Carol Bagaric and Kym Carslake fell in love with the small town of Rylstone on New South Wales’ Central Tablelands as quickly as they fell in love with each other.
The pair met at a country party and then set about finding a place to build a life together that was midway between Carol’s base in the Blue Mountains and Kim’s home in Boggabri.
One Sunday afternoon, they drove into the historic village of Rylstone which was bustling with locals and tourists “and that was it,” says Carol.
They rang the town’s real estate agent the next day and before long, made the move, opening a homeware, gift and Australiana shop on the main street and buying a century-old cottage which they’re doing up.
“There is a heart and soul in Rylstone. The people are engaging and welcoming and there is absolutely zero professional complacency on the work front. You want to do well not only for yourself, but for the benefit of the entire community,” Carol says.
With a background in retail display and design in Sydney, Carol’s chic store Folkologie is building a reputation among locals and visitors alike. Among its wares, the store sells unique furniture hand-crafted by Kym from pieces of old timber and wood often salvaged from local farms.
Carol loves the interaction with tourists and the stream of family and friends who visit locals in the town.
“I’ve met some great characters along the way,” Carol says.
“Regional Australia is full of people who’ve led – and continue to lead – full, interesting lives.”
