Situated in the heart of the city, on a property the scale of seven soccer fields, sits a residence known as the ambassador's home—the official home of the US diplomat to the United Kingdom.
While it may be a stately residence, it has through the years become known for throwing impressive events, especially on the 4th of July—America's national holiday. This year's celebration showcased a performance by Nile Rodgers headlining on the lawn for thousands of guests.
An History of Entertainment
Style insiders, sports stars, and military figures have all been entertained at the property. Even 1825, when the original site was constructed, its main purpose was for social gatherings, according to the estate's official information.
President Trump is spending the initial evening of his state visit at the 35-room residence. The Trumps also resided there in recent years, as did the Bidens previously.
"This is more than the home of the diplomat, it serves as a centre of official entertaining," notes a former staff member familiar with the estate.
Exclusive and Protected
One thing Winfield isn't is a tourist attraction. Situated inside Regent's Park, it is exclusive and demands planning to enter. Tours of the gardens were previously organized by local groups, but so far recently, permission has been restricted.
Standing on the street nearby, the house is hidden. It is shrouded in trees and offers exceptional seclusion for a central London property.
"It is challenging to gain entry. I regard it as a feather in my cap that I was able to get in," recalls one guest who calls the property "breathtaking" and shows admiration for the landscaping.
Guided visits only allow access to the main level, which serves as a "very posh" area for receptions, and the outdoor areas. The first floor is reserved for the private apartments of the diplomatic representative.
As both a home and a site for most American receptions, schedules are tight. "It wasn't a matter of requesting to come on a specific date. Instead, it was simply, permission was given to enter here on a set date," explains the source.
The property features the second-largest private garden in central London, according to reports. It includes a grassy area, paved walkways, sculptures—and additionally offers room for aircraft to touch down.
Past Importance
Wealthy heiress and beneficiary to the retail fortune Barbara Hutton sold Winfield to the American authorities for only symbolic amount in the mid-20th century in an arrangement described as "most generous" by the then-president Truman.
Hutton had purchased the mansion 10 years prior, after it was significantly damaged in a blaze. The Crown Estate Commission allowed her to demolish it and rebuild it in the distinctive brickwork Georgian style that still stands today.
She named it after her relative, Woolworth, the founder of the Woolworth shopping chain.
With the Second World War about to erupt and her second marriage facing particularly well, Hutton went back to the US with her son in 1939. It would subsequently be discovered that this is when she met her next husband—actor Cary Grant—who is reported to have resided at the mansion with her.
Historical and Modern Function
During the war, Winfield was commandeered by the Royal Air Force defense division with personnel reportedly playing football in the gardens.
She returned to London to assess what was left of the property at the conclusion of the hostilities—and after the enemy attacks. She instructed her legal representative and requested that it be handed over to the American officials for repairs—and it has been served as the official residence of diplomats ever since.
History is embedded in the walls of Winfield. The first structure was named St Dunstan's, and as per historical documents, was used for blind veterans of World War One. A non-profit of the same name still exists today.
Speaking about US presidents, a source says: "At some point they each visit, at least once." He explains meeting the former president and his spouse the first lady during their prior state visit in recent years, which was "somewhat surreal". They dined at the property 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 best-known occasions from the property. The two held a joint press event there at the G7 summit in 1991.
Leaders have long utilized it for important moments, including global conferences, elaborate state dinners, and bringing together wartime leaders.
Entertainment and Protection
Winfield House has hosted many diverse events, according to accounts.
There have been shows by Take That, the Foo Fighters, and other artists, sometimes in the garden and at other times inside the mansion.
It's also been home to athletic activities with a royal figure attending an Invictus Games gathering there. Michelle Obama got stuck in with a competition, even doing the team event alongside some well-known spectators.
Style elite has also visited the halls of Winfield. A previous fashion publication boss co-hosted a London Fashion Week opening party with the ambassador at the period. A Spice Girl was spotted too.
Some of the functions would attract "several thousand" of attendees, with the Independence Day parties usually gathering a large crowd.
An Secluded Retreat
It's a bit of an getaway.
"It is hard to believe you're in the middle of London," remarks one guest.
But what's the least impressive part of the house? A source says its entrance road is "rather modest" compared to the rest of Winfield.
"It's big enough for large limousines but you couldn't get a parade of guards walking up etc.. It's unlike the Mall."
