Is Miss Midgley’s one of Brisbane’s best hidden gems?

Miss Midgley’s is situated in a 160-year-old building, transformed from one of Brisbane’s oldest heritage homes.

Over the course of 12 months, Miss Midgley’s was carefully restored by owners and designers, Lisa and Isabella White. The mother and daughter duo took care to maintain the heritage character of the building, transforming it into a luxury stay for discerning travellers. The hotel was named after Annie Midgley, an artist and teacher who opened a private school in the building in 1905. Drawing on Annie’s legacy as a passionate creative, the revitalisation was inspired by her playful design and vibrant energy. The property is much loved by guests, reflecting the current trend of travellers seeking out boutique accommodation in suburban settings to ensure authentic experience of the city. 

The facts

Traveller: Lisa O’Brien 

Room: Principal’s Office 

Address: 135 James St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 

Date: November 2025 

Best for: Miss Midgely’s is a much-loved but private hotel, treasured by lovers of artful interiors. It is perfect for travellers seeking a boutique but characterful stay to explore the creativity and design highlights of contemporary Brisbane.  The hotel is also a preferred stay for design lovers and arts enthusiasts. 

The Signature factor

A property for those that 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 concept 

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, a 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. 

First impressions 

Just a short 2 km drive out of the CBD, you might be mistake Miss Midgley’s for a beautiful house. However, once you pull into the pebbled driveway, you know you have arrived at Brisbane’s most stylish boutique stay, and one of the chicest boutique hotels in all of Queensland. Miss Midgley’s is a playfully eclectic and uber-stylish hotel in the heart of cosmopolitan New Farm. 

The room

The former Principal’s Office has been completely reimagined as a one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment. The bedroom features a king-sized bed and a retractable curtain wall that introduces a sense of dramatic theatre to the space, drawing attention to the exceptional original 10-metre stone wall and creating the feeling of stepping back in time. The bathroom is well-appointed with dual basins and a separate toilet. A folding glass wall opens the apartment onto a private, dog-friendly courtyard and sunken garden, with direct access to the stunning pool area. With a generous deck and a functional kitchen, the former Principal’s Office is ideally suited to two guests or those travelling solo.

Top suite

During my stay, I couldn’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be to experience this property with the whole family, truly a special treat. Book all five of Miss Midgley’s apartments and enjoy exclusive use of the house, which accommodates up to 18 guests in total. Each apartment includes a private bathroom, kitchenette, lounge, and dining area. The ground-floor apartments feature outdoor spaces and are dog-friendly, while the upstairs apartments offer balconies and are pet-free. Guests can enjoy the luxurious garden pool, a shared amenity, along with a compact communal laundry. Each apartment includes one off-street parking space, with secure access provided via a smart keypad lock and individual code.

On my plate

New Farm is home to an impressive array of dining options, and Miss Midgley’s is just a short Uber ride or leisurely stroll from Fortitude Valley and the Brisbane CBD. That said, once settled into our beautiful apartment, we found little reason to leave. The kitchen creates a welcoming space to stock up on local produce, cook with ease, and unwind while enjoying the calm, restorative atmosphere that Miss Midgley’s so thoughtfully provides.

Highlights from the mini-bar

No detail has been overlooked. The mini-bar features everything from Nutra Organics* collagen powders and beautifully curated herbal teas to a much-loved Australian classic, Ice VoVo biscuits.

I wish I could take home…

What truly captured my attention was the striking collection of artworks displayed throughout the property. I later discovered they were created by Isabella, the daughter of the mother-and-daughter duo behind this extraordinary offering. With a Master of Architecture from the University of Queensland, her creative vision has played a key role in bringing this remarkable space to life. If I could take her design talent home with me, I would without hesitation.

Staying in

Miss Midgley’s offers a serene, tropical outdoor atmosphere, with thoughtfully designed courtyards and generous outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. Despite its proximity to the city, the property feels worlds away from the urban bustle. Shared amenities include a heated outdoor pool, where you could easily forget you are just minutes from the Brisbane CBD and instead feel immersed in a tranquil tropical retreat.

Stepping out

New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs. Framed by the gently winding river, dotted with beautiful parklands, and characterised by peaceful, leafy streets, it sits perfectly between the CBD and Fortitude Valley, the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife, while maintaining a distinct identity of its own.

Be sure to visit the New Farm Park Farmers Markets, or spend time riverside at the Powerhouse, enjoying a coffee or cocktail. The spectacular New Farm Riverwalk connects the park to the city and offers one of Brisbane’s most iconic views, with the Story Bridge ahead and dramatic cliffs rising behind you.

The Riverwalk is just a ten-minute stroll from Miss Midgley’s door and leads directly to the vibrant dining and nightlife precinct of Howard Smith Wharves. However, the true magic of Miss Midgley’s location is James Street itself. Widely recognised as Australia’s premier shopping and dining precinct, James Street is home to Queensland’s top-rated restaurants, an exceptional selection of fashion boutiques, and the state’s most coveted furniture and homewares showrooms.

Regularly hosting street festivals, fashion events, and food and drink awards, James Street offers every imaginable amenity within a five-minute walk. Whether your preference is fine dining or relaxed pub meals, cinemas or art galleries, you’ll find it all on James Street.

Green thumbs up

Miss Midgley’s is on its way to becoming one of Brisbane’s most sustainable accommodation options. Repurposing this heritage building is the greatest energy saver of all and sets a model for sustainable development into the future. Restored operable windows and doors encourage passive ventilation, reducing reliance on air conditioning. The one-metre-thick stone walls provide excellent thermal efficiency, and the existing ceiling spaces have been insulated to further lower energy consumption. The pool deck and rear balconies are constructed from recycled plastic decking, while the tiles surrounding the pool are made entirely from recycled materials. Solar panels and battery storage have also been installed, helping to reduce reliance on grid electricity and further supporting the property’s sustainability initiatives.

Final verdict

This stay was truly special. I loved learning about the building’s history and seeing the many reclaimed items that reflect its long and colourful past. You can read a little about the building’s story here. I am already planning to return with my family and book the entire property, there are so many memories to be made within a building that holds such rich history.