Wisconsin, US-based Kohler Co. has purchased Hamilton Hall of St Andrews, Scotland.

The company, through its subsidiary The Old Course Limited, won a competitive bidding process for the property conducted by Jones Lang La Salle and the Bank of Scotland. The Old Course now owns and operates the five-star Old Course Hotel, the Kohler Waters Spa and The Duke's golf course, all of which will play a role in the future of Hamilton Hall. Hamilton Hall, which opened as a hotel in its own right in 1895, is a four-storey, 45,000sq ft building overlooking the 18th green and fairway of the Old Course and is adjacent to the 255-year-old Royal & Ancient Golf Club. Last used as a hall of residence by the University of St. Andrews in the 2005-06 session, it now needs a considerable amount of restoration work.

Kohler plans to conduct what it calls a 'public consultation process' over the next few months with a view to deciding the future of the structure. The company's president and chair, Herb Kohler said: "'We are excited about the development opportunities for Hamilton Hall, and appreciate both the support and enthusiasm the local community has for the property. "We look forward to gathering input from the townspeople and the Fife Council as to what the name of the building should be along with its future use."

Among Kohler's previous renovations is The American Club in its eponymous home town, which opened in 1918 as a dormitory for immigrant factory workers. The property was restored and reopened as a resort hotel in 1981. More recently, it restored Riverbend, an estate home constructed in 1923 by Walter J. Kohler, then Governor of Wisconsin and president of Kohler Co. It was considered one of the 40 great mansions of North America. In 2001, Kohler refurbished the estate and re-opened it with 31 rooms and its own spa as an exclusive private membership club.