Martha's Vineyard is witnessing a notable real estate moment, with Blue Heron Farm, a property with a presidential vacation pedigree, going up for sale priced at $39 million. The estate garnered attention as the Obama family's summer retreat during the former president's first term in office. As reported by The Boston Globe, the expansive property is being listed by Maggie Seelig of MGS Group Real Estate.
The Blue Heron Farm estate, capturing an area of nearly 30 acres, was purchased in 2011 by British architect Norman Foster, who is known for his work that includes the London Gherkin and Manhattan's Hearst Tower. Before the sale, the Obamas had their summer escape at the property for three years, as told by The Boston Globe. Known for embodying luxury and leisure with various amenities, the estate includes a five-bedroom guesthouse, a boat house, and even a horse barn that has been relocated from Pennsylvania, adding to its unique charm.
Spanning 7,000 square feet, the main house of Blue Heron Farm expands towards the lush grounds that include a new pool house and a covered patio designed by Foster and his wife, Elena, CEO of Ivorypress. The interiors boast a design that seamlessly connects with the outside environment, featuring a dining room bathed in natural light, and a sitting room with broad views of the well-manicured gardens, as Boston.com describes it.
Fosters' ownership saw the property undergo significant renovations and improvements including expansive tree planting along with the addition of sports facilities like a tennis and basketball court. Reflecting on the estate's storied past and farming roots dating back to the 1800s, the transaction comes after the Obamas relocated their summer vacations to another Martha's Vineyard estate, one they reportedly acquired in 2019. The estate's listing is a joint effort between agent Maggie Gold Seelig and Brian Dougherty of Corcoran Property Advisors, capturing the attention of potential high-end buyers looking for a slice of Vineyard history.
