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Situated in the heart of the city, on a property the scale of multiple soccer fields, stands a residence known as Winfield House—this official residence of the American ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Although it is a grand residence, it has over time gained a reputation for throwing spectacular parties, particularly on the Fourth of July—the United States' national holiday. This year's celebration featured a performance by Nile Rodgers headlining on the lawn for thousands of attendees.

A Legacy of Hospitality

Style elite, athletes, and military figures have all been entertained here. As far back as 1825, when the initial building was built, its primary use was for social gatherings, as noted on the property's official records.

Former President Trump stayed at the initial evening of his state visit at the spacious residence. The Trumps also resided there in recent years, as had the Bidens in the past.

"This is more than the home of the diplomat, but it's also a hub of diplomatic entertaining," says a retired employee familiar with the property.

Exclusive and Secure

One thing Winfield isn't is a tourist attraction. Located within a royal park, it is private and requires advance arrangements to gain access. Visits of the grounds were previously organized by community organizations, however currently this year, permission has not been granted.

From the road nearby, the mansion cannot be seen. It is surrounded in trees and offers remarkable seclusion for a downtown location.

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

Guided visits permit access to the main level, which functions as a "very posh" space for events, and the outdoor areas. The upper level is reserved for the personal living quarters of the diplomatic representative.

As both a residence and a site for most American functions, schedules are tight. "It did not involve a case of requesting to come on a chosen day. Instead, it was just, you will be allowed to enter on the premises on a set date," explains the source.

The property features the one of the biggest non-public outdoor space in the city, according to sources. It includes a lawn, paved walkways, sculptures—and additionally offers room for helicopters to land.

Historical Significance

Socialite and beneficiary to the Woolworths empire Barbara Hutton transferred the property to the American authorities for only symbolic amount in 1946 in an offer viewed as "most generous" by the leader Harry S Truman.

Hutton had purchased the mansion 10 years earlier, after it was significantly damaged in a fire. Authorities gave her permission to demolish it and reconstruct it in the distinctive red brick Georgian style that still stands today.

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

As World War Two about to erupt and her personal life facing difficulties, Hutton went back to America with her son in 1939. It would later be revealed that this is when she met her future spouse—film star Cary Grant—who is said to have resided at the mansion with her.

Wartime and Recent Use

In the conflict, the estate was taken over by the Royal Air Force defense division with personnel reportedly engaging in sports in the gardens.

Hutton came back to London to assess what was left of the house at the end of the war—and after the Germans' bombs. She instructed her legal representative and requested that it be handed over to the US government for restoration—and it has been used as the primary home of diplomats from that time onward.

History is embedded in the structure of the mansion. The original building was called a historical title, and as per archival documents, was used for visually impaired veterans of World War One. A non-profit of the same name still exists today.

Commenting about US presidents, a former employee states: "At some point they each come, at least one time." He explains encountering Trump and his spouse Melania during their previous state visit in 2019, which was "a little bit unusual". They dined at the residence with Queen Camilla and King Charles III before he ascended to the royal position.

A famous image of the Soviet leader—the last Soviet leader—and American leader George W Bush may be one of the best-known occasions from the property. The pair held a joint news conference there at the G7 summit in 1991.

Politicians have long used it for key moments, including global conferences, elaborate official meals, and uniting military figures.

Entertainment and Protection

The residence has hosted many varied functions, per sources.

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

Additionally, it has served as the setting to sporting events with a royal figure attending an sports-related gathering there. Michelle Obama participated actively with a competition, even joining the team event alongside some famous spectators.

Style royalty has also graced the corridors of the property. A previous Vogue boss co-hosted a London Fashion Week opening party with the ambassador at the time. A Spice Girl was spotted too.

Some of the functions would involve "thousands" of guests, with the 4 July parties typically welcoming 3,000 or 4,000.

A Hidden Oasis

It's a bit of an getaway.

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

But what's the least impressive aspect of the mansion? One person says its entrance road is "rather modest" compared to the remainder of Winfield.

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