To unwind in the winter months, we look to a rural weekend retreat as a reprieve from a fast-paced routine. After all, there is no better urban escape for unplugging your devices and enjoying the peace and quiet than a country cottage or farmhouse. While we feel the winter chills of rainy days, we can’t look past a wood fire and cosy furnishings, ready to curl up, warm up and slow down.

The country weekender takes influence from the natural: the rustic and raw textures of age-old materials. Keeping to a design ethos of well-worn and handcrafted, a country weekend away should appreciate the work of local craftsmanship – from furniture and made-by-hand artisans to the local distributors of fresh produce (perhaps our favourite kind of artisan). If you’re looking to bring the country weekender to your own home, take note of our collection of rustic and refined pieces and be sure to head down to your farmer’s market.

Ghost Armchair

Convincing in its elegance and comfortability, it’s hard to look past this cosy armchair, designed by Paola Navone for Gervasoni. A multilayered, solid wood frame and neutral textile beckon with a refined rustic style, just ready for you to snuggle up with a book.

Rafia Linen

A linen look not quite like you’d expect is the Rafia Linen bedlinen by Abode Living. Looking closely, the soft vintage-treated fabric has a mini waffle texture with a well-worn touch, fit for a farmhouse. With an old-time feel, the waffle weave is the perfect match for timber furniture dressings.

The Bathe Bathrobe

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself relaxing on a Sunday in rural surrounds, we recommend climbing into a jacquard linen bathrobe, like this one from In The Sac. The material has been sourced from Europe, ensuring an breathable quality and superb absorbency, while you blend with the earthiness of the landscape.

Calling by Sophia Szilagyi

Getting back to nature is often the treat of an out-of-town getaway, encapsulated  in ‘Calling’, an artwork by Sophia Szilagyi. Szilagyi achieves a misted landscape with a unique technique of subdued pigment print on cotton rag, a limited edition of Otomys Art Gallery’s collection.

Thrown Crockery

The terracotta and stoneware mix Thrown crockery range featured by Spence and Lyda takes on the raw texture and colouring of a natural landscape. Designed by Damon Moon for JamFactory, the craft method used to create this collection reminds us of the slowed-down living we look to when in the great outdoors.

Flower Weave Rug

An unpretentious country weekender is never complete without a woven rug by Armadillo & Co. Made entirely of the natural fibre of Bangladeshi Hemp, the sustainably produced rugs are delicately formed with weaves and coils.

Chopping Block (Cheese Board)

There’s no denying, you can’t immerse yourself in a country weekend away, without a serious cheese board. This wooden block by Living Edge is for the cheese board enthusiasts – here’s hoping there is a vineyard close too.

Cumulus Pendant Lights

For a welcoming homeyness, we look to warming pendant lighting by Enoki. Designed and made in Australia from Tasmanian Oak, the lighting is easily paired with antique or vintage decor, for that heritage country charm.

Portofino Blanket

When the nights get cold, the Portofino blanket by Abode living is exactly what you need for that extra layer of warmth. In a range of muted colours, the honeycomb textured, cotton blanket is a rural winter weekend essential, ready to be pulled up with the covers.