Brisbane heritage dwelling opens as Miss Midgley’s
One of Brisbane’s oldest heritage dwellings has been lovingly converted into chic new accommodation titled Miss Midgley’s.
The two-storey, James Street property in New Farm was first constructed more than 160 years ago and is a rare example of Brisbane colonial architecture. It’s just a short stroll from here to Brisbane’s most popular precincts, including James St, New Farm Park and Howard Smith Wharves – as well as cycling trails and Brisbane River walkways.
The owners and brains behind the thoughtful restoration project is a mother and daughter duo, Lisa and Isabelle White. Both women hold a Masters of Architecture from the University of Queensland. I love the fact that the pair has gone to incredible lengths to preserve the origins and history of the building, which was built from Brisbane’s famous ‘tuff’ stone, while at the same time introducing contemporary elements.
The chosen colour and material palette takes inspiration from Brisbane’s famous stone, with rusts, pinks and browns used throughout. A corten steel front fence has been added without detracting from the stone as the hero feature.
The building has served many purposes over the years, including as an orphanage in the 1860s and a private hospital in the 1890s before being sold to the Midgley family in 1903. The Midgley’s daughter Anne, an artists and teacher, converted her family home into a private school in 1905 to aid the overcrowding at New farm state school across the road, opening the ‘Miss Midgley’s Educational Establishment’.
Lisa and Isabella White chose to name their new project in honour of Annie Midgley, who painted in oils and water colours, modelled plaster busts and took up wood carving. The popular teacher was said to always be meticulously dressed.
Today, Miss Midgley’s features four, two-bedroom self-contained apartments and one, one-bedroom apartment. All apartments are air-conditioned with a private outdoor space. An outdoor pool is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a small sun deck, with vintage-style fringed umbrellas provided in each apartment for lounging around in the sun.
The three apartments on the ground floor are pet-friendly with outdoor courtyards. The entire property, and its 18 beds, can be booked by the one group.
All images supplied by Miss Midgley’s.
