🔗 Share this article

Nestled in central the city, on a estate the scale of seven football pitches, stands a mansion known as Winfield House—this official home of the US diplomat to the UK.

Although it may be a stately residence, it has through the years gained a reputation for throwing impressive parties, especially on the 4th of July—the United States' national holiday. This year's event showcased Nile Rodgers & Chic headlining on the lawn for a large crowd of guests.

An History of Entertainment

Fashion's elite, sports stars, and wartime leaders have all been hosted at the property. As far back as 1825, when the initial building was built, its primary use was for social gatherings, as noted on the estate's historical information.

President Donald Trump stayed at the first night of his official trip at the 35-room mansion. The Trumps also stayed there in recent years, as did the Bidens previously.

"It's not just the residence of the diplomat, it serves as a centre of diplomatic hospitality," says a retired staff member knowledgeable about the property.

Exclusive and Secure

One thing the residence cannot be called is a tourist attraction. Located within Regent's Park, it is exclusive and requires advance arrangements to enter. Tours of the grounds were once arranged by local groups, but so far this year, access has not been granted.

Standing on the street outside, the mansion cannot be seen. It is shrouded in trees and provides exceptional privacy for a downtown property.

"It's really difficult to get in there. I regard it as a feather in my cap that I managed to get in," says one visitor who calls the property "breathtaking" and expresses awe for the landscaping.

Guided visits only allow access to the main level, which serves as a "luxurious" area for events, and the outdoor areas. The first floor is reserved for the personal apartments of the diplomatic representative.

Being both a home and a venue for many American receptions, schedules are strict. "It wasn't a case of we would like to come on a specific date. Instead, it was just, you will be allowed to enter here on a set date," explains the source.

The property boasts the second-largest private outdoor space in the city, according to sources. It contains a grassy area, stone walkways, sculptures—and additionally has room for helicopters to touch down.

Past Significance

Wealthy heiress and heir to the Woolworths empire Hutton sold the property to the US government for a mere dollar in the mid-20th century in an arrangement described as "extremely patriotic" by the then-president Truman.

She had acquired the house 10 years prior, after it was significantly damaged in a fire. Authorities gave her permission to tear it down and reconstruct it in the distinctive red brick architectural design that remains now.

She named it after her relative, Woolworth, the creator of the retail store network.

With the Second World War about to erupt and her personal life not going particularly well, Hutton went back to America with her child in the late 1930s. It would later be discovered that this is when she encountered her future spouse—film star Cary Grant—who is reported to have stayed at the property with her.

Historical and Recent Use

In the war, Winfield was commandeered by the Royal Air Force defense division with officers allegedly engaging in sports in the gardens.

Hutton returned to the city to assess what was left of the property at the conclusion of the hostilities—and after the Germans' bombs. She contacted her legal representative and requested that it be handed over to the American officials for restoration—and it has been served as the official home of diplomats from that time onward.

The past is embedded in the structure of Winfield. The first building was named St Dunstan's, and according to archival documents, was employed for blind soldiers of the First World War. A charity of the same name still exists today.

Commenting about US presidents, a former employee says: "At some point they each visit, at least one time." The individual details encountering the former president and his wife the first lady during their prior state visit in recent years, which was "somewhat surreal". They dined at the residence with Queen Camilla and the monarch before he rose to the royal position.

A famous image of Mikhail Gorbachev—the last USSR head of state—and US President George W Bush may be one of the best-known moments from the property. The pair held a joint press event there at the G7 summit in the early 1990s.

Politicians have historically utilized it for key events, including international summits, elaborate official meals, and bringing together wartime leaders.

Events and Protection

The residence has hosted many diverse functions, according to sources.

Included among these are shows by Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran, and other artists, occasionally in the garden and sometimes inside the mansion.

Additionally, it has served as home to athletic activities with the Duke of Sussex attending an sports-related reception there. Michelle Obama participated actively with a competition, even doing the team event alongside some well-known onlookers.

Fashion royalty has also graced the halls of the property. A former fashion publication editor co-hosted a design event kickoff celebration with the diplomat at the period. A music celebrity was spotted as well.

A number of the events would attract "thousands" of attendees, with the Independence Day parties typically welcoming 3,000 or 4,000.

An Secluded Retreat

It's a bit of an escape.

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

However what's the least impressive part of the house? One person notes its driveway is "rather modest" in contrast with the rest of the estate.

"It's big enough for big vehicles but you cannot get a brigade of guards walking up and things. It's not like the famous avenue."