Winfield House is an English Neo-Georgian townhouse located in Regent's Park, central London. It serves as the official residence of the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The estate spans 12 acres, making it the second largest private garden in London after Buckingham Palace's garden. The house was originally built in 1936 for American heiress Barbara Woolworth Hutton, named after her grandfather Frank Winfield Woolworth. After World War II, Hutton donated the house to the U.S. government, and since 1955 it has been used as the American ambassador's residence. The house is not just a residence but also a place of diplomatic hospitality, hosting events and celebrations such as the U.S. Independence Day. The property is well secluded by trees and foliage, maintaining privacy and security, and includes gardens, pathways, a tennis court, and large entertaining lawns.
History and Architecture
The site originally housed Hertford Villa, later known as St Dunstan's, designed by Decimus Burton in 1825. After a fire in the 1930s, Barbara Hutton purchased the damaged estate, demolished the old villa, and commissioned a new Neo-Georgian mansion designed by Leonard Rome Guthrie. The residence was named Winfield House in honor of Hutton's grandfather and completed in 1938. During World War II, it was used by the Royal Air Force. Following the war, it was sold to the U.S. government for a token sum and has since been the ambassador's London home.
Grounds and Features
Winfield House is set within extensive grounds that include a formal garden, sculpture garden, vegetable garden, tennis court, greenhouse, and expansive lawns. The private garden is the second largest in central London. The house itself contains lavish reception areas used for diplomatic events, while private living quarters occupy the upper floors. Entry to the estate is highly restricted, and it is not open to the general public except for special occasions or tours under strict regulation.
Notable Visitors and Use
The house has hosted numerous notable figures including U.S. presidents, celebrities, and diplomats. It has a reputation as a vibrant hub for diplomatic hospitality and cultural events in London.
This summary encapsulates the significance, history, and current use of Winfield House in London.
