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Situated in the heart of the city, on a property the size of seven soccer fields, sits a mansion known as Winfield House—this formal home of the American ambassador to the UK.

Although it is a grand home, it has over time gained a reputation for hosting spectacular events, particularly on the 4th of July—the United States' Independence Day. This year's celebration showcased a performance by Nile Rodgers headlining on the lawn for thousands of attendees.

An History of Hospitality

Fashion's elite, athletes, and wartime leaders have all been hosted here. Even the early 19th century, when the original building was constructed, its primary use was for entertainment, as noted on the estate's historical information.

President Donald Trump stayed at the first night of his state visit at the spacious mansion. His family also stayed there in 2019, as did the Bidens in the past.

"This is more than the home of the ambassador, but it's also a centre of diplomatic entertaining," notes a retired staff member familiar with the property.

Exclusive and Secure

One thing the residence cannot be called is a tourist attraction. Located within a royal park, it is exclusive and requires planning to gain access. Tours of the gardens were once organized by community organizations, however currently this year, access has not been granted.

From the street outside, the house is hidden. It is surrounded in woodland and offers exceptional seclusion for a central London location.

"It's really challenging to gain entry. It felt like a personal achievement that I was able to enter," recalls one visitor who describes the house "breathtaking" and shows admiration for the grounds.

Guided visits permit access to the ground floor, which serves as a "very posh" space for events, and the outdoor areas. The first floor is reserved for the private living quarters of the diplomatic representative.

Being both a home and a site for many American functions, schedules are strict. "It wasn't a case of we would like to visit on a chosen date. It was simply, you will be allowed to enter here on this day," explains the individual.

The property boasts the one of the biggest private outdoor space in the city, according to reports. It contains a grassy area, stone paths, sculptures—and additionally has room for helicopters to land.

Past Significance

Wealthy heiress and heir to the retail empire Barbara Hutton transferred Winfield to the US government for a mere dollar in the mid-20th century in an offer described as "most generous" by the leader Truman.

She had purchased the house a decade prior, after it was partly damaged in a blaze. Authorities allowed her to tear it down and reconstruct it in the distinctive red brick architectural design that still stands today.

She named it after her grandfather, Woolworth, the creator of the Woolworth shopping chain.

As the Second World War approaching and her personal life facing particularly well, she returned to America with her son in the late 1930s. It would later be revealed that this is when she met her future spouse—actor Grant—who is said to have stayed at the property with her.

Wartime and Modern Use

In the war, the estate was commandeered by the military defense division with personnel reportedly engaging in sports in the gardens.

She returned to London to assess what was remaining of the property at the end of the hostilities—and after the enemy bombs. She instructed her lawyer and requested that it be handed over to the American officials for restoration—and it has been used as the primary residence of ambassadors ever since.

History is present in the structure of Winfield. The first building was named St Dunstan's, and according to historical documents, was employed for blind soldiers of the First World War. A non-profit of the same name operates today.

Commenting about American leaders, a former employee says: "At some point they each visit, at least one time." He details encountering the former president and his wife the first lady during their prior official trip in recent years, which was "a little bit surreal". They dined at the residence with the queen and the monarch before he rose to the throne.

A famous image of the Soviet leader—the last USSR head of state—and US President Bush may be one of the most famous occasions from the property. The two held a joint news conference there at the G7 summit in the early 1990s.

Leaders have historically used it for key moments, including global conferences, grand state dinners, and uniting wartime leaders.

Entertainment and Protection

The residence has staged many varied functions, according to accounts.

There have been shows by Duran Duran, the Foo Fighters, and Bastille, sometimes in the garden and at other times inside the mansion.

It's also been home to sporting events with a royal figure participating in an sports-related reception there. A former first lady participated actively with a sports day, even doing the team event alongside some famous spectators.

Style elite has also visited the halls of Winfield. A previous fashion publication boss co-hosted a design event opening party with the ambassador at the time. A Spice Girl was spotted too.

A number of the events would involve "thousands" of attendees, with the 4 July celebrations usually gathering 3,000 or 4,000.

An Secluded Retreat

The property serves as a something of an escape.

"It is hard to believe you're in the centre of the city," remarks one visitor.

But what's the most disappointing part of the house? A source says its entrance road is "somewhat underwhelming" compared to the remainder of Winfield.

"It accommodates for large limousines but you couldn't get a parade of guards marching and things. It's unlike the famous avenue."