This weekend, in celebration of his 60th birthday, former US President, Barack Obama will open the gates to his stunning mansion on the sought-after island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. The iconic politician and wife Michelle had planned to host a string of VIP guests for the party of the year at the huge house on the upmarket island enclave of Edgartown Great Pond, however due to a rise in Covid cases nationwide they have scaled back the event, to friends and family. Click or scroll through and let's take a guided tour of their incredible home and find out more about the Obamas' birthday plans...

The 44th President of the United States was born on 4th August 1961 and this weekend will take to his Martha's Vineyard estate for what was set to be a star-studded birthday bash. Obama's spokesperson said the outdoor event on Saturday was planned months ago "in accordance with all public health guidelines". But he and his wife Michelle Obama have now decided to limit its size. The guest list was rumoured to include the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and George Clooney. Barack Obama has also reportedly asked 90s rock band, Pearl Jam, to play at the glitzy event, which was to be held outdoors in the lush grounds of the house. 

Barack and Michelle bought the Edgartown estate in December 2019 for a reported $11.75 million (£8.5m). The stunning 29-acre retreat lies directly on the waters of Edgartown Great Pond and is surrounded by the island's lush greenery – making it the perfect place to host a lavish outdoor birthday party for the previously reported 475 guests that was set to include friends, family and former White House aides. 

The remarkable residence was designed by Bradenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects of San Francisco and belonged to Boston Celtics owner, Wyc Grousbeck, before the Obamas purchased it. Although most of the party guests will likely be spending their time in the garden, we're sure a few will step inside to have a look around. The place could certainly be described as unique and its interior might not be quite as you envisioned it...

The modern home was built in 2001 and boasts almost 7,000 square feet of inside space. In the listing photos, almost every room is decorated with whitewashed walls and timber floors, while traditional elements like coffered ceilings and panelled walls add to the home's coastal character. The main entrance and living room both offer towering vaulted ceilings and structural beams, with walls of glass offering lots of different viewpoints.

Yet there's something undeniably contemporary about this house, too. Every single space has been designed with entertaining in mind and all of the home's living spaces effortlessly merge into one another, creating a seamless open-plan flow. There's a large family room that doubles as a games zone, a chic kitchen with a dog washing station and a dining room with garden views.

Offering breathtaking waterside views, this social space looks to be the perfect spot for some after-dinner chat. We'd love to hear some of the conversations that have taken place in here!

Perfect for the Obamas and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, the pad comes equipped with seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and plenty of closets. The impressive master suite offers a fireplace and a private sundeck. 

Elsewhere the rooftop deck offers jaw-dropping views of the island. On the terrace you'll find sun loungers and a built-in hot tub, perfect for spending relaxed nights under the stars.

Of course, many of the rooms in the waterfront home also benefit from views across Edgartown Great Pond itself. The vast estate also has a two-car garage and a detached barn, that the family could transform into a guest suite.

It's likely the Obamas' swimming pool will see plenty of action over the weekend. According to CNN, the party had Covid-19 safety precautions in place, to keep the guests safe and the Obamas had reportedly encouraged people to get tested before attending, and have repeatedly urged people to get vaccinated.

Of all the VIP guests said to have confirmed as attending Barack's 60th birthday party, President Biden was not be one of them. “While President Biden is unable to attend this weekend, he looks forward to catching up with former President Obama soon and properly welcoming him into the over 60 club,” a White House official told The Hill. We don't know about you, but we can't wait to see the photos after the party is over...