A 50-bedroom luxury boutique hotel and spa is being developed as the centrepiece of a new resort in Aberdeenshire, which is set to feature a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Work is already underway to rescue the B-listed Ury House, near Stonehaven, from Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register and transform it into an exclusive retreat. Built in 1855 by architect John Baird, the property was later extended in 1884 by Alexander Ross. Today it is owned by property development company, FM Group.
The hotel is expected to open in 2020 and will be operated by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI).
Around 90 low density houses will be built alongside the 18-hole golf course, which is being created by Nicklaus, the winner of 18 major golf championships and the designer of nearly 300 courses worldwide.
Norbert Lieder, managing director of ICMI, said that Ury Estate will become one of the UK's top resorts.
"Our intention is to develop a location for people who live on the estate, golfers, the local community and visitors from around the world. As well as individually designed bedrooms and suites, there will be a clubhouse, restaurant and conference centre.
"I believe there is a real need for a resort of this quality in the north east. We are already working closely with FM Group on the interior layout, design and customer offer."
Jonathon Milne, director of FM Group, added: "With Ury Estate we are looking to create an unrivalled hotel and resort in a unique setting. We are confident that ICMI, with its track record at Scotland's top properties, will help us realise our vision."
Ury Estate will become the 14th property in Scotland to be managed by ICMI. Its current portfolio includes the eight-strong Luxury Collection, incorporating Inverlochy Castle in Fort William and Andy Murray's hotel Cromlix in Dunblane, and the Lodges & Inns Collection, made up of five properties.
Yesterday it was announced that ICMI is joining forces with Milne and businessman Kelly Glass of K-Group to launch the Liming, a new hotel management company in the Caribbean.
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