It has been a National Trust property since 1943 and a Grade II* listed building since 1955.
[1] The property is located in the heart of Dedham Vale, a typical Suffolk rural landscape.
It is noted as the location for works by John Constable, and presents an exhibition of his paintings.
[citation needed] The cottage is located just upstream from Flatford Mill which, along with neighbouring Valley Farm and Willy Lott's Cottage, are leased to the Field Studies Council; a group uses them as locations for arts-based courses.
[citation needed] The property provides access to a number of walks along the River Stour.