Your page: readers’ emails and letters

DREAMS OF A COUNTRY LIFE SUSTAIN MANY OF OUR READERS, WHILE OTHERS ARE INSPIRED BY THE BUSINESSES STARTED IN RURAL AREAS.

COUNTRY MOVE

After years reading your magazine, 30 in fact, I thought it was time to contact you to tell you how much reading your amazing magazine means to me. I finally sat down to enjoy your 30th birthday issue. Phew, what a busy month it was. Not only was I managing the normal everyday, but my partner was in hospital and I was juggling four kids, one dog and two cats. On top of this, I also had my 30-year school reunion where it was amazing to catch up with old friends. Through all of this, while reading your issue, I realised that I’ve been buying your magazine from the start, since I was 17. I still have many to this day. Living in the country is something I one day hope to do. I’ve been looking at houses in rural areas for many years and after 24 moves, as a Defence family it’s one thing we have planned for us eventually. Your magazine has influenced my current home, family and will continue to do so into my country life one day, hopefully for another 30 years. Maria Parmiter, Carina Heights, Queensland

SEED OF AN IDEA

The story ‘Growing Success’ in your July issue particularly resonated with me and touched my heart. We have just recently purchased a home on a quarter of an acre and I work full-time, with a small seed growing business on the side. To open up the pages and read about how these two amazing women have made their dreams and passion a reality has been an inspiration. I dream of growing , pardon the pun, the business so I too can work from home, doing what I love. Well done ladies, may you continue to succeed, blossom and bloom! I love your magazine — it makes me believe that anything is possible. Catherine Prentice, Nerrina, Victoria

WINNER THANK YOU

I would like to congratulate you all on your 30 years of production. I bought my first copy in 1989 when I returned to Australia after 20 years of expatriate life in various places. I immediately fell in love with your magazine and have been subscribing ever since. And yes, I still have all of them. About 15 years ago, my husband presented me with divorce papers out of the blue. I hadn’t seen it coming and was absolutely devastated. I knew my life had to change drastically — I had been out of the workforce for 35 years. I could no longer afford all the home type magazines, so I had to make a decision. The only one I simply could not part with was my beloved Country Style. It’s a tasteful, timeless magazine and I want to thank your talented team. Also, the wonderful people who so generously share their beautiful homes, gardens, families, travels and lives with city folk like myself. You bring us so much joy from the lovely front cover, right through to Rob Ingram’s funny page at the back. Many thanks again, and please don’t stop! Mary Clark, Chapel Hill, Queensland

Our July cover star Shetland pony Georgie from @black_barn_farm in Stanley, Victoria, proved to be popular with our readers. We also met a couple who found their dream home in Brisbane, trucked it to Lennox Head, NSW, and set about restoring it. We tracked down the best places for you to escape the chill or hit the slopes for a weekend away. Champion golfer @karrie_webb reflected on her idyllic childhood growing up in Ayr, North Queensland. Photography @marniehawson Styling @toni_tandco

Shetland pony Georgie is not just a pretty face. Soon, she will be trained to transport apples around @black_barn_farm on her own little cart. Just finished reading your mag from cover to cover,as I do each month @noreenfinch What a gorgeous Shetland pony. We had one as a kid and it was not front cover material @thestorekeeper.co We didn’t know that this little one was either! @black_barn_farm