A heritage estate that has defined the Kangaroo Point bend of the Brisbane River for more than 174 years is entering its most ambitious chapter yet, with Capella Hotel Group and Brisbane developer Verso Projects partnering to transform the Shafston House estate into a luxury residential precinct slated for completion in 2029.
The project will become the first branded residence of any kind in Brisbane, and only the third Capella Residences development in the world, joining Seoul and Bangkok.
A site shaped by more than 170 years of Brisbane history
Shafston House began as a single-storey cottage in 1851, one of Brisbane’s earliest private estates, set on a prominent Kangaroo Point bend overlooking New Farm and the river.
The property passed through several notable eras: it served as an Anzac Hostel for servicemen during World War I, was later used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force, and most recently housed Shafston International College until the site was sold in 2020.
Prominent Queensland architect Robin Dods designed the estate’s 1904 additions, building on a legacy that includes Red Hill’s St Brigid’s Church and upgrades to the Brisbane General Hospital.
Taking the site into the future, Kerry Hill Architects will spearhead the design of the new residential tower, drawing on a celebrated Asia-Pacific portfolio of high-end hospitality and luxury residential projects.
Inside the new Shafston precinct
The precinct will restore the historic Shafston House and integrate it with a new residential tower rising 28 storeys, with 51 dwelling units across the development.
Two exclusive River Homes will be constructed along the riverbank, complemented by a private marina, porte cochère, and private basement parking.
Residents will have access to six swimming pools, landscaped gardens, wellness and recreation facilities, and Capella’s signature Living Room — a hospitality-inspired communal space designed to deliver the service standard of a luxury hotel within a private residential setting.
The concept positions the precinct as one where residents are effectively the only guests.
Capella’s track record in Australia
The Singapore-based Capella Hotel Group is already present in Australia through Capella Sydney, its five-star property in the former Department of Education building in the CBD, which has collected international acclaim since opening in 2023.
The Shafston project marks the group’s first residential offering in Australia and extends its philosophy of restoring culturally and historically significant sites.
Verso Projects brings an $8.5 billion development portfolio and more than 6,000 dwellings in its pipeline to the collaboration. Chief Executive Steve Laffey said the partnership was built around a shared commitment to doing justice to the site’s significance.
“We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence,” Laffey said. “By partnering with Capella — globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context — we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination.”
Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane was poised for something significant. “Brisbane is sitting on the cusp of something remarkable,” Fasel said, “and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story.”
Timeline and contact
Private appointments are open now with enquiries via carly@shafstonestate.com.au. A display suite is expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.
Published 8-July-2026
