Constable Country
Constable Country is an extremely varied part of Suffolk with many historical and artistic links. Within its boundaries is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and many of its towns and villages are steeped in history, from Boudicea's stand against the Romans, invasions by the Vikings, settlement by the Normans and the early 'industrialisation' created by a thriving wool trade.
The River Stour, one of the longest and most beautiful rivers in East Anglia, little changed over the centuries, winds its way through a wide pastoral and wooded valley to the coast at Manningtree. Inspiration to artists over the centuries, its landscape inspired great works by Constable, Gainsborough, Munnings and Nash. Scenes represented in many of these paintings – The Hay Wain at Flatford Mill – remain familiar to us today. With delightful village pubs, fine restaurants, peaceful country walks and cycle paths this is an area to explore at a leisurely pace.
The pretty market town of Hadleigh, from the Norse – Haethlega – a heath-covered place - has evidence of 1st century occupation in the remains of a Roman villa on the east of the town and of a 5th century pagan Saxon settlement in the area around George Street. The ninth and tenth century saw occupation by Viking settlers. From then on Hadleigh's prosperity grew with the development of the wool trade in mid Suffolk. The inheritance for us is a wealth of fine medieval houses; the 15th century grade 1 listed Guildhall and Deanery Tower.
In the Dedham Vale AONB very little has changed over the past two centuries. In the village of Dedham itself the village retains a delightful mixture of Tudor framed buildings and Georgian fronted town houses. A paradise for artists, it was home to Sir Alfred Munnings, famous for his equine paintings, and being President of the Royal Academy from 1944 to 1949.
Stratford St Mary is the southern most village in Suffolk important since Roman times as a crossing point of the river Stour – Stratford St Mary means ‘street over the ford’. There are three fine old pubs, including The Swan, in the village from where you can walk down to the river and see the old lock and millpond popularised by Constable’s paintings. Many of the buildings date back to the wealthy days of the wool trade, including The Weavers, a fine example of a 16th century weaver’s cottage, its wide windows designed to maximise the light to enable the weavers to do their work.
The birthplace of John Constable, East Berholt, was a centre for cloth production until the late 16th century, when the wool trade collapsed. Such a sudden downturn in wealth meant that the tower of St Mary's Church was never finished and a wooden bell cage was built in the churchyard instead in 1531 which still remains today.
Flatford is the scene of one of Constable’s most famous pictures, the Hay Wain, showing Willy Lott's house in the background. Now run by the National Trust, the facilities include the Bridge House containing the John Constable Exhibition, Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s House and Valley Farm, which are leased to The Field Studies Council. The River Stour Trust operate an electric launch for river trips at certain times during the season.
Hadleigh, Constable Country
SFOBH
(No dates selected)
£556 - £776- This lovely hideaway is just the place for a couple who wish to explore the many delights of Constable Country. The property itself, a superbly furnished converted barn, is both comfortable and stylish.
- 2 Guests
- 2 Bedrooms
- No Pets
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Pub 0.1 miles
Kersey, Constable Country
PRI2
(No dates selected)
£496 - £816- Primrose Cottage is a cosy cottage, full of character and perfect for a romantic getaway. The village of Kersey is very pretty and Lavenham is easily accessible from this location.
- 2 Guests
- 1 Bedroom
- No Pets
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Open fire or woodburner
- Pub 0.5 miles
Nayland, Constable Country
TOCA
(No dates selected)
£421 - £661- An incredible piece of Suffolk history cleverly converted into self-catering accommodation - The Old Chapel Annexe is a former congregational Chapel and truly unique.
- 2 Guests
- 1 Bedroom
- No Pets
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Private parking
- Pub 0.4 miles

Christmas Breaks
Get all your loved ones together in a luxury self-catering holiday cottage in the Suffolk countryside for a Christmas you'll never forget...
Sudbury, Constable Country
CLO
(No dates selected)
£436 - £731- The perfect couples retreat finished to a very high standard.
- 3 Guests
- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Pet
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Pub 1 mile
Bentley, Constable Country
THPO
(No dates selected)
£496 - £801- A cosy hideaway! The Old Post Office is a newly converted self-catering cottage, formerly the village post office, which comes complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms plus private parking!
- 4 Guests
- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Pet
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Garden
- Enclosed garden
- Private parking
- Open fire or woodburner
- Pub 0.3 miles
Kersey, Constable Country
COW
(No dates selected)
£536 - £831- This charming character cottage is full of countryside charm and ideal for couples looking for a romantic retreat in which to explore the pretty village of Kersey.
- 4 Guests
- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Pet
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Open fire or woodburner
- Pub 0.02 miles

Cosy Cottages
There's nothing better than snuggling up in front of the fire on a chilly day! Check out our range of luxury self-catering properties with log burners.
Belchamp Otten, Constable Country
2MF
(No dates selected)
£576 - £926- A charming cottage in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, surrounded by beautiful views this cottage offers guests comfortable living for five. The perfect retreat for any family or group of friends.
- 5 Guests
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Pets
- 1 Bathroom
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Open fire or woodburner
- Games room
- Beach 39 miles
- Pub 0.3 miles
Kersey, Constable Country
SFPRK
(No dates selected)
£631 - £1056- A chocolate box cottage in picturesque Kersey; guests can expect a quintessentially English break with picture-postcard scenery. The village's "eye catching perfection" has recently been reviewed in the Times newspaper.
- 6 Guests
- 3 Bedrooms
- No Pets
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Enclosed garden
- Open fire or woodburner
- Pub 0.1 miles
Hadleigh, Constable Country
COHO
(No dates selected)
£671 - £1141- The Coach House is a stunning example of period charm and modern conveniences. This holiday home in Hadleigh is a true gem within south Suffolk.
- 6 Guests
- 3 Bedrooms
- No Pets
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Garden
- Enclosed garden
- Private parking
- Pub 0.02 miles
Semer, Constable Country
SFSCS
(No dates selected)
£841 - £1386- A great holiday destination for adults and children alike, take a dip in the pool (available from second Bank Holiday in May through to the end of the first week in September) conquer the climbing castle and fish in the lake. Set amid beautiful Suffolk farmland, have an excellent time at this rural retreat.
- 6 Guests
- 4 Bedrooms
- 1 Pet
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Enclosed garden
- Private parking
- Swimming pool
- Open fire or woodburner
- Pub 2.2 miles
Semer, Constable Country
SFOBS
(No dates selected)
£1091 - £2086- Set amongst rolling Suffolk countryside, this stunning barn conversion has been beautifully refurbished to include a vaulted dining area, a first floor gallery, two delightful sitting rooms and a heated outdoor pool (available from second Bank Holiday in May through to the end of the first week in September).
- 8 Guests
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Pets
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Garden
- Private parking
- Swimming pool
- Pub 2.2 miles