Overview
The seven-story townhouse at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side was Jeffrey Epstein’s primary residence and the largest private home in New York City. The property was transferred to Epstein by Victoria’s Secret magnate Leslie Wexner in 1996 for a reported consideration of under a complex trust arrangement.
Physical Description
The building is one of the largest private homes in Manhattan, occupying approximately 21,000 square feet across seven floors. Notable features documented by investigators and in court filings include:
- A reception area with an adult-sized doll hanging from the chandelier
- Walls decorated with explicit photographs, many believed to be of underage victims
- A “trophy room” containing framed photographs of Epstein with powerful figures
- A massage room on a dedicated floor
- A full-time staff residence on the upper floors
- Advanced security and communications systems
The Wexner Transfer
Les Wexner, founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret parent company), purchased the property in 1989 for approximately .2 million. He transferred it to Epstein in 1996, apparently as part of an arrangement in which Epstein managed Wexner’s personal finances. Analysts who have studied the transaction note it was structured through a trustthe 1953 Alligator Trustand the consideration paid was nominal.
A 2019 Senate investigation and subsequent reporting by the New York Times concluded that Epstein misappropriated at least million from Wexner during their relationship, with the townhouse transfer potentially representing part of this misappropriation.
Role in Investigation
When federal agents searched the property after Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, they found a large amount of photographsincluding images believed to be of minorslocked in a safe. According to the indictment, investigators found hundreds of photographs of nude and semi-nude women and girls on CDs and framed in the house.
Estate Valuation
The townhouse was consistently appraised at million or more. After Epstein’s death, it was sold in 2021. The sale proceeds formed a significant portion of the victim compensation fund.