Published: 28.06.2019

Guide to self-catering holidays and country cottages in Constable Country

Flatford Mill in the heart of Constable CountryFor those of you unfamiliar with Constable Country, let us guide you on the parts of Essex and Suffolk that make up this area.  Constable Country is named after the famous artist, John Constable.

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. 

For a full list of cottages in Constable country click for:

For more information about Constable country read on...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

Traditional self-catering 2 bedroom Country Cottage in Constable Country

 

self catering cottage constable countryThis attractive cottage is located in Manningtree's conservation area, just 200 yards from the waterfront and quay.  Nearby there are a number of shops and restaurants.  If you are looking to discover Constable country and this beautiful part of East Anglia, this charming 2 bedroom listed cottage may be just what you are looking for.

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

Manningtree is a small market town on the Essex/Suffolk border on The River Stour Estuary.  Many of the beautiful buildings here date back to the middle ages when the town was rich from the wool trade.  There are many attractive historical buildings in Manningtree and nearby there is the old port from which you can go 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 menus.

There are also cottages in Suffolk that have a swimming pool - always a popular holiday option.

Hot tubs attached to holiday accommodation in Suffolk are another sought after feature.


 

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