Hylands House is listed Grade 2*. The House was originally constructed in 1730 but both house and landscape were substantially altered in the early 19th century by Humphrey Repton and the house again in the late 19th century. Family ownership ceased in the mid 20th century and the badly damaged building was later acquired by Chelmsford Borough Council who commenced a lengthy restoration of what has become a treasured and popular local venue for concerts, weddings, events and conferences. The Estate is 270 ha. and the Park hosts major events, including the annual ‘V Festival’ and the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. Phase 4 of the project inlcuded the restoration of the badly damaged ground floor rooms in the west wing and provided new public facilities in the sodden and derelict basement. The most demanding part of the work was in the ornate Banqueting Room, which had been badly damaged by fire and water. The work included the careful conservation and reinstatement of the plaster ceiling, deep cornice and pilasters; gilding and graining; the recreation of the ornate red marble fireplace; restoration of the original windows, shutters and joinery which had been removed to storage. The award of the Plaisterers Trophy and Humber Silver Salver recognised this as the finest piece of solid plasterwork completed in the UK during 2004. The basement presented technical challenges in dealing with the conversion of a saturated structure to form the toilets, cloakrooms, staff room offices, stores and display areas which were essential to enable the house to meet the needs of the visiting public. On the ground floor a catering kitchen was inserted, with a lecture room above. The three principal levels were connected by a new hydraulic lift. With the exception of the attic, the building is now fully accessible and has accessible toilets at basement and mezzanine levels. Phases 5 and 6 completed the restoration of the House. The principal features were the restoration of the Grand Stair, which contained further ornate plasterwork, the restoration of the first floor rooms as offices and display rooms and the conversion of the whole of the attic storey to lettable office space. We also undertook the restoration of Flint Cottage (on the EH Register of Buildings at Risk), the sole surviving landscape building. These Phases formed part of a £5.4 million project, part-funded by the HLF to complete the restoration of the house and Repton Landscape, to convert the Stable complex to form a visitor centre and to complete various infrastructure works.