The landmark property has undergone a stunning transformation into one of Scotland’s most exclusive residential addresses. Hamilton Grand boasts 26 stunning apartments in two, three and four bedroom configurations, together with a private residents’ lounge and courtyard garden and sixth floor roof deck. ISG has also created a stylish public bar and grill that is set to become a firm favourite with visitors to the home of golf.
Built in 1895 as The Grand Hotel, this iconic building, which overlooks the Old Course in St Andrews, is the second most photographed building in the world of golf after the R&A headquarters. Then as now, the property was the height of luxury – the first building in Scotland to have a pneumatic elevator running between guest floors as well as hot and cold running water in every bathroom, setting the benchmark for the ultimate in hospitality. During the Second World War the building saw service as the training headquarters for the Royal Air Force and most recently as accommodation for St Andrews University before The Kohler Co. acquired the property and announced its restoration plans.
Blending new with old has been a key challenge with updating and upgrading the property. In addition to repairing and cleaning the entire building’s façade, ISG has constructed a new brickwork section and extended the main entrance, creating two additional sandstone pillars to match existing architectural elements. New intricate metal work screens have been installed as well as locally manufactured hand-crafted external railings. Internally, ISG has manufactured a matching staircase to provide access from the fourth to sixth floor levels and all windows have been repaired and restored.
The stunning entrance foyer incorporates many reinstated period features, with a hardwood floor, decorative plasterwork, chandeliers and a wrought iron balustrade. The sumptuous private members lounge boasts wooden panelling, hardwood floor and has been fitted out to exacting standards with a luxury high-end specification. A commercial kitchen has been installed on the lower ground floor, with two satellite kitchens at ground and sixth floor levels to service the bar, restaurant and apartments. Two passenger lifts and a further service lift have also been introduced into the building.
To provide The Kohler Co. with advanced marketing opportunities ahead of completion, ISG fitted out two show apartments to an exceptionally high standard. Each apartment has a different design theme and enables prospective homeowners to visualise how the accommodation will work for their individual requirements. The remaining 24 apartments have been finished to a ‘white box’ specification, complete with high-end fitted kitchens, luxury bathroom facilities and advanced A/V systems, with hidden ceiling mounted speakers.