Self-catering  holiday accommodation and country cottages in Constable Country

John Constable (1776-1837) was one of England's most famous landscape painters,  probably best known for the 'Hay wain',  'The Valley Farm' and 'Flatford Mill'.  Constable lived and painted scenes on the Essex/Suffolk border, which is demarcated by the River Stour, and which  features in several of his paintings.

See cottages for painting holidays - for inspirational scenery

John Constable was born in East Bergholt, Suffolk in 1776 to a prosperous corn merchant and his wife. He was educated at Dedham Grammar School and after leaving, joined the family business - he father owned the flour mill at Flatford.  His heart, however, was in painting, and after several years in the family  business, left to join the Royal Academy, and to study art seriously.  Success came very slowly, partly because landscape painting was not in vogue at the time, and like most painters, he was not really appreciated until after his death. He did not sell a single painting until he was thirty nine years old. The death of his father left him with a substantial  inheritance which enabled him to indulge his passion for painting.
Dedham Post Office in the High Street
Many of the beautiful scenes that  he painted can still be identified today. If you visit Suffolk and North Essex you will understand why Constable was inspired by the countryside around him and why this area where he lived and worked is now known as Constable Country.

After his marriage, Constable and his wife moved to Hampstead in London.  He also made visits to Salisbury and the south coast where he painted 'Salisbury Cathedral : from the meadows' and  'Chain Pier, Brighton'.

Plagued by depression in middle age, Constable's later works like 'The Valley Farm' and 'Stoke-by-Nayland', were full of brooding shadows and gloomy skies, which may have been reflections of his own mood. 

Constable frequently returned to Suffolk to paint the scenes that he remembered so well from his earlier, and perhaps happier life.

For those who are not familiar with the area, if you enjoy beautiful scenery, pretty villages and history, then you will simply adore Constable Country.

You too can search out the places where Constable lived, worked and painted, and find inspiration.  

 Charming creeper clad country cottage in East Bergholt
Quaint cottage with creepers and a traditional cottage garden in East Bergholt - Constable's birthplace
Lovely Country Cottage in Constable Country to rent

 

cottage in Constable CountrySpring Hall Cottage is a charming 200 years old Grade II listed thatched cottage that sits on the North Essex/South Suffolk borders in Constable Country. Recently refurbished to a very high standard with a new kitchen and bathroom complementing the wealth of exposed beams.

There are two separate double bedrooms one of which can be made into two single beds if required, the lounge is 23 feet long which features the original inglenook fireplace, the dining room area seats 8 comfortably so you can entertain your family and friends in style.

The cottage has an enclosed garden of approximately one third of an acre laid down to lawns and flowerbeds with views overlooking farm land, so ideal for children. Well-behaved pets also welcome.There is a double cart lodge and patio area with a gas BBQ provided so Al Fresco dining is a possibility on warm and sunny days.

  • Constable Country and the village of Dedham are a short drive away
  • Short breaks are available (min. 3 nights). Welcome pack and complimentary bottle of wine.

Telephone 01206 251 619, or 07779 264 679 or click on cottage photograph for details.

Traditional self-catering 2 bedroom Country Cottage in Constable Country

 

cottage constable country200 yards from the waterfront and quay, situated in the heart of Manningtree’s conservation area and within easy walking distance from a wealth of shops and restaurants, this charming 2 bedroom listed cottage is an ideal base for exploring the region’s rich history, the unspoilt countryside of Constable’s Dedham Vale and the coast of Essex and Suffolk.

The cottage is within walking distance of Manningtree mainline station with trains into London Liverpool Street.

Manningtree is England’s smallest market town, located on the Essex/Suffolk border on The River Stour Estuary. In the middle ages it became a thriving port made rich by the wool and cloth trade.

There are still fine examples of weavers cottages in South Street. Through the 18th century Manningtree and neighbouring Mistley continued as important small ports and brewing centres for East Anglia. Many of the town’s houses were given imposing Georgian fronts at this time, reflecting the wealth of the times. Today it remains a thriving market town with two markets a week (on Fridays and Saturdays). The old port is now mainly used for leisure and sailing.

Please click on the cottage photograph to read more about this holiday cottage in Constable Country and view internal images.

 
 
For self-catering cottages in Constable Country, click on Essex and Suffolk to find cottages in north Essex and south Suffolk which encompass Constable Country.

Self-catering Holiday Cottages in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk

Find lovely self-catering cottages to stay in whilst exploring  Constable Country on the Essex and Suffolk border using the menu on the left.