Hylands House is a Grade II neo-classical villa situated in 574 acres of park near Chelmsford. The first owner was Sir John Comyns (1728-1740), a local lawyer and Tory MP for Maldon. His country residence was built on a spur of land overlooking the London Road, an area known since at least 1507 as the 'High Lands'. There have been many alterations to the property, and many fascinating owners. So, if you visit this house, I totally recommend you buying a copy of 'Hylands - the official guide' to learn of the history of this beautiful building. And check out www.hylandestate.co.uk for details of latest activities in and around the property. The house hosts monthly open days when you get a chance to peak inside, and local historians put on exhibitions about the lives of the people who have lived and worked here. But for many, it is the grounds around this house which attract them. There are formal gardens plus huge areas of parkland with a small river running through, ideal space for walking a dog or two. On this occasion, we visited the grounds for a 'walk in the countryside'.
