Marram Collection receives green light for £7.5m refurbishment of St Andrews hotel

The Marram Collection has secured planning permission to start a £7.5m refurbishment of the Ardgowan hotel in St Andrews, which is due to reopen in summer 2026.

In 2022 the Marram Collection acquired the boutique hotel, which is located near the Old Course, believed to be the oldest golf course in the world.

The Ardgowan hotel dates back to 1847 and consists of two adjoining Georgian townhouses designed by Scottish architect George Rae.

As part of the restoration, the property will be consolidated into one connected building with a rear extension, raising the capacity of the rooms from 36 to 44, while a new bar and restaurant will see covers increasing from 44 to 70.

The project is also expected to create up to 50 jobs in the area.

Scottish interior design studio ICA and Crown Creative have partnered with St Andrews architects RKA to lead the restoration.

Kathryn McNairn will continue as general manager at the new hotel, having joined Marram Collection last year, bringing a decade’s worth experience in hospitality.

She said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially break ground on what will become a cornerstone of the Marram Collection in the heart of St Andrews. This project has been expertly designed to honour the heritage of the site while introducing a new standard of boutique hotel to the town. This transformation will create a welcoming retreat that blends warmth, comfort and considered design for golfers, locals and visitors alike. We look forward to unveiling a space that not only celebrates the spirit of St Andrews but also supports the local community through new opportunities and meaningful partnerships.” 

The Marram Collection also owns the Leddie hotel in Aberlady, East Lothian and the Bushmills Inn in Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. 

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