Over 200 visit College Mansion House

ST ALBANS — The College’s Mansion House, an 18th Century building, was recently invited to be a destination for part of the St Albans Heritage Open Days.

Oaklands College Mansion, known to many as “The Mansion House” is a grand building situated in picturesque surroundings of Oaklands College, Smallford. Built in approximately 1782, the building – a former gentleman’s country house – is understood to be the conversion of a romantic Georgian property. Sited in rural grounds, the extent of woodland and the dense boundary of trees along Hatfield Road are believed to be accountable for the Mansions name, “Oaklands”.

Open to the public, the event was an opportunity for people to visit historic buildings which aren’t usually seen as a public destination and was an extremely successful weekend, with the College seeing over 200 visitors over the two days.

Visitor Joan Smith commented: “I live in the local area and have always wondered about the Mansion House and the history of Oaklands. Heritage Weekend has given me and my husband the chance to explore this beautiful building.

“We especially enjoyed following the guide that the College made for us visitors, uncovering the story of the building. And as the weather has been nice the day was rounded off with a walk around the beautiful walled gardens.”