Barack Obama

American president Barack Obama owns a massive historical mansion valued at close to $2 million. The Obama's purchased the house in June 2005 and paid up to $1.65 to acquire it. The mansion served as the residence of the Obama family till the year 2008. Now the house is mostly vacant and the Obama's visit it once in a while.

 Location: The mansion is located in the upmarket Kenwood area of Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Accommodation: The mansion covers a carpet area of 6400 square feet and is equipped with 6 bedrooms, a living room, a big dining area, 6 bathrooms and a garage.

Features: The historical home was built more than a century back in the year 1910 and it's design was influenced by the Georgian revival style of architecture. The home boasts of 4 stone fireplaces and a 1000 bottle wine cellar. The kitchen floor has been built from granite and expensive Honduran mahogany wood has been used to construct the bookshelves in the library. Most of the interior designing was done by First Lady Michelle Obama. The mansion has been fitted with a modern energy saving climate control system. 

Neighborhood: Boxing legend Mohammed Ali resides in President Obama's immediate neighborhood.

Playing basketball is one of Barack Obama favorite hobby and his best way to keep fit. He is often spotted dribbling at various courts with friends. Last year in while he was in Hawaii for a vacation he preferred playing basketball instead of sitting at the beach and getting tanned.

With the presidential elections coming up in November, the news in February 2012 was not about Obama but his car. Lisa Czibor got herself a little piece in history when she put up a Chrysler 300C (2005 model) used by the president, Barack Obama, when he was senator of Illinois. Though this is a full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan with a powerful V8 Hemi engine and an eco-friendly mileage, it definitely does not justify the $1 million price tag which has been attached to it. Little wonder that the car which has run about 19,000 miles carrying Obama and priced at $15,000 (when brand new) did not receive even a single bid.

The grandest among the US President's cars is definitely his Cadillac limousine. Though it has no specific model name, it has been nicknamed as 'The Beast'. It weighs more than 8 tons and has been built on a medium-duty truck chassis. The doors are 8-inches thick with armor-plating and tires are reinforced with Kevlar to make them shred-proof and puncture-resistant. Oxygen supply (like in an aircraft), advanced fire-fighting systems, shot-guns with pump action, tear-gas cannons, night-vision cameras and a personal supply of the president's blood are the other regal features of the limo. Naturally, the car is a guzzler, offering about 100 km for 30 liters of gas and running a top speed of 100 km/h. Though there are no price tags, the limo is estimated to be around $450,000.

Having been born in Honolulu, going to Hawaii is more of a homecoming than a vacation to President Barack Obama. Since assuming office, a Christmas vacation in Hawaii has become something of an annual pilgrimage for the First Family. During his holidays on the islands, Obama enjoys visiting the Sea Life Park, working out in the morning, hiking, golfing, playing basketball and going snorkeling and bowling with his wife Michelle and his two daughters.

Location: The island state of Hawaii is located in central Pacific Ocean and is spread over 1,500 miles in northern Polynesia.

Accommodation: One of the most visited vacation spots in the Pacific, Hawaii offers visitors the chance to stay at a number of high end resorts, hotels and villas like the Hanalei Bay Resort and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Renting holiday homes, condos and villas is also a popular choice for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of populated tourist resorts.

Main Attractions: Bestowed with the most gorgeous natural scenery, Hawaii offers visitors the chance to the tropics to their best. The entire island chain is surrounded with electric blue water that lines its white sandy beaches. Visitors can also enjoy the Hawaiian waters on a cruise around the islands, relax at some its world-famous beaches or enjoy a range of water activities like diving, swimming, surfing and snorkeling. For the active traveler, Hawaii offers experiences like going hiking or biking around its lush forested landscape. Visitors can also enjoy golfing at the Golf Mauna Lani Resort spread over 280 acres or they can tour the Volcanoes National Park and watch some of the most active volcanoes in world up close.

Ever since he came into office, President Obama’s favorite summer vacation destination has been Martha’s Vineyard and the First Family heads out to the island every august to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of D.C. Obama has shown a strong preference for the spacious $20 million Blue Heron Farm on the island and has chosen to stay at the estate each time he has visited with his family. During his stay at Martha’s Vineyard, Barack Obama likes to go shopping for rare books, explore local cuisine and get in a few rounds of golf with his friends.

Location: The island known as Martha's Vineyard is located to the south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, along the east coast of the U.S.

Accommodation: Known for being a summer colony for the affluent residents of the American east coast, Martha's Vineyard offers visitors the chance to indulge in an old world experience devoid of modern distractions. Accommodations on the island include exclusive five-star hotels as well as deliciously charming inns, guest houses and motels.

Main Attractions: Martha’s Vineyard is a laid-back island paradise which is known for its old world charm. Visitors to the island can enjoy a number of relaxing activities like exploring the architectural heritage of the region through the 19th-century Grange Hall and the many white-painted, 18th-century homes in Edgartown. With 37 miles of paved trails, the island is also fabulous for bikers. Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the island by exploring the Aquinnah Cliffs, the Great Rock Bight Preserve, the Mytoi botanical garden and the Ocean Park. Most beaches around the island are privately owned though there are a few public beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming and long walks.

The U.S President has devoted his time to speak at an event for this non-profit organization supporting disadvantaged children. Established in 1985 this global charity helps in supporting the lives of poverty ridden families and children who are the victims of natural calamities like Hurricane Katrina. The charity also provides books to children.

President Obama supports this charity and has also been a surprise guest at one of their events. The foundation aims in enhancing education, the quality of life and health-care for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also strives for the promotion of a health policy and better facilities for education.

Obama has actively campaigned for this charity. The NGO has provided financial support to thousands of earthquake victims living in Haiti to improve their standard of living, foster better economic opportunities and assist the survivors to rebuild their lives for the better.

The President has participated in fund-raising efforts for this NGO. Established in 1967 the foundation in collaboration with The National Park Services safeguards U.S national parks by providing support to enrich its precious heritage and inspire the future enthusiasts of national parks.

The Presidential family of Barack Obama apparently charges up its life with friendship and fun via Bo, a Portuguese Water dog. A gift from Senator Ted Kennedy and his wife, the dog is a stress-buster for Obama who often spends time playing and buying chew toys for his pet.

You know you are popular with your subordinates when they present you with a watch that is only available through special order. At least that’s what the Secret Service thinks of President Obama since they presented him with a personalized Jorg Gray JGC6500 timepiece for his 46th birthday in august 2007. The sporty black chronograph comes with a contrast stitched strap crafted in Italian buffalo leather. Running on a Miyota quartz movement, the 47mm wide steel watch comes with a Secret Service logo. Obama has worn the watch for several major events of his presidency.

President Barack Obama may have moved on to other brands since taking up the highest office in America but for almost a decade and a half before he moved into the White House, the history maker was seen sporting a TAG-Heuer Series 1500 Two-Tone Divers watch. Not only does that say a lot about the man’s down-to-earth nature, it also says a lot about the sturdiness of the Tag-Heuer classic. Obama’s entry-level luxury sport diver watch came with contrasting gold plating on the bezel and a brown leather strap. Obama two-tone light gray faced Tag Heuer watch was priced at approximately $1,500 in the mid-‘90s when it must have been purchased.