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Situated in the heart of the city, on a property the scale of multiple soccer fields, sits a mansion known as the ambassador's home—the official home of the American ambassador to the UK.

While it may be a grand residence, it has through the years gained a reputation for throwing spectacular parties, particularly on the 4th of July—the United States' Independence Day. This year's celebration featured a performance by Nile Rodgers headlining on the lawn for thousands of guests.

A Legacy of Hospitality

Style elite, sports stars, and wartime leaders have all been entertained here. As far back as 1825, when the initial building was built, its main purpose was for social gatherings, as noted on the property's official information.

Former President Donald Trump is spending the initial evening of his official trip at the spacious residence. The Trumps also stayed there in recent years, as had the Obamas previously.

"It's not just the residence of the diplomat, but it's also a centre of diplomatic hospitality," says a former staff member knowledgeable about the estate.

Exclusive and Protected

One thing Winfield cannot be called is a public site. Situated within a royal park, it is private and requires planning to enter. Visits of the gardens were previously arranged by community organizations, however currently this year, access has been restricted.

Standing on the street nearby, the house cannot be seen. It is surrounded in woodland and offers remarkable seclusion for a downtown property.

"It's really challenging to gain entry. I regard it as a feather in my cap that I was able to enter," recalls one guest who describes the house "magnificent" and expresses admiration for the grounds.

Tours permit access to the main level, which serves as a "luxurious" area for receptions, and the outdoor areas. The first floor is reserved for the private living quarters of the ambassador.

Being both a residence and a site for many US functions, schedules are tight. "It did not involve a case of requesting to come on a chosen date. Instead, it was simply, permission was given to enter here on a set date," adds the individual.

The property boasts the second-largest non-public outdoor space in the city, as stated by sources. It includes a grassy area, paved walkways, sculptures—and additionally has room for helicopters to land.

Historical Importance

Wealthy heiress and heir to the Woolworths empire Hutton sold the property to the US government for a mere dollar in 1946 in an offer described as "extremely patriotic" by the then-president Truman.

She had acquired the house 10 years prior, after it was partly destroyed in a blaze. Authorities gave her permission to tear it down and rebuild it in the distinctive brickwork architectural design that still stands today.

The name was chosen after her relative, Woolworth, the creator of the Woolworth shopping chain.

As World War Two approaching and her personal life not going difficulties, Hutton went back to America with her child in 1939. It would subsequently be revealed that this is when she met her next husband—actor Cary Grant—who is said to have stayed at the property with her.

Historical and Recent Use

In the conflict, the estate was taken over by the military balloon barrage unit with officers allegedly engaging in sports in the grounds.

She returned to the city to see what was remaining of the property at the conclusion of the war—and after the Germans' attacks. She contacted her legal representative and asked that it be handed over to the US government for restoration—and it has been served as the official home of diplomats ever since.

The past is embedded in the walls of Winfield. The original building was called St Dunstan's, and as per historical records, was used for blind soldiers of the First World War. A non-profit of the identical title operates today.

Commenting about American leaders, a former employee says: "Eventually they all visit, at least once." He details encountering Trump and his wife Melania during their prior state visit in recent years, which was "somewhat surreal". They dined at the residence with Queen Camilla and the monarch before he ascended to the throne.

An iconic 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 combined news conference there at the G7 summit in the early 1990s.

Politicians have historically used it for important events, including global conferences, elaborate official meals, and bringing together military figures.

Entertainment and Protection

Winfield House has hosted many varied functions, per accounts.

Included among these are performances by Take That, the Foo Fighters, and Bastille, sometimes in the outdoor area and at other times within the mansion.

Additionally, it has served as the setting to athletic activities with a royal figure participating in an Invictus Games reception there. Michelle Obama got stuck in with a competition, even joining the tug of war alongside some well-known onlookers.

Fashion royalty has also graced the corridors of Winfield. A former fashion publication boss co-hosted a London Fashion Week kickoff celebration with the ambassador at the period. A Spice Girl was seen too.

Some of the functions would involve "several thousand" of guests, with the 4 July celebrations typically gathering 3,000 or 4,000.

A Hidden Retreat

It's a something of an escape.

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

However what's the most disappointing part of the house? One person notes its driveway is "somewhat underwhelming" compared to the remainder of the estate.

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