1888 Gothic Queen Anne Victorian Mansion with Rich Ornate Woodwork, Grand Dual Staircase, Victorian Furnishings

The Empress of Little Rock | Hornibrook Mansion

Little Rock
Pulaski
 County
Little Rock Region
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The Empress of Little Rock is a nationally recognized historic mansion built in 1888 and widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic Queen Anne architecture in the region. Located in the Quapaw Quarter, just steps from the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, the property sits within one of the largest preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the South, offering a rare and cohesive historic backdrop both on-site and in the surrounding streetscape.

The property includes a grand main residence and a separate carriage house, totaling 10 uniquely designed guest suites. The main house features richly detailed interiors with original woodwork, soaring ceilings, ornate fireplaces, a sweeping staircase, and multiple Victorian parlors that provide a variety of cinematic settings in a single location. Additional spaces include a formal dining room, library, wraparound veranda, and a hidden attic poker room with distinctive architectural character.

The carriage house offers a complementary aesthetic with spa-style suites, including jetted tubs, steam showers, and private entrances, ideal for modern or transitional scenes. Outdoors, the landscaped grounds and Secret Garden provide an intimate setting for events, period scenes, or styled productions.

The Empress has received both AAA Four Diamond recognition and Michelin Key distinction, reflecting its exceptional level of preservation and presentation. The property is privately owned and operated, allowing for flexible production use, including full property buyouts, multi-day shoots, and controlled access to both interior and exterior spaces.

With its combination of architectural authenticity, layered interiors, and diverse filming environments within a single footprint, The Empress offers production teams a highly versatile and visually compelling location.

Details

Style

  • Architectural
  • Gothic
  • Other
  • Victorian

Film Friendly

Yes

Ownership

Private

Number of Floors

3

Square Footage

8000

Ceiling Height

14" to 16"

Permit

Yes, Production permits may be required depending on scope and crew size. Permitting is coordinated with the Arkansas Film Commission and local authorities as needed.

Fees

Yes, Tiered pricing based on scope. Full property buyouts typically range from $6,500–$10,000/day. Rates available upon request.

Site Condition

The Empress of Little Rock is in excellent condition and fully operational as a luxury boutique hotel. The property has been meticulously maintained and preserved, with a strong emphasis on retaining original architectural details while ensuring modern functionality and reliability.

Interior spaces are clean, well-furnished, and production-ready, featuring restored woodwork, period furnishings, and thoughtfully updated systems. Lighting conditions vary naturally throughout the property, with large windows providing strong natural light in many rooms, complemented by warm interior fixtures that enhance the historic atmosphere.

The property offers multiple distinct environments within a single footprint, including formal parlors, dining spaces, guest suites, and outdoor garden areas. The carriage house provides additional flexibility with private-access suites and spa-style environments.

Access is straightforward, with ground-level entry points and the ability to control movement throughout the property depending on production needs. Parking is available on-site and on surrounding streets. The layout allows for separation between production areas and staging if needed.

Ownership is hands-on and experienced in hospitality operations, allowing for efficient coordination, flexible scheduling, and a production-friendly environment.

Filmography

A nationally featured historic mansion with proven on-camera appeal, The Empress of Little Rock, also known as the Hornibrook Mansion (1888), has been showcased on If Walls Could Talk, Porches, and Homes Across America on HGTV. These programs highlighted the property’s architectural significance and richly preserved Victorian character.

The mansion’s Gothic Queen Anne exterior, turreted roofline, wraparound porches, and layered interiors create immediate visual impact on camera. Interior features include grand parlors, ornate woodwork, a sweeping staircase, and period-rich suites, all of which have been utilized for visually driven storytelling and architectural features.

The property has also supported professional photography, editorial content, and branded shoots. Its layout allows for multiple distinct looks within a single location, ranging from historic period settings to refined modern luxury. The surrounding Quapaw Quarter neighborhood extends the visual backdrop with one of the largest collections of preserved Victorian architecture in the South.

The Empress offers a production-friendly environment with flexible access, including full property buyouts, multi-day shoots, and controlled use of both interior and exterior spaces.

Address

2120 S Louisiana St
Little Rock, Arkansas 72206
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Photos

Last Updated: April 2, 2026

Disclaimer

The Arkansas Film Commission is not involved with final approval and/or permission to use a location for a production. Location fees, production shooting restrictions, rules and requirements are negotiated between the production and the specific location.

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