Heavenly Hideaway: St Mary’s Rectory In Kangaroo Point For Rent

St Mary’s Rectory
Photo credit: Heritage Branch staff

Did you know that for $1,300 per week, you can live at St Mary’s Rectory in Kangaroo Point, where two of the most notable women in Queensland’s history once lived? 


Read: St Mary’s: Explore a Beloved Treasure in Kangaroo Point


The rectory, located next to St Mary’s Church, was once home to Lillian Cooper, the State’s first female doctor and her longtime partner, philanthropist Josephine Bedford. In fact, the stained-glass windows at the rectory are a memorial to Cooper’s legacy.

In its 150-year history, it’s been only three times that the rectory has been up for rent. The property, located at 447 Main St, Kangaroo Point, has remained vacant since Rector Gary Harsh retired in 2021.

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St Mary’s Rectory
Photo credit: mcgrath.com.au

In the listing, real estate group McGrath described the property as a “classic and unique residence that offers some of Brisbane’s most expansive and unobstructed panoramic views of the city, river and surrounding suburbs that will remain a permanent fixture of the significant home.”

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“This residence stands as one of Brisbane’s most prestigious and historic addresses and represents the final word in exquisite and stunning riverside living,” the listing reads.

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The four-bedroom property features two bathrooms and two car spaces, an updated kitchen, formal dining room and living room, as well as an oversized master bedroom with updated ensuite.

About the Rectory

St Mary’s Rectory
The rectory c1930 (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

St Mary’s Rectory was constructed in 1889, after the completion of the church hall in the same year.

In 1926, it was purchased by Cooper and Bedford, who renovated it by including a consulting room for Cooper, and a study for Bedford which features a personal library well stocked with books.

St Mary’s Rectory
Josephine Bedford and Lilian Cooper c1900 (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library Queensland)

The rectory is a large single-storeyed brick residence with verandahs on three sides. It stands on brick piers with honeycomb infill and the entry is through a gabled frontispiece. The verandah has timber posts and balusters. A number of bays on the rear verandah add to the complexity of the corrugated roof which is a series of hips and gables.


Read: Meet Lilian Cooper And Josephine Bedford, Notable Women Who Once Lived In Kangaroo Point


The rectory, along with the hall and grounds have been nominated for listing by the Trust and Heritage Commission.