Fractional Ownership News

Hamilton Hall to become PRC?

US plumbing magnate Herb Kohler has acquired Hamilton Hall in St Andrews, described as “one of the most photographed buildings in the world of golf”, leading to speculation that it may be transformed into a private residence club.

Kohler recently refurbished Riverbend, an estate home constructed in 1923 by Herb'sancestor Walter J. Kohler, then Governor of Wisconsin and President of Kohler Co. It was considered one of the 40 great mansions of North America. In 2001, Kohler Co. refurbished the estate and re-opened it with 31 rooms and its own spa as an exclusive private membership club.

Hamilton Hall was originally opened as the Grand Hotel in 1895 to capitalize on the rapid expansion of St Andrews as a popular tourist destination for golf and sea bathing. Founder Thomas Hamilton is said to have commissioned the construction immediately after his application for membership had been rejected by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. In an attempt to draw attention away from the Royal & Ancient, Hamilton constructed the much larger and more extravagant building adjacent to it.

During World War II, the hotel was requisitioned by the armed forces and never reopened as a hotel. Shortly after the end of the War, the hotel was acquired by the University of St Andrews and was opened as a hall of residence in 1949 under the name Hamilton Hall. In 2005, the University announced that it had sold the Hall as the result of an unsolicited bid and consequently the university session 2005-06 would be the last year Hamilton Hall would be open as a hall of residence. The building is one of the most famous in St Andrews as it was featured in the film Chariots of Fire and in global television coverage of the many golf tournaments played on the Old Course.

"We are honored to own such an iconic building in the home of golf. We are excited about the development opportunities for Hamilton Hall, and appreciate both the support and enthusiasm the local community has for the property," said Kohler. "We look forward to gathering input from the townspeople and the Fife Council as to what the name of the building should be along with its future use.

Kohler Co. intends to conduct a "public consultation process" over the next few months toward creating a unique and economically viable product that will enhance St Andrews offering as the world's premier golf destination. Herb Kohler suggested that "individuals who may one day occupy Hamilton Hall would be afforded a number of hospitality amenities including public and private dining at the Old Course Hotel, concierge and valet service, Kohler Waters Spa membership and Duke's Golf Club membership, as well as a week at our very special private club called Riverbend in Kohler, Wisconsin U.S.A."

"Our priority is to complete the preservation of Hamilton Hall and return it to a viable and prominent position in St Andrews for generations to come," Kohler continued. "Our company has long demonstrated the passion and ability it takes to restore historic buildings back to great distinction."

www.destinationkohler.com

8/12/09

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