Location and Size
Little Saint James (LSJ) is a 71.5-acre private island in the US Virgin Islands:
- Located approximately 1.5 miles east of St. Thomas
- GPS coordinates: 18°18’N 64°50’W
- Visible from neighboring Great Saint James island (also owned by Epstein)
- Accessible by boat or helicopter
Main House
The island’s main house was a substantial structure designed for both permanent living and entertaining:
- Multiple bedroom suites
- Formal dining facilities
- Library/office space
- Swimming pool area
- Described by visitors as comfortable but not excessive by billionaire standards
Guest Cottages and Buildings
Multiple additional structures accommodated staff, guests, and operational functions:
- Several guest cottages
- Staff quarters
- Utility and support buildings
- Communications infrastructure
The Blue and White Striped Structure
The most discussed single feature of the island:
- A blue and white striped structure with what appeared to be a gold dome, located on elevated ground
- Widely referred to as a “temple” in media coverage
- The structure became iconic after aerial photographs circulated widely in 2019
- Its actual function has been the subject of significant speculation
What is documented:
- The structure existed (visible in aerial/satellite photographs)
- The gold dome was actually installed
- Beneath the main structure there appeared to be a lower level
What is not established:
- What specific activities occurred inside
- Whether “tunnels” or underground rooms beneath it were different from ordinary basement utility spaces
Harbor and Marine Facilities
The island had harbor facilities for:
- Docking of Epstein’s boat Lady Ghislaine and other vessels
- Smaller tender boats
- The island’s main mode of access by water
The Surveillance System
Multiple accounts described a sophisticated surveillance system:
- Multiple security cameras positioned throughout the island
- Security monitoring infrastructure
- Staff reported to maintain privacy standards
The surveillance irony was that cameras recording Epstein’s own activities were supposedly evidence that has never been publicly disclosed.
Post-Death Status
After Epstein’s death:
- The island was secured by estate administrators
- The USVI government maintained interest in the property
- The island was eventually sold as part of estate liquidation