Barack Obama's 'Summer Whitehouse' embodies Martha's Vineyard charm – it's the perfect summer design muse (and on the market for $39 million)

The former president chose Blue Heron Farm, also known as 'The Summer Whitehouse', for its privacy, serenity, and significance – now it's up for sale again

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard house
(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Barack and Michelle Obama's former Martha's Vineyard home, labeled as 'The Summer White House,'* is on the market for $39 million. Named Blue Heron Farm, this iconic property holds one of the most exclusive zip codes in the country, set on nearly 30 acres of lush landscaping along the shores of Tisbury Great Pond.

The former president chose the home for its incredible privacy, serenity, and significance, enjoying its quintessential Martha's Vineyard charm, combined with contemporary elegance, while he was in office.

Blue Heron Farm is best known as Barack and Michelle Obama’s Martha's Vineyard home, but its celebrity ownership doesn't end with the former president. Currently, the impressive estate is owned by British architect Norman Foster. He founded Foster + Partners in 1967 and ultimately aided in the design of some of the most notable pieces of architecture, including The Gherkin and Wembley Stadium.

Norman's designs feature sleek and modern elements, combining steel and glass, and incorporating green spaces to enhance natural light and create fluid indoor-outdoor relationships, as evident in some of the newer aspects of this home.

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

This historic estate with notable farming roots has been updated and modernized over the years, with significant investments made in timeless renovations, extensive foliage planting, and build-out for new amenities across the property in recent years.

Upon entrance through a long and gated drive, one passes a 150-year-old barn that was relocated from Pennsylvania to reach the beautifully classic main house, which spans approximately 7,000 square feet. The exterior features a wraparound porch overlooking verdant lawns.

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Throughout the property, you discover numerous structures, including a waterfront boat house with private dock and private beach (because this is Martha's Vineyard, after all). There is also a separate 5-bedroom guest house, as well as a Norman Foster-designed pool and pool house.

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Other notable features include a design studio, gym, tennis court, additional guest accommodations, staff housing, equestrian riding rings and paddocks, which are scattered around the estate.

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Inside, the home is a masterclass in decorating with neutrals. from the spacious dining room to the living space, both of which combine gray, white, and cream textures with quietly luxurious marble and statement light fixtures.

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard home

(Image credit: Courtesy of Evan Joseph)

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The property is currently listed through Maggie Gold Seelig of MGS Group Real Estate and Brian Dougherty of Corcoran Property Advisors, asking $39,000,000.

*The 'Summer Whitehouse'


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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