In 1895 Thomas Hamilton commissioned The Grand Hotel immediately behind the 18th hole of the Old Course. It was the first building in Scotland to have a pneumatic elevator and hot and cold water running in every bathroom, setting the benchmark for the ultimate in luxurious hospitality. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) took exclusive use of the building and many famous celebrities stayed there including Mary Astor, Douglas Fairbanks, Rudyard Kipling and Bing Crosby.

Built of distinctive red sandstone, The Grand Hotel created something of a sensation, bringing a great splash of colour to The Auld Grey Toon. During this time, the Old Course was sorely pressed for available tee times. The size and scale of St. Andrews' newest building prompted the Royal and Ancient Golf Club to build the New Course, which in turn encouraged the town council to promote the Links Act and gain title to The Links ensuring access to world-class golf for those who lived in the town.

In the Second World War the Air Ministry requisitioned the building, transforming it into training headquarters for the Royal Air Force. Shortly after the war, the ever-expanding University of St. Andrews acquired the building and opened it as a Hall of Residence called Hamilton Hall, after the Duke of Hamilton who was Chancellor of the University. The University sold the building in 2004.

RESTORATION

Kohler & Co, owners of The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, bought Hamilton Grand in 2010 and carried out a painstaking renovation. The building was stripped back to its outer shell and rebuilt with an additional floor being added. They restored this great building to luxurious grandeur, creating unique and desirable private residences.

Hamilton Grand now comprises 27 homes of distinction –apartments ranging in size from 1,000 ft2 to 2,500 ft2 with a reception hall and concierge; a private lounge for residents and a sensational roof terrace. The views from this roof terrace over the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the Old Course and over the West Sands and out to sea are beyond comparison.

ACCOMMODATION

Hamilton Grand is approached by stone steps from the front. A glazed front door with entry phone gives access to the magnificent entrance hall with a grand staircase to the upper floors. The Butler's Desk in the hall is manned 24 hours a day. Lifts, secured by swipe cards, give access to the upper floors.

Off the hall is the residents' lounge which has a bay window to the front. Residents also have access to the roof terrace, from where there are astounding views over the St Andrews golf courses and out to sea.

No 16 is one of four apartments on the third floor. It is the central apartment, with four windows facing west over the 18th green and fairway of the Old Course. Two of these windows have French doors to stone balconies with cast iron handrails.

The entrance to the apartment leads into the living room / kitchen with a hardwood floor which has a coat cupboard / golf store off. It has a Georgian style wooden fireplace with coal effect gas fire, a fixed Panasonic TV, a dresser unit with wine fridge and a fitted cupboard. The Kohler kitchen has a Miele induction hob, sink, two Miele ovens with microwave functions and an integrated fridge freezer. French doors give access to a balcony with cast iron handrails.

Bedroom 2 is off the living room and also has French doors giving access to a balcony with cast iron handrails. It has a walk in closet with mirror, hanging rails and shelves. Its shower room has a tiled shower compartment with seat, WC and washbasin in a wooden unit.

Behind the living room is an inner hall with a laundry cupboard off containing a Hotpoint washing machine and Bosch dryer. There is a separate WC with a glass washbasin on Chinese style wooden cupboard.

Bedroom 1 has a corridor with a wide, built in wardrobe off. The west facing bedroom has a luxurious bathroom with a bath with jacuzzi jets in an alcove with twin washbasins in a unit opposite. There is a WC and a tiled shower compartment with seat.

THE OLD COURSE HOTEL, GOLF RESORT AND SPA

Hamilton Grand residents can enjoy hospitality at The Old Course Hotel including the Road Hole Restaurant, the Jigger Inn and Hams Hame Pub and Grill in the basement of Hamilton Grand.

Services provided by The Old Course Hotel, including butler service, a golf concierge, private chefs and full housekeeping services are available to all residents. Residents can acquire membership at Kohler Waters Spa which is located at The Old Course Hotel, with a full-service fitness centre; 13 treatment rooms; a 20-metre swimming pool and a thermal suite including steam room, sauna and cool plunge pool. There is parking available in the car parks at the Old Course Hotel.

Golf membership to The Duke's Course – a championship parkland course in the hills above St Andrews which is owned by The Old Course Hotel - is available to residents for an additional fee.

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