President Xi Jinping became the latest state leader welcomed at Chequers, a tranquil country house in Britain that has hosted foreign dignitaries since becoming an official retreat for prime ministers in 1921.

The stay at the neo-Gothic-style estate, 50 km northwest of London in the Buckinghamshire countryside, was expected to be a peaceful counterpoint to the official welcome and formal Downing Street meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

"The British have a long tradition of entertaining in their country houses where host and guest can enjoy peace and relaxation together and perhaps take part in country sports or other country pursuits," said Peter Batey, a former political private secretary to British prime minister Edward Heath.