The Australian Country Homesteads book takes you behind the scenes at some of the most significant rural properties across this vast land. From grand 19th-century manor houses to more modest contemporary dwellings this book builds a picture of modern Australian country life and how it has evolved since European settlement. We’ve had privileged access to some of our most significant historic homesteads and entry to the lives of some of our farming dynasties. As well, a look at the younger generation of farmers and how they are adapting to keep their grazing and agricultural endeavours relevant in the face of constant environmental and fiscal challenges. So if an accident of birth prevented you from having country cousins to keep you in touch with what’s going on in the bush, pick up a copy of Australian Country Homesteads. We’re sure you’ll come away with a better understanding of not just where your food and fibre (not to mention wine) are coming from, but the lifestyles of the people whose mission it is to keep us all clothed, fed and watered.
Welcome
Embraced by Essington • Simmone Logue divides her time between Sydney and the bush. Now she shares her kitchen skills with a cooking school on her country property.
Another day in Paradise • Farming family the Isbisters have found a way to mix work and play at their newly transformed property in Western Australia’s Paradise.
Outback advocate • Jan Heaslip has devoted her entire adult life to improving opportunities for remote and rural children.
Longford landmark • Andrew and Meredith Meeves are putting down deep roots in a historic Tasmanian village.
Set in stone • A theatre producer and her artist and designer husband have transformed a period-style house in the Clare Valley into a stunning showcase of decades spent creating and collecting art and curiosities.
Garowie grandeur • In the mid-1800s, Ipswich was touted as Queensland’s potential capital. Its grand old houses including June Frank’s home, Garowie, recall the glory days.
Total care package • Every item Steph Shibble sells from her on-farm, online store is wrapped with love and attention to detail.
The long game • After more than three decades of renovations, Darren and Tess Turner have returned their 113-year-old home to what it once was.
A significant site • Sharon and Scott Reid have created an idyllic retreat where their blended families can come together in Numinbah, NSW.
A piece of heaven • After years spent travelling and living all over Australia, the O’Neil family has put down firm roots in Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
Beacon in brick • Nile Farm homestead stands as a monument to colonial determination to make a mark in north-eastern Tasmania.
What goes around… • Susan Duncan has learnt that the secret to life is as simple as surrounding yourself with good people who share generosity of spirit. A slice of cake also helps.
Magnificent Mananga • When Matthew and Julie Quinn moved to Australia from England, they had little inkling they would end up living in the NSW Shoalhaven district and restoring a heritage property.
Lowan behold • A historic homestead in south-eastern South Australia has been brought back to its former Victorian-era glory by owners Wendy and Gary Kilsby.
Winning stakes • It takes hard work and dedication to breed a racetrack winner. That’s something Linda and Laurence Monds bring to every aspect of their lives.
Embracing opportunity • Erika Marsh took a bold leap when she moved to the bush for work in 2007. She met and married her husband, David, and now she can’t imagine a better place to raise their young family.
Champion of the everyday • Artist Bec Kos finds beauty in the seemingly banal and celebrates it through her works on...