Nicklaus Companies and developer FM Group are collaborating on a new golf and residential community in Stonehaven, Scotland.
The project was first mooted 20 years ago when FM bought land for a golf course and homes but encountered various obstacles and delays over the years. Now, though, the 1,600-acre development – located on the Aberdeenshire coast – has kicked off with the launch of The Nicklaus Village, which will comprise fully-serviced self-build plots and five-bedroom luxury homes.
The development will be the first Jack Nicklaus-branded residential golf community in Europe. It includes luxury homes at Ury Estate built around an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and a revived Ury House – the ground floor of the derelict nineteenth century mansion will be turned into the clubhouse.
“Here we are just south of Aberdeen in Stonehaven with the beautiful castle on the hill,” said Nicklaus. “You stand up there with the castle, and you see the bay and the water. It’s a pretty view and pretty area, with great tradition. We are trying to create not only a golf course, but a way of life around what we’ve done, what I’ve done. If we can do that within the community, participating in the growth and feeling of the community, that is what we like to do.”
The golf course, which is currently under construction – most homes within the residential community will have views of the layout – is expected to open in 2024. Graeme Webster of Team Niblick has been selected as the construction manager for the golf course.
Watch: A visualization by Harris Kalinka of Nicklaus Design’s proposals.
“From the moment Jack and our design team set foot on this historic piece of property over a decade ago, we knew it was going to be special in many ways,” said Andy O’Brien, president of Nicklaus Brands.
Dirk Bouts, senior designer at Nicklaus Design added: “Ury Castle is a stunning piece of property in one of the great golf areas in the world. Jack made sure that the golf course relates to the castle as much as possible. He also maximized the use of the existing river and burns, incorporating other features like stone walls and bridges, playing through treed areas and open fields and, of course, taking advantage of the magnificent views all around.”
The Village is the first of three phases of development, including Golden Bear Homes and The Jack Nicklaus Retreat, with 500 homes to be built in total. “Ury Estate is a unique development,” said Jonathon Milne, founder of FM Group. “And we are delighted to be creating the opportunity for people to buy or build their dream home at the course.”