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Situated in the heart of the city, on a property the scale of multiple football pitches, sits a residence known as the ambassador's home—the formal residence of the US ambassador to the UK.

While it is a stately home, it has over time gained a reputation for hosting spectacular events, particularly on the Fourth of July—the United States' Independence Day. The most recent celebration featured Nile Rodgers & Chic headlining on the lawn for a large crowd of guests.

A Legacy of Hospitality

Style insiders, sports stars, and wartime leaders have all been hosted here. Even the early 19th century, when the initial building was built, its primary use was for social gatherings, according to the property's historical records.

Former President Trump is spending the first night of his state visit at the 35-room residence. His family also stayed there in 2019, as did the Obamas in the past.

"It's not just the residence of the ambassador, but it's also a hub of official hospitality," notes a former employee knowledgeable about the property.

Private and Secure

One thing the residence isn't is a public site. Situated within a royal park, it is private and requires planning to gain access. Visits of the grounds were once arranged by local groups, however so far this year, access has been restricted.

Standing on the street outside, the house is hidden. It is surrounded in trees and provides remarkable seclusion for a downtown property.

"It's really challenging to gain entry. It felt like a personal achievement that I was able to get in," recalls one visitor who describes the house "magnificent" and expresses awe for the grounds.

Guided visits only allow viewing to the main level, which functions as a "very posh" area for events, and the outdoor areas. The first floor is reserved for the personal apartments of the ambassador.

As both a residence and a venue for many US receptions, timings are strict. "It wasn't a case of requesting to come on a chosen day. It was just, permission was given to come here on a set date," adds the individual.

The estate boasts the second-largest non-public outdoor space in central London, as stated by sources. It contains a lawn, stone paths, art pieces—and also has room for helicopters to touch down.

Past Significance

Socialite and heir to the Woolworths empire Barbara Hutton transferred Winfield to the American authorities for only symbolic amount in the mid-20th century in an offer described as "most generous" by the leader Truman.

She had acquired the house a decade earlier, after it was partly destroyed in a fire. The Crown Estate Commission allowed her to demolish it and reconstruct it in the distinctive brickwork Georgian style that remains today.

She named it after her relative, Woolworth, the founder of the retail shopping chain.

With World War Two about to erupt and her personal life facing particularly well, she returned to the US with her child 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.

Historical and Recent Function

In the conflict, the estate was commandeered by the military balloon barrage unit with personnel reportedly playing football in the grounds.

She returned to the city to assess what was left of the house at the conclusion 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 served as the official home of diplomats from that time onward.

The past is embedded in the walls of the mansion. The original structure was called St Dunstan's, and as per archival documents, was employed for blind soldiers of the First World War. A charity of the same name still exists today.

Commenting about American leaders, a former employee says: "At some point they all come, at least once." He details encountering Trump and his wife the first lady during their prior official trip in 2019, which was "somewhat unusual". They dined at the property with the queen and the monarch before he rose to the throne.

An iconic image of the Soviet leader—the final Soviet head of state—and American leader Bush may be one of the most famous moments from the house. The pair held a joint news conference there at the international meeting in the early 1990s.

Leaders have long utilized it for key moments, including global conferences, elaborate official meals, and uniting wartime leaders.

Events and Security

Winfield House has hosted many diverse events, per sources.

Included among these are shows by Take That, the Foo Fighters, and Bastille, occasionally in the garden and at other times within the mansion.

Additionally, it has served as home to sporting events with the Duke of Sussex participating in an Invictus Games reception there. Michelle Obama got stuck in with a sports day, even doing the team event alongside some famous onlookers.

Style elite has also visited the corridors of the property. A previous Vogue boss organized a London Fashion Week kickoff celebration with the diplomat at the time. A Spice Girl was spotted too.

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

An Secluded Oasis

The property serves as a something of an escape.

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

However what's the most disappointing aspect of the house? One source says its driveway is "somewhat underwhelming" compared to the remainder of Winfield.

"It's big enough for big limousines but you cannot get a parade of soldiers walking up and things. It's unlike the famous avenue."