Golf fans seeking accommodation for next month’s Open at St Andrews will have to tee off fast to bag some of the best remaining rentals on the tournament’s doorstep.
Leading property and legal company Pagan Osborne has had hundreds of properties on its books and some of the accommodation – which ranges from traditional flats a moment’s walk from the Old Course, to country mansions – has been booked up to a year in advance.
However prime apartments and houses, including some hidden gems in lovely locations, are still available for lease over the championship period from July 11 to 20.
Linda Black, head of Property Sales – Fife and Open Letting at Pagan Osborne said: “Demand for accommodation is high, particularly among those who want to be right in the heart of the town, soaking up the atmosphere of the event and the local culture and history. But it is still possible to secure a fantastic property, in the right place, depending on individual requirements – if you know where to look.
“Some of our properties are almost on the doorstep of the Championship but others are tucked away in beautiful countryside, allowing visitors to get the very best of both worlds from their visit to Fife.”
Conveniently situated just a few hundred yards from the Old Course is a charming, traditional basement apartment with conservatory, private garden with patio and garage. The property at 10A Howard Place, St Andrews, can sleep four or five and is close to the centre of the historic university town and its restaurant bars and shops, and is for lease at £4,500.
Enjoying an equally prime location and with the cachet of being the birthplace of former Open winner Jock Hutchison (St Andrews, 1937, US Open 1921), is a beautiful traditional villa providing accommodation for seven guests. Located close to St Andrews Cathedral and ruins, at 30 North Street, it has a lounge with Juliet balcony, dining kitchen with balcony access and is available for £10,000. Meanwhile, close to the Cathedral and Castle sits 29 North Castle Street. Sleeping four for £3,500 for the whole tournament period, it offers great accommodation.
For those who want to get away from the crowds, Foresters Lodge, Strathvithie, to let for £5,500, is set among extensive private gardens and woodland less than five miles from St Andrews and sleeps nine.
Larger parties will find one property in particular hard to resist. The sumptuous Mansion House in Leslie, Fife, dating back to 1862, has accommodation for 12, six bathrooms, a games room, billiard room, gym, conservatory and tennis court plus roof terraces. It is available to let for £20,000 and a housekeeper can be provided on request.
“Renting a prestigious house or apartment can provide excellent value for money,” added Linda Black, “particularly for large groups when contrasted with hotel accommodation but people are going to have to move quickly to secure the best of those remaining available options, the clock is ticking.”
To view the range of properties still available visit http://opengolf2015.co.uk/