Scotland’s newest five-star hotel, Seaton House in St Andrews, is very nearly ready to open, as the contractors brought in to renovate and reconfigure the property – for a long time known as the Scores Hotel – have now officially handed the project over to its operators.
Originally built as Seaton House back in 1864, the 42-bedroom hotel sits in a prime golf tourism position alongside the first tee and 18th green of the world famous Old Course at St Andrews Golf Club.
It has been returned to its original name as part of its relaunch as a 5-star boutique hotel by new owners, Valor Hospitality Partners.
Glasgow based construction and fit-out specialists, Pacific Building, commenced work on the site in March last year, under a project management team from Fitzsimons, and with input from interior design consultants at Upperworth Studios.
Seaton House general manager Michael Davern said: “We have been very impressed by the unwavering professionalism and meticulous approach to the project throughout.
“As the opening draws ever closer, we are delighted that our shared ambition has become a reality, and Seaton House is, once again, the perfect location for valued guests to immerse themselves in St Andrews’ charm,” said Davern.
“Now the hotel has officially been handed over, we can continue to fine tune our preparations for welcoming guests and providing truly unique and memorable experiences.”
Amongst the detail of the renovation, Upperworth Studios has incorporated an element of the personal crest of Seaton House’s original designer, George Rae, into the hotel’s room numbers, while the Rae family tartan has been used in some of the hotel’s bespoke furnishings.
Thistles and stag heads feature in the redesign, even embroidered into pillows and bed throws, while a number of artists from across the UK have produced original oil and abstract artworks which are displayed throughout the hotel.
Fitzsimons MD Alan Garrick said: “Working with Valor Hospitality and the Seaton House team has proven their eye for detail and a commitment to sourcing the finest materials available matched our own high standards during the construction and fit-out processes.
“From the start, it has been clear that all teams shared a vision for Seaton House as a quintessentially Scottish five-star hotel where every detail has been carefully considered.”
Pacific Building MD Gerard McMahon added: “As a Scottish construction company that exists to build great things, it was a privilege to have worked on Seaton House.
“This property will become one of Scotland’s leading hotels and it’s a special feeling to know we played a central role in its delivery.
“With a firm focus on striving for the best possible finish and using the finest materials possible, I’ve no doubt Seaton House will be the first choice for many seeking to stay at the Home of Golf.”
The new hotel, which will employ 60 staff, also promises to offer ‘an unparalleled culinary experience on the Fife coast’ thanks to its range of dining options, headlined by Chef Patron Roy Brett, across its bar and two restaurants, The Board Room and Ondine Oyster & Grill.
