Country Living

A few weeks ago, I went fly-fishing for the first time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My husband, children, and I took to Caney Fork Creek just outside of Cashiers, North Carolina, with the friendly folks at Brookings Anglers. On the way there, as we wound through the curvy mountain roads, I wondered whether this would turn out to be one of those family outings that’s better in theory than reality. Would we catch anything? Would it be cold? Would I lose my footing on the rocks and fall into the river and get water in my waders? (Spoiler alert: Yes, yes, and—I regret to inform you—yes.) I realize life is already stuffed to the gills with fishing metaphors, so forgive me as I further stock the pond. Like many fly-fishing…

1 Escaping to a cozy cabin where the Wi-Fi is spotty but the water is crystal clear (Peek inside more cabins on pg. 82.) 2 The humble beauty of a tire swing hanging from a sturdy branch—and all the free-range frolicking it represents 3 Biting into your first tomato sandwich of the summer (For recipes, see pg. 56.) 4 Flinging open every window to capture that breezy bucolic bliss 5 How the joy of hopping across hay bales exceeds any thrill to be found at a trampoline park 6 Cruising back roads with the music up and your canine companion by your side 7 Pondering all the potential—cobbler? cocktails?—of the carton you scored from your favorite roadside farmstand 8 Toasting the end of a fun-filled day with a sunset-watching session on the porch Follow us on Instagram @countrylivingmag…

A door, by definition, is a barrier. But a screen door? That’s an invitation. It’s a way to remain reachable—to keep the outside world within hollering distance, even when you’re safely ensconced away from midsummer heat as the kids play hopscotch or cartwheel through the sprinkler. These country house staples were born out of practicality—the earliest versions were made of cheesecloth to keep insects at bay—but we suspect they’d still find their place in a world without pests. A screen door makes it possible to savor the sound of crickets chirping as the light fades, or to relish the balmy breeze of a rainy afternoon. What’s more welcome than the late-night creeeeak that signifies a loved one has safely returned home? Even the loudest of thwacks shouldn’t be met with…

1 CHARACTER BUILDER Board-and-Batten Siding Because his grandfather’s original cabin that sat on the property couldn’t be saved, homeowner Jim Rasberry sketched out a plan for his family’s new retreat with a look that honored the nostalgic old structure. Design details such as board-and-batten siding and a metal roof give the exterior that been-around-forever feel. “We wanted it to be an ode to the old cabin,” says Jim’s wife, Mallorie. 2 CHARM FACTOR Advertising Signage Popular throughout the 20th century, hand-painted metal signs can weather the elements and stand in as artwork to help an outdoor space feel more like a room. If you don’t mind a little rust, you can find good options at antiques malls for less than $200. 3 AMERICAN-MADE Lynx Grill Just up the road from Laurel in Greenwood, Mississippi, Lynx (lynxgrills.com) makes customizable…

Why We Love Them Their Homespun History: American quilting is rooted in the 18th century’s needlework tradition. Early quilters, usually women, pieced together humble fabric remnants into beautifully patterned, hand-sewn quilts for both utilitarian use in their own homes and as commemorative works to document a special event or to gift a new bride. Wealthier quilters turned to Europe’s finest fabric houses for more fanciful material. They’re a Community Builder: Quilting bees have long been a space for fellowship, celebration, and entrepreneurship. As women were left out of America’s developing economy, quilting bees and formal quilting collectives gave women a chance at economic independence. Notably, the prolific Freedom Quilting Bee, founded by Black crafters in rural Alabama and which ran from 1966 to 2012, was vital to the economic success of women in the…

$599,000 O’Fallon, MO 4 BR; 2 BA; 2,940 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This impressive Queen Anne Victorian pairs intricately carved woodwork, like its grand staircase, with a country kitchen outfitted with a farmhouse sink and replica 1900s castiron stove. The stall barn and 2.5 acres of fenced pasture make the property perfect for horses or other livestock. AGENT: Christine Williams; buysellbuildstl.com WORK REQUIRED: The CL Fixer-Upper Scale MOVE-IN READY NEEDS MINOR IMPROVEMENTS INVEST IN A DECENT DRILL PUT THAT CONTRACTOR ON SPEED DIAL $459,000 Lexington, GA 4 BR; 3 BA; 4,750 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Nestled on close to two acres in a historic district, this Federal-style home sits amongst garden beds, fruit and nut trees, and a chicken coop. The interior’s restored period details, like the heart-pine floors, pocket doors, and carved mantels, shine like new. AGENT: Michael…