ST ANDREWS, Scotland – Steeped in tradition, it is being coined as the “Grand Return” and as a luxurious residence like no other in the world. Wasserman Real Estate Capital, LLC is developing an exclusive enclave of 23 luxury residences located on the oldest, most historic golf course – The Old Course at St. Andrews -- in the world. It will be called the St. Andrews Grand, and its members will have unlimited residence access and all the benefits of ownership. The most exclusive residence offering-through-membership in the UK can be obtained through invitation-only to 115 families and individuals worldwide.
With renovations set to begin July 2006, the St. Andrews Grand at the Old Course will be reminiscent of the historical Grand Hotel, today known as Hamilton Hall, and become the only residence enclave on the 18th green of St. Andrews.
“The St. Andrews Grand is golf’s new home in an historic signature destination for the most elite and dedicated of golfers and sportsmen who understand the spiritual depth, and are deeply appreciative of the mindset, the game and the experience of St. Andrews,” stated David Wasserman, principal of Wasserman Real Estate Capital LLC. “But beyond golf, our members will benefit from the land’s unique character and offerings. You can tour the old country and visit historical castles, embrace the great outdoors -- hunt, fish, and hike or enjoy Fife’s beach and bike trails which wind along the coast.”
Wasserman has enlisted an international team of architects, historians, designers and marketers for the project: Hurd Rolland Partnership C.O. UK, a Scottish architectural group with extensive experience in melding Scotland’s historic conservation with new ideas and materials; Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh, AIA, an award winning Santa Monica CA-based architectural firm, will manage the designing and planning of the building conversion from its current state as a residence hall into 23 private, luxurious residence quarters; and Randall Ridless LLC, an internationally renown interior design firm and architectural-history enthusiast out of New York. Ridless’ design projects range from Saks Fifth Avenue to the restoration of Bergdorf Goodman and the design of Burberry’s flagship stores worldwide. He has also collaborated on projects with Aubrey Hepburn, Bobby Short and Bill Blass; and PRC Innovations, LLC, an exclusive sector of the Private Residence Club Industry, will handle the sales and marketing of the St. Andrews Grand.
“This team provides the breadth and experience necessary to return the legacy and luster of this 110-year old structure to its grand historical state.” added Wasserman.
Members of St. Andrews Grand will enjoy the highest level of personal service including a full time, on-site concierge, daily housekeeping service, a spa and health center, pre-arrival grocery service, golf valets and bellmen, personal storage along with personal drivers, and a private chef service upon request.
The building, like many buildings overlooking the Old Course, has its own identity and history.
As the Grand Hotel, it was completed in 1895, and viewed as the pinnacle of luxury at St. Andrews and around the world. Scottish architect James Monro designed the hotel which met the mythical standards of the extraordinary golf course it touched. Overlooking the Old Course at St. Andrews, the Grand Hotel was an unheard of six stories high, built of red Dumfries stone that was quarried and carried from the south of Scotland. It was built with red Dumfries stone, quarried from the south of Scotland and remained the symbol of great luxury elegance for many years, through the First World War and into the Second.
With World War II, the hotel was transformed into RAF training headquarters, and after the war, it was slow to recover its luxury reputation. The hotel’s next incarnation was in 1949 when the University at St. Andrews acquired the property and converted it into Hamilton Hall, a university residence named in honor of the Duke of Hamilton. There were no significant exterior changes until the 1970s, when the famous lead dome was damaged by fire and replaced by lackluster fiberglass.
“The structure of this Victorian architecture is magnificent with a healthy mix of public spaces and plenty of private rooms,” stated Mike Rolland, principal of Hurd Rolland Partnership C.O. UK. “The stately home of the former Grand Hotel will be gently pulled into separate living areas, each with an entirely unique look, feel and floor plan.”
Once renovations are complete, the St. Andrews Grand will offer amazing, untouched views of the Old Course and The Sea. The unique loft-style residences will have contemporary elements such as gourmet kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, luxury bathrooms, and privacy zones to accommodate guest quarters. In addition to the private residences, the St. Andrews Grand will have a Club Room with a Billiards table, a Private Dining room and a Pub for residence owners only.
"Luxury residence clubs continue to gain in popularity with anticipated sales of $2 billion per year, so we anticipate great demand for this hallowed and special property,” added Wasserman.
Wasserman Real Estate Capital LLC acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of properties. Their established “track record" is evidenced by a portfolio of real estate assets consisting primarily of mixed use developments, shopping center properties with national tenants, and multi-family developments. The Wasserman organization has maintained steady growth and represents a model of efficient and successful property development, urban revitalization, and historical rehabilitation in a multi-disciplinary company with construction, management, and leasing for more than 40 years. It has been one of the premier real estate operating companies in the U.S. and is now applying these skills internationally. For nearly a decade the firm has acted in a fiduciary capacity for institutional capital investment partners.
Lynn Luczkowski
lynn@L2comm.net
L2 Communications, LLC
15 Birch Hill Drive
West Hartford, CT
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860-313-1426
860-313-1426
