The Hornibrook Mansion – Little Rock, Arkansas, USA – Queen Anne style residence of businessman James Hornibrook built in 1888

The Hornibrook Mansion, built in 1888, features every aspect of the Queen Anne Victorian style in it’s highest and best form. The aesthetic movement details in this house have been exquisitely and lovingly restored. Construction begun on this masterpiece in 1881 and ended in 1888. Sadly, the builder only enjoyed living in the home until 1890, when he died of a stroke at the homes front gate. His wife Margaret died in 1893. After her death the home became the Arkansas Womens College, an insurance agency, a rooming house for women, and eventually a nursing home. The home was purchased in 1993 by Sharon Welch-Blair and Bob Blair, who undertook a massive restoration which included removing walls, bathrooms and an elevator to return the mansion to it’s original floorplan. They then meticulously restored the eastlake and aesthetic movement elements of the home to the highest and best standards. Minton tile, Bradbury and Bradbury wallpaper, Lincrusta and more were used to create the period appropriate perfect details. They then christened the home “The Empress of Little Rock” and opened it as a Bed and Breakfast. It was quickly listed on the nations top BNB lists, and awarded the prestigious Diamond of Excellence in the industry. The Blairs then surrounded the home with sumptuous gardens, and created a backyard mini-chapel to host garden weddings. It is where Laine and Kevin spent their honeymoon in 1996, just after the Empress Opened for business. In 2019 the Blairs sold the home and business to Antonio Figueroa and Keith Sandridge, who continue the tradition of luxury and excellence worthy of the Hornibrook Mansion.