AN HISTORIC Essex mansion been selected as a location for a new BBC drama documentary being filmed this month.The programme will focus on the life and times of celebrated novelist Daphne Du Maurier and feature scenes in Hylands House, Chelmsford.

AN HISTORIC Essex mansion been selected as a location for a new BBC drama documentary being filmed this month.

The programme will focus on the life and times of celebrated novelist Daphne Du Maurier and feature scenes in Hylands House, Chelmsford.

The BBC is set to film today and tomorrow .

Du Maurier, born in 1907 to Gerald Du Maurier, the most famous actor manager of his day, was grand-daughter of the brilliant artist and writer George Du Maurier and came from a creative and successful family.

She began writing short stories in 1928, and in 1931 her first novel The Loving Spirit was published to excellent reviews.

Her most famous three novels, Jamaica Inn, Frenchman's Creek and Rebecca soon followed.

Each novel was inspired by her love of Cornwall, where she lived and wrote.

A spokesman said Chelmsford Borough Council - owner of Hylands House - was pleased that the BBC had again chosen to film at the house.

Hylands House is a Grade II listed villa set in 574 acres of historic landscaped parkland.

Following five phases of restoration - for many years the building was in a serious state of disrepair - it is now as it was at the height of its glory.

Main features include the exquisitely gilded drawing room and the ornate banqueting room.

The grand staircase is also of note, and the Repton Room on the first floor provides stunning views over the landscaped parkland.

As well as this latest appearance on TV, the venue also appeared in the Christmas specials of Little Britain where the cast transformed Hylands House into an Italian hotel, the Vatican and the White House for three sketches.

It also appeared in the 2004 film Chasing Liberty, again as the White House.

Hylands House will be closed until Thursday during the filming period.