A five-star boutique hotel is coming to St Andrews in Autumn 2024, as the former Scores Hotel is reopened by Valor Hospitality Partners, renamed as Seaton House.
Rooted in the town’s golfing heritage, the Victorian townhouse building overlooks the Royal & Ancient clubhouse and the first tee of the Old Course.
Launching the new operation in partnership with US based Links Collection, Valor promises that the new hotel will benefit from ‘meticulous attention to detail’, infused with warm Scottish hospitality and traditional charm.
The hotel’s renaming as Seaton House returns it full circle to 1864 and the building’s original name. In this restored identity, the hotel will create approximately 70 jobs for the town, including the appointment of a general manager to lead the team.
With 40 luxury bedrooms and three suites, guests will be able to choose a sea or garden view, with five rooms benefiting from their own private terraces. Guests can enjoy scenic vistas of St Andrews Bay and West Sands Beach, which gained fame from the iconic 1981 movie ‘Chariots of Fire’.
Just a five-minute walk from the hotel are the town’s many attractions, including St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Cathedral ruin, and the 600 year-old University of St Andrews.
The culinary offering will be headlined by renowned Scottish Chef Roy Brett, of Ondine Oyster & Grill, Edinburgh.
Marking the first new venture since the establishment of Ondine in 2009, Ondine St Andrews will be a key feature, alongside an all-day restaurant, bar, and lounge. The menu will celebrate the provenance of fine local produce, complemented by an expertly curated selection of wines, crafted cocktails, and whiskies.
Global co-founder and chief executive officer of Valor Hospitality Partners, Euan McGlashan, said: “Having lived away from Scotland for over 30 years, it is a thrill to be back working on such an incredible project in the beautiful St Andrews.
“Our wonderful owners have been intimately involved in all the design details, ensuring their love of hospitality and golf, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, is projected in a way that is residential in feel with a very distinct sense of place and all the modern conveniences our guests will expect.
“The town of St Andrews have been supportive all along and we are eager to make the local residents very proud of Seaton House. The incredible food and beverage offerings are aimed at guests and locals alike, and we hope that Ondine becomes a fan favourite in the town.”
Managing partner of the Links Collection, Jonathan Harper, said: “While Seaton House is the closest hotel to the first tee of the world-famous Old Course, it is also the perfect home base with many Championship courses nearby.
“In addition to the six St Andrews Links courses, guests can also enjoy Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Dumbarnie, and many others, all within a 25-miles of Seaton House. Additionally, our guests can access nearby gems of East Lothian like Muirfield, North Berwick, and Gullane.
“Guests looking beyond golf can enjoy wonderful weekend getaways or week-long breaks, taking in all the breathtaking scenery, history, and warmth that the town offers. With all the comforts of home, yet highly personalised service, Seaton House will be a sanctuary for those looking to unwind and relax away from the stresses of everyday life,” said Harper.
“We are humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to be a small part of the St Andrews community and to breathe new life into this historic property. We are eagerly awaiting the chance to host our friends and guests at Seaton House, as there are few things in life more enjoyable than watching people experience the magic of St Andrews.”
