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Situated in the heart of London, on a property the size of seven soccer fields, stands a mansion known as the ambassador's home—this formal home of the American diplomat to the United Kingdom.

While it is a grand residence, it has over time gained a reputation for hosting spectacular parties, particularly on the 4th of July—the United States' Independence Day. The most recent event showcased a performance by Nile Rodgers entertaining on the grounds for a large crowd of guests.

A Legacy of Entertainment

Style elite, sports stars, and wartime leaders have all been entertained at the property. As far back as the early 19th century, when the initial site was constructed, its main purpose was for social gatherings, according to the estate's historical information.

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

"This is more than the home of the ambassador, but it's also a hub of diplomatic hospitality," notes a former employee knowledgeable about the estate.

Exclusive and Secure

One thing Winfield isn't is a public site. Located inside Regent's Park, it is private and demands advance arrangements to enter. Visits of the gardens were previously organized by community organizations, but so far this year, permission has not been granted.

Standing on the road nearby, the mansion is hidden. It is surrounded in trees and provides remarkable privacy for a downtown location.

"It's really challenging to get in there. I regard it as a feather in my cap that I was able to get in," recalls one guest who calls the house "breathtaking" and expresses awe for the landscaping.

Tours permit viewing to the main level, which functions as a "very posh" space for events, and the gardens. The first floor is reserved for the private living quarters of the ambassador.

As both a residence and a site for many American functions, schedules are tight. "It wasn't a matter of requesting to come on a chosen day. Instead, it was just, permission was given to come here on this day," adds the source.

The property features the second-largest non-public garden in central London, according to reports. It includes a grassy area, paved paths, art pieces—and additionally has room for aircraft to touch down.

Historical Importance

Socialite and beneficiary to the retail empire Hutton sold the property to the US government for a mere symbolic amount in 1946 in an arrangement described as "extremely patriotic" by the then-president Harry S Truman.

She had acquired the house a decade prior, after it was significantly damaged in a blaze. The Crown Estate Commission gave her permission to demolish it and reconstruct it in the distinctive red brick architectural design that still stands now.

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

With the Second World War approaching and her personal life not going particularly well, she went back to America with her child in the late 1930s. It would subsequently be discovered that this is when she met her future spouse—actor Cary Grant—who is reported to have stayed at the mansion with her.

Wartime and Recent Use

During the war, Winfield was commandeered by the military balloon barrage unit with officers allegedly playing sports in the gardens.

She returned to the city to see what was left of the house at the end of the hostilities—and after the Germans' bombs. She instructed her legal representative and asked that it be donated to the US government for restoration—and it has been used as the primary residence of diplomats ever since.

The past is present in the structure of the mansion. The first building was named a historical title, and according to historical documents, was used for visually impaired soldiers of World War One. A non-profit of the identical title still exists currently.

Speaking about American leaders, a former employee states: "At some point they each visit, at least once." He explains meeting the former president and his wife the first lady during their prior official trip in recent years, which was "somewhat unusual". They ate at the property with the queen and King Charles III before he rose to the throne.

A famous photograph of Mikhail Gorbachev—the last Soviet leader—and American leader Bush may be one of the best-known moments from the house. The two held a combined news conference there at the G7 summit in 1991.

Leaders have historically utilized it for important events, including global conferences, elaborate state dinners, and uniting wartime leaders.

Entertainment and Protection

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

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

Additionally, it has served as home to athletic activities with a royal figure attending an sports-related gathering there. A former first lady participated actively with a competition, even joining the tug of war alongside some well-known spectators.

Style elite has also visited the halls of Winfield. A previous Vogue editor co-hosted a design event opening party with the diplomat at the time. A music celebrity was seen as well.

Some of the functions would involve "several thousand" of guests, with the Independence Day celebrations usually welcoming a large crowd.

An Secluded Oasis

The property serves as a something of an getaway.

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

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

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