Restoration & Preservation
In 2001 Leonore and Walter Annenberg established the Winfield House Gift, a $5 million endowment for the preservation and upkeep of the residence. Ambassador and Mrs. Annenberg underwrote extensive redecoration during their 1969 to 1974 tenure at Winfield House. One of their most significant contributions was the installation of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper in the Garden Room.
The work done by the Annenbergs ensured that future ambassadors could concentrate on preservation and conservation, not interior design. Requests are made by the State Department and presented to FAPE for approval. Projects that are consistent with the maintenance of the historical continuity of Winfield House receive funding from the endowment.
In 1999 as part of FAPE’s millennium project, GIFT TO THE NATION, Ambassador and Mrs. Walter Annenberg and Ambassador and Mrs. Charles Price donated funds for several restoration projects at Winfield House including the State Dining Room.