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Situated in central the city, on a property the size of multiple football pitches, sits a residence known as Winfield House—the formal home of the US ambassador to the UK.

Although it is a stately home, it has through the years gained a reputation for hosting impressive parties, particularly on the 4th of July—America's Independence Day. This year's event featured a performance by Nile Rodgers headlining on the lawn for a large crowd of guests.

A Legacy of Entertainment

Fashion's elite, sports stars, and wartime leaders have all been hosted here. Even 1825, when the original site was constructed, its main purpose was for entertainment, according to the property's official records.

Former President Trump is spending the first night of his official trip at the spacious residence. His family also resided there in recent years, as had the Bidens in the past.

"This is more than the residence of the diplomat, but it's also a centre of official hospitality," says a retired staff member familiar with the property.

Private and Protected

What Winfield cannot be called is a tourist attraction. Situated within Regent's Park, it is private and demands planning to enter. Tours of the grounds were previously arranged by community organizations, but currently this year, access has been restricted.

Standing on the road outside, the mansion cannot be seen. It is shrouded in trees and offers exceptional seclusion for a central London property.

"It is difficult to gain entry. I regard it as a feather in my cap that I managed to enter," recalls one guest who calls the property "magnificent" and shows awe for the grounds.

Guided visits only allow viewing to the main level, which functions as a "very posh" area for receptions, and the gardens. The upper level is reserved for the personal living quarters of the diplomatic representative.

As both a home and a venue for most US functions, schedules are tight. "It did not involve a case of requesting to come on a specific day. Instead, it was just, permission was given to come on the premises on a set date," adds the individual.

The estate boasts the second-largest non-public garden in the city, according to sources. It contains a grassy area, stone walkways, art pieces—and also has room for helicopters to land.

Historical Significance

Wealthy heiress and heir to the Woolworths empire Barbara Hutton transferred the property to the US government for only dollar in 1946 in an arrangement viewed as "extremely patriotic" by the then-president Harry S Truman.

She had purchased the mansion a decade earlier, after it was partly destroyed in a blaze. The Crown Estate Commission gave her permission to demolish it and rebuild it in the iconic brickwork Georgian style that still stands now.

She named it after her grandfather, Frank Winfield Woolworth, the founder of the Woolworth store network.

As World War Two approaching and her second marriage not going particularly well, Hutton went back to the US with her child in 1939. It would later be revealed that this is when she encountered her next husband—actor Grant—who is reported to have stayed at the mansion with her.

Historical and Recent Function

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

Hutton came back to the city to see what was remaining of the property at the conclusion of the hostilities—and after the Germans' bombs. She contacted her legal representative and requested that it be donated to the US government for restoration—and it has been served as the primary home of diplomats ever since.

The past is embedded in the walls of Winfield. The first building was called a historical title, and as per historical documents, was used for blind veterans of World War One. A non-profit of the identical title still exists today.

Speaking about US presidents, a source states: "At some point they all come, at least once." The individual details meeting Trump and his spouse the first lady during their prior state visit in 2019, which was "a little bit surreal". They dined at the residence with Queen Camilla and the monarch before he ascended to the throne.

A famous photograph of the Soviet leader—the last USSR leader—and US President George W Bush may be one of the best-known moments from the property. The two held a joint press event there at the international meeting in 1991.

Politicians have historically utilized it for important events, including international summits, elaborate official meals, and uniting military figures.

Events and Security

The residence has staged many diverse functions, per accounts.

There have been shows by Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran, and Bastille, sometimes in the garden and sometimes inside the mansion.

Additionally, it has served as the setting to athletic activities with a royal figure participating in an Invictus Games gathering there. Michelle Obama got stuck in with a competition, even doing the team event alongside some well-known spectators.

Fashion royalty has also graced the corridors of Winfield. A former Vogue editor co-hosted a design event opening party with the ambassador at the time. A Spice Girl was spotted as well.

A number of the functions would involve "several thousand" of attendees, with the Independence Day celebrations usually welcoming 3,000 or 4,000.

A Hidden Oasis

It's a bit of an getaway.

"You would never know you're in the centre of London," says one guest.

However what's the most disappointing aspect of the mansion? One person notes its entrance road is "somewhat underwhelming" compared to the remainder of Winfield.

"It's big enough for large limousines but you couldn't get a brigade of soldiers marching and things. It's unlike the famous avenue."