All the luxury Martha's Vineyard homes available for migrants

2022-09-17 15:34:37 By : Ms. Christina Zheng

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Texas and Florida have dealt with a border crisis for as long as anyone can remember. These predominantly red states have consistently brought up issues that have arisen by not placing priority on controlling the situation.

Among the problems now, due to an overflow of illegal migrants crossing over, is an increase in drug and human trafficking, and taxpayer funds having to go to shelters to house people with still very little space for everyone.

But now, those states are transporting migrants north by bus and plane — so where could they stay now that they’re up there?

This week, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis sent 50 illegal immigrants from Venezuela to liberal Martha’s Vineyard — also known as the idyllic Massachusetts summer destination where President Barack Obama has his vacation home — by plane. (That move came on the heels of Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott starting to send migrants to liberal New York City by bus, which remains ongoing.)

In response, the same people who preached providing sanctuary cities to these migrants crossing the border are now up in arms over the arrivals in Martha’s Vineyard. And already, some migrants have been transported from there to a military base on Cape Cod. What’s more, neighbors are pointing their fingers at deep-pocketed Vineyard vacation homeowners — charging them with virtue signaling and not letting them stay at their summer residences. And they don’t seem to be in short supply on the island.

Of course, this week’s transport drew criticism from across the aisle.

“Immigrants and asylum-seekers are people — period,” Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said in a statement. “It is cruel and immoral that some governors are involuntarily flying and busing people and families to other states, based on their perceived immigration status.”

“History does not look kindly on leaders who treat human beings like cargo, loading them up and sending them a thousand miles away without telling them their destination. Still, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made that choice today,” U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, a Massachusetts Democrat said in a tweet.

Despite normally seeing a 750% surge in tourism during the summer months, with 150,000 people visiting the beach island during that time, officials on Martha’s Vineyard have claimed that 50 migrants coming to the island unannounced has caused a “humanitarian crisis.”

Here’s a guide to some of Martha’s Vineyard’s lavish estates that can open their doors to these 50 people.

Former President Obama and his FLOTUS first purchased this estate in 2019 for $11.75 million after previously renting it.

Standing on a whopping 29 acres on Edgartown Great Pond, the home has seven bedrooms.

Spanning 6,900 square feet, features include a vaulted ceiling in the living room, which also has a stone fireplace. There’s also a chef’s kitchen and a formal dining room with a wall of windows, according to the previous listing.

The home became a source of contention when it was used to host Obama’s 60th birthday party last August amid a raging pandemic. More than 475 big-name guests turned out for the party.

Meanwhile, residents of Martha’s Vineyard have suggested housing some of these migrants at the former president’s estate.

“The people who live there are rich and removed from real life,” longtime Martha’s Vineyard resident Jane Chittick told The Post, labeling them all “phonies.” “These people will love the fact the immigrants have been dropped off on their island, because now they can feel like part of the solution, helping these few people. But they’d never let them into their houses unless they were working.”

The beautiful Carousel House is up for rent year-round. Currently, after summer rates, it still runs a hefty $1,375 per night.

Spanning 3,000 square feet, the yellow Victorian home was first built in 1865. It once housed President Ulysses S. Grant.

Fully furnished, it also boasts idyllic ocean views.

Made up of six bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home can house up to 12 people.

The home has been completely renovated in the last year, according to the listing, and features a kitchen with granite countertops, a wine fridge and a six-burner commercial oven.

“This house has unique charm and convenience. Walk to everything — you don’t need a car,” the listing notes.

Pegged as “one of New England’s premier vacation rental homes,” this waterfront estate is made up of 12 bedrooms and seven bathrooms, spanning a massive 8,000 square feet.

According to the listing, the mansion can accommodate up to 26 people. It has 15 beds in sum.

Currently, rates for the property run a cool $2,339 per night.

The home is spread out over three floors and features two kitchens, two living rooms and two dining rooms.

The home can be rented in its entirety — or just as the East or West Wing, the listing says.

“The large backyard and garden offer a private oasis from the bustle of a Vineyard summer,” the listing adds.

This 5-acre property, known as the Park Estate, has plenty of room for the island’s new migrants.

Spanning 7,000 square feet, the home comprises six bedrooms and six bathrooms — and can sleep 16 people.

It does cost a pretty penny, though. Average rates run a whopping $20,000 per night.

“You and your guests will begin to enjoy the feeling of privacy the minute you arrive as you drive down the long tree-lined stone driveway to the inviting circular motor court,” the listing notes.

Features of the home include a gourmet kitchen that opens to a family room with a stone fireplace. A dining room with French doors leads out to the backyard.

Outside, there’s a patio with a barbeque area and a dining table for 10 people. And while there is a pool, the listing says that it’s closed from late September through early May.

“The Island Alpaca Farm is steps away from the property!” the listing adds.