Dedham Hall & Fountain House Restaurant

On the edge of this pretty village in Constable country, this cluster of buildings stands down a bumpy lane by a pond. A 15th-century cottage, an 18th-century house and an old Dutch barn, now a studio, constitute this informal guest house/restaurant/art school run by its owners, Jim and Wendy Sarton. 'I enjoyed my stay: a good dinner and a fine bedroom,' says a visitor this year, restoring it to a full Guide entry after a period without reports. Another guest liked the 'family feel'. In the 'cosy' lounges are log fires, oak beams and art books; walls are crammed with paintings by local artists (and guests). Artists attending the painting courses (February to November) are accommodated in large rooms around the barn. Other guests stay in bedrooms in the house (no keys given). Tables should be reserved when booking for the restaurant which is popular locally (typical dishes: mushrooms stuffed with bacon and cheese; peppered sirloin steak, herb and garlic butter). The Vale of Dedham is an area of outstanding beauty: Flatford Mill is a two-mile walk away, on a footpath by the River Stour. (Colin W McKerrow, and others)