Fans of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings might wish to relocate to north Essex, where a unique livery opportunity is being offered.
Stables and land belonging to the Munnings Collection in Dedham, near Colchester, are available to rent for the first time in many years.
They come with a secure tackroom and feed store.
Sir Alfred’s house – which is home to the museum – forms the backdrop to the 2.6-acre field.
It featured in his 1935 work, My Wife, My Horse and Myself.
“These facilities were all, of course, used by Munnings and his wife Violet,” said Diane Roe from the museum.
“They bred their own hunters from racing stock. Violet was actually a bit of a horsey snob and only rode really smart thoroughbreds,” she told H&H.
“We have a letter from Munnings to Violet in which he mentions some ‘cobby types’ he has seen – and says, ‘Not that you’d be seen dead on them, of course!'”
Ms Roe stresses that less smart horses are just as welcome as those who would have passed muster with Lady Violet.
“If you are a Munnings fan, I should think it would be thrilling to have your horses here,” she added.
Contact Diane Roe tel: 01206 322127 or visit www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (16 February 2012)
