Stu Peltz, the visionary biotech executive who founded PTC Therapeutics in 1998 and spent a quarter-century spearheading innovations in rare disease treatment, is parting ways with his most personal project to date. Peltz and his wife, Ellen Welch, have officially placed their newly completed, custom-built waterfront estate in South Florida’s exclusive Barefoot Beach on the market for an astonishing $64 million.
Located about 15 miles north of Naples in a guard-gated residential community, the magnificent four-story property represents a monumental leap for the local luxury real estate market. Should the expansive compound fetch anything near its ambitious asking price, it will utterly shatter the existing neighborhood record. According to data highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, the previous high-water mark for a home sale in Barefoot Beach stood at a comparatively modest $16.1 million. The listing instantly positions the property among the most elite coastal offerings in Southwest Florida.
The journey to this architectural marvel began when Peltz and Welch acquired the site, embarked on construction in 2023, and brought the visionary residence to completion this year. Both self-described art lovers, the couple approached the monumental build with the meticulous eye of curators. Welch, a seasoned scientist who served as PTC Therapeutics’ chief scientific officer until stepping down in 2023, took a deeply hands-on role throughout the construction process. According to reports, her dedication was absolute, involving daily visits to the job site to oversee the realization of their shared aesthetic and structural vision.
To bring the sprawling estate to life, the couple assembled a powerhouse team of design and construction professionals. The nearly 13,300-square-foot residence was architecturally conceived by Herscoe Hajjar Architects, constructed under the direction of Ian Keyes of Keyes Homes, and outfitted with sophisticated interiors curated by Kelli Sultan of KVS Interior Design. Every square foot reflects a seamless synthesis of high-end design, structural fortitude, and coastal elegance.
Positioned on two-and-a-half combined Gulf-front lots that total roughly half an acre, the property boasts an impressive 120 feet of direct, unobstructed beachfront. Beyond its immediate connection to the sugar-white sands and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the estate caters effortlessly to maritime enthusiasts by including a prime canal-front boat slip complete with a lift, ensuring effortless access to the region’s intricate network of coastal waterways.
Given its premier seaside location, the residence was engineered with extreme weather resilience as a foundational priority. The massive four-story structure rests securely on 103 heavy-duty support pilings designed to withstand severe coastal conditions. Furthermore, the estate incorporates advanced waterproofing and drainage systems, specialized exterior hardware engineered to resist the corrosive marine environment, and a robust whole-house backup generator system to guarantee uninterrupted power and security during inclement weather.
Spanning its immense footprint, the home accommodates six well-appointed bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three additional powder rooms, providing an abundance of private quarters for family members and visiting guests. The interior design palette strikes a sophisticated balance between organic warmth and modern luxury, featuring wide-plank French oak floors, rich stone finishes, and bespoke wood cabinetry crafted to the highest standards.
Among the home’s defining architectural features is a dedicated two-bedroom guest wing linked to the main residence via an inspiring art gallery walkway. This private guest suite is fully self-sufficient, boasting its own kitchen, living room, and private elevator, ensuring absolute comfort and autonomy for extended family or long-term visitors. The main structure also incorporates a spacious club room tailored for indoor entertaining, two executive-level home offices, and an unusually practical total of four laundry rooms distributed conveniently across the levels.
At the heart of the main residence lies a chef-grade kitchen outfitted with dual cooktops, premium appliances, and an adjacent butler’s pantry designed to facilitate large-scale hosting. For wine collectors, the estate features a custom-built mahogany wine room capable of housing approximately 3,900 bottles under ideal climate-controlled conditions.
Perhaps the most breathtaking and unexpected amenity is situated on the home’s uppermost level. Crowning the four-story structure is a stunning 36-foot lap pool and spa that appears to merge seamlessly with the horizon, offering sweeping, panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. This rooftop oasis is complemented by a private cabana and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, creating an unparalleled venue for open-air relaxation and sunset gatherings.
On the ground floor, the estate prioritizes utility and automotive preservation with a five-car garage that offers ample clearance and additional space for golf carts, a popular mode of transportation within the upscale Barefoot Beach enclave. The outdoor grounds further extend the living space with a covered outdoor kitchen featuring a built-in grill and generous dining areas designed to take full advantage of Florida’s year-round warm climate.
While the estate represents the pinnacle of contemporary coastal living, the decision to sell stems from personal considerations. According to reports, Peltz and Welch are placing the property on the market for health reasons, bringing a swift conclusion to their tenure in the custom masterpiece they spent years creating.
The high-profile listing is being managed by a team of prominent real estate professionals, including Dawn McKenna, Ashley Baird Fenttiman, and Kathleen Thanas of the Dawn McKenna Group, operating under Coldwell Banker Realty. As the property seeks its next visionary owner, it stands as both a testament to modern architectural engineering and a landmark offering in Southwest Florida’s luxury housing market.
