Who would expect a 19th-century mansion in Detroit’s historic Brush Park, built in 1870, to transform into a stunning five-star Bed & Breakfast?
What’d more, it’s owned by two sisters – native Detroiters who originally had a very different vision for the home when they purchased it in 2010.
But fate had other plans, and what started as an unexpected pivot has become a beloved luxury B&B with a waitlist stretching months in advance.
FRANCINA AND RODERICA JAMES
Here is their story…
Sisters Francina and Roderica James were investing in Detroit real estate in the early 2000s when they stumbled upon the historic Italianate-style mansion on Winder Street. Their initial plan? To use the home as the headquarters for their mother’s tutoring company, possibly creating a children’s center in the process.
However, zoning regulations didn’t allow for that kind of establishment. What was permitted? A Bed & Breakfast.
“It lit a bit of a fire under us,” Francina recalls. “We didn’t have any experience in hospitality, but the idea of creating a space that truly represents Detroit—one that reflects our own upbringing – just felt right.”
And so, they took a leap, purchased the home, and never looked back.
Restoring the mansion into a five-star luxury B&B was no easy feat. The sisters took on a full-scale renovation – one that tested their patience, endurance, and finances.
“The original design of the first floor was chopped up into five separate rooms, so we took down all the walls to create a more open, airy space with a continuous flow,” explained Francina.
The process took over five years and was filled with stops and starts due to budget constraints. But their real estate knowledge worked in their favor – they leveraged investment properties to fund their dream.
“This was during the foreclosure crisis, and we were able to invest strategically to get the house completed,” Francina explains.
The Cochrane House is not just a B&B – it’s a reflection of Detroit itself. Every detail, from the decor to the guest experience, is intentionally curated to celebrate the city’s rich history, Black culture, and artistic legacy.
FIRST FLOOR
“We wanted it to feel like home – similar to the home we grew up in,” Francina shares. “Most of the furnishings and artwork are African American-inspired. There’s always incense burning, lights dimmed, music playing – it’s an experience.”
Each of the three guest rooms…The Melodic Room, The Jazz Fusion Room, and The Rhythm Section Lounge Suite pays homage to Detroit’s music scene and its vibrant cultural history.
Guests can also find touches of Detroit throughout the house, including:
- Artwork by Detroit muralist Desiree Kelly, featuring Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, the historic Black entertainment district where the B&B now sits.
- Renderings of Detroit icons like Marvin Gaye and Anita Baker.
- Detroit-made snacks, including Better Made chips and Faygo pop , in every room.
For Francina and Roderica, it’s all about making guests feel at home.
“Guests can text us at any time, and there is no curfew,” she explains. “ And if a toothbrush is forgotten or more towels are needed, everything is at the ready.”
GUEST ROOM
It’s this attention to detail and personal touch that keeps guests coming back—and keeps their calendar booked months in advance.
One of the Cochrane House’s most beloved offerings is its breakfast experience.
“We serve a fresh, homemade breakfast to each guest’s room,” Francina says. “It’s like breakfast in bed—but elevated.”
From gluten-free options to locally sourced ingredients, every meal is crafted with thoughtfulness and care.
While the B&B was a success from the start, the sisters have refined the experience over time.
“When we first opened, we were still figuring out what guests wanted,” Francina explains. “We tested out different room packages, adjusted the decor, and added modern touches while keeping the historic charm intact.”
One significant change? Upgrading the beds.
“Some rooms originally didn’t have king-sized beds, but we got so many requests for them that we made sure to incorporate them,” she says.
Beyond the beautiful space itself, one of The Cochrane House’s biggest draws is its location.
“People want to be within walking distance of major events,” Francina says. “We’re right across from Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena—so whether it’s a concert, a game, or a festival, guests love the convenience.”
And when visitors want to venture beyond the stadiums, the sisters act as personalized tour guides, sharing their favorite Detroit gems—from Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the oldest jazz club in America, to Lou’s Deli, a local institution.
BATHROOM
And while The Cochrane House attracts plenty of sports fans in and around Michigan, they’ve also welcomed guests from around the world.
“We’ve had visitors from Hong Kong, Australia – you name it,” Francina says. “Some travelers prefer a cozy, intimate experience over a big hotel, and that’s what we offer.”
For Francina and Roderica, what started as an unexpected business venture has become a deeply personal journey—one rooted in family, culture, and community.
Through vision, perseverance, and a love for their city, they’ve created something truly special—a place that doesn’t just welcome visitors but immerses them in the soul of Detroit.
And if the months-long waitlist is any indication, guests agree.
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