The Property
9 East 71st Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side is a landmark townhouse located steps from Central Park in one of New York’s most exclusive blocks:
- 7 stories tall
- Approximately 21,000 square feet
- Originally built in the 1930s as a private residence
- Later used institutionally before being extensively renovated
The property is one of the largest private townhouses in New York City.
How Epstein Obtained It
The mansion was originally owned by Les Wexner, who had it renovated according to his specifications. In an arrangement that has never been fully explained, Wexner transferred the property to Epstein at an apparent value of $1:
- An intra-partnership transfer document from 1995-1996 referenced the property
- The transfer was made through entities connected to Wexner’s charitable and business interests
- The exact circumstances — why Wexner transferred an $80M+ property for $1 — remain one of the Epstein-Wexner relationship’s most unexplained aspects
The Interior
Various descriptions from individuals who visited or were searched in the property describe:
- A grand entry hall with artwork
- A massage room fitted out for Epstein’s regular massage sessions
- A formal dining room
- Numerous bedrooms
- A private elevator
- Notable art throughout, including a full-size portrait of Bill Clinton in a blue dress (reminiscent of Monica Lewinsky), which was photographed during the FBI search
- Photographs of prominent people displayed prominently
The 2019 FBI Search
When FBI agents executed search warrants at the property following Epstein’s arrest, they discovered:
- The Austrian passport with false identity and Saudi residence
- Numerous photographs of young women
- A CD labeled with an identifying inscription, reported to contain images of a prominent elderly person with a young woman (the name was referenced in court documents)
- Personal documents and records
The Safe
The false passport was specifically found in a safe at the property. The safe also contained other materials that were seized as evidence.
Post-Death
The mansion was part of Epstein’s estate. After a complex legal and estate process, the property was sold. It remained one of the most valuable assets in the estate — initial listing was in the range of $80-90 million.