A Retreat Fit for the First Family
Blue Heron Farm, which has served as the Obama family vacation home on Martha’s Vineyard, has just been put on the market with Sotheby's International Realty, carrying a price tag of $23.7 million.
Because President Barack Obama and family have rented the compound for one week for the past three years, bringing with them staffers and Secret Service, many call it the “Summer White House.” (Bill and Hillary Clinton were also guests back in 1998.)
Blue Heron Farm is situated in Chilmark, which is known to show up on lists of the country’s most expensive towns. That’s believable—considering this property rents for as much as $50,000 per week. (The Obamas pay their own way, taxpayers cover the staff and aides.)
One of just a few “compounds” on the Vineyard, Blue Heron Farm features 13,327 square feet of living space. That’s 13 bedrooms, 12 full baths, and 2 partial baths spread out over two full houses and one bunkhouse. The main home is an elegant farmhouse, and the Fisher House is a New England Shingle style guesthouse overlooking farmland as well as Town Cove on Tisbury Great Pond.
The property includes extensive frontage on Tisbury pond and boat access to a private beach on the Atlantic. Other recreational options include bocce, golf, a tennis court, half basketball court, a gym, and equestrian facilities.
By Colleen KanePosted September 13, 2011
Main House
The main house provides 5,118 square feet of living space.
Porch
The main house’s farm porch overlooks serene lawns.
Grounds
The compound occupies 28.5 acres.
Living Room
This is the living room of the main house.
Breakfast Room
The breakfast room seats eight, and the adjacent kitchen has water views in two directions.
Wine Cellar
The wine cellar is climate controlled with brick floor and walls.
Pool
The oasis-like pool with hot tub overlook the Great Pond.
Golf Green
The main house overlooks a par 3 golf hole and a boathouse.
Dressage
The compound features a rebuilt antique stable relocated from Pennsylvania, and has Olympic-caliber equestrian facilities.
Flower Garden
There is an ornamental flower garden on the property.