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

Jeff Skoll and Michael Smith contribute enhanced financial foundation as company debuts private residential club community featuring David McLay Kidd as Golf Amenity Designer and Workshop/APD as Principal Architect

Revised Press Announcement

WELLINGTON, Fla. – January 14, 2025 – Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), the real estate development and hospitality enterprise based in Wellington, has broadened its collaboration as it expands its portfolio to encompass Wellington International Equestrian Showgrounds and its related activities, along with The Wellington, its new private residential club community launched by NEXUS Luxury Collection.

Entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Jeff Skoll, a current WLP shareholder alongside Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, Roger Smith, and NEXUS, has executed another substantial investment in the company.  Skoll was the inaugural President of eBay and now operates a collection of philanthropic and commercial ventures such as the Skoll Foundation, Participant, and the Capricorn Investment Group, which maintains interests in Monumental Sports (NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, and WNBA’s Washington Mystics). While he is a recent resident of Palm Beach, Skoll has engaged actively as a horse owner, supporting riders of Olympic caliber in Wellington.

WLP also introduces long-time Wellington inhabitant and equestrian Michael Smith as a fresh shareholder. Smith, a retired entrepreneur, amateur rider, and prominent horse owner competing alongside McLain Ward at the sport’s pinnacle levels, previously managed Valley Proteins, Inc., the second-largest independent rendering operation in the United States, and presided over the Upperville Colt and Horse Show where he brought forth the 4 Star FEI classes and the Hunter Derby. He also operates as a trustee for the United States Equestrian Teams (USET) Foundation.

“We are excited to receive the backing of our existing and newly joined shareholders as we extensively invest in the Village, establishing The Wellington club community with NEXUS and enhancing the showgrounds,” remarked Bellissimo. “Our objective is to ensure Wellington maintains the highest standards of equestrian living.”

The influx of funds coincides with the company’s unveiling of The Wellington, a new 400-acre luxury residential club community featuring 253 residences coupled with championship golf and a range of sports and wellness amenities.

The real estate offerings of The Wellington consist of five unique types of residences: custom estate homes, equestrian villas, townhouses, luxury condos, and four-acre equestrian farm estates.

The golf course and associated golf amenities are being crafted by acclaimed golf architect David McLay Kidd of DMK Golf Design, recognized for his creations at Bandon Dunes, Mammoth Dunes, and Fancourt. The community’s master layout and essential facilities are being designed by the esteemed architecture firm Workshop/APD. The New York-based firm boasts an award-winning portfolio featuring amenity-rich developments, hotels, and restaurants, as well as luxury residences in prime locations worldwide, including Palm Beach, the Hamptons, Aspen, and NEXUS’ upscale resort community of Albany in The Bahamas.

WLP will be launching a Founder’s program this month, inviting initial families interested in becoming members of the club community and establishing their homes in The Wellington, with a staggered release of its real estate offerings.

Beyond The Wellington, the company’s Village of Wellington portfolio comprises The Wanderers Club, various land holdings, and now Wellington International, the showgrounds hosting the Winter Equestrian Festival and Annual Series horse shows.

“On behalf of all the shareholders, we are dedicated to Wellington for the long haul and are focused on creating premier assets here,” concluded Skoll. “The Wellington will emerge as a world-class lifestyle community within Palm Beach County, enhancing Wellington’s stature as the leading equestrian sport destination globally.”

---

About Wellington Lifestyle Partners
Wellington Lifestyle Partners is a real estate development and hospitality organization devoted to maintaining the Wellington, Fla. community as the ultimate destination for an equestrian lifestyle. Supported by Mark Bellissimo, Jeff Skoll, Lisa Lourie, Roger and Jennifer Smith, Marsha Dammerman, Michael Smith, and NEXUS Luxury Collection, which encompasses Tavistock Group’s Joe Lewis, Tiger Woods, Justin Timberlake, and Ernie Els, the company’s portfolio features The Wellington, the 400-acre private residential club community; The Wanderers Club, a relaxed, multi-generational private golf and country club; Wellington International, the iconic equestrian venue that hosts the 13-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and the 28-week Annual Series horse shows; and a proposed 18-acre commercial marketplace that includes a luxury boutique hotel, shops, residences, and restaurants. For additional information about Wellington Lifestyle Partners, please click here.

About The Wellington
The Wellington is an exclusive, private residential club community nestled in the heart of Palm Beach County in Wellington, Florida, covering over 400 acres. Showcasing excellence in architecture and design, sports and wellness, casual luxury, and landscaping, The Wellington will comprise 253 luxury private homes envisioned by some of the globe’s foremost architects, including an array of world-class amenities with championship golf designed by celebrated architect David McLay Kidd. Award-winning architect Workshop/APD will spearhead the design of the community’s master plan and amenities, collaborating with top residential architects on the bespoke residences starting at $6 million. The Wellington is part of the Wellington Lifestyle Partners portfolio and is being developed by the international real estate development and hospitality management entity, NEXUS Luxury Collection. For further details, please click here.