Not only is Country Living getting a new editor-in-chief, Rachel Hardage Barrett, but it will also be moving its editorial operations from the Hearst Tower in New York City to Birmingham, Alabama, where Barrett is based.

Most recently the executive editor of Southern Living, Barrett replaces Sarah Gray Miller who has decided to leave the magazine after five years at the helm. Publishing and marketing functions will continue to operate from New York City.

Rachel Hardage Barrett. Photo by Michael Oppenheim Photography

“Country Living’s 11 million readers are spread all around the U.S., and this is a chance for our editors to live the lifestyle they promote on the page,” Hearst Magazines' President David Carey said. “It is a fresh, new approach—a new era for the brand—and Rachel, who is already deeply rooted in Birmingham, will be a wonderful leader. We thank Sarah Gray Miller for the passion and creativity that she brought to Country Living in her five years at the helm.”

“As a longtime reader and fan of Country Living, I couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity,” Barrett said. “I made the move from New York to Birmingham nearly three years ago, and bringing the brand to this friendly, vibrant city, which is filled with creative people, makes so much sense. Country Living will always cover unique products, approachable recipes, and inspiring-yet-relatable interiors from around the country, and this brings us closer to new artisans, chefs, and designers who will further enrich the magazine's unique point-of-view."

During her time as executive editor of Southern Living, Barrett oversaw multiple departments, including travel and culture, features, style, and food, and developed multiple multi-platform franchises. Prior to that, she spent seven years at Real Simple, where she moved up the ranks from staff editor to deputy editor and, in addition to overseeing departments for the monthly magazine, top-edited all special projects, including multiple books (869 New Uses for Old Things, Real Simple Weddings), and special issues (Real Simple Family, Real Simple Travel, Real Simple Food).

She began her career as a market analyst covering the publishing industry before entering the editorial world at Glamour, where she spent three years.

“Rachel has a terrific feel for everything Country Living covers—homes that epitomize easy living, comforting, original recipes, unique crafts, objects and accessories from undiscovered sources—and working with her team and an incredibly plugged-in network of scouts around the country, her vision will surprise and delight readers on every page,” Hearst Magazines' Editorial Director Ellen Levine said.

“It’s been an honor to steer this storied brand. I’m proud of everything my colleagues and I have accomplished, and I look forward to Country Living’s continued success,” Miller said.