A mystery buyer has snapped up the ultimate property for any golf fan – a four-bedroom pad overlooking the 18th hole at St Andrews, the home of the game.
The Wynd on The Links road is described as an “impressive house with outstanding views over the world-famous Old Course”.
It sits next to the narrow public road midway alongside the fairway – meaning there is no room to put a grandstand.
That leaves it with guaranteed uninterrupted views of the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods making their way up the par four 18th hole, known as Tom Morris.
The new owner could also make up to £50,000 A TIME by renting out the four-bedroom house during major competitions.
It has gone for “more than £2.25 million” because of its ultra-desirable location – thought to be the biggest sale in Scotland this year.
The house was sold in less than a week, despite coming onto the market shortly before the General Election and just after the new Land and Buildings Transaction Tax was introduced in Scotland.
St Andrews hosts The Open Championship every five years with the world’s top golfers battling it out at the Scottish course in July.
The deal was confirmed yesterday (Weds) by Jamie Macnab, a director in the Edinburgh office of Savills.
Mr Macnab wouldn’t reveal the final price or the buyer’s identity, but they are thought to have paid in excess of the £2.25 million asking price.
He said: “St Andrews is the most expensive part of real estate in Scotland and I think this is probably the biggest sale of the year so far.
“The property went onto the market in April and it was the only house we sold that month – and it went within a week.
“St Andrews is a small place and there aren’t many secrets so I think people had heard it was coming up for sale.
“£2 million-plus is big price in Scotland and there was a lot of interest in The Wynd. It is in St Andrews, the home of golf.”
The Wynd, which is on the corner of The Links and Granny Clark’s Wynd, also boasts views over the 1st hole as well as West Sands beach and the Firth of Tay.
Outer storm doors in an impressive doorway with carved stone side pillars open into the home’s vestibule.
A studded inner door then opens to the hall, which has stairs to the first floor.
On the first floor is the drawing room which overlooks the Old Course. There are two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms on this floor.
The master bedroom suite is on the top floor along with a smaller bedroom.
On top of the agreed sale price, the buyer is expected to pay around £250,000 in Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.
Despite this, the home is likely to be a superb investment.
Mr Macnab added: “The atmosphere when The Open takes place here is going to be amazing.
“I don’t think it would be rash to say it could be rented out for £50,000 for the week during the golf.
“It is on a public road so there is nowhere to put a stand so you will be able to see the 18th hole. The bay window from the first floor will have the best view.
“In the USA and China and Korea, golf is hugely tied to wealth and status. And there is only one St Andrews.
“There is a lot of interest in St Andrews from Americans, Canadians and Scandinavians. So when the Chinese and Koreans start buying I think prices will reach a new level.”