A Masterpiece of Gothic Queen Anne Design: The Empress of Little Rock

Arkansas' only Two Michelin Key Property Shines as a Historic Bed & Breakfast

Little Rock is a city where history, architecture and creativity intersect in unexpected ways, offering visitors a refreshingly undiscovered experience. The Hornibrook Mansion, known as The Empress of Little Rock, is a unique property that stands as an example of ornate Victorian, Gilded Age architecture in Arkansas and a regional landmark of Gothic Queen Anne design. As an intimate, eight-room boutique bed and breakfast, the Empress offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century luxury and craftsmanship. 

The Empress is one of only 69 properties in the U.S. and the only property in Arkansas, awarded two Michelin Keys. Originally built for a prominent late-19th-century saloon owner, the property remains an architectural showpiece. Its dramatic, octagonal form is accented by distinctive elements including a grand divided staircase, a soaring three-and-a-half–story corner tower and a luminous stained-glass skylight that anchors the interior.

Each guest room is thoughtfully designed and named after notable figures from regional history, offering a sense of place alongside comfort. Most accommodations include inviting sitting areas, while select suites feature private balconies or jetted tubs, creating an elevated stay that blends historic character with modern amenities.

Designed by architects Max Orlopp and Kasper Kusener, the mansion was completed in 1888, using only Arkansas materials, for a then-extravagant $20,000. It remains a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age, featuring:

• A grand divided stairway, a hallmark of Victorian elegance.
• A stained-glass skylight, casting colorful light across the interior.
• An iconic 3.5-story corner tower, rumored to have hosted secret card games.
• Octagonal rooms, a rare architectural feature, enhance its stately presence.

Beyond its stunning design, the mansion holds a storied past, once serving as Arkansas's first women's college before being restored to its original grandeur as The Empress of Little Rock. Today, it stands as a living work of art, blending history, preservation and design.

For more information, visit theempress.com.

Images here: Courtesy of the Empress of Little Rock