PROPERTY
Rooms With a View
Overlooking the Old Course at St Andrews, historic Hamilton Grand could set the benchmark for golf-related properties the world over, writes Alex Jenkins.
A Courtesy of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
s anyone who has ever played the Old Course at St Andrews will tell and served as a halls of residence – under the you, the walk up the 18th hole is a spiritual experience. Following the name Hamilton Hall – until as recently as 2005. great champions’ footsteps as you cross the ancient Swilcan Bridge Now, following Kohler’s purchase three years ago, and traverse Granny Clark’s Wynd – the narrow gravel road that Hamilton Grand has a new purpose. bisects the fairway – the scene that unfolds is without question the Kohler, who also owns the nearby Old Course most famous in golf. It comes as no surprise to learn Hotel, a five-star establishment that even dyed-in-the-wool professionals admit to feeling a quiver of that overlooks the fiendishly Hamilton exhilaration every time they see they set foot in this most charming Grand comprises difficult and renowned Road of towns. St Andrews is the Home of Golf, and from Tom Morris’ Hole, and the highly-rated 26 luxurious old golf shop tucked just yards from the 18th green to the Royal & Whistling Straits course in Ancient Clubhouse that stands proudly behind the 1st tee, the history apartments with Wisconsin, is in the process of of the game confronts you at nearly every turn. Now, thanks to the sensational vistas refurbishing the Victorian-era vision of American entrepreneur Herb Kohler, there is an opportunity building into what can only of the Old Course be described as the ultimate to invest in a unique piece of it. Among the most eye-catching landmarks in this “Auld Grey Toon”– residence for golfers. and West Sands and one of the most photographed buildings in golf – is Hamilton When it is completed in the beach ... owners Grand, the large sandstone edifice that towers majestically over the summer, Hamilton Grand will will be able to 18th green. Opened in 1895 as the Grand Hotel, the property was comprise 26 luxurious apartments, commissioned by architect and avid golfer Thomas Hamilton, who, say they have the ranging from two-bedroom units legend has it, had been rejected R&A membership. His riposte: build best view in golf to an expansive four-bedroom the most extravagant hotel in Scotland (replete with the country’s penthouse, offering sensational first pneumatic lift and hot and cold running water in every bathroom) and site vistas of the Old Course and West Sands beach, it just yards from the R&A Clubhouse. If the story is true, Hamilton certainly made which film buffs will recognize as the location of the his point. High-profile guests that stayed at Hamilton Grand during its heyday opening scenes from Chariots of Fire. Apartment of the Roaring Twenties included stylish Open champion Walter Hagen and the owners will rightfully be able to say they have the Prince of Wales. best view in the world of sports. The building’s life as a luxury hotel was short-lived however. Taken over by the As you might expect from an AmericanAir Ministry during the Second World War for use as the Royal Air Force’s training led project, the list of amenities and associated headquarters, Hamilton Grand was then bought by the University of St Andrews benefits is extensive. There will be a golf
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concierge, daily maid service and a personal assistant to handle residents’ travel and domestic arrangements, while an upscale restaurant and bar will occupy space on the ground floor. Residents will earn automatic membership to the Kohlerowned Dukes Course, a splendid heathlandstyle layout on the outskirts of St Andrews, and have full use of the Old Course Hotel’s awardwinning spa and assorted leisure facilities. A shared rooftop garden (penthouse owners will have their own private terrace) with yet more of those stunning views will make an impressive venue in which to entertain guests, while owners who are permanent residents for more than six months a year are also eligible to apply for a coveted Links Ticket, giving them access to the Old Course and the other six courses run by the St Andrews Links Trust for a nominal sum. Needless to say, golf’s ultimate residence comes at a price. A two-bedroom unit starts at £1.26 million (HK$15.4 million) with the penthouse priced at offers of more than £7.5 million, making it Scotland’s most expensive apartment. However, come 2015, when the Open Championship next visits St Andrews and you’re stood watching the action from your terrace with a glass of champagne in hand, this will seem like money very well spent.
Clockwise from top: the pool at the nearby Kohler Waters Spa, which is housed within the Old Course Hotel; the famous facade of Hamilton Grand; the main bedroom in one of the furnished two-bedroom apartments; an amazing vista overlooking the first and 18th fairways of the Old Course awaits
SCORECARD How much? From HK$15.4 million Size:
1,133-2,780 sq ft
No of bedrooms: 2-4 Property type: Apartment Tenure: Freehold Address:
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
A Hamilton Grand exhibition will take place in Hong Kong on 26 February and in Tokyo on 28 February. To register for either exhibition or to learn more about the property contact Mark Gardner: mark.gardner@oldcoursehotel.co.uk / +44 (0)1334 468144 HKGOLFER.COM
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HAMILTON GRAND – ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND Exclusively invites you to learn more about this fantastic real estate opportunity Luxury Residences for sale at the “Home of Golf” Be part of this exciting opportunity, a collection of 26 individually designed residences – available as 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, available to purchase through a freehold option as well as a lifestyle option of 5 or 20 year lease. All amenities will be serviced by the legendary Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.
Exhibiting on Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Hong Kong Exhibiting on Thursday 28th February 2013 in Tokyo To register a visit to our exhibition in either Hong Kong or Tokyo please contact
Mark Gardner E: mark.gardner@oldcoursehotel.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1334 468 144 OR T:+44 (0) 7973 273 935
www.hamiltongrand.co.uk Once registered we will send you an invitation with the venue and time of exhibition in either Hong Kong or Tokyo