County Living Magazine

At County Living, we're drawn to people who dedicate their lives to mastering a craft.

At Idle Wind Farms, that craft is raising exceptional livestock while stewarding the same Missouri land their family has cared for since 1841.

Their story is one of heritage, innovation, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way—not the easy way.

We're honored to share their story in our Summer issue.
📖 Explore the full feature and discover more of the makers and doers shaping our community at www.countylivingmag.com

🔥 Fire teaches patience.
It can't be rushed.
It can't be controlled completely.
And it never behaves exactly the same way twice.
That's what makes it the perfect teacher for Haley Riley, pitmaster and co-owner of Salt + Smoke.
In this issue's Chef Spotlight, Haley shares how barbecue became more than a cooking method—it became a craft rooted in instinct, repetition, discipline, and care.
Because great barbecue isn't about perfection.
It's about presence.

Read Haley's story in the Summer issue of County Living Magazine. 👉 www.county living mag.com.

Portrait by Matt Katzman Photography

The Summer 2026 issue of County Living has arrived.
On the cover featuring a stunning Baker Pool Outdoor Oasis. Photography courtesy of PMP Images.

Inside this issue, you'll discover beautiful outdoor spaces, inspiring local stories, artisan makers, regional food experiences, and the people shaping our community.

From the stunning Baker Pool Outdoor Oasis featured on our cover to day trips, dining, golf, philanthropy, and life lived outdoors, this issue celebrates the season in all its forms. Baker Pool & Spa - Chesterfield Store

Explore the digital edition today and discover the makers and doers of our community.
👉 www.countylivingmag.com

Behind every beautifully curated space is someone who understands that design is more than decoration — it’s storytelling, texture, history, and feeling.

At County Living, we’re fortunate to have that perspective through Tony Dye, writer of our Curated Aesthetics feature and a lifelong collaborator within the design world. For years, Tony has worked alongside designers, collectors, and creatives, developing an eye for pieces that bring soul and character into a home.

Beyond the magazine, Tony also manages Rugs by Saga, a destination for extraordinary imported handwoven rugs sourced from around the world — each one layered with craftsmanship, artistry, and tradition.

Tony reminds us that timeless interiors aren’t built overnight. They’re collected thoughtfully, lived in fully, and shaped by the stories we choose to surround ourselves with.

Built to Gather 🤍

Time together doesn’t just happen—it’s something we have to choose.

For sisters Lauttie Blanchard and Shannah Ehlen, mahjong became that choice. What started as a simple idea turned into something deeper—a ritual, a rhythm, a reason to gather with intention.

Through HipHipMahjong! and Mix and Mahj, they’re creating more than a game. They’re creating space—for connection, for laughter, for the kind of conversations that unfold when we slow down and sit at the table.

Because gathering doesn’t require perfection.
Not the spotless house. Not the perfect menu.
Just people.
Just presence.
Just a little intention.

✨ And sometimes, that begins with a set of tiles.
📍 Coming Summer 2026: HipHipMahjong! will open its first St. Louis showroom—a place to shop, play, and gather.
“Mahjong didn’t just give us a game—it gave us a reason to gather on purpose.”

From Recovery to Strength—A New Standard in Coaching
Not all transformations begin in the gym.
Some begin in recovery. In uncertainty. In the quiet decision to try again.
That’s where Bret Kliethermes, owner of Strong Human Fitness, does his most meaningful work.
Bret’s approach goes far beyond traditional personal training. Rooted in education, intentional programming, and a deep understanding of the body, he meets clients exactly where they are—then guides them forward with purpose.
Whether rebuilding after injury, regaining confidence, or working toward a new milestone, his coaching is built on:
• Accountability
• Expert guidance
• Long-term strength and mobility
• And a commitment to doing it right
The result isn’t just physical change—it’s resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of capability.
Because true transformation doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens with the right partnership.
📍 Chesterfield, MO
🔗 Learn more: stronghumanfitness.com

Home redesigned. Hope restored.
After a major life transition, this Chesterfield home became a fresh start for a newly single father—proof that great design isn’t just about how a space looks, but how it supports the life happening inside it.
With the help of Chelsea Design Co., the home was reimagined into a place of comfort, intention, and new beginnings.
📖 See the full feature in our Spring issue of County Living Magazine
https://countylivingmag.com (https://countylivingmag.com/)

👨‍🍳 Chef Spotlight | Spring 2026

There’s an artistry to hospitality that goes beyond the plate—and Chef Jon Berger of the Napoli Group embodies it fully.

In our Spring issue, we explore the philosophy, precision, and passion behind his approach to Italian cuisine—where tradition meets refinement, and every detail is considered.

The result is more than a meal.
It’s an experience—one that reflects the heart of St. Louis dining.

✨ Now featured in County Living.

Explore the full story: https://countylivingmag.com (https://countylivingmag.com/)

🎨 Art Rooted in Missouri
In our Spring 2026 issue of County Living, we had the pleasure of featuring the beautiful work of Missouri artist Bryan Haynes—whose paintings capture the quiet beauty and spirit of our landscapes.
From rolling countryside to peaceful waterways, Bryan’s art reflects the places many of us call home, reminding us how much inspiration can be found in the natural surroundings of Missouri.
His work invites us to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the textures, colors, and light that define our region.
Take a moment to explore the feature and discover the story behind Bryan’s work in the Spring 2026 issue of County Living Magazine.
🌿 Because the landscapes that shape our communities often inspire the art that reflects them.
🔗 Read the issue online:
https://countylivingmag.com (https://countylivingmag.com/)

The Spring issue of County Living has finally arrived.

Outdoor living continues to be one of the most exciting and creative areas of design in our region. From pools and landscapes to custom water features, the artisans who shape these environments help transform backyards into places where families gather and memories are made.

For our Spring cover, we’re featuring Caleb Bauer of Bauer Falls, pictured with his family in front of one of their remarkable projects — a river designed to come to life with the flip of a switch.

Inside the issue, we explore the craftsmanship, engineering, and imagination behind water features that feel as though they’ve always belonged to the land — and the people who bring them to life.

The Spring issue is now out, and we’re excited to share it with you.
🔗 View the issue:
https://countylivingmag.com (https://countylivingmag.com/)