Taking the Brizzy hotel scene by storm following the pandemic has been the mother-daughter duo behind the revitalised stay Miss Midgley’s.

Brought back to life by mother and daughter renovators, Lisa and Isabella White respectively, this 160-year-old building sits on James St. and plays host to a wide variety of travellers. From Instagram-keen travel influencers to elder couples looking for a quaint getaway, the home hosts all craving the opportunity to luxuriate.

The project was named after Annie Midgley, a Brisbane-based artist and teacher who opened a private school in the building in 1905, called Miss Midgley’s Educational Establishment. Drawing on her legacy, the project has a pointed focus on detailed and playful design while conserving some astonishing heritage elements.

Check out what the masterminds behind this spot of sanctuary have to say below!

Travel Weekly: Tell me about what inspired this revitalisation (the architectural influences, the history, preserving the building, etc).

Lisa and Isabella White: It was a 160-year-old stone building, a rare typology for Brisbane with a fascinating back story. The complete state of neglect was intriguing; no one had even painted the building for 70 years. Also, the existing apartment layout was most suitable for a boutique guesthouse, with space for car parks and a pool. A renovator’s dream!

Miss Midgley’s outside

TW: Tell me about a challenge you faced during the revitalisation process.

L & I: The renovation was undertaken during COVID and the supply chain crisis. Buying local Australian products was the secret to our fast-track renovation programme, and is something we are incredibly proud of.

TW: What’s a sustainability initiative being undertaken at Miss Midgley that you both are quite proud of?

L & I: Of course, the adaptive reuse of an existing building is the major metric in the sustainability of our project. Smaller gestures like refillable containers for consumables, loose-leaf tea, drying racks for the verandahs for towels, and we have solar panels being installed this month.

TW: What makes Miss Midgley the spot for a Mother’s Day getaway?

L & I: Apart from the obvious- it’s a very unique and beautiful renovation, in which to luxuriate. Equally, the proximity to the renowned James Street precinct – a mere 5-minute stroll to an array of dining and shopping options – makes staying here a winner for Mother’s Day, because it means no wasted time sitting in traffic or waiting for Ubers! The apartments are also two-bedroom apartments, complete with the versatility of split bedding arrangements, meaning mothers, children, and other guests can relish in an ample space for rest and enjoyment!

Pool at Miss Midgley’s

TW: Tell me about the typical demographics of travellers you see coming into Miss Midgley. How has this changed over the past year?

L & I: Our customer demographic is exceedingly diverse. We cater to travellers who seek pet-friendly accommodation with exclusive ground-floor rooms and secluded courtyards, which is perfect for our four-legged guests. We also have large family groups who book the entire guesthouse (up to 18 people) so they can call Miss Midgley’s their own during family weddings, birthdays or celebrations. Corporate travel has also been very strong, especially within the larger apartments with full kitchen facilities suiting longer-term stays.

TW: Have you found people coming to Brisbane just for Miss Midgleys?

L & I: Yes, we have a terrific Instagram feed that documented the whole renovation process and many people were very engaged with the transformation and have travelled to experience the fabulous finished product themselves. It’s definitely becoming a bit of a destination accommodation spot, and all the amazing things do to in Brisbane that are just a stones throw away are just a bonus!

Featured Image: Left to right – Isabella and Lisa White