Obama’s $7m holiday mansion ‘not opulent’
THE LAST time they were in Martha’s Vineyard, the president of the United States was dealing with the collapse of Libya, the imminent arrival of Hurricane Irene and an earthquake near Washington. He still managed to squeeze in four games of golf.
The Obamas will soon be heading back to the venue that has been the holiday playground of presidents since the Kennedys, and one of the most expensive August retreats in the world.
However, when Air Force One leaves for the island, off Cape Cod, today, the farmhouse that has been the Obamas’ sanctuary on three previous summer holidays will be out of bounds.
Blue Heron Farm has since sold for US$21.9 million (NZ$28m) to Lord Foster of Thames Bank, the British architect, so the Obamas will spend their eight-day break in Chilmark House, a US$7.6m house owned by a political donor.
It was clear weeks ago that the Secret Service was laying the groundwork for the visit. Peter Martell, the owner of the nearby Wesley Hotel, has rented 70 rooms at up to US$345 a night to the Secret Service, and five for the Transportation Security Administration. Critics claim that the overall cost will top US$200,000.
Chilmark House, built in 1961 and renovated 10 years ago, is owned by David Schulte, who made his money doing the same type of corporate restructuring that made Mitt Romney rich.
The property has sea views, an infinity pool, and a basketball court tucked away in the trees.
The Vineyard is used to VIP guests, but there is still nothing quite like the arrival of the First Family. The Obamas will turn up with a 17-car motorcade, and every time they so much as go on a cycle ride, a virtual peloton of aides and agents will pursue them.
Julia Wells, editor of the Vineyard Gazette, said: ‘‘They have rented a private home, but it’s not an opulent one. He plays a lot of golf. Sometimes twice a day, and they see good friends. We have that wonderful quote from when he was a senator, when he said: ‘I can wander around in shorts and not shave in the morning and no-one talks about it’. I think that’s why he still comes.’’