The Apollo Studio has it's own kitchenette with full sized fridge and plenty of storage cupboards.  Crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are all provided.  A full size microwave oven, 2 ring hob, toaster and kettle are also included.  There's a breakfast bar with 2 sturdy stools so you can sit and take your morning cereal, or even sign our guest book!  An information pack contains literature on places to go, bus timetables, menu's from local eateries.  

If you require advice on oil painting equipment and accessories, I am happy to show you my own range of products.  Alternatively I am also willing to take you to a nearby art store in Ipswich town and personally guide and assist you in selecting your very own brushes, paints, canvases etc.  The cost for this trip into town is £10 per hour (subject to availability).

Guests at the Apollo Studio can have the added option of having personal tuition at a reduced rate, by arrangement.  It's the ideal way to combine scheduled classes with private tuition, making the very most of your stay.  The guest's special price for a home class is £60 per person.  Weather permitting, this can take place in the garden.

Ipswich or Colchester Bus Station collection to Apollo Studio is available, by arrangement, at a cost of £12 each way

Ipswich or Colchester Train Station collection to Apollo Studio is available, by arrangement, at a cost of £15 each way

Stansted Airport collection is available, by arrangement, at a cost of £85 each way 

NB:  If you know you need collecting, please let us know your arrival time as soon as possible - we may not always be available to meet you.  Last minute information may be too late for us.

Your painting can be sent to you, once dry enough to package, at a cost of £15 (if you are mainland UK).   

Capel St Mary does have several bus stops should you wish to make your own way around Suffolk/Essex and surrounding areas.  There is an excellent bus service both from Ipswich and Colchester.  Capel St Mary is virtually in the middle of both towns.  A regular mini bus also runs from Stansted Airport to nearby Colchester.

A short, and picturesque stroll will take you into the heart of the village.  You will find a small precinct of shops which include a greengrocers, a bakery, a Co-Op with ATM machine, a hairdressers, a Chinese Take-Away and a newsagents.  In this area is the village community centre and library.  The Community Centre has a lovely family bar and quite often offers entertainment.  At the far end of the village is the White Horse Public House, which serves excellent meals with a carvery on Sundays.

Across the road from the Apollo Studio is the footpath leading to our woods.  This is a lovely area to stroll and great for painting inspiration too.  If you time it right, it's a lovely place to watch a sunset.  The woods is a protected conservation area which is home to green woodpeckers, wrens, pheasants and if you're early enough, you'll even spot small deer. 

Capel is just a few miles from Dedham and Flatford Mill, the site of the Haywain, Constable Country.  This is a highly recommended place to visit.  If you have strong arms you can hire a boat and row from one area to the other and reward yourself with a cream tea in the coffee shop.