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Nestled in the heart of London, on a estate the scale of multiple soccer fields, stands a residence called Winfield House—the official residence of the US ambassador to the UK.

While it may be a stately residence, it has over time become known for hosting impressive events, particularly on the 4th of July—the United States' Independence Day. This year's celebration featured Nile Rodgers & Chic headlining on the lawn for thousands of attendees.

An History of Hospitality

Fashion's elite, sports stars, and military figures have all been entertained at the property. Even 1825, when the original building was built, its main purpose was for entertainment, according to the property's official information.

Former President Trump stayed at the initial evening of his state visit at the spacious mansion. His family also stayed there in 2019, as had the Bidens previously.

"This is more than the residence of the diplomat, it serves as a centre of official entertaining," says a retired employee knowledgeable about the property.

Exclusive and Protected

One thing Winfield isn't is a tourist attraction. Situated within a royal park, it is exclusive and requires advance arrangements to gain access. Tours of the grounds were once organized by local groups, however currently this year, permission has been restricted.

From the road outside, the house is hidden. It is surrounded in trees and offers remarkable seclusion for a central London property.

"It is challenging to gain entry. It felt like a feather in my cap that I was able to enter," recalls one guest who describes the house "breathtaking" and shows awe for the grounds.

Guided visits only allow viewing to the main level, which functions as a "luxurious" space for receptions, and the outdoor areas. The upper level is used for the private living quarters of the ambassador.

As both a residence and a venue for most American functions, schedules are tight. "It wasn't a matter of requesting to visit on a specific day. Instead, it was just, permission was given to enter on the premises on this day," adds the individual.

The estate features the one of the biggest non-public outdoor space in central London, according to sources. It contains a lawn, stone walkways, sculptures—and also has room for helicopters to touch down.

Past Significance

Socialite and beneficiary to the Woolworths fortune Barbara Hutton sold the property to the American authorities for a mere dollar in the mid-20th century in an arrangement described as "most generous" by the leader Truman.

Hutton had acquired the house 10 years prior, after it was significantly destroyed in a blaze. Authorities allowed her to tear it down and reconstruct it in the distinctive brickwork architectural design that remains now.

The name was chosen after her grandfather, Frank Winfield Woolworth, the founder of the Woolworth store network.

As the Second World War about to erupt and her second marriage not going difficulties, she returned to America with her son in 1939. It would later be discovered that this is when she encountered her next husband—actor Grant—who is said to have stayed at the property with her.

Wartime and Recent Function

In the war, Winfield was taken over by the military defense division with officers allegedly engaging in football in the gardens.

Hutton came back to London to see what was remaining of the property at the end of the war—and after the Germans' bombs. She instructed her legal representative and asked that it be handed over to the American officials for restoration—and it has been used as the official home of ambassadors from that time onward.

History is present in the structure of Winfield. The original building was called a historical title, and according to historical documents, was employed for blind veterans of World War One. A charity of the same name operates currently.

Speaking about American leaders, a source says: "Eventually they all visit, at least one time." He explains meeting the former president and his spouse the first lady during their previous official trip in recent years, which was "a little bit surreal". They dined at the residence with Queen Camilla and King Charles III before he rose to the royal position.

An iconic photograph of Mikhail Gorbachev—the final Soviet head of state—and US President George W Bush may be one of the best-known moments from the house. The two held a combined news conference there at the international meeting in 1991.

Politicians have long utilized it for important moments, including global conferences, grand state dinners, and bringing together military figures.

Entertainment and Security

Winfield House has hosted many diverse functions, according to accounts.

Included among these are shows by Take That, Ed Sheeran, and Bastille, occasionally in the outdoor area and sometimes inside the mansion.

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

Fashion elite has also graced the corridors of the property. A former fashion publication editor co-hosted a design event opening party with the diplomat at the period. A Spice Girl was spotted as well.

Some of the functions would attract "thousands" of guests, with the Independence Day celebrations usually gathering 3,000 or 4,000.

A Hidden Oasis

It's a something of an getaway.

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

But what's the most disappointing aspect of the house? A person says its driveway is "rather modest" compared to the rest of Winfield.

"It accommodates for big limousines but you couldn't get a parade of soldiers walking up etc.. It's unlike the famous avenue."