It’s no secret that the Obamas love Martha’s Vineyard. For many years, they rented properties on this tony, New England island during the summer until they finally took the plunge and bought a luxurious getaway of their own (post-presidency). Now, they quietly spend time there without much notice, but a sublime MV estate they used to rent is currently making a splash.
Blue Heron Farm, a 30-acre estate nicknamed the “Summer White House” when the Obamas enjoyed it as a vacation rental in 2009, 2010, and 2011, just listed for a staggering $39 million. According to the Wall Street Journal, British architect Norman Foster owns the expansive home and, like the Obamas, mainly used it as a summer escape.
As the founder and principal of Foster + Partners, his architectural point of view and skill couldn’t help be make an impact here. The modern pool and pool house he designed, for example, offer a sultry, glassy destination for lounging within the bucolic, countryside paradise. There are numerous other structures to see, such that it could take all summer to fully explore the vast property.
Once through the gates and down the tree-lined driveway, you first spot an 150-year-old barn that was relocated here from Pennsylvania, which could serve as a party barn, hobby barn, or kids zone. The farmhouse-esque, 7,000-square-foot main residence emerges next, offering elegantly refreshed spaces and a sprawling wraparound porch straight out of a Pinterest board.
There’s also a five-bedroom guest house, a boat house with a dock on Tisbury Great Pond, a design studio, garages, additional guest accommodations, and staff housing. With a tennis court and equestrian riding rings and paddocks, you never have to leave to get active. The endless possibilities for fun and relaxation all amidst utter privacy may be one of the main things that drew the Obamas in.
Maggie Gold Seelig of MGS Group Real Estate and Brian Dougherty of Corcoran Property Advisors share the listing.