Worlds Best Homes

Inside Barack and Michelle Obama's Martha's Vineyard home – a neutral hideaway on an iconic island

The $11.75 million estate is a celebration of its legendary zipcode – exhibiting a cool coastal palette across 29 acres

Obama home
(Image credit: LandVest)

It is only inevitable that we would have high hopes for the Obama house: a residence owned by one of the nation's most famous families in a legendary location. And, of course, their Martha's Vineyard compound doesn't disappoint. 

Former President Barack Obama has owned the island residence since 2020, when they paid $11.75 million for the keys to their waterfront abode. Easily categorizable as one of the world's best homes, the property epitomizes Martha's Vineyard luxury – exhibiting inspiring coastal decor and a verdant yard overlooking the Atlantic. 

The expansive 6,892-square-foot house sits on nearly 30 secluded acres fronting the Edgartown Great Pond between Slough Cove and Turkeyland Cove, both frequented by politicians and celebrities alike. 

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

Designed by Taylor Lombardo Architects in San Francisco, the home was built in 2001 by John Early, a well-known and hugely trusted Island contractor. And it's in a spot the Obamas love – it's no secret that they have enjoyed spending downtime at Martha's Vineyard whenever they can.

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

Martha's Vineyard has famously been an annual holiday spot for the Obama family since their time in the White House. However, they have been known to spend more time on the island since the end of Obama's presidency in January 2017.

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

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 pool. There's also direct access to the pond, and it includes a boat house and a private beachfront with deeded rights, as per the former listing on LandVest.

Obama house

(Image credit: 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 house

(Image credit: LandVest)

The former president and his family spent part of every August on the island for seven out of the eight years he was in office. The family also visited the Island before, including when he was a senator from Illinois.

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

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 family room has plenty of space for relaxing. Architectural details, such as those on the ceiling of this room, give the house plenty of character.

Galleried living room at the Obamas' new home in Martha's Vineyard

(Image credit: LandVest)

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. 

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

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. 

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

Outside, the raised sundeck is yet another space for the Obamas to unwind, again with wonderful views across the bay.

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

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. 

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

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.'

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

What is Martha's Vineyard known for?

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

Martha's Vineyard is an island south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA, and is famous as a summer vacation destination for Americans – and vacationers from other countries. 

Obama house

(Image credit: LandVest)

What celebrities live on Martha's Vineyard?

Other than the Obama house, Martha's Vineyard 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, Oprah Winfrey, Larry David, and Bill Gates.


Shop our costal picks

While we can't all own a home on Martha's Vineyard, we can tap into its unmistakable aesthetic with some coastal decor furnishings. Our current top picks will bring New England charm to homes far beyond the beautiful East Coast. 

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.