Table of contents for April 2026 in Country Style

HAVE YOU EVER WON SOMETHING? A few years ago, I won a meat tray at The Commercial Hotel in Morpeth, and to say I was excited would be an understatement. It was the first thing I’d ever won. I dream about winning the lottery, but to be honest, I don’t know how to buy a ticket! As with all competitions, you’ve “got to be in it to win it”. We often run competitions in Country Style and they are very popular. One of the best parts of my job is letting a reader know that they’ve won a prize. Often they’re in disbelief and I have to convince them they are the lucky winner. We also run competitions across multiple Are Media magazine titles. Recently, I was thrilled to learn…

IN A WORLD FILLED WITH CHEAP, mass-produced homewares and products, it’s not often you find top-quality pieces that are not only made to last but are also made by hand. Ballarat-based business Soho Metal Spinning & Cookware, however, ticks both boxes, using an ancient craft to transform pieces of metal into cookware you can pass down to future generations. Run by couple Neville Bilney and Karleen Cuthbertson, Soho Metal Spinning & Cookware has been creating steel, copper and brass pots and pans by hand, and without any chemical coatings or nasties, since 2022, but the business itself dates back much further. Before Soho Metal Spinning there was the Soho Foundry, which Neville’s family operated for nearly 50 years from their historic site in Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that captures…

“Visitors comment on how deeply satisfying it is to gather flowers themselves – how it reconnects them with creativity, beauty and a sense of calm.” IT’S HARD TO THINK OF A MORE idyllic day job than growing flowers, and at her Prebbleton farm in Canterbury, on the South Island of New Zealand, Kate Williams has hit the jackpot – with one small caveat. “I’ve always loved having fresh flowers in abundance throughout my home, and I decided it would be more cost-effective to grow my own,” she says. “Ironically, it was not a cost-effective solution due to how labour intensive it is!” Kate and her husband of 35 years, Phil, run their flower farm on a four-hectare parcel of land that they purchased 10 years ago. “We’ve built and developed…

HAVING A PORK PIE in the fridge is like stepping back in time for me. Once it was commonplace for larders all over the country to hold homemade or ready-made treats. Think of all those glorious 19th- and early 20th-century meat safes we all love to collect, filled with a chutney, a cold pie, and a slice or teacake. Goodies were pre-prepared for visitors or for Elevenses, and tea was served. Now that we have refrigeration, perhaps we don’t give enough consideration to the idea of filling the larder with delicious homemade dishes, both savoury and sweet. But a good pork pie is a skill to master that can be wheeled out every day or for when guests come over, and you can make a highly decorative version guaranteed to…

IN 1996, MY WIFE CATE AND I BOUGHT a house in Melbourne’s inner north and started our family. Looking back, I can see how fortunate we were to achieve this on a single salary – though, like everyone else, we had our financial worries. Even before our mortgage, one luxury we did not go without was our monthly subscription to Country Style. Avocado on toast had not yet been conjured to leech our savings, so again we were doubly fortunate. Cate credits this fortune squarely at the bedrock of her excellent planning, astute fiscal stewardship and uncompromising commitment to saving. I would be a fool (in print) to admit anything to the contrary, however I am convinced that the small effigy I carried around on my person of an avocado…

A DELIGHTFUL TANGLE OF SECRET corners, architectural antiques and reclaimed ornaments, The Witch & Windmill is a heritage-listed shopping and dining precinct oozing with personality. Located in Witchcliffe, a town in the South West region of Western Australia, the century-old building was once Darnell’s General Store and Post Office, built in c. 1927. Retaining a vernacular style that speaks to Witchcliffe’s roots in the timber trade, the historic structure was rebuilt from the ground up by former cabinetmaker Sam Caruso. “I’ve always been attracted to the character of old jarrah weatherboard and iron buildings,” he says. “I am fascinated by the architecture of the building and the history it represents.” From 2017 to 2024, equipped with 40 years of experience and the help of local furniture-maker Simon Wichtermann, Sam painstakingly…

Editor KYLIE IMESON Creative director MIA DAMINATO Deputy editor HANNAH JAMES Art director JUDIE SIU Senior copy editor GRETA DUMBLETON Digital content producer/Features writer GRACE FLYNN ADVERTISING All advertising inquiries ADVERTISING@AREMEDIA.COM.AU SYNDICATION Email SYNDICATION@AREMEDIA.COM.AU Website CONTENTSHOP.COM.AU ARE MEDIA Chief executive officer JANE HUXLEY Finance director MARENA PAUL Director of sales ANNA QUINN Director of content SALLY EAGLE Director of marketing CARLY BOWRA General manager JOCELIN ABBEY Editor-in-chief TANYA BUCHANAN GET IN TOUCH Mail COUNTRY STYLE, GPO BOX 4088, SYDNEY, NSW 2001. Telephone (02) 9282 8000 Email AUSTCOUNTRYSTYLE@AREMEDIA.COM.AU SUBSCRIPTIONS Telephone 136 116 Website MAGSHOP.COM.AU Email MAGSHOP@MAGSHOP.COM.AU Post MAGSHOP, GPO BOX 5252, SYDNEY, NSW 2001, AUSTRALIA Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ACN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark Country Style is the property of Are Media…

golden glow Considered lighting brings polish and comfort to any room, and the Angulus table lamp, $2178, is perfect proof. Its ceramic base with oxidised copper glaze is rustic but refined, and light glows through a shade in a choice of 40 fabrics. Visit bloomingdales.com.au mountain high The glorious kitchen garden of Grampians hotel the Royal Mail inspired perfumer The Raconteur to create a candle with notes of citrus, mint, rose and wood. Visit royalmail.com.au or theraconteur.co vive l’histoire Dusty Luxe imports antiques direct from France, including perennial favourites like copper pans (from $185), terracotta pots (from $180), and gilt frames (from $1600), as well as tables and dressers. Visit dustyluxe.com.au cotton comfort Simple, soft and super-comfy, French Country Sleepwear’s cotton muslin pyjamas, $99.95, are made for a great night’s…

IT’S 4AM ON TASMANIA’S BRUNY ISLAND, and in a few hours, a mauve-tinted dawn will crack the starry sky open. There’s movement at Jenene Oates and John Bullock’s South Bruny property at Sheepwash Bay, on the traditional lands of the Nuenonne people. John, 63, also known as ‘The Bruny Baker’, is tending to his wood-fired oven, and soon the crisp morning air will fill with the toasty, tantalising aroma of his signature sourdough loaves. As the sun rises, Jenene, 56, gets ready for work and stops for a coffee with John before driving to the ferry terminal. It’s a three-hour round trip to Hobart, where she works as a consultant physiotherapist three days a week (with two days working from home). Returning on the ferry, she finds relief in the…

WHEN DESIGNER KATE NIXON first visited her client’s property, she was struck by its serene setting on the banks of the Murray River in south-western NSW, and the picturesque views from every aspect of the house. The owner, who had connected with Kate hoping to work with her on a decorative refresh to pull her existing antiques and art together into a cohesive whole, felt energetically aligned straight away. “I realised Kate ‘got me’ and got the feeling for the land and its sense of place,” she says. As in many happy designer-client relationships, the scope of the project expanded as more possibilities were uncovered and ideas took flight. “The home had an impressive, raked double-height ceiling and great architectural bones, including a soaring central fireplace. I could see that…

OK, GARDENERS, LET’S TALK about last summer. How do we feel about gardening in Australia in extreme temperatures, and how are we going to manage our plots in an era of global warming? Wait, don’t leave! I promise this comes with a good serve of optimism and a side of fruit salad! We are gardeners – we persevere even in dreadful conditions, we grow food and pretty things, and protect our local insect and bird populations, so really we should be wearing capes because we are actually superheroes. In gardening boots. So, let’s talk. Wherever you were in Australia in January, you likely experienced extreme heat. Here on the South Coast of NSW, we got away lightly compared to our friends in other states, but we still sweltered through multiple…

I’M OFTEN ASKED if, after 50 years as a professional wine drinker, I’m bored with the job. No way. Every vintage is different, grape varieties drift in and go out of fashion, and wine styles continually evolve. Fifty years ago, no-one was talking about organics, biodynamics or sustainability. Now, they’re hot topics. Along my vinous road I’ve made lots of discoveries – some quite recently. Here’s my triple bill. In 2000, while Sydney swarmed with Olympic fever, I rented out my North Bondi apartment with an awesome view across the beach to the Icebergs Pool. I nabbed the money, booked a flight to Germany and hit the riesling trail. My inspiration was the Frankland Estate International Riesling Tasting, first held earlier that year. I’d met the new wave of German…

THE SOUTH COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES has long been an up-and-coming region, gaining popularity for its charming towns, pristine beaches, lush farmland and natural attractions. But there is one town that seems to have it all rolled into one: Milton. Located approximately 200 kilometres from both Sydney and Canberra, Milton is a ‘Goldilocks’ town: rural yet coastal; big enough to never be boring, yet small enough to provide a true sense of community; far enough from the big smoke to find peace, but never so remote as to feel isolated. And, on top of that, Milton has fast developed a reputation for its outstanding local produce and food scene that is thriving year-round. Nestled slightly inland among rolling green hills, Milton forms a triple-township hub with its neighbours –…

SOPHIE DUNHILL TEACHER, MUM AND CATTLE/SHEEP FARMER, 35 Sophie lives in Jugiong with husband Haydn, 37, children Georgie, nine, Indie, seven, Saffron, five, and Tommy, two, plus their pet dogs, horses, chooks, peacocks and guineafowl. What do you love about living in the country? I was raised in Sydney but spent holidays and weekends at Rosemount, where we live now. It was always a dream to live out here full-time. The country, for me, is like a big, deep breath. It’s calm, ever-changing and quiet. It’s a beautiful lifestyle and an amazing place to raise children. How would you describe your style? Practical, easy and simple – jeans and a shirt. I like to get dressed up, however it’s simple colours and classic designs. Who are your style influences? My…

SO YOU WANT TO OWN GREENLAND? Elizabeth Buchanan, Hurst, $34.99 Who is Elizabeth Buchanan? She’s a Canberran strategist with an illustrious CV. She has a prose style that might be called rollicking and a staggering amount of inside info. It’s become clear to us that Greenland’s future will affect us all. Buchanan’s introduction to the world’s largest island portrays Vikings (now Norwegians) as the only surviving original owners. They appeared in 984 AD. No genetic trace of the pre-existing Palaeo populations remained. The Vikings were gone by the early 1400s. The Thule people, ancestors of Inuits who now make up 89.51 per cent of citizens, arrived in the 1200s. Portugal had a presence in the late 1400s. In 1721, a Danish missionary visited, followed by the Danes, who were at…

MUST-SEE DRAMA From creator Taylor Sheridan comes The Madison, a profound love story starring Hollywood heavyweights Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, along with Beau Garrett and Matthew Fox. Now streaming only on Paramount+. paramountplus.com SEASIDE EFFECT Envelop yourself in Salt Living’s elegant Indigo linen bedding, inspired by the tranquil blue of the sea. Salt Living curates timeless hues that capture the essence of a seaside escape, so you can style your bedroom into your own peaceful retreat. saltliving.com.au FUN IN THE SUN We Are Feel Good Inc’s *Kakadu Plum Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ provides broad-spectrum sun protection and is water-resistant for up to four hours. Hydrating and non-greasy, it nourishes skin with Kakadu plum, aloe vera and vitamin E. wearefeelgoodinc.com.au FLAVOUR HIT Enjoy Currong Comestibles’ culinary journey, blending native Australian flavours…

The cover of Country Style’s February issue stars five cute Jack Russells, who belong to David Kennedy and Andrew Dunshea, the owners of Highfield Gardens in Little Hartley, NSW. Inside the magazine, we meet the next generation of farmers and producers who are creating change in the agricultural industry. We also offer clever storage solutions for your home, visit a gorgeous homewares treasure-trove in Heathcote, Vic, and embark on a train journey through the jungle in Malaysia. Photography @brigidarnottphotography SWEET REVELATION Every month I look forward to the next Country Style magazine landing in my letterbox. The February edition was thoroughly enjoyed over a nice cup of tea as the first week of school began. I have made many of Tilly Pamment’s recipes, and her Triple Chocolate Muffins (pictured below)…

1 Decorative bunny ceramic plate in Sage, $13.95, from David Jones. 2 Hip Hop bunny pair decoration in White, $38, from Provincial Home Living. 3 Maxwell & Williams Clover and Cotton Tail plates (set of four), $39.95, from Myer. 4 Hopper Bloom cocktail serviette in Green, $5 (pack of 30), from Provincial Home Living. 5 Easter mixture gift tin, $39.90, from Haigh’s Chocolates. 6 Maxwell & Williams Clover and Cotton Tail Little Bunny Land egg cup in Multi, $4.95 each, from Myer. 7 Tilly Ramsay serveware set, $149, from Royal Doulton. 8 Mâché egg decoration in Green, $14.95, from Provincial Home Living. 9 Maxwell & Williams Clover and Cotton Tail tea towel in Multi, $24.95 (set of two), from Myer. 10 June’s Garden condiment bowl in Forget Me Not, $44.95…

“I LOVE IT,” SAYS SOPHIE DUNHILL of the four-kilometre dirt driveway that leads to the homestead at Rosemount, in Jugiong, NSW. While just 10 minutes from local gems The Sir George and Long Track Pantry, the house feels truly secluded. “You could be anywhere – it’s so quiet, you don’t hear a thing,” she says. Sophie, 35, lives here with her husband Haydn, 37, and their four children – Georgie, nine, Indie, seven, Saffron, five, and two-year-old Tommy. Haydn, with help from Sophie, runs the Angus cattle and Merino-to-Dorset sheep operation on the 1300 hectares. For Sophie, Rosemount – located on Wiradjuri land – is brimming with memories. The property was purchased in 1999 by her parents, Richard and Julia Hutchinson. The Sydney-based pair had always yearned for a rural…

HOME ON THE RANGE Banongill Station in Victoria’s Western District was built in 1853 and shows every one of its years – in a good way. The historic homestead’s owners, Jill and Dan Bingham, ensured their restoration honoured the past. “The first thing we did was the kitchen, and that was during lockdown so it was a two-year process,” says Jill. “We wanted a kitchen that looked like it had been here forever. It’s the hub of the home where people congregate.” Haymes Paint in Bush Eucalypt and Remote Green create a serene feeling, and Ballarat’s Andrew Mann Joinery made the cabinetry. Warm copper and brass provide the finishing touches. Visit banongillstation.com.au MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN NEW CLASSIC Although Blackbird Cottage, in Cygnet, Tasmania, was built in the 1870s,…

GENTLY SPICED AND FRUIT-LADEN, a good hot cross bun is surely one of life’s real pleasures. Eaten warm from the oven with a copious amount of good butter, they can be rather life-affirming. I think part of their charm comes by way of their seasonality – and by that, I mean they are available and enjoyed for only a short window of time around Easter (don’t get me started on the subject of supermarkets that wheel them out on Boxing Day!). Like seasonal fruit, this makes them feel particularly special – something to be savoured and enjoyed, not gobbled up at any old time of year. This month, not wanting to limit you to only one hot cross bun recipe, I’ve decided to give you a base recipe and three…

“I just added things to the soil, and buried pieces to see what happened… Part of it is just left to chance. That’s what the earth does to it. It’s a bit like magic.” IT COULD ALL HAVE GONE HORRIBLY WRONG. When Amanda Halfpenny bought her farm in Dinninup, three hours’ drive south of Perth, WA, in October 2021, rural properties were being snapped up like hot cakes and she didn’t even have time to consult with her husband, Nathan. So she put in an offer before he ever saw the place. But, she says, it wasn’t really that much of a gamble: “We’ve been together 27 years, so we know what the other wants. And I just knew 100 per cent, as soon as I stepped out of the…

FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS I’ve been working two days a week in a bookshop in Launceston. It’s a delightful, old-fashioned space and well worth a visit. When I started, I thought I was going to work in books, but it quickly became obvious that what I was doing was working at the retail coalface. It’s been an experience. Here are some things I’ve learned: Petrarch’s Bookshop is one of the busiest shops in Launceston; retail is hell for an introvert; my workmates are so smart and efficient and interesting; mostly, the people buying books are wonderful. Occasionally, they’re arrogant and incredulous that we don’t stock an obscure novel published in 1975 they read on holiday while in Europe; people in Launceston really love their special-interest calendars (think every breed…