Kingask Fairmont St Andrews Manor House

In the summer of 2023 Fairmont St Andrews introduced two new luxury Manor Homes, designed by renowned interior designer Russell Sage for guests looking for a longer stay experience at the hotel. These exclusive homes offer a private, premium experience with access to the resort’s five-star amenities, including golf courses, restaurants, bars, and spa. The Luxury Editor team are devoted fans of the Fairmont St Andrew (read our hotel review here) so it was a delight to be asked to experience a weekend in Kingask, one of their two ultra-luxury manor houses. Read on to discover more.

Two Manor Houses – Queenask and Kingask

Based on St Andrews’s famous Swilcan Bridge, the two houses are adjacent to each other with a bridge connecting them. ‘Queenask’ is designed for luxury family escapes, complete with cinema room and a board games room, while ‘Kingask’ serves as an ideal location for elegant social gatherings with enhanced dining space, a games and poker area, a library, and a Dram room. Located within the resort’s 520-acre grounds they are within walking distance of the main hotel, providing convenient access to the resort’s facilities all of which are available during a stay at either manor house.

Both manor homes are infused with Scottish personality Inspired by Russell Sage’s vision (who has partnered with other prestigious luxury properties including The Savoy, Zetter Townhouse and The Fife Arms on interior design projects), the interior design merges modern Scottish luxury with nods to the historic town of St Andrews, the wild landscape, the home of golf, and the Fairmont brand.

Each Manor Home, accommodating up to 8 guests, features a farmhouse kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room, and a separate formal dining area. Guests can either dine at the resort restaurants or arrange for a private chef experience within their Manor Home. Inspired by the Art of Coorie, these homes offer a private, cosy retreat within the hotel’s grounds.

Kingask

Outside

Offering parking for up to four cars outside a large porch leads into the main hallway, there is also a kitchen door around the other side of the manor house.

Entrance Hallway

Like the rest of the hotel, you use a key card to enter the property so multiple cards can be offered depending on how many guests you have staying – step into modern Scottish luxury as you enter the hallway. The light and airy Scottish themed hall is adorned with Arts and Crafts pieces including a striking oak Arts and Crafts bench discovered by an Edinburgh antiques dealer, a pair of oak Arts and Crafts side tables, and original prints of Scottish wildlife. The hallway also has a cloakroom.

Library & Games Room

To the left of the hallway, you enter the library and games room. Antique leather-bound Scottish books adorn the space, adding a touch of timeless charm. An original photograph of the majestic lesser black-backed gull, native to Scotland’s southern coast, is displayed in the space while a chessboard by the window invites serious players to indulge in this classic pastime. This carefully curated room invites relaxation and offers a glimpse of Scotland’s beauty and literary tradition.

Sitting Room

Celebrating the displays found in St Andrews Museum, crystals from around the world are featured in the sitting room. Matthew Forster Heddle, the founder of the Mineralogy of Great Britain, was also a professor of Chemistry at St. Andrews University. The sitting room also pays tribute to the culture of study and academic practice at St. Andrews University. It showcases an original commissioned collage by artist Gill Flury, which takes inspiration from Matthew Forster Heddle. A small patio with all-weather furniture leads off the lounge from which we used to enjoy a sunset whisky – or two.

Kitchen and Dining Room

The kitchen and dining room are inspired by Scottish artist Paul Bartlett and his artwork of Puffins. Bartlett lives in St. Andrews, and his work can be seen in the Sproson Gallery. Five original signed contemporary prints featuring splashes of blue and white by artist Paul Bartlett have inspired the kitchen palette. An antique pair of Whitefrairs glass vases is featured in the room. Original Scottish tweed is used in the upholstery. The kitchen is packed with everything you need to cook and entertain with – and if you are wanting to put your feet up during your stay the hotel can organise a private chef too.

The manor house comes complete with one of the most indulgent complimentary mini bars I have seen to date. Help yourself to soft drinks and water in the fridge and head to the Welsh dresser where everything apart from the alcoholic drinks is offered with compliments.

Dining Room

The Dram Room

Meet the ancestors over a dram under the hickory golf club installation. A charcoal sketch of one of the old professors of St. Andrews adorns the room. Above the sofa, there is a display of original vintage hickory golf clubs, complemented by unusual antique golf club tables. The room also features a large vintage pair of Caithness thistle-cut crystal mantle ornaments showcased on Scottish Victorian antique side tables.

A selection of top drams and spirits is found in the games room along with a price list.

Landing

Head upstairs to the landing which showcases a large cartwheel made of vintage hickory golf clubs. Above the credenza is a large landscape in the style of John Kyffin Williams, depicting a Hebridean sunrise. An original oil painting featuring the Hebridean sunrise, and a display of vintage hickory golf clubs create a dramatic focal point on the staircase.

Bedroom One – Old Tom Morris

Inspired by Old Tom Morris. Thomas Mitchell Morris, “the Grand Old Man of Golf,” was born in St. Andrews. The son of a weaver, he was educated at Madras College and began playing golf at the age of 10. There is a photo of Old Tom Morris playing golf in St. Andrews in 1908. The room also features an original Victorian Mahogany Scottish chest of drawers. The material palette includes Scottish-made tweeds throughout.

All bedrooms come with a large flatscreen TV, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.

Bedroom Two – Swilcan

Inspired by Features of the Links. This room draws inspiration from the distinctive elements of the links, particularly the iconic Swilcan Bridge. This bridge, which appears in numerous St. Andrews posters, was historically referred to as Swilcanth. It spans the Swilcan Burn, connecting the 1st and 18th fairways on the Old Course. An original railway travel poster showcasing the Swilcan Bridge adds to the ambience of the space. To further enhance the atmosphere, Scottish-made tweeds that complement the artwork can be found throughout the room.

Bedroom Three – The Hepburn

Inspired by Golf Imagery of the 1950s. During the 1950s, many film stars and famous ladies took pleasure in playing golf. Audrey Hepburn was often photographed enjoying a round. A photo of Audrey Hepburn playing golf in the 1950s, captured by Hulton, serves as inspiration for this room. To create an authentic atmosphere, Scottish tweed fabrics are used throughout the room as well.

Master Bedroom – Fairway Flapper

Inspired by Art Deco Golfing. Famous female golfers of the 1930s were known as the Fairway Flappers. Here, we celebrate the graphic art of the era. The ‘Fairway Flapper’ artwork is inspired by Edith Cummings, a Jazz Age golfer nicknamed the ‘Fairway Flapper’ due to her love for parties, dancing, and drinking. Edith achieved success by winning the U.S. Amateur Championship in the 1920s.

This master bedroom has a view out across the fairway and onto the hotel, with a large bedroom, separate dressing room and huge bathroom with walk-in shower and separate bathtub.

Hotel Services

Getting Around

If you want to travel between the hotel and clubhouse just call concierge who will bring a car to the Manor House and drive you to any part of the hotel resort. Complimentary pickup from Edinburgh Airport is also included in any Manor House stay.

Turn Down and Cleaning

Daily cleaning and turn down are provided and can be arranged at a time to suit you. On the first night we were staying turn down brought this huge tray of cakes for us.

Golf & Spa

Torrance & Kittocks Courses Tee Times are 7:30 am – 6 pm and unlimited complimentary golf and access to the driving range is included in a Manor House Stay. The Spa is also located in the hotel and is open for unlimited access to all manor house guests.

Pet Friendly

The property is pet friendly just let the team know in advance and they can provide dog beds and treats for you.

Breakfast

A buffet breakfast takes place at the hotel’s Squire Restaurant and is included with all stays for all guests.

Final Thoughts

Fairmont St Andrews Manor Houses offer incredible luxury and privacy to make lasting memories with family and friends, starting at £1500 a night with access to all Fairmont amenities during a stay and within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow airport we cannot rate them highly enough.

The Fairmont St Andrew is included in our guides to the best hotels in Scotland and St Andrews