Grand restoration set to be crowned

Iconic St Andrews building Hamilton Grand to be fitted with new dome

One of golf’s most iconic buildings, the Hamilton Grand in St Andrews, is set for the latest stage of a major, multi-million pound redevelopment.

Thought to be the second most photographed building in the world of golf (after the adjacent R&A headquarters) will be crowned with a new dome on February 1, as part of the project to return the former luxury hotel to its original Victorian grandeur.
Owners the Kohler Company, who also own the five-star Old Course Hotel, aim to sensitively restore the majestic red sandstone building that overlooks the 18th green of the Old Course into a collection of opulent private dwellings.

The original dome was replaced after a fire in 1976 with a fibreglass replica. The new dome – made in Scotland – is a lead-clad timber frame weighing 3.5 tonnes, true to the original structure.
Helen Parker, director of Sales for the Old Course Hotel and Hamilton Grand expressed her delight at the prospect of restoring a central piece of St Andrews architecture.

“This is a key milestone in the restoration of Hamilton Grand,” said Parker. “We are incredibly proud to be the guardians of such an iconic building – and to see the dome back in place will be an exciting day in the property’s amazing history.”

Launched in 1895 as The Grand Hotel, it was the height of luxury – the first building in Scotland to have a pneumatic elevator running between floors as well as hot and cold running water in every bathroom. It set the benchmark for the ultimate in hospitality.

The Second World War saw the Air Ministry requisition the hotel, transforming the landmark into training headquarters for the Royal Air Force. It then served St Andrews University for more than half a century before the Kohler Co. bought the property and announced their restoration plans.

The restoration project aims to transform the building into a collection of 26 homes of distinction – two, three and four bedroom apartments together with a private residents’ lounge and function suite as well as a new, stylish restaurant and bar that is set to become a firm favourite of those visiting golf’s mecca.

“Our goal is to restore Hamilton Grand and create a dwelling that will make the people of St. Andrews proud,” said Kohler Co’s Debbie Taylor. “We have been honoured to work with community members throughout this process.

“Hamilton Grand is a unique real estate opportunity for those who want to own a home in the birthplace of golf and a premier destination that is rich in history – the holy grail of golf,” said Taylor. “We are looking forward to restoring the building using our restoration expertise, and returning a piece of Scottish history to its landmark status.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered