Sisters Turn 19th-Century Detroit Mansion into a Modern Luxury Inn That Celebrates the Soul of the Motor City

They’re on a mission to make visitors fall in love with Detroit all over again — one stay at a time.

Sisters Francina and Roderica James, proud Detroit natives, have transformed a once-abandoned 19th-century mansion into The Cochrane House Luxury Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast nestled in Detroit’s historic Brush Park neighborhood (WXYZ Detroit). Their dream? To restore beauty to their community while offering travelers an authentic, heartfelt taste of the Motor City.

“It was built in 1870, so the building is over 150 years old,” Roderica recalled. “The construction was scary — the journey was so long — but I guess this is what we were meant to do, because we never quit.”

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Restoring History and Creating Home

The Cochrane House sits in Brush Park, once known as “Little Paris” for its grand Victorian architecture and tree-lined boulevards. In recent years, the area has undergone a cultural rebirth, blending restored historic homes with new galleries, restaurants, and sports venues near Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park (The New York Times).

For the James sisters, opening their inn in this district wasn’t just a business decision — it was a way to preserve the neighborhood’s legacy while adding their own chapter to Detroit’s renaissance.

“This house tells a story,” Francina said. “We wanted to bring back that warmth and elegance but also make it feel like home — not just for us, but for everyone who walks in.”

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Luxury with a Personal Touch

Inside, guests are welcomed into a space that feels both elegant and deeply personal. Each room features a blend of modern design and historic charm — tall ceilings, restored wood floors, and art from local Black Detroit artists (Detroit Free Press).

Every morning begins with homemade breakfast platters, hand-blended bath salts, and small surprises designed to make guests feel like family.

“We meet so many great people,” said Roderica. “The definition of luxury is the personal touch — it’s the love we put into our place.”

Their philosophy has turned The Cochrane House into one of the city’s most beloved boutique accommodations. Reviewers frequently mention the sisters’ warmth, attention to detail, and the feeling that they’re not just guests, but part of something larger — a family rooted in Detroit pride (Forbes Travel).

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Sisters, Business Partners, and Best Friends

Francina and Roderica credit their close bond for the inn’s success. Their teamwork is effortless, built on years of sisterhood and mutual respect.

“I love my sister, but I like my sister too,” Francina laughed. “That’s what makes it work. We share the same goals and we take care of each other.”

“We’ve been best friends all our lives,” added Roderica. “That kind of trust carries through in everything we do.”

The sisters also draw strength from their late mother, who inspired their entrepreneurial spirit. She was instrumental in helping them get the business off the ground before her passing a year after the inn’s opening.

“She helped us put a lot of this together,” Roderica said. “I think she left peacefully because she knew we could take care of each other and carry the dream forward.”

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A Love Letter to Detroit

Beyond offering luxury accommodations, The Cochrane House is an ode to Detroit’s resilience and creativity. The sisters intentionally source their decor and food locally, supporting area businesses and artists. They view their inn not just as a hotel but as a cultural ambassador for a city that has long been misunderstood.

“We’re in love with our city and we want everyone who stays here to feel that,” said Roderica. “People come back again and again — and we tell them, ‘You’re family now.’ Even first-time guests leave here loving Detroit. If we can do that, we’ve done our job.”

Their mission echoes a broader movement in Detroit, where residents are reclaiming and redefining their city’s narrative. Tourism in Detroit has steadily grown over the last decade, with more visitors drawn to its music, architecture, and revitalized downtown scene (CNN Travel).

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Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

As Detroit continues to rebuild its reputation as a hub of culture and innovation, the James sisters are proving that small, heartfelt businesses can make a big impact. Their work has been recognized by local and national outlets for contributing to the city’s growing hospitality scene (The New York Times, Detroit News).

The Cochrane House now stands not only as a haven for travelers but as a symbol of Detroit’s rebirth — blending history, hospitality, and heart under one roof.

“This isn’t just a business,” Francina reflected. “It’s our way of saying, ‘Welcome to Detroit. Let us show you why we love it here.’”