,620 sq. ft.2708 Deer Court, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12686097Listed by: RE/MAX TOP PROPERTIES - New
$299,500Active3 beds 2 baths1,942 sq. ft.424 Park Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12682327Listed by: COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE GROUP - New
$49,000Active3 beds 2 baths1,500 sq. ft.727 Chapel Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12683772Listed by: RE/MAX 1ST CHOICE - New
$94,900Active1 beds 1 baths1,100 sq. ft.1977 N 3103rd Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12685443Listed by: KETTLEY & CO. INC. - SANDWICH 
$194,900Pending3 beds 2 baths1,495 sq. ft.416 Palmor Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12685942Listed by: COLDWELL BANKER TODAY'S- New
$189,900Active4 beds 1 baths1,383 sq. ft.1418 Chippewa Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12684257Listed by: HOMESMART REALTY GROUP IL - New
$669,000Active2 beds 3 baths2,239 sq. ft.9 Beech Tree Place, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12682877Listed by: HERITAGE SELECT REALTY - New
$206,900Active3 beds 1 baths1,765 sq. ft.915 Adams Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12681437Listed by: COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE GROUP 
$436,900Pending6 beds 4 baths2,882 sq. ft.30 Oaklane Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12683146Listed by: COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE GROUP- New
$164,900Active2 beds 1 baths986 sq. ft.1014 Walnut Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
MLS# 12675394Listed by: KETTLEY & CO. INC. - AURORA
Protect your home and budget from life's surprises with an Assurant Home Warranty, backed by a partner that supports you through every step of homeownership. Explore Plans.
© 2023 - 2026 ERA Franchise Systems LLC. All rights reserved. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. ERA, ERA Real Estate powered, and their respective logos are registered service marks of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.