Country Living October/November 2024

I could live here. It’s a thought that crosses my mind every time I stumble on a new place that tugs at my heartstrings, and, last fall, it hit hard. I was fortunate enough to visit the Irish countryside, which should tell you all you need to know. More specifically, I was staying at Adare Manor, a gem of a property in County Limerick, where you can wander meticulously maintained gardens and frolic with hunting dogs (like Drake and Shadow, above) before settling in for an Irish whiskey in the warmly lit Tack Room. (Golf lovers, take note: The hotel will host the Ryder Cup in 2027.) It’s probably true that anyone could get used to manor life: the constant crackling fire! The long, leisurely teas! The Dubarry muck boots…

I magine curling up by the fireplace with a soft blanket, surrounded by the warm, inviting tones of autumn. With Sherwin-Williams, you can create this cozy atmosphere right in your own home. From the earthy richness of Evergreen Fog to the gentle warmth of Shoji White, embrace the season with colors that not only reflect the beauty of the fall but also create a space where you and your loved ones can gather and make memories. Quiet Splendor Shoji White’s soft neutrality creates a welcoming, airy atmosphere that beautifully contrasts with autumn’s deeper hues. Order Peel & Stick samples to see how this shade adapts to the changing light throughout the day, with no mess and no dry time. Natural Elegance As autumn unfolds, Evergreen Fog captures the season’s serene beauty with…

1 Perusing the pumpkins at the local farmstand (There’s always room for one more, right?) 2 Prettying up the pantry in anticipation of baking season (First up, Sweet Potato-Praline Pie; see pg. 44.) 3 The joy that only a heaping leaf pile and a cluster of close-aged cousins can bring 4 Bundling up in a barn coat and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations (Don’t miss our insider’s guide to The Berkshires; pg. 50.) 5 How the constant crackle of a fire provides the soothing soundtrack of the season 6 Tucking in under a cozy wool blanket to watch your favorite fall movie (Practical Magic, perhaps?) 7 Showcasing lush blooms and vibrant branches in your favorite weathered antique vase 8 The ritual of setting the table and the overwhelming gratitude you feel for every guest Follow us on Instagram @countrylivingmag for…

It used to be that heirloomworthy tableware was only to be admired from afar, tucked away neatly in a hutch. The hutch, by association, took on a tone of do-not-touchness—accessed only on special occasions. Fortunately, the dictums around dishware have lately loosened—the notion of “using the good china” has become synonymous with seizing the day, after all—but the hutch and its close cousin, the china cabinet, have for the most part maintained an air of aloofness. Until now. With newfound interest around eclectic interiors, homeowners are taking their cues from the curiosity cabinets of yore (all the way back to the Italian Renaissance), with a case-goods-as-conversation-pieces mindset. By peppering in acquired items alongside (or in lieu of) fine china—think quirky trinkets and sentimental mementos that reflect personal passions and antiquing…

1 Period-Friendly Palette Determined to preserve their circa-1722 home’s historic feel, designer Collin Robison and his partner, Trent DeBerry—who also co-own the design and candle company Hound House (houndhousect.com)— chose to paint the kitchen a rich dark green mixed with wood tones. Keeping the ceilings a creamy white accentuates the kitchen’s architecture. 2 Hand-Hewn Beams The couple didn’t dare touch the kitchen’s original pine supports, left over from when the space was used as a barn. (The initials of one of the barn’s builders are even carved into the 13-foot-long center beam.) Underfoot, the uneven wide-plank flooring was salvaged from the barn’s old ceiling. 3 Appropriately Aged Finishes Unlacquered brass hardware on the hand-planed cabinetry (sunderlandperiodhomes.com) will beautifully weather with each use. Latches on the upper cupboards reflect a similar…

$1,300,000 Williamstown, MA 4 BR; 4 BA; 2,437 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Sitting pretty on nearly four acres, this stately Georgian was pulled to its current location by cattle in 1800! The restored interior is filled with historic details like featheredged paneling, wide-plank floors, and a brick cooking hearth with beehive oven. AGENT: Carolyn Umlauf; harschrealestate.com WORK REQUIRED: $978,000 Asheville, NC 4 BR; 3 BA; 2,310 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Amid dense Carolina foliage, this two-story clapboard Colonial farmhouse makes a big impression. Its thoughtful renovation effortlessly blends modern features like steel windows and doors with original elements such as wood ceilings and a brick fireplace. AGENT: Jordan Czeczuga; heartwood-realty.com WORK REQUIRED: $455,000 Austerlitz, NY 2 BR; 1 BA; 828 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:…