A building, just along the road near the bakery and village shop bears another plaque reminding visitors that it was formerly  Constable's studio, although Constable always preferred painting out of doors where he could study the effects of light and cloud formations.

Constable is buried in Hampstead, London, but the family graves, including those of  his parents, can be found in the local church yard, near the Boiler House.

William Lott of Willie Lott's cottage in Flatford, is also buried here.  Constable knew him from working at the flour mill, because the cottage was on the other side of the mill pond.

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is worth visiting simply because it is a handsome church, dating from around the 14th century, and displays many interesting features including East Anglian flintwork.  

The Churchyard with views of the bell cage beyond the headstones

Apart from the Constable connection, East Bergholt in Suffolk is a lovely village to visit; the sort of quiet backwater that many of us would like to retire to.  The buildings are neat and cared for, many with delightful English cottage gardens. There are a good number of local pubs for meals, a few essential shops, some fantastic walks and scenery round about, and it's within easy travelling distance of larger towns for shopping and even London.

The public toilets near the car park can be recommended for their cleanliness.  Well done Council!

Spring Hall Cottage in Constable Country - sleeps 2-4

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.

• Constable Country and the village of Dedham are just a 30 minute walk from Manningtree station.
• 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.