Jeffrey Epstein owned not one but two private islands in the United States Virgin Islands. In addition to Little Saint James — his primary island where the main compound was located — he purchased the adjacent Great Saint James island.
The purchase:
Epstein purchased Great Saint James island in approximately 2016 for a reported sum of around $22.5 million. The island is substantially larger than Little Saint James.
Why he bought it:
The purchase is generally understood to have served two purposes:
- Buffer zone: Controlling the adjacent island prevented any development on Great Saint James that might have encroached on his privacy at Little Saint James or created vantage points for observation
- Development potential: The larger island had its own potential value, and Epstein reportedly held development plans for it
Condition at purchase:
Great Saint James was largely undeveloped at the time of purchase. It did not have the extensive compound infrastructure of Little Saint James.
The USVI dispute:
Epstein’s alleged failure to properly develop Great Saint James in accordance with required development plans may have contributed to some of the disputes with USVI authorities about the proper use of his island properties.
After Epstein’s death:
Like Little Saint James, Great Saint James became part of Epstein’s estate and was subject to settlement of claims. The USVI government — which participated in the $105 million settlement with the estate — acquired rights related to the island properties as part of those proceedings. Both islands have been on the market as part of estate liquidation.