Country Style April 2022

Regional restaurants play an important role in their local communities. In many cases, they act as the go-between for producers and the general public, showcasing the best ingredients and wine from the area. By putting it onto the forks and into the glasses of their guests, they get people talking about where the produce came from and, in turn, increase awareness about the amazing work that farmers and winemakers do, all at the mercy of Mother Nature. This is definitely how Tedesca Osteria works. The 30-seat restaurant on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is “connected to land and region, with a menu driven by local produce”. They also offer onsite accommodation – true destination dining. See our story and delicious recipes on page 116. We also visit micro-dairy How Now in Katamatite, northern…

MONIQUE LOVICK Orange local Monique enjoyed photographing Emily and Ed Swift’s stunning garden on page 106. “Our favourite part about living here is the distinct seasons,” says Monique, 31, of her home in Orange, NSW, where she grew up and where she returned in 2015 after a stint in London. “We have the most beautiful vineyards, farms, orchards, restaurants and shops.” Monique’s partner, Leigh, and their sons Luca, four, and Reuben, two, love rural life – the family has two golden retrievers, Baxter and Chester, and six silkie chickens. Monique has been a professional photographer for two years, and loves it: “The opportunity to travel means I get to capture and connect with wonderful people and places.” BELLE HEMMING Stylist Belle works on many of Country Style’s stories, and in this issue styled homes…

GOOD FOR THE SOUL Like coming to an oasis in the desert – that is how I would describe coming home from the busyness of the shops and making a coffee, then finding an armchair to settle in for the first tantalising browse through my favourite magazine. Leisa Rossignol’s garden (February issue) was a sheer delight. I was a very keen visitor to her magical garden during Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers. Never have I seen such an abundance of healthy vegetables and flowers sharing their little beds with each other and the many visitors. Such a happy little garden! Country Style never disappoints. Each issue reveals a glimpse into the homes and gardens of fascinating people and places in our country. This magazine feeds the soul! Jennifer Anderson, Lota, Qld ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY After months…

ACT Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, Apr 9-May 1 Through the theme of ‘Curiosity’, the 2022 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival will lead a celebration of our nation’s multifaceted heritage. On guided tours, locals and visitors will explore the industries of colonists, mid-century architecture, the heritage of science and innovation, and learn more about Ngunnawal custodians as they connect to Country. Coinciding with the school holidays, the festival also offers fun activities during Kids’ Week from April 18-22. environment. act.gov.au/heritage/heritage-festival VICTORIA Open Studios West Gippsland, Apr 9-10 The ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, West Gippsland is a creative rural hub for foodies and winery-hoppers. The region is also home to a diverse range of artists, who are set to open their studios to the public in this ‘Discover Something…

TAS The Voyager Swap the rat-race for a weekend in the wilderness in Tasmania’s far south. Nestled by the water’s edge at Strathblane, The Voyager is a stunning sanctuary that sleeps up to eight with four bedrooms designed to spark the imagination and showcase the pristine natural surroundings. There’s no need to fear the cooler temperatures, with a toasty wood-fired stove warming the cabin, luxurious bedding for a deep sleep, and fluffy towels waiting after a soak in the clawfoot tub or blissful rain shower. The Voyager’s kitchen is well stocked, so homemade meals are a cinch for long lunches with water views, or guests can enjoy a home-delivered feast from the local River Run Tavern. The Voyager is listed on Airbnb.…

VIC Bonnie “Because with wine, life’s Bonnie” – it certainly is at the historic All Saints Estate Winery in Rutherglen, where visitors now have the perfect excuse to stay longer with the opening of Bonnie, a new eatery serving up artisanal pizzas, charcuterie, cheese platters and fresh salads. It’s the latest commercial venture for siblings Eliza, Nick and Angela Brown, whose family business promotes the best wine and produce in the region. Housed within the winery’s original bottling building, designed in the 1960s by renowned architect Philip Cox, Bonnie offers lakeside dining and sweeping views over All Saints Estate and shiraz vines. Pair a slice of pizza – try the Stella with Mooloolaba prawns, romesco, confit onion, arugula and pickled jalapeños – with a crisp wine or locally sourced beer.…