Wellington Lifestyle Partners Unveils Innovative Founder Program for New Residential Community Expansion

WELLINGTON, Fla. – January 14, 2025 – Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), a real estate development and hospitality firm located in Wellington, has broadened its collaboration as its portfolio expands to incorporate Wellington International Equestrian Showgrounds and its operations, along with The Wellington, a newly established private residential club community developed by NEXUS Luxury Collection.

Entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Jeff Skoll, who is a current shareholder in WLP alongside Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, Roger Smith, and NEXUS, has made a noteworthy investment in the organization. Skoll, the inaugural President of eBay, now manages a portfolio that includes philanthropic and business ventures such as the Skoll Foundation, Participant, and the Capricorn Investment Group, which holds stakes in Monumental Sports (NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, and WNBA’s Washington Mystics). Although he is a recent resident of Palm Beach, Skoll has become an engaged horse owner supporting Olympic-caliber riders in Wellington.

WLP also introduces long-standing Wellington resident and equestrian Michael Smith as a new stakeholder. Smith, a retired entrepreneur, amateur competitor, and notable owner of multiple horses competing with McLain Ward at elite levels, formerly led Valley Proteins, Inc., the second largest independent rendering company in the United States. He also presided over the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, where he implemented the 4 Star FEI classes and the Hunter Derby. Furthermore, he serves as a trustee for the United States Equestrian Teams (USET) Foundation.

“We are excited to have the backing of both our existing and new shareholders as we invest extensively in the Village, creating The Wellington club community alongside NEXUS and enhancing the showgrounds,” commented Bellissimo. “Our aim is to establish Wellington as the benchmark for equestrian living.”

The additional investment resources arrive as the company unveils The Wellington, a 400-acre luxury residential club community featuring 253 residences, championship golf, and an assortment of sporting and wellness facilities.

The real estate options at The Wellington encompass five unique categories of residences: custom estate homes, equestrian villas, townhouses, luxury condominiums, and four-acre equestrian farm estates.

The design of the community’s golf course and related amenities is entrusted to esteemed golf architect David McLay Kidd of DMK Golf Design, recognized for his work at Bandon Dunes, Mammoth Dunes, and Fancourt. The master plan and primary amenities of the community are being developed by the distinguished architecture and design firm Workshop/APD. Known for its award-winning portfolio, the New York-based firm has created amenity-rich developments, hotels, restaurants, and luxury residences in sought-after locations globally, including Palm Beach, the Hamptons, Aspen, and NEXUS’ luxury resort community of Albany in The Bahamas.

This month, WLP plans to launch a Founder’s program, inviting the initial families interested in becoming part of the club community and creating a home within The Wellington, while gradually introducing its real estate offerings.

Alongside The Wellington, the company’s portfolio in the Village of Wellington includes The Wanderers Club, various land holdings, and now Wellington International, the showgrounds venue that hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Annual Series horse shows.

“On behalf of all shareholders, we are devoted to Wellington for the long haul and to creating high-quality assets here,” concluded Skoll. “The Wellington will represent a world-class lifestyle community within Palm Beach County and will elevate Wellington’s status as the foremost equestrian sport community globally.”