BRUSH WITH FAME
When you think of the artist John Constable, rural scenes spring to mind of g reen rolling fields dotted with grazing livestock and contented farm workers.
His world-famous artworks celebrated the English countryside and now change hands for millions of pounds.
Fans of the artist’s work flock to the area known as ‘Constable Country’ where he grew up on the Suffolk-Essex border, keen to experience for themselves the landscape which inspired Constable to create beautiful paintings such as The Hay Wain and Dedham Vale.
Less well-known is the fact that Constable also had a strong association with Hampstead, an arty area of North London where he spent his final years.
Needing a base in the capital from which to negotiate with prospective buyers, Constable set up home with his wife Maria and their son in a street called Well Walk.
The Georgian townhouse in which he lived from 1827 until his death in 1837 has now come onto the market for the first time in 30 years. With a smart blue front door and a matching blue plaque testifying to his residency, the Grade II listed home has four bedrooms, lots of period features and a walled garden.
“We expect its appeal to be farreaching, taking in those seeking a family home with straightforward access to amenities, transport and great schools, as well as the prospect of living in the former home of one of the nation’s greatest artists,” says Peter Brooks of Savills estate agent.
Constable’s former home is for sale priced £4m via Savills (0207 7472 5000).