Ellerstina Dynasty Expands into Uruguay
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Current market trends suggest that José Ignacio is no longer merely one of Latin America’s most exclusive destinations; it has become a global benchmark. This former fishing village now serves as a summer retreat for a global elite, drawn to its unique landscape on the Uruguayan coast.
Situated between the José Ignacio and Garzón lagoons, a new residential and sporting complex is taking shape. At its heart lies a polo club bearing the hallmark of Ellerstina, a name synonymous with international excellence in equestrian sports.
Strategic Partnership and Development
The project is being developed by Cilnay S.A., led by Claudio Scalise, in partnership with the Pieres family—a lineage central to the history of polo—and renowned Argentine businessman Osvaldo Brucco. The partners bring extensive real estate experience, with previous developments spanning the United States, Argentina, and other prime locations in Punta del Este.
The master plan covers 223 hectares along Route 10, one of the most prestigious corridors in the Maldonado department. Infrastructure investment alone is projected to exceed US$ 30 million.
The club's operations will be overseen by Gonzalo Pieres, a visionary credited with shaping the modern game of polo. Pieres identified the region’s potential for the sport as early as the late 1980s. In Argentina, he founded the iconic Ellerstina team and established a business model centered on elite equine genetics and breeding. Today, the export of these horses generates approximately US$ 20 million annually for Argentina.
Project Details and Amenities
Located just nine minutes from the center of José Ignacio, the complex will feature:
Professional Polo Facilities: Managed under the Ellerstina standard.
Residential Sector: Dedicated plots for single-family homes.
Premium Amenities: Tennis and padel courts, a football pitch, and a high-performance gym.
Timeline and Regional Growth
Construction is currently pending final permits from the Municipality of Maldonado. Infrastructure works are scheduled to begin within the next 24 months, with the first phase of development expected to take a year and a half. The club is projected to be fully operational by 2029.
The recent surge in Uruguayan polo has been bolstered by a key regulatory change regarding the temporary importation of horses. This shift has allowed the polo phenomenon, traditionally centered in Argentina, to expand across the border.
The sector is seeing rapid international diversification; investors from Switzerland, Germany, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Norway have already established clubs in the area. Furthermore, nine additional projects are currently awaiting government approval, including three led by prominent polo patrons from the United States.
