New 44-bedroom boutique hotel opens at the Home of Golf

The Kithmore in St Andrews officially opened its doors on June 16, welcoming its first guests following the £7.5 million transformation of the former hotel property into a luxury boutique hotel and dining destination in the heart of Scotland’s world-famous golfing town.

Located on Playfair Terrace on North Street, moments from the Old Course and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, The Kithmore occupies three elegant Georgian townhouses dating back to 1847 – originally designed by renowned St Andrews architect George Rae.

Reimagined as a design-led boutique hotel, the landmark property, which was formerly known as The Ardgowan Hotel, combines carefully restored heritage features with contemporary luxury and modern comforts. The project has also created 36 new hospitality jobs, with a dedicated team led by General Manager Kathryn McNairn, alongside Head Chef Joe Reddie and Deputy Manager Caryn Kelly.

The Kithmore brand has been developed by global hospitality agency Crown Creative with the design created in collaboration with local St Andrews architects RKA, alongside Scottish interior design studio ICA.

Each guest bedroom has been individually designed and features bespoke furnishings, custom joinery, curated artwork and oak flooring, with a mix of original architectural features and contemporary finishes throughout. Guest bathrooms feature Italian stone-inspired porcelain tiles, bespoke vanity units and luxury AXOR and Hansgrohe brassware.

The opening also marks the launch of Bennie’s, The Kithmore’s new all-day Scottish bar and restaurant. Named after the Bennie family, who played an important role in the property’s hospitality history, Bennie’s has been designed as a welcoming social destination for guests and locals alike.

Inspired by Scotland’s land and sea, the menu showcases the country’s natural larder through locally sourced produce and contemporary takes on much-loved classics, from hand-dived Orkney scallops and chicken & haggis pie to premium Scotch beef and beer-battered haddock, as well as specials including East Neuk langoustines and St Andrews Bay lobster.

With its own entrance and south-facing landscaped terrace, the restaurant – which accommodates 57 covers and 30 seated on the terrace – combines elevated comfort food, quality drinks and warm Scottish hospitality in a relaxed contemporary setting.

Guided by its philosophy of creating “Links that Last a Lifetime”, The Kithmore introduces a new style of hospitality to St Andrews, rooted in thoughtful design, genuine Scottish warmth and a strong sense of place. Whether visiting for golf, leisure, business or celebration, guests can expect memorable experiences and meaningful connections in one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations.

Kathryn McNairn, General Manager of The Kithmore, said: “Opening day is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved in bringing The Kithmore to life. Over the past two years we have watched this remarkable transformation take shape, breathing new life into a much-loved St Andrews property while carefully preserving its heritage and character.

“We have assembled an exceptional team and created a hotel that feels warm, personal and deeply connected to its surroundings. From the bedrooms and public spaces to Bennie’s restaurant, every detail has been designed with the guest experience in mind.

“Inspired by the Scots word ‘kith’, meaning friendship and familiarity, our ambition is simple – to create links that last a lifetime. Whether guests are visiting for golf, leisure, business or a special celebration, we want them to feel genuinely welcomed from the moment they arrive.”

The Kithmore is part of the Marram Collection, an independent collection of luxury hotels including The Leddie in Aberlady, East Lothian, and The Bushmills Inn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Malcolm Allan, Hospitality Director for The Marram Collection, added: “The opening of The Kithmore is a significant milestone for The Marram Collection and a project we are immensely proud to bring to fruition. From the outset, our vision was to create a hotel that celebrated the unique character of St Andrews while delivering the highest standards of contemporary hospitality.

“The transformation of these historic townhouses has been an extraordinary journey involving talented designers, craftspeople and hospitality professionals, all united by a shared ambition to create something special. The Kithmore embodies everything we believe great hotels should be – distinctive, welcoming, design-led and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Alongside Bennie’s, we hope The Kithmore becomes not only a place for visitors to stay, but a destination embraced by the local community for years to come.”

Rooms at The Kithmore are available from £415 per night. For reservations visit www.thekithmore.com or call 01334 472970.