not famous, yet known
miss midgley’s is a hidden gem – a discreet luxury guesthouse, established in one of Brisbanes oldest heritage homes.
Our guests are “in the know”. They value privacy, spacious self-contained apartments, serene tropical outdoor courtyards, a dog-friendly welcome, and a location that offers tranquillity and proximity—just a five-minute stroll to Brisbane’s finest attractions.
The location is perfect. In the heart of New Farm, Brisbane’s most desirable suburb, Miss Midgleys sits on James Street, a destination celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally for its unrivalled blend of retail, culture, and lifestyle.
The 160 year old stone building has been transformed into five luxury self contained apartments. Four of the apartments have two bedrooms and the fifth is a glamorous one bedroom studio. Ground floor apartments are dog friendly. Each has air-conditioning, full kitchen, generous bathrooms, a large outdoor private space and a dedicated carpark space. Shared amenities include a heated outdoor pool, petit laundry, book library and bike storage. Whether you’re seeking a short escape or an extended stay, Miss Midgley’s offers the option to book a single apartment or the entire property for private events. Short and long term stays are welcome.
Thoughtful management ensures every detail is covered, with our off-site house manager, James, always available to assist.
Behind this extraordinary offering are Lisa and Isabella White—a mother-and-daughter duo, both with Masters of Architecture from the University of Queensland—whose creative vision has brought this remarkable space to life.
not famous, yet known
miss midgley’s is a hidden gem – a discreet luxury guesthouse, established in one of Brisbanes oldest heritage homes.
Our guests are “in the know”. They value privacy, spacious self-contained apartments, serene tropical outdoor courtyards, a dog-friendly welcome, and a location that offers tranquillity and proximity—just a five-minute stroll to Brisbane’s finest attractions.
The location is perfect. In the heart of New Farm, Brisbane’s most desirable suburb, Miss Midgleys sits on James Street, a destination celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally for its unrivalled blend of retail, culture, and lifestyle.
The 160 year old stone building has been transformed into five luxury self contained apartments. Four of the apartments have two bedrooms and the fifth is a glamorous one bedroom studio. Ground floor apartments are dog friendly. Each has air-conditioning, full kitchen, generous bathrooms, a large outdoor private space and a dedicated carpark space. Shared amenities include a heated outdoor pool, petit laundry, book library and bike storage. Whether you’re seeking a short escape or an extended stay, Miss Midgley’s offers the option to book a single apartment or the entire property for private events. Short and long term stays are welcome.
Thoughtful management ensures every detail is covered, with our off-site house manager, James, always available to assist.
Behind this extraordinary offering are Lisa and Isabella White—a mother-and-daughter duo, both with Masters of Architecture from the University of Queensland—whose creative vision has brought this remarkable space to life.
as featured in…
miss midgley’s story
This building has lived many lives. Its journey began 159 years ago as a private home under the name of Cairncross House; an extremely rare example of colonial architecture built out of Brisbane’s heritage tuff. By the late 1860’s, the nun’s from Sisters of Mercy had converted it into an orphanage. 20 years later, a former premier of Queensland reclaimed it as his home. By this time, it had a new name; St Clair. The building was described as ‘one of the most substantially-built private residences in Brisbane.’ St Clair was used as a private hospital in the 1890’s before being sold to the Midgley family in 1903.
The Midgley family had a daughter – Annie. 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.’
Annie Midgley was an artist and a teacher. She was ambidextrous, could instruct two pupils at the one time and write with both hands simultaneously. She painted in oils and water colours, modelled plaster busts and took up wood carving. Loved by her students, she was meticulously dressed with collars buttoned up the neck and lace up boots that went nearly as high.
116 years after Miss Midgley’s Educational Establishment opened, our story begins.
We knew immediately that Miss Midgley would be our inspiration on the building’s next journey.
miss midgley’s story
This building has lived many lives. Its journey began 159 years ago as a private home under the name of Cairncross House; an extremely rare example of colonial architecture built out of Brisbane’s heritage tuff. By the late 1860’s, the nun’s from Sisters of Mercy had converted it into an orphanage. 20 years later, a former premier of Queensland reclaimed it as his home. By this time, it had a new name; St Clair. The building was described as ‘one of the most substantially-built private residences in Brisbane.’ St Clair was used as a private hospital in the 1890’s before being sold to the Midgley family in 1903.
The Midgley family had a daughter – Annie. 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.’
Annie Midgley was an artist and a teacher. She was ambidextrous, could instruct two pupils at the one time and write with both hands simultaneously. She painted in oils and water colours, modelled plaster busts and took up wood carving. Loved by her students, she was meticulously dressed with collars buttoned up the neck and lace up boots that went nearly as high.
116 years after Miss Midgley’s Educational Establishment opened, our story begins.
We knew immediately that Miss Midgley would be our inspiration on the building’s next journey.
location
New Farm is Brisbane’s most sought after suburb. Encased by the slow winding river, sprinkled with beautiful parklands, peaceful leafy streets and nestled between The City and The Valley (the home of Brisbane’s nightlife) New Farm has carved out its own identity. Don’t miss the New Farm Park Farmers Markets, or sitting riverside at the Powerhouse Museum enjoying a coffee or cocktail. The magnificent New Farm Riverwalk connects the park to the city, offering one of Brisbane’s most iconic views of the Story Bridge with soaring cliffs behind you. The riverwalk is only 10 minutes stroll from miss midgely’s door which leads you through to the vibrant restaurant and nightlife precinct of Howards Smiths Wharves. The real magic of miss midgley’s location is James St itself. James St is now recognised Australias premier shopping and dining precinct – the 5 top rated restaurants in Queensland are here, a stunning array of fashion boutiques and every furniture and homewares showroom worth visiting. Playing host to multiple street festivals, fashion conferences, and eat/drink awards, it has all the amenities you could imagine within a 5 minutes walk. Whatever your fancy, fine dining or pub meals, to cinemas and art galleries – you will find it on James St.
what our guests are saying
Stay up to date
Reimagined heritage accommodation, on James St.