Nestled in the heart of London, on a property the size of multiple soccer fields, sits a residence known as the ambassador's home—this formal home of the US ambassador to the UK.
While it is a grand home, it has over time become known for throwing spectacular parties, especially on the Fourth of July—America's national holiday. This year's celebration showcased Nile Rodgers & Chic entertaining on the grounds for a large crowd of attendees.
An History of Hospitality
Fashion's insiders, sports stars, and military figures have all been entertained at the property. As far back as the early 19th century, when the initial site was built, its main purpose was for social gatherings, as noted on the property's official records.
Former President Trump is spending the first night of his official trip at the 35-room residence. The Trumps also stayed there in 2019, as did the Obamas in the past.
"This is more than the home of the ambassador, but it's also a hub of official entertaining," says a former staff member knowledgeable about the estate.
Private and Secure
One thing Winfield cannot be called is a tourist attraction. Located within Regent's Park, it is private and requires advance arrangements to gain access. Visits of the gardens were previously organized by local groups, but currently this year, permission has been restricted.
From the street nearby, the house is hidden. It is shrouded in trees and provides remarkable seclusion for a central London property.
"It's really difficult to gain entry. It felt like a feather in my cap that I managed to get in," recalls one guest who calls the property "magnificent" and shows admiration for the landscaping.
Guided visits only allow viewing to the main level, which serves as a "very posh" space for events, and the gardens. The upper level is used for the personal apartments of the diplomatic representative.
As both a residence and a site for most American receptions, schedules are strict. "It did not involve a case of requesting to visit on a chosen date. Instead, it was simply, permission was given to enter on the premises on this day," explains the individual.
The estate boasts the second-largest private outdoor space in the city, according to sources. It includes a grassy area, stone paths, art pieces—and additionally offers room for aircraft to touch down.
Historical Importance
Wealthy heiress and beneficiary to the Woolworths fortune Hutton sold the property to the US government for only symbolic amount in 1946 in an offer viewed as "most generous" by the leader Truman.
Hutton had purchased the house 10 years prior, after it was significantly destroyed in a fire. Authorities gave her permission to tear it down and rebuild it in the iconic brickwork Georgian style that remains today.
The name was chosen after her grandfather, Frank Winfield Woolworth, the creator of the retail shopping chain.
As the Second World War approaching and her second marriage facing particularly well, Hutton went back to America with her child in the late 1930s. It would subsequently be discovered that this is when she met her next husband—actor Grant—who is said to have stayed at the property with her.
Wartime and Recent Function
In the conflict, Winfield was taken over by the military defense division with personnel reportedly playing football in the grounds.
Hutton came back to London to assess what was remaining of the house at the end of the hostilities—and after the Germans' attacks. She instructed her lawyer and asked that it be donated to the American officials for restoration—and it has been served as the primary residence of ambassadors ever since.
The past is present in the walls of the mansion. The first structure was named St Dunstan's, and as per archival documents, was used for blind soldiers of World War One. A charity of the identical title still exists currently.
Speaking about US presidents, a former employee states: "At some point they each visit, at least once." The individual explains meeting the former president and his spouse Melania during their prior state visit in recent years, which was "a little bit unusual". They dined at the property with Queen Camilla and the monarch before he ascended to the throne.
An iconic image of the Soviet leader—the last Soviet head of state—and American leader George W Bush may be one of the best-known occasions from the house. The two held a joint press event there at the G7 summit in 1991.
Politicians have historically utilized it for important events, including global conferences, elaborate state dinners, and bringing together wartime leaders.
Entertainment and Security
The residence has hosted many varied functions, according to accounts.
There have been performances by Take That, the Foo Fighters, and other artists, sometimes in the garden and at other times within the house.
It's also been home to athletic activities with a royal figure participating in an Invictus Games gathering there. A former first lady participated actively with a competition, even joining the tug of war alongside some famous spectators.
Fashion royalty has also visited the halls of Winfield. A previous fashion publication editor organized a London Fashion Week opening party with the ambassador at the time. A music celebrity was seen as well.
Some of the functions would attract "thousands" of attendees, with the Independence Day celebrations typically welcoming 3,000 or 4,000.
A Hidden Oasis
It's a bit of an getaway.
"It is hard to believe you're in the middle of London," says one guest.
However what's the least impressive aspect of the mansion? A source notes its entrance road is "rather modest" compared to the remainder of the estate.
"It accommodates for big vehicles but you cannot get a brigade of soldiers marching and things. It's unlike the famous avenue."
