Megan Slack
When one of the world's most famous families buys a home in one of the country's most exclusive locations, the results are stunning. The Obama house, located in Martha's Vineyard, is one of the most iconic properties on the Massachusetts island, and it's one of the most impressive properties we’ve ever seen.
Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the waterfront compound in 2020 for $11.75 million and have since enjoyed the home and all the luxury amenities this island has to offer.
Categorizable as one of the world's best homes, the 28-acre estate is a maze of pared-back coastal decor inspiration and comes with a detached barn and a large swimming pool. Let's take a look around, shall we?
The 6,892-square-foot house sits on nearly 30 secluded acres fronting the Edgartown Great Pond between Slough Cove and Turkeyland Cove, both adored by politicians and celebrities alike.
Other than the Obama house, the area has a scattering of estates that belong to – or have been rented by – the rich and famous, both past and present. They include Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jeffrey Kramer, Spike Lee, and Oprah Winfrey.
Designed by Taylor Lombardo Architects in San Francisco, the home was built in 2001 by John Early, a well-known local contractor on the island. It's now a spot the Obamas love, and it's no secret that they enjoy spending downtime at Martha's Vineyard whenever they can.
Martha's Vineyard became an annual holiday spot for the Obama family during their time in the White House. However, they started frequenting the office more frequently when Obama left office in January 2017.
Their home features seven bedrooms, eight and a half baths, and several stone fireplaces. There is a two-car garage, a detached barn, and a large pool. The land similarly includes a boathouse, a pond, and a private beachfront with deeded rights, as per the former listing on LandVest.
The area has been popular with vacationing celebrities and politicians for many decades. Presidents Clinton and Kennedy both spent the holidays here with their families. However, this is the first time a former President has bought a home on the island.
Obama and his family spent part of every August on the island for seven out of the eight years he was in office. They also visited the Island before, including when he was a senator from Illinois.
Inside, the home was designed with entertaining in mind. There's an expansive kitchen and a dining room with beautiful views across the bay.
Similarly, the living room offers ample space for relaxation. It boasts vaulted ceilings with exposed steel beams and a focal point stone fireplace, all of which emphasize the sense of rustic charm and intricate character.
The stunning galleried living space is a masterclass in decorating with neutrals, from its white-pained walls and ceilings to the cream soft furnishings that ensure the space feels open and airy when drenched in natural sunlight.
It's the perfect base canvas for any textures or coastal-style accessories that work seamlessly in this type of home.
As mentioned, there are eight bedrooms, including a neutral-hued primary suite with ocean views. There are also lots of rooms for friends and family to stay with bedrooms furnished with beds and adjoining bathrooms.
Outside, the raised sundeck is yet another space for the Obamas to rejuvenate, again with panoramic views across the bay.
When the Obama family purchased the home, it had been on the market since 2015, when it was listed for $22.5 million. The price dropped twice in the summer of 2020, first to $16.25 million in June, then to $14.85 million.
The purchase price, with the Dukes County Registry of Deeds, is listed at $11.75 million.
According to the Vinyard Gazette, the property sale was expected to send '$235,000 to the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, which collects a two percent transfer fee on most arm’s length real estate transactions.'
'Money from the fees is used to buy conservation land and protect natural resources such as aquifers, scenic views, and farmland on the Vineyard.'
Where does Obama live now?
Barack and Michelle Obama still reside in Washington, D.C.; however, they've kept a low profile since they left 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Barack and Michelle Obama still reside in Washington DC, however they've kept a low profile since they left 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
They sometimes make public appearances for the causes that are close to their heart, including women’s rights and health and wellness events. Alongside their DC residence, they own the Martha's Vineyard home, which is particularly perfect for the summer months.
Who currently lives in Martha's Vineyard?
Alongside the Obama's, current residents include Spike Lee, Diane Sawyer and Michael J. Fox. The island also welcomes hundreds more celebrities to the island every summer, as locals are thought to be discreet towards public figures.
Shop our costal picks
While we can't all own a Martha's Vineyard home, we can recreate some of its aura and aesthetic with the right coastal decor furnishings. Our current top picks will bring New England charm to homes far beyond the beautiful East Coast. Happy shopping.
No coastal-inspired scheme is complete without a fresh, clean scent. McGee & Co has created a refreshing and uplifting candle, inspired by the sea's salty water.
Stripes are a classic yet obvious choice when creating a coastal space. Soft furnishings like pillows are easy elements to change and can drastically change the feel of a room, especially when working with a neutral space like the Obamas.
You can always rely on Shea McGee to bring some coastal vibes, and these little shell-shaped bowls are so adorable. Available as a set of 4 with beige, blue, cream, and pink tones, they're great for hosting or hanging on the wall.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.