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In 2020, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines with the purchase of a sprawling 28-acre waterfront estate on Martha’s Vineyard—an island synonymous with American political royalty, celebrity hideaways, and New England luxury. The Obamas paid $11.75 million for the residence, nestled between Slough Cove and Turkeyland Cove, two areas popular with the powerful and the famous.

Though the former First Couple continues to reside in Washington, D.C., their Massachusetts property has become their ideal summer refuge. For a family that spent nearly every August of Obama’s presidency vacationing on the island, owning a piece of Martha’s Vineyard was both sentimental and symbolic.

A presidential purchase years in the makingAccording to the Vineyard Gazette, the 6,892-square-foot home was officially recorded at $11.75 million in the Dukes County Registry of Deeds. The property had been on the market since 2015, originally listed for $22.5 million. Its price dropped twice in 2020—first to $16.25 million in June, and then to $14.85 million—before the Obamas closed the deal.

The sale contributed around $235,000 to the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, which collects a 2% fee on most 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,” the Gazette noted.

Designed for elegance, built for leisureThe estate, designed by Taylor Lombardo Architects of San Francisco and built in 2001 by well-known local builder John Early, is a masterclass in understated coastal luxury. It features a seven-bedroom main house with eight and a half bathrooms, a large swimming pool, a two-car garage, and a detached barn. The home also includes a boathouse and deeded rights to a private beach.

The Obamas’ waterfront retreat sits near the Edgartown Great Pond and offers panoramic views and direct access to nature. The area has long been favored by celebrities and political families, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey, and Jeffrey Kramer.

Interiors made for hosting—and relaxingInside, the home offers expansive living spaces with vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and multiple stone fireplaces. The primary suite enjoys ocean views, while additional bedrooms and bathrooms allow space for friends and family to visit comfortably.

The galleried living room features a focal-point stone fireplace and showcases neutral decor that makes the most of the island's natural light. White-paneled walls, cream-toned furnishings, and soft accents create an airy, coastal-inspired aesthetic.

The expansive kitchen and dining room are designed for entertaining, offering elegant spaces that overlook the bay. As one of the home’s most inviting features, a raised sundeck extends the living space outdoors—perfect for quiet mornings or sunset views.
A deepening connection to Martha’s vineyardThe Obamas’ relationship with the island dates back well before the purchase. During his presidency, Obama vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard for seven of his eight summers in office. His connection to the island began even earlier, when he visited as a senator from Illinois. Now, as private citizens, the family continues to cherish the location.
Though they’ve kept a relatively low profile since leaving the White House in 2017, the Obamas still occasionally appear in public, often supporting causes close to their hearts—such as health, education, and women’s rights. In the meantime, their Martha’s Vineyard residence offers the perfect balance of privacy, natural beauty, and presidential gravitas.

Notably, while Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton spent many holidays on Martha’s Vineyard, Barack Obama is the first former U.S. president to actually purchase a home on the island.

Where are the Obamas now?In addition to their Massachusetts property, the Obamas continue to reside in Washington, D.C. Their home in the capital keeps them connected to the city where their public life began, but their Martha’s Vineyard estate has become a beloved second home—especially suited to summer months and family downtime.

As one of the most iconic residences on Martha’s Vineyard today, the Obama home reflects not just the lifestyle of one of the world’s most recognizable families, but also the enduring allure of the island itself.