Your page: readers’ emails and letters

THIS MONTH, OUR READERS SHARE HOW COUNTRY STYLE HAS BECOME A PART OF THEIR LIVES AND INSPIRED THEM TO MAKE THEIR DREAM HOMES A REALITY.

FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER

I would like to compliment the Country Style team on your inspirational magazine. I recently met one of your writers, Claire Mactaggart, on a flight to Broome and we discussed many topics. Claire mentioned a story about Mollymook she had written. I was so interested in her stories and writing that I bought the July issue of Country Style. I was also pleasantly surprised to read about Soul of Gerringong, also not far from where I live. I was captivated for hours, reading it from front to back. The stories were so uplifting and the photography made you feel as if you were sitting in people’s homes or standing right there in the landscapes. I purchased the latest issue and again enjoyed all the stories and scenery. I now follow County Style on Instagram and enjoy looking at and reading the posts. Claire is a wonderful advocate for your magazine and I will be a regular reader and look forward to future issues of Country Style. Julie Sunderland, SHELL COVE, NSW

A NEW CHAPTER

I live at Ocean View near Mount Mee, in Queensland. When people ask me where I live I tell them: “I live in heaven.” Trouble is, now I am ageing, I am acutely aware that I need to move from my home. Where do you go when you live in heaven? I know, I need to dig deep and be grateful that I have had the pleasure of 26 years here and focus on my new journey in a new place. Right now I am not quite ready. When I do move I know I will have my Country Style under my arm. I have been purchasing my favourite magazine every month for almost 30 years. I still have every copy. I am also aware that I need to part with them, too. Your magazine has always given me so much pleasure, thank you. Jo-anne Brodie, OCEAN VIEW, QUEENSLAND

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

I haven’t even read all through your July edition, but had to jump on the computer and tell you how wonderful the two stories of people’s dream homes are, one at Gerringong and the other at Newham. They are entirely different home styles and places showing two beautiful parts of Australia. You don’t have to get into a plane and chase other parts of the world when we have it so good in our own backyard. Through your magazine I am feeling re-energised because I could be taken somewhere beautiful without having to travel there. Jenny Jones, TEA GARDENS, NSW

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS

A few months ago, I was reminded by a display at my local library that May 21–27 was Volunteer Week. I would like to thank the volunteers at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, for their help and support when my father was admitted to intensive care with a potentially fatal brain aneurysm last year. During this distressing period, a group of warm hearts had anticipated and provided for our every need. You were angels in everyday clothes, helping in countless practical ways. Most of all, I was touched by the thoughtfulness of whoever attended to the waiting rooms. On an early visit I stumbled into one room to find recent copies of Country Style carefully placed on a coffee table with a fresh vase of flowers, looking like it had just emerged from the cover. This

spoke peace and comfort to me, and I knew my father was in a place where he would be well looked after. Dad is now recovered, and I have realised that the way to reach volunteers with my thanks is the way they reached me — through Country Style. Thank you for your thoughtful touch. You might not know what it means to us as we rush past dazed and preoccupied, but if you are reading this, be assured that we could not cope without you. Louise Thomas, MOUNT BARKER, SA

WINNER COUNTRY DREAMING

Country Style magazine first graced my life six years ago as a gift from my husband Ian. I enjoyed its arrival, methodically consuming it as soon as I could. The magazines are displayed on my coffee table and I seldom leave home without one in my bag. The country blood in my DNA rejoiced, as I was inspired by the biographies, recipes, Country Emporium, gardening, reading recommendations, shopping guides and the photographs and stories of real people. I dreamt of one day moving to a country property, surrounded by our beautiful Australian gums and diverse landscapes. Recently Ian and I took the plunge and purchased a property north-east of Adelaide. Next came the onerous task of decluttering 24 years of accumulated family living from the lovely home we had built, loved and raised our four children. This mammoth task was accomplished, and was worth every effort. Our new property includes sheep that have produced the cutest lambs. The birdlife is exciting and the aura of our new home radiates peace — it’s like living in the middle of a beautiful botanical garden. Our increased family of 10 children, including our daughters-in-law and grandchildren, thoroughly enjoy the backyard cricket, walking tracks,

garden, views, fruit trees, sheep and lambs — complete with fresh air and rainwater. The glorious sunrises are spectacular as well as the clear night skies, stars and brilliant moon. We feel very happy to have made the decision to move to greener pastures and we are excited at what the future holds. I continue to be inspired by Country Style issues as they arrive, lovingly addressed to ‘Mumsy’ as an intimate reminder of the special subscription gift from our beloved daughter. My new lifestyle has enriched my affinity with your beautiful magazine and the fascinating people within its colourful pages. Kerryn Lloyd, YATTALUNGA, SA

For our July Travel Issue cover, we visited @soulofgerringong farmhouse and were met by local kelpie, Red, who had wandered up with his owner Josh from Fern Street Kiosk. We also took a look inside a seaside Danish holiday home nestled on the edge of a forest and a weatherboard farmhouse in Rockley NSW. Plus, in our Holiday Hunter series we visited the coast of Mexico with photographer @nicolasevitt, while @katie_quinn_d took us on a roadtrip along the west coast of Ireland. Photography @markroperphotography Styling @jessicahansonstylist

An original feature of @soulofgerringong, a classic farmhouse on the NSW South Coast (also on our July cover, right), this basalt fireplace was hidden under render until owners Simone and Ben Mathews undertook a major renovation last year. Follow us on Instagram @countrystylemag INSTAGRAM

Chef @russellchinn of Cupitt’s Kitchen, near Ulladulla, NSW, shared his rhubarb clafoutis with lavender cream in the July issue. “The combination of heavy batter, tart rhubarb and sweet lavender cream make this dessert perfect for the colder months,” says Russell. Photography @markroperphotography Styling @lee_blaylock