Scotland

Effortless grandeur at Hamilton Grand

A three year renovation project in St Andrews has seen a total of 26 luxury residences created, now entitled Hamilton Grand.

The properties are on the market currently, with prices starting from ÂŁ1.35 million; one of the residences up for grabs is an amazing penthouse suite with a private balcony boasting a 360-degree view of the stunning grounds. The elegant two, three and four bed apartments comprise an array of impressive features and individual characteristics preserved from the original building.

The Grand Hotel was built in the early 1890s and opened as Scotland’s most luxurious hotel in 1895. The hotel was requisitioned in the Second World War acting as a base for the Royal Air Force’s command; after the war it returned to being a hotel but the glory days had passed and the venue had lost its appeal.

The site was bought by the University of St Andrews who converted it to ‘Hamilton Hall’ – a hall of residence for students. It remained as such for almost the next half a century; however The University had to sell the building when it became too costly to manage as viable accommodation for 21st century students. 

The near derelict property was acquired by Kohler Co in 2009 and was in a near derelict state having been empty for some years. Public consultation and a detailed planning process followed for almost a year before refurbishment works commenced in 2010. The property was handed back to its owners as complete in the last week of June 2013. 

The development saw hundreds of craftsmen restoring the property to its former glory. The retained and restored original features of the 19th century building whenever possible. The building’s central staircase was restored, as was the stained glass windows within the stairwell.

In the property’s basement a new pub and restaurant; Hams Hame, has been constructed. The Grill Restaurant and Bar offers diners outstanding Scottish cuisine prepared using local, fresh ingredients. The restaurant is open to locals as well as residents and the Bar will offer beautiful views of St Andrews making it an ideal spot to relax and have a drink.

Other spaces that residents can utilise include The Meeting Room; a beautiful space offering an intimate space for small groups of 20 people to gather for business meetings or special events, and a Members’ Library – located on the building’s ground floor. Outside, located in the central courtyard of the building, lies an impressive Italian Garden which has been beautifully landscaped. 

Apartments can be bought, but are also available on a rental basis, fully furnished or untouched – depending on the purchaser’s desires – as the flooring, bathrooms, cabinetry and built-in closets, kitchen appliances, surfaces and electrical components are included.

Residents at Hamilton Grand can take advantage of the onsite Concierge service which includes daily or weekly housekeeping, turndown services, food and beverage services, shopping services, laundry and cleaning services, transport services, babysitting services, as well as maintenance and repair services.

Jack “JJ” Reese was the lead interior designer, employed by Kohler Co, working on the Hamilton Grand project; Reese holds more than 30 years experience in the Professional Design Industry and was well equipped to transform this property. He has taken inspiration from designers such as Billy Haines, Dorothy Draper, Alberto Pinto and Ralph Lauren in order to create an impressive Theatrical Renaissance feel to the space.

Hamilton Grand is located in St Andrews, one of Scotland’s most ancient towns, which dates back to the 12th century. The seaside resort is the birthplace of golf and is home to Scotland’s oldest university. Some of the more popular activities to partake in include horseback strolls along West Sands Beach, kite-surfing on the North Sea, seal spotting in the sand dunes, historic tours to discover St Andrews University, Castle and Cathedral, and shopping along the high street which combines antique hunting with unusual gift shops and high-end fashion boutiques. 

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Roma Publications