THE former grammar school attended by famed landscape artist John Constable has been put up for sale with a price tag of £1,250,000.Buyers with an eye for his romantic style of painting and a love of rural life are being sought for The Old Grammar School, in Dedham on the Essex-Suffolk border - a Grade I listed building of both historical and architectural significance.

THE former grammar school attended by famed landscape artist John Constable has been put up for sale with a price tag of £1,250,000.

Buyers with an eye for his romantic style of painting and a love of rural life are being sought for The Old Grammar School, in Dedham on the Essex-Suffolk border - a Grade I listed building of both historical and architectural significance.

Founded in 1571, the grammar school was granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I only a few years later. It became the school of the young Constable in the 18th century.

Constable attended Dedham Grammar School before working for his father's corn business and eventually attending the Royal Academy of Art in 1799. Constable would go on to paint much of Dedham's beautiful countryside, which today is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is said Constable's greatest joy was painting in the open air on Dedham Vale and it is expected that the link to him and the stunning location, overlooking Royal Square, will make the Old Grammar School a much sought-after property.

Mark Oliver, of Ipswich-based Savills estate agents, described the property as having “enormous character”.

He said: “Despite its public location it is incredibly secluded given its rear facing garden, making you feel as if you were in the middle of the countryside.

“It is very unusual for a property such as this to become available, especially because of its connections with Constable.

“Although the property has only recently come on the market, it has already attracted much interest for these reasons.”

Built in 1728, the property is surrounded by many period buildings including medieval Flemish cottages and Tudor houses.

It boasts three floors and contains many original period features including pine-panelled walls, tiled floors and sash windows.

It also features seven bedrooms, three reception rooms, extensive cellars and is surrounded by half an acre of gardens.

For further details contact 01473 234830.