The massive U.S. Virgin Islands property of disgraced and deceased financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein surfaced on the open market this month, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The two-island compound is a remarkable property that desperately needs a new context. Comprised of the St. James Islands — Greater and Lesser — the two isolated spits of sand and palm combine to form a single 230-acre tradewind opportunity priced at $125 million.
A peculiar listing, to be sure. The property is the place where Epstein committed most of his crimes; secluded and remote, and accessible only by helicopter or boat, they provided the blanket of concealment that allowed him to sustain his lifestyle. Would a hotel chain take the gamble in purchasing the property and pumping hundreds of millions into it to develop it as a resort? The risk would have to be carefully evaluated; the associations of the islands’ former owner and the painful legacy of his serial victimization may haunt the location for decades.
The property’s residential and recreational facilities are all located on the smaller island, which measures about 70 acres. Aside from a primary estate, there is a quartet of guest houses, as well as a tiki hut, library, and Japanese bath house. A mystery temple is also present. It’s been the subject of wild theories, but its exact purpose remains unclear. Private beach space, a dock, and swimming pools are other features of Little St. James island. Great St. James island spans roughly 100-150 acres. There is a marine preserve on the island, as well as a number of structures, likely in various states of decay.
As was the case with The Straus Mansion in Manhattan, another Epstein-owned property, most of the proceeds from the sale of the St. James Islands will be channeled into lawsuit reparations, but some will be used to support ongoing caretaking operations on the island.
Epstein’s other residential real estate assets include a ranch in New Mexico. It is on the market for $27.5 million.
Photo credit: Google Maps
