The West Chop home overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor sold for for $7.2 million. The buyer is David Grain, a private equity manager and 1980 graduate of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.
The West Chop home of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg recently sold to a 1980 graduate of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.
David Grain, a private equity firm manager in the communications sector, purchased the Main street home overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor for $7.2 million. The home sits on 2.6 acres just past Hatch Road.
The original house was built in 1918 as part of the Thorncroft estate. The property was developed by John Herbert Ware, a Chicago grain merchant, and later sold off in two pieces, divided by Main street, to the Colgate family. Senator Lautenberg, the five-term senator from New Jersey who died at the age of 89 in June, bought the home in 1978. Extensive renovations were done over the years.
The listing agent was Judy Federowicz of Coldwell Banker Landmarks in Vineyard Haven.
Mr. Grain is the founder and managing partner of Grain Management and was previously the senior vice president of AT&T Broadband’s New England region. President Obama appointed him to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council in 2011. He serves on the board of directors for the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation.
He and his family moved to Vineyard Haven full time in 1974. His father, Walter Grain, grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and first visited the Vineyard in 1954. Mr. Grain’s mother, Dora Grain, was a longtime community activitist and active member of the Vineyard chapter of the NAACP.
Mr Grain and his wife Dr. Lisa Butler were married on the Vineyard. They currently reside in Sarasota, Fla. and have a home in Chilmark.
The Lautenberg property has been on the market since 2004 and at the height of the real estate bubble was listed for $15 million. The house was last listed for $9 million.
Comments
Welcome home
DanWelcome home
Islander buys 7.2 million
Tony t TilburyIslander buys 7.2 million house?? You have got to be kidding. Moved here in 1974. Lives in Florida and board of sheriff's meadow... Not my idea of an islander just another rich person who invests his money well. Oh and member of vineyard golf. I'm sure not one of those token islander member... Let's see does he support red stocking, mv arena or maybe boys & girls club... Would be nice if he did, but not likely ... I wonder just what he will do with his new investment, most likely tear it down put in a pool and a big metal gate.... Not the island I grew up on any more... Sad to say
David is a great person. We
William Cumming NyDavid is a great person. We played MVRHS Football together, shame vineyard has so many small minded bitter ........
This is the only place in
V. KeeneThis is the only place in which you can live somewhere (and pay taxes) for almost 40 years and not have it be considered your home.
Tony t,
EP FloridaTony t,
You are way, way off the mark.
I've known David since he left college. I know spends more on MV than in Florida. You are correct that he has been successful in business, but there is really nothing wrong with that and I think you would be proud of the success of someone who went to school there. I also know from direct experience that his charitable activities are extensive, but David is a private person that doesn't look for (and doesn't have the ego that needs) publicity for his generosity.
David is and has always been committed to the Vineyard, even if 40 years of commitment isn't enough for you. My opinion, the Grain family is the one you WANT to buy and own the estate, not some @#*^@#% from off island.
Take it from someone who knows ...
There have been rich
Josh Oak BluffsThere have been rich residents on this island since the English settled here in the 1600s. No need to be jealous and bitter just because someone has done better then you.
What ridiculous statement.
Jill G. ChilmarkWhat ridiculous statement. Welcome to the Grains!
Nobody is interested in your
OP Tisbury (with an S)Nobody is interested in your ideas...
So spend more time talking
DeeVee Oak BluffsSo spend more time talking about someone you don't know, and how time is just passing you by. We're all just DYING to hear more.
I bet Tony T. does not care
ken monahan edgartownI bet Tony T. does not care much for Horatio Alger's books. Check out the wall of the Martha's Vineyard Hospital big donors and you will see a $500,000.00 gift From David and Lisa Grain. That is just one of the many generous gifts the Grains have made to the Island.
You have no idea what you are
Samara NYYou have no idea what you are talking about! Do you know David Grain? Probably not! I do! He is an islander who did well for himself. Don't be jealous! He did not inherit his money. He worked very hard and made it all himself. Please don't talk about a person who you know nothing about!
Wow! Such great news! David's
peter simon ChilmarkWow! Such great news! David's Dad used to frame photos for me back in the day, and David is a valued friend...love it when great folks buy key pieces of us!
David drove a tour bus on
Off islander Rhode IslandDavid drove a tour bus on the island in the 1980's. He has come a long way...
Wonderful to have a long-time
Walt Looney EdgartownWonderful to have a long-time Vineyarder who's done so much for the Island make a commitment to VH like this.
Both Lisa & David are fine
J.P. Uranker Oak BluffsBoth Lisa & David are fine people and patrons of the arts. They do support many local organizations here on the Vineyard and both have worked hard to be where they are and have not been given what they have achieved. Assumptions can something be based more on ignorance more than facts. We truly need more families that show the American spirit of can do, and as they say "Just do it".
Tony T from "Tilbury". Who
Carla Cooper EdgartownTony T from "Tilbury". Who the heck are you to decide who is a real islander? Because someone from the island worked hard, moved off the rock and became a success, suddenly that removes their credentials as a Islander? Your grapes have really soured.
David and Lisa are
Jay H. K. EdgartownDavid and Lisa are spectacular people. I wish that they could clone themselves. The Vineyard is lucky that they have chosen to remain here.
First, a hearty congrats to
Michael R. Provost BostonFirst, a hearty congrats to David Grain, who will always consider the Vineyard his home, as do I.
Second, "Tony T" above, give me a freakin' break. Nothing like a little bit of bitterness to spread around the holiday season. Maybe you should take a class in Economics 101 and understand the massive amount of local island resources that were used to build that house, maintain it, etc. etc. I could go on and on, but I will stop. If you would like me to purchase and donate a book on economics to you, I would gladly do so. You really seem to need it...
Congratulations to David on
W. Davey AtlantaCongratulations to David on this well-earned achievement! Those of us who grew up on MV and knew David in high school knew him to excel at everything he did- through hard work and discipline.
Retired and living in Myrtle
Robert E. Butler Myrtle Beach, South CarolinaRetired and living in Myrtle South Carolina. Tiger Woods called it a golf mecca having over one hundred and twenty courses. I am proud to be called by Lisa and David as Uncle Bobby. I am truly proud of their accomplishments and their contribution to this beautiful Island.
December 20, 2013 - 10:18 AM
My Niece Lisa and David are
Robert E. Butler Myrtle Beach, South CarolinaMy Niece Lisa and David are wonderful folks and will contribute greatly to the Island.
Congratulation David on your
Joe Didato Mashpee,MA.Congratulation David on your many accomplishments. As one who grew up and matriculated via Vineyard schools, you exemplify the very best qualities the island exudes. The qualities of character, integrity, and discipline you exhibited as a student at MVRHS and at Holy Cross have stood you well. You did your mom and dad proud.
As a summer resident since
Dan WeissAs a summer resident since 1976 and having spent several winters on MV, I've gained valuable, life-long friendships among all groups of people who enjoy Martha's Vineyard. It's also my continuing pleasure to know the Lautenberg family. What might do us all well to understand is that people are people first with all the responsibility toward ethical living being their own obligation. Wealth affects everyone differently; I find it hard to understand why people insert net worth into a discussion of real estate ownership. It's true that that property is one of the most desirable on MV for some, but what makes it so would vanish if subdivided into many lots affordable to most year-round residents. What I think most desire out of life is a sense of justice, not literal fairness. The new owners seem just the right sort to care for this treasure, and by that I mean both the house and the greater Island good. Remarks at how pure an Islander one needs to be strikes me as petty. Those who consider MV home must all strive to contribute to our Island community. After all, we often take care of our own interests first and few things represent ourselves more than where are heart is. Home.
Well written Mr. Weiss. I
J.P. Uranker Oak BluffsWell written Mr. Weiss. I also know the word wealthy should be replaced with successful and is this not what all parents raise their children to be? Working hard does have its reward, to quote a favorite New England President:
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent".
Calvin Coolidge
Wow, I live here 9 months of
Think About It EdgartownWow, I live here 9 months of the year and would love to live in this house. Sounds like a respectable man purchased it, I wonder what is wrong with the word "wealthy"? "Success" means something totally different, everyone knows that! Some people are successful at parenting, others at setting successful standards of conduct, and so forth. Being rich is a real thing and there's no need to sugarcoat it! There's a lot of wealth on the Vineyard. Congrats to the owners who are clearly and totally wealthy, some people are fine with that discrepancy - This island, like America in our time, has widely disproportionate inequalities. Be honest - do you have problem with that, or is it a measure of your success that you believe it is attainable for everyone (in which case no one would be wealthy, get it?).
Impressive US business owner
Ken EdgartownImpressive US business owner.Would make a good Governor.
Bravo Dan Weiss! I agree.
JP VHBravo Dan Weiss! I agree.
What have you got to say now
Todd FloridaWhat have you got to say now Tony,T Tilbury? Oops, I was mistaken, I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Grain, Can I shine your cars for you, cut your grass or walk your dog?
David is a great guy, any
Fred O'C Chicago, ILDavid is a great guy, any community would be lucky to have him. How special he can have a home near his roots.
Add new comment