Steps from Brisbane’s James Street dining & retail precinct is one of the city’s oldest homes – and one of its newest guest houses.
Miss Midgley’s is a 160-year-old heritage residence that’s been transformed into a boutique, luxury hotel. And it’s child and dog- friendly!
This elegant home-away-from-home is the vision of mother-daughter-duo, Lisa and Izzie White. Both talented ladies studied architecture at the same university, 30 years apart – which may come as no surprise when you witness the spectacular restoration and design work.
Heritage ceilings float above new granite and brass kitchens.
Izzie’s artwork sits beside century-old, hand-painted wallpaper & uncovered brick
And the stylish furniture and decor is pretty in pink, next to convict-quarried Brisbane Tuff stone.
The ladies have created a unique blend of nostalgia and luxury comfort, across 5 self-contained apartments.
“I’ve been so proud to be a part of restoring a little bit of the community that I’ve lived in for the last five years,” says Izzie.
The building’s past is as colourful as its façade.
It started as a private home called Cairncross House before being converted it into an orphanage by the Sisters of Mercy nuns in the late 1860’s.
Twenty years later, a former premier of Queensland reclaimed it as his home and named the residence St Clair.
St Clair was used as a private hospital in 1890’s before being sold to the Midgley family in1903. Daughter Annie Midgley converted her family home into a private school to aid the overcrowding at New Farm State School across the road. She called it ‘Miss Midgley’s Educational Establishment.’
When Lisa and Izzie heard the story of the remarkable Miss Midgley, they knew that they had to name the place in her honour and pay homage to her amazing reputation.
“We really connected with her, once we started finding out about her. She was an artist and educator… she was ambidextrous – she could write with both hands… and she was quite the living legend in the community,” says Izzie.
Honouring history went hand in hand with adding modern comfort including a heated pool, shared laundry, book library and bike storage.
The five self-contained apartments are sprawled across two stories and are a nod to the building’s former school days.
The Assembly Hall, Drawing Room, Refectory and Locker Room are all two bedrooms (a win for families and groups!). The downstairs Principal’s Office is the only apartment with one bedroom, and has a spacious rear deck and direct access to the pool.
Every room offers something unique, so there’s a new experience every time you visit!
Izzie and Lisa wanted to create accommodation where they themselves would stay – so they made the three downstairs apartments pooch-friendly.
Should you be tempted beyond the front door, New Farm Park, Riverwalk and James Street fashion and dining are a stroll away (treats from Sprout Artisan Bakery are perfect on the deck).
Miss Midgley’s is also walking distance to Queensland’s top 7 restaurants.
While there is so much to do nearby, Izzie says guests feel so at home they almost don’t want to leave.
“We often get guests grabbing takeout and coming back. It’s a funny thing because it’s so close to everything, you’d think you’d be out all the time. But we’ve had quite a few comments saying you just really want to stay in, which has been totally lovely.”
Miss Midgley’s in Brisbane’s New Farm is fabulous for a short city break or extended stay. You can book one apartment, or the entire house for a special event or celebration.
We have a feeling Miss Midgley would approve of Lisa and Izzie’s restoration.
It’s an A+ from us.
