Welcome To The Copper Iris A Bed And Breakfast

		Welcome to the Copper Iris A Bed and Breakfast


Welcome to the Copper Iris Built around 1850 as the house for the farm and barn across the road, The Copper Iris still retains its country elegance and hospitality, while providing charming accommodations in a convenient location. Within an hour's drive are the wineries of the Finger Lakes; the beautiful sights of Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton; Cornell, Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland and numerous other colleges; and world famous State Parks, ski areas, lakes, trails and our fabulous fall foliage. Weekend morning enjoy a full country breakfast with great home cooking in pleasant surroundings. Weekdays, relax with a leisurely continental breakfast as you enjoy the house and stroll through the extensive gardens. A variety of accommodations are available with private and shared bath. Thank you for making The Copper Iris your home in the Finger Lakes Region.
		What is a Bed and Breakfast This may be your first visit to a Bed and Breakfast, or you may be a B&B veteran. If you have stayed at a number of B&Bs you know they are as varied as snowflakes... no two are exactly alike. We are considered an occasional Bed and Breakfast. This house is primarily our home and we invite you, our guests to share in its rich heritage and warm hospitality. Our love of entertaining new friends makes The Copper Iris our avocation, not our vocation. Our guests feel comfortable being part of the family for a while, enjoying the house and grounds, learning of the area and attractions, and savoring the smells and tastes of home cooking.

If you have any questions or you would like more information
please contact Peter & Nancy O'Connell, Louie Larson at the
Copper Iris Bed and Breakfast.

Email Address
copperiris@hotmail.com
Our email is often overwhelmed with requests and questions
so please call for a faster response. Thanks

Mailing Address
The Copper Iris Bed & Breakfast
3718 West Road
Cortland, NY 13045



History of The Copper Iris In 1850 the surrounding area was all farmland and Agur Williams build the barn and house that is now the Copper Iris. The farm was in the Pope family from 1859 to 1938 when George Brockway, of Brockway Trucks bought the house and farm to raise prize Ayrshire Cattle. The farm was very successful and its cattle were among the finest Ayrshire in the country. The milk from the cows was sold under the name of Willow Brook Farms. A bottle from the time is in the kitchen. George never lived in the house but had an office in the front room. His farm manager, Willard Walker occupied the house and eventually bought it and the farm. The story that old timers tell is that after trying to donate the farm to Cornell and being told that he would have to donate an additional $50,000 to help maintain it, Brockway came back to Cortland upset and asked Walker for a dollar. "The farm is now yours", Brockway said. Walker's son visited a few years back. When asked about the story he said he didn't know how true it was, but they had all wondered how his father had come up with the money to buy it! The house never had a fireplace but does have a "smoke room" in the cellar to smoke meats. The "Doll House Room" has recently been restored. It showcases the post and beam construction, the plank walls and original wide plank floorboards salvaged from the third floor.

Directions to The Copper Iris The Copper Iris is conveniently located mid-way between Syracuse and Binghamton, NY, just off Interstate 81. Take 81 North from Binghamton, or South from Syracuse to exit 12. Drive all the way to the traffic light at the end of the exit and turn left on Route 281. The Copper Iris is 3 miles South on 281 on the left. From Ithaca, take Route 13 North through Dryden to Cortland. Take 281 At the A&W where 13 veers to the right. Go 1-1/2 miles north, across the Railroad tracks. The Copper Iris is the white house with the big fence, across 281 from Country Inn and Suites. There is no sign.