Introducing one of Ottawa's most distinguished and storied residences-"Valley View," located at 2011 Caton Road. Nestled on 4+ private acres atop the North Bluff, this extraordinary estate blends rich American history with modern luxury, all within close proximity to Ottawa's charming and vibrant downtown. Located just 90 minutes southwest of Chicago, Ottawa sits at the scenic confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, serving as the gateway to Starved Rock Country-a region renowned for natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Originally constructed in 1842, prior to the Civil War, for T. Lyle Dickey-a prominent attorney and eventual friend of Abraham Lincoln-the home holds remarkable historical significance. According to Dickey's descendants, Lincoln himself visited Valley View on multiple occasions. Today, subtle nods to this legacy remain, including curated historical photographs and preserved architectural details throughout the sprawling 5,500 square foot, 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom estate. From the moment you enter through the gated drive, you're met with the serenity of mature trees and manicured grounds. Entering the main level through the foyer reveals the home's grandeur: a stately formal living room with its original fireplace mantel, a spacious and light-filled sunroom, and an elegant library with fireplace. One of two primary suites is located on this level, complete with en-suite bath and bonus room. A hidden front courtyard entrance welcomes you into the heart of the home-featuring a chef's kitchen fully remodeled with Thermador double ovens, gas range, warming drawer, a custom Sub-Zero refrigerator, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and an island. A spacious bar room with beverage fridge, wine fridge, and ample storage offers effortless entertaining. The adjacent formal dining room retains original wallpaper and is flooded with natural light from three sets of French doors that open to the patio. This level also includes a comfortable bedroom and full bath, a home office, cozy family room, laundry, and access to the estate's indoor saltwater pool. Surrounded by French doors, skylights, and picture windows, the pool area allows year-round enjoyment and connects seamlessly to the heated 4-car garage with workshop and utility sink. On the third floor, the second primary suite includes a private balcony with breathtaking views over the gardens, ponds, and the town of Ottawa below-earning the estate its name, Valley View. Hand-painted closet doors preserve the character and craftsmanship of the era, while a spacious en-suite bath has been updated for modern convenience. Two more bedrooms and an additional full bath complete this level. Outdoors, the estate's grounds rival botanical gardens-featuring stone pathways, koi ponds, waterfalls, a walking bridge, fire pit, and multiple terraced patios offering panoramic and commanding views of the Illinois River Valley. Every corner invites peaceful reflection or lively gatherings. Come experience this rare blend of history, elegance, and nature in the heart of Illinois' most picturesque region-Valley View is more than a home; it's a legacy.
Active
$1,500,000
2011 Caton Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
5beds
5,050sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1842
4.25 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$297/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Original fireplace mantelKoi pondsManicured groundsStone pathwaysIndoor saltwater poolPrivate balconyPrivate acres
- 160 days |
- 1,340 |
- 53 |
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: August 11, 2025 at 10:06pm
Listing courtesy of:
Colleen Burns 815-252-7096,
Heritage Select Realty,
Debbie Burns 815-228-1034,
Heritage Select Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12399639
Tour with a local agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 5
Rooms
- Room types: Bedroom 5, Breakfast Room, Office, Library, Bonus Room, Heated Sun Room, Foyer
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Third
- Area: 260 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X20
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Third
- Area: 182 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X14
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Third
- Area: 154 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11X14
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 247 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X19
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 121 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11X11
Bar entertainment
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 100 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10X10
Bonus room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 48 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 6X8
Breakfast room
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 90 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9X10
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 273 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X21
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X15
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 120 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8X15
Other
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 240 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X20
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Pantry-Closet, Breakfast Room), Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 260 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X20
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 180 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X15
Library
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 306 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X18
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 572 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X26
Office
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 169 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X13
Heating
- Radiant
Cooling
- Wall Unit(s)
Appliances
- Included: Double Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Bar Fridge, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator, Cooktop, Oven, Water Softener Owned, Gas Cooktop
- Laundry: Main Level
Features
- 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Historic/Period Mlwk, Granite Counters, Separate Dining Room, Replacement Windows
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Windows: Replacement Windows
- Basement: Unfinished,Partial
- Number of fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Living Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 5,050 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 4
- Parking features: Concrete, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, On Site, Garage Owned, Attached, Garage
- Attached garage spaces: 4
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 3
- Patio & porch: Roof Deck, Patio, Porch, Deck
- Exterior features: Balcony, Outdoor Grill, Fire Pit
- Pool features: In Ground, Indoor
Lot
- Size: 4.25 Acres
Details
- Additional parcels included: 2102107025
- Parcel number: 2102107022
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Colonial
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stucco, Plaster
- Roof: Slate
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1842
- Major remodel year: 1995
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Circuit Breakers
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Ottawa
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $297/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $765,699
- Annual tax amount: $27,670
- Date on market: 8/6/2025
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/6/2025 | Listed for sale | $1,500,000$297/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12399639 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $26,286 +9.2% | $255,233 +11.7% |
| 2023 | $24,060 +8.7% | $228,438 +10.2% |
| 2022 | $22,136 +5.9% | $207,332 +6.7% |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$10,743/mo
Principal & interest
$7393
Property taxes
$2825
Home insurance
$525
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 61350
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Jefferson Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-4Distance: 0.5 mi
- 4/10Shepherd Middle SchoolGrades: 7-8Distance: 2.9 mi
- 4/10Ottawa Township High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1.3 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Jefferson Elementary: K-4th Grad
- Middle: Central Elementary: 5th And 6th
- High: Ottawa Township High School
- District: 141
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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