Self-catering cottages and holiday accommodation in Dedham - Constable Country on the Essex Suffolk border in England

Dedham is the village where John Constable, one of England's finest landscape painters attended Grammar School. The school has long gone but the building can still be seen in the High Street. John would have walked there each morning from the village of East Bergholt where he lived. Ramblers today, quite possibly use the same well worn path and enjoy the same wonderful views.

John Constable painted several views of Dedham Vale and the River Stour flowing through it. Some of these are entitled 'Dedham Vale', 'Dedham Mill', 'Dedham Vale with Ploughmen', 'View of Dedham', 'View on the Stour, near Dedham'. John Constable adored the countryside of his home area and is well known for having said "I love every stile and stump and lane ..... these scenes made me a painter."

	Dedham today, is a pleasant village with many old buildings dating back to the 14th-16th centuries. Not as many have been preserved as in Lavenham, but it's still worth visiting for the John Constable connection. The walk to East Bergholt is recommended and Flatford with the mill should not be missed. Both are very beautiful in their own right. There are rowing boats to hire for an enjoyable time on the River Stour, just outside Dedham , on the road to Flatford. The River Stour Trust run electric launch trips through Constable Country, every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter to early October. Telephone 01787 372602. John Constable (artist), the great, great grandson of John Constable landscape painter, is the current president of the Trust. There are several pubs, hotels and tea shops in the town which it give it a slightly 'touristy' feel.

Dedham Arts and Crafts Centre A disused church in the High Street has been converted to provide three floors of accommodation for local arts and crafts. You will find furniture, painting, prints and many more items that you can purchase as quality souvenirs of your trip to Dedham and Constable Country. A toy museum shares the building, also a wholefood vegetarian restaurant. It is open daily between 10am and 5pm, except for Mondays during January to March. Telephone: 01206 322666	Dedham itself has been in existence since Saxon times with the inhabitants employed on the land, in farming. It is also the village where John Constable attended Grammar School. The school has long gone but the building can still be seen in the High Street.

The village has many amenities for both locals and holiday makers. There is a sports ground with tennis courts, a place for ball games and a swing park for youngsters.


St. Mary's Church	One of the many lovely cottages used as family homes

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

Spring 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.

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

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