Staff Reports
Stephen Deckoff, the millionaire owner of Little St. James, also referred to as Jeffrey Epstein's "Pedophile Island," has made a dramatic change to the property. Co-founder of Black Diamond Capital Management Deckoff paid $60 million in May to purchase the island and neighboring Great St. James; this was a significant discount from the $125 million asking price. The astonishing new aspect of the island is showcased in exclusive photographs obtained by the New York Post.
The island's original buildings have undergone significant alterations, yet they are still mostly intact. For example, the blue-striped "temple" building on the shore is no longer much of what it was; it's been transformed into an outdoor patio and fire pit, with what appears to be a DJ booth. There are new deck chairs around the pool, and inflatable swans are among the other modifications.
Jeffrey Epstein's Island Gets Big Makeover After Being Sold for $60MEpstein’s island originally was listed for $120M.https://t.co/nJkdo0I1BT
— Gloria Twiford (@audiegloria) January 5, 2024
Deckoff has big ambitions for the island; by 2025, he wants to build a five-star resort and hotel in addition to other attractions. Notably, Deckoff has opted to modify and utilize the old structures rather than dismantling and rebuilding them, maintaining their original features and adding a distinctive touch to the island's sumptuous ambience.
Little St. James got further investment when Epstein acquired Great St. James in 2016, having first purchased it for around $8 million in 1998. With the intention of turning Little St. James into a Polynesian paradise, Epstein, who is well-known for building a number of amenities on the island, such as a main villa, a library, a movie theater and bathhouse, a helipad, a private dock, a petrol station, a gym, a tiki hut, and guest accommodations, built the island. Mark Epstein, Jeffrey's brother, disclosed that the island was not in perfect shape when it was purchased, calling it a "s***ty island." In order to fulfill his vision, Jeffrey did not cut any corners and even purchased the second island to get control of the sightline.
The restoration of this island is a poignant reminder that, despite the recent news showcasing Epstein's cronies, not all facets of his legacy are dreary. An island formerly marred by Epstein's nefarious activities is given new life by Deckoff's ambitious project, which offers a sumptuous retreat that is sure to enthrall its guests.
